The Mac
11-21-2010, 01:47 AM
source: mmajunkie.com
TYSON GRIFFIN VS. NIK LENTZ
Round 1 - The lightweights get us started. Lentz connects on a body kick and then quickly wrestles his opponent to the mat. Lentz frees a leg and drops short elbows as Griffin tries to keep him close. Griffin gets to his knees, and Lentz goes north-south but can't lock in a choke. Griffin grabs a leg, which allows him to get back standing, and then he overpowers Lentz to the mat. Lentz looks for a guillotine but doesn't have the angle, and he gets back to his feet before Griffin picks up and slams him back down. Lentz, though, is unfazed and quickly hops back to his feet. Griffin presses him against the cage and dips for the takedown. Lentz fends it off and throws ineffective punches to the ribs. Griffin continues working for the takedown at the round's midway point. Griffin finally puts Lentz in the seated position, but he again hops up. Griffin clings to his hips and takes him back down. Lentz back up. The crowd is becoming a bit restless. Griffin locks his arms around the hips again and continues pinning Lentz against the cage. Herb Dean and the crowd wants action. Griffin finally scoops up and dumps Lentz, who's quickly back up. The fighters trade punches and reset. Lentz a nice shot but is countered. Lentz lands a low kick. Griffin swings and takes another leg kick and then another. I want to award it to Lentz, but Griffin controlled the action and gets it 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.
Round 2 - The fighters take the center of the cage and patiently circle. Lentz goes high with a kick that misses, and the fighters then collide with combos. Both land. Lentz shoots with a single leg and puts Griffin against the cage, but he circles off, and we reset. The crowd wants some action as the fighters circle. Griffin works short punches, but his limited reach isn't helping. He finally knocks Lentz off balance as he throws a kick, but Lentz shows no damage. Griffin just misses a right hook and then is pressed into the cage as Lentz hops on top of him. Griffin quickly is back up and eats a right. Griffin grabs a single leg and looks for the drag-takedown, but Lentz defends from one leg and then locks in a guillotine as Griffin takes him to the mat. Griffin escapes back to his feet, and we restart again. Lentz lands some nice jab-jab-leg-kick combos, and Griffin barely checks a big head kick. Lentz shoots behind a burst of additional punches, but Griffin reverses and takes him to the mat. The action stalls, and the crowd becomes restless as they wait it out on the mat. Lentz works butterfly guard and avoids any damage and puts his back against the cage to get to his feet. Griffin, though, pulls him back down to a seated position, and the pace again slows to a crawl. Lentz tries to get back to his feet with 10 seconds remaining, but Griffin slams him before the horn sounds. In a round much like the first, Griffin edges his fellow wrestler, 10-9.
Round 3 - Lentz opens with a kick and is stunned with a quick right hook. Lentz tries again and is stunned with another hook and head kick. The blows hurt, but Lentz won't deviate from the game plan and moves in again. He shoots, but Griffin gets the upperhand and takes top position when they hit the mat. Lentz nearly secures an armbar as the fighters jockey for position, but Griffin defends. Lentz works butterfly guard again as he's pressed into the cage. Lentz briefly gets to his feet, but Griffin quickly drags him back to the canvas. Lentz goes to a kneeling position and muscles his way back to his feet. Griffin locks in a guillotine and is slammed to the mat, but he doesn't break the hold even as Lentz moves into side control. A bloodied Lentz finally breaks free and works from his dominant top position with elbow strikes. Griffin secures a leg, and Lentz works from half guard. Griffin gets to the seated position, but Lentz grabs an arm and torques it an unorthodox position, and they briefly the mat before standing against the cage. The fighters trade short punches and jockey for position before Lentz gets the final takedown and punches of the fight. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Lentz and 29-28 for Griffin. But the judges could go either way. Nik Lentz def. Tyson Griffin via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28).
PAUL KELLY VS. T.J. O'BRIEN
Round 1 - Kelly swings and puts O'Brien against the cage. O'Brien comes out swinging and creates distance, but the heavy-handed Kelly backs him up again. O'Brien uses leg kicks to get distance, but Kelly swings through them. The fighters reset, and O'Brien looks for leg kicks again. He then goes high with a kick that's checked. O'Brien then uses front kicks to try to back him up. Kelly checks one, which knocks O'Brien off balance, but he's told to get back to his feet. Kelly then swings wildly before O'Brien is against the cage. However, he attempts knees from the clinch and gets back to the center of the cage. O'Brien throws a leg kick that briefly staggers the Brit. But Kelly swings wildly again, and O'Brien again is forced against the fence to defend. He looks for the Muay Thai clinch again, but the action stalls, and the ref wants a restart. O'Brien works kicks from varying angles, but Kelly returns a low one. Kelly again with lunging punches, but he's struggling to reach the much-taller O'Brien. O'Brien tries a flying knee, but Kelly catches him and takes him to the mat. Kelly swings and then gets back to his feet and waits for his opponent to do the same. Kelly opens with hooks, and though the aggressor, is starting to bleed heavily from the nose. The fighters end the round trading kicks. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for the more aggressive Kelly.
Round 2 - Replays showed O'Brien landing more counter-shots than you'd think, but Kelly still was the clear round winner. And he comes out aggressive in the second and quickly drops O'Brien with a combo. Kelly initially pounces, lands more punches but must fight off a triangle-choke attempt and returns to his feet. O'Brien, though, quickly matches punches and sees an opening to drag the Brit to the mat. He hops into mount and lands a few punches and then looks for the rear-naked choke when Kelly gives up his back. But Kelly escapes, takes top position, secures the crucifix position and delivers a steady stream of punches. The ref looks in closely. O'Brien appears OK, but the punches are mounting. O'Brien tries to muscle his way free, but Kelly keeps the punches coming, and the ref drops to a knee ready to stop it. Kelly unloads short elbow strikes, and after a couple dozen land, the ref finally has has enough and calls for the merciful stoppage. Paul Kelly def. T.J. O'Brien via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:16.
EDSON BARBOZA VS. MIKE LULLO
Round 1 - Yahoo! Sports MMA blogger Maggie Hendricks' cousin, Mike Lullo, meets fellow newcomer Edson Barboza in this latest bout. A touch of gloves gets us started. Lullo throws a soft leg kick. Both guys circle. Barboza counters a low kick with a punch that misses. Both guys with solid boxing stances and light on their feet. Lullo tries the occasional low kick and then shoots, but Barboza stuffs it and then overpowers and tosses Lullo to the mat. Barboza lands in side control but returns to his feet and allows Lullo to do the same. Barboza snaps off a low kick and then ducks under a punch. Lullo does the same and then shoots, but Barboza reverses and takes top position with a snazzy mid-air spin. Barboza looks for the gogoplata as he places a shin across his opponent's throat. Barboza looks OK, so Lullo throws punches from his back while holding the choke. The ref checks on Barboza, and he's fine. Lullo continues throwing punches from his back as Barboza does nothing from the top. Lullo works elbows and then focuses on the choke again. He doesn't have the angle he needs, and Barboza eventually muscles his way back to his feet, and we restart. Both fighters miss with high kicks. Barboza throws a nice low kick and lands. Barboza snaps off another, but Lullo seems unfazed. Lullo lands some jabs, but Barboza knocks his feet out from under him with a kick. Lullo's kick is checked, and he just misses a counter haymaker. It was an exciting round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Barboza.
Round 2 - Barboza strikes first with low kicks, and Lullo just avoids punches. Lullo shoots and pins Barboza against the fence, but he can't get the takedown. Barboza lands a nice low kick and does damage with a punch. With Lullo backed into a corner, Barboza throws and lands more punches. Lullo shoots, but Barboza takes top position and goes to the mat. Lullo goes high with his guard and is plotting something. He traps an arm with his legs and throws elbows. Barboza has had enough and wiggles free to get back to his feet. Barboza snaps off another solid low kick. Lullo answers and then shoots, but he's slowed by another leg kick and must restart. Lullo with lunging jabs, but Barboza sidesteps them and snaps off another low kick. Barboza just misses an uppercut when Lullo moves in and then snaps another low kick. He then gets the uppercut as Lullo looks to shoot, but it doesn't seem to do damage. Lullo pulls guard and then delivers punches from his back. He goes high with his guard and is fishing for some type of submission. Barboza's strikes are neutralized, but Lullo can do little but get his legs high and stall the action. His elbows open a cut, but Barboza quickly backs out and returns to his feet. His next low kick knocks Lullo to the mat. But Lullo hops and lands a nice shot. Barboza's next leg kick knocks his opponent to the mat, and Lullo really labors to get to his feet. His lead leg is wrecked. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Barboza.
Round 3 - A touch of gloves gets the final frame underway, and Barboza snaps off a sickening leg kick that buckles Lullo. Barboza snaps off another, and Lullo hits the mat in pain. Lullo gets back up, but Barboza connects on another, and his leg is clearly wrecked. The ref waves off the fight, and Lullo begrudgingly accepts the TKO stoppage.
Edson Barboza def. Mike Lullo via TKO (leg kicks) - Round 3, 0:26
DENNIS HALLMAN VS. KARO PARISYAN
Round 1 - Good to see Parisyan back in the cage. He looks focused, as does Hallman, After a touch of gloves from the vets, we're underway. Parisyan shoots, but Hallman stuffs it out. The fighters trade punches, and Parisyan moves in with more while looking for the takedown. He pins Hallman against the cage, gets a body lock, but can't get the takedown. Hallman looks for a guillotine, but Parisyan simply stands taller to break free and he continues to pin his opponent against the fence. With no improvement, the ref wants a restart. Parisyan moves in again with punches and lands a hook, but Hallman clips and drops him with a right hand that connects to the side of the head. He quickly pounces and rains down a few hammerfists, and the bout quickly is waved off. Dennis Hallman def. Karo Parisyan via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 1:47
MARK MUNOZ VS. AARON SIMPSON
Round 1 - Referee Mark Fennell calls the action. The two at distance early testing the range. Simpson scores the first solid shot to the body, and he comes right back with another combination. Simpson shoot in for a single-leg, but Munoz defends it well, and they break. They clinch briefly and exchange knees before breaking to restart. Munoz pushes in a lands a nice left hand. Simpson jockeys for position inside and lands a knee to the head that sees Munoz pull away. Munoz firing overhand punches with varying success. Simpson stuffs a shot and tries to move to the back, but Munoz stands and moves away. Simpson defends a few strikes and scores and slam takedown, but Munoz pulls free and starts firing bombs. Traded shots inside. Munoz getting the better of the haymakers. Simpson fires back, but Munoz controlling for now. Less than one minute in a tight round. Stalemate in the clinch. Simpson lands another high knee as they break. Munoz moves in behind a kick and finds resistance. Simpson tries a leaping knee that glances off as the round ends. Close opening frame, but MMAjunkie.com sees it slightly for Munoz, 10-9.
Round 2 - Simpson looks to strike on the outside.Munoz tries to get in tight. Simpson moves to the back in a scramble, but Munoz blasts him with a spinning back elbow. Simpson wobbles and both again fire off bog shots. Munoz moves in for a takedown. It lands, but Simpson does pop back up. Munoz bleeding from the head, and he catches a kick to the cup. Needs a restart. Munoz moves forward with a low kick. Simpson starting to time them with counters. Munoz does land a powerful kicks to the body. Munoz backs away and lands a slapping high kick to the face. Simpson absorbs it and closes the distance for a takedown. Simpson looks to be tiring, and the action is slow on the ground. Just as Simpson tries to advance, Fennell calls for the restart. Munoz landing kicks on the restart, and he's doing a good job of changing sides and levels. Munoz lands a low blow, and we stop briefly. Munoz continues to fire kicks on the restart. Simpson catches one for a takedown. Munoz scrambles back up. Back into the clinch. Simpson still throwing bombs, but Munoz landed more efficiently. Round ends there, and MMAjunkie.com sees it for Munoz, 10-9.
Round 3 - Simpson takes the center early. He catches a kick and forces Munoz down, but Munoz gets to the back and lands a few powerful punches. Simpson scrambles up, and Munoz fires a left hand to the eye. Simpson thinks it's a poke and gets a timeout. It looks like a punch on the replay. Simpson says he'll continue, and he moves in. Munoz controls the action in the clinch and fires knees to the legs. Not enough for Fennell, and he restarts the action. Simpson fires off a flurry of shots to open, but Munoz walks through them and moves back into the clinch. Knees to the thighs in the clinch. Munoz pulls away and fires off a combination. Simpson slows it down and delivers a left hand. Munoz continues to work the legs when he can. Simpson still trying to grind away. One minute left. Simpson tries to lock in a front choke with Munoz briefly on his knees, but he rises and delivers another flurry. Into the clinch again, but Munoz pulls away and fires off punches in the closing seconds. Simpson tries to answer, but he's just a little low in the volume department. MMAjunkie.com sees the final round for Munoz, 10-9, and awards him the fight a closer-than-the-score would indicate win of 30-27. Mark Munoz def. Aaron Simpson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
MATT BROWN VS. BRIAN FOSTER
Round 1 - Brown walks down Foster and then snaps off a low kick. Foster resets and then avoids a high kick. Brown paws the jab. Foster fakes a Superman punch but closes the distance and easily gets the takedown. Brown, though, quickly is back to his feet. Brown avoids punches and goes with a kick but doesn't have much behind it. But he shoots and gets the takedown and lands in side control. He goes to the near north-south position, moves back to side control and looks for mount. Foster fends off the position improvement, reverses the position, and now has Brown's back while he's in the kneeling position. The fighters battle for position, and now Brown has his opponent secured in the kneeling position. Brown works from the side with knees to the ribs, but Foster gets back to his feet. The fighters stay close and trade knees from the clinch before breaking. The fighters swing wildly, and both connect, and then Foster forces a drag-takedown. Brown overpowers him and takes top position with a roll and then nearly loses it before corralling his kneeling opponent. Brown takes his back and looks for the rear-naked choke, but he's too high. Instead, he grabs an arm and torques it while controlling Foster's head with his legs. After a few tense moments, Foster breaks free and takes top position. He stands over Brown and rains down a big right. But once on the mat, he eats elbows from Brown. Foster tries to dive in, but Brown's legs keep him at a bay. MMAjunkie.com scores an exciting and close round 10-9 for Brown
Round 2 - The second round opens with a timeout when the fighters trade kicks and Foster takes a shin to the crotch. It happens again, and Herb Dean reluctantly awards the timeout. It's brief, and they trade again. Brown lands, but Foster catches the next one and sends Brown to the mat. Foster stands over his downed opponent and looks to move in, but Brown is waiting, and Foster resorts to leg kicks before carefully moving into guard. Brown uses the butterfly guard to create distance but ultimately secures full guard as Foster tries to posture up. Foster gets to his feet and delivers punches to the body and then just misses with a wild right to the head as he dives back in. Foster then sees an opening and slaps on a guillotine, drops to his back, and forces the tap-out. Brown is livid with himself. Brian Foster def. Matt Brown via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 2, 2:11
JOE LAUZON VS. GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS
Round 1 - Tonight's big lightweight fight is underway with referee Marc Fennel in charge. Both fighters swing, though nothing substantial lands. The fighters tie up and then reset. Lauzon gets through a right. Lauzon moves in, corrals Sotiropoulos, and looks for the takedown with a front head lock, but he doesn't have the position and gives it up. The fighters again tie up and then reset. Sotiropoulos shoots, but Lauzon stuffs it, and they break from the clinch. Sotiropoulos shoots and puts Lauzon against the cage, and Lauzon rains downward elbows as punishment. Sotiropoulos still clinches with him against the cage, and the fighters battle for position before breaking and resetting. Lauzon grabs a Muay Thai clinch but lets it go. The fighters swing from distance, but neither can connect. Sotiropoulos shoots, but Lauzon collapses on top of him. Sotiropoulos reverses, but Lauzon does the same and takes top position during a scramble. Lauzon stands over Sotiropoulos, who grabs a single leg to work his way back to his feet. He maintains the hold and takes Lauzon to the mat. Lauzon kneels, and Sotiropoulos looks to take his back before pulling him to his back and holding him down from north-south position. Sotiropoulos delivers a downward elbow to the gut, but Lauzon ties him up before Sotiropoulos hops into mount. Lauzon, though, bucks him off just before the round ends. It's a strategic and action-packed first round, and in a close one, MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Lauzon.
Round 2 - The fighters let the hands fly to open the second, but nothing much lands. Sotiropoulos shoots, but Lauzon initially stuffs it and tries to maintain his balance against the fence. The fighters remain tied up, and Lauzon hops on one leg and avoids the takedown before they separate and reset. Sotiropoulos lands a combo and finishes it with a nice shot to the body. Sotiropoulos grabs the Muay Thai clinch and lands some nice elbows to the body. The fighters scramble and hit the mat, and Sotiropoulos lands in top position after Lauzon's failed armbar. Sotiropoulos works for position and tries to grab an armbar, but Lauzon aptly defends. Sotiropoulos remains in top position and return to north-south position, snatches an arm, and torques the kimura to force the tap-out from Lauzon.
TIM BOETSCSH VS. PHIL DAVIS
Round 1 - A touch of gloves starts this light-heavyweight bout. Lots of circling as both look to counter. Davis swings and misses with a right, and Boetsch checks his high kick. The fighters trade low kicks and then collide on body kicks. Davis with a punch-punch-kick combo that Boetsch snuffs out. Davis fakes a kick and goes high with a punch. Boetsch catches the next kick but fails to kick Davis' leg out from under him. Both fighters are patient. Boetsch shoots but can't secure the legs, but he tags Davis with a right to the side of the head. Boetsch tries to catch a kick again, but Davis fires off a couple quickly punches. Davis then ducks under a punch, secures a body lock and forces the first takedown. Davis frees a leg and delivers a couple punches to the body. He then follows with a half dozen more, and each makes a thud noise. Boetsch rolls into Davis in hopes of avoiding the blows, but Davis drops elbows to the face and then punches to the ears. Boetsch maintains position and delivers more punches. Boetsch is defending well, but more than a few shots are getting through. Davis wants to improve position and ultimately gives up the ground fight, and we return to standing. Davis pushes Boetsch into the fence and waits out the round. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Davis.
Round 2 - Davis misses with a high kick and Boetsch whiffs with an overhand right. The fighters clinch, and Davis puts his opponent against the cage. He looks to pick and slam him, but Boetsch fends it off. Davis, though, sticks tightly to him and presses him back into the fence as the boo birds make themselves known. Davis delivers a knee to the body, but Boetsch is avoiding anything substantial. Boetsch grab a guillotine as Boetsch finally gets the takedown, but Davis lands in half guard and frees his head. Davis straightens out an arm and locks for the keylock and then tries a kimura. Davis keeps the arm secures and tries to roll Boetsch's body to create tension. Boetsch taps, and the ref doesn't see it. Boetsch taps again, and after some initial confusion, the ref finally halts the bout to award Davis the win
MAIQUEL FALCO VS. GERALD HARRIS
Round 1 - The middleweights are underway. Harris paws his jab as the fights patiently and slowly circle. Harris fakes a couple shots and then misses with a wild left. Harris lunges with a right that misses. The boo birds aren't happy with the slow start as the fighters slowly circle some more. Harris continues faking a shot, and Falcao clearly wants to avoid it. Two minutes in, we've had little action. Harris keeps acting as though he's reaching for Falcao's lead leg and then misses with a lunging left. Harris comes up short with a lunging right. The ref warns the fighters to get busy. Harris again with telegraphed lunging shots. Three minutes in, and we still have little action. Harris partially connects on a lunging left. Falcao moves in with a flurry and connects on a few, but Harris scores the takedown. Falcao reverses the position and delivers some punches from the top. With a leg free, Falcao looks to pin one of Harris' arms. But when Harris rolls to his knees, Falcao looks for the rear-naked choke. Harris shakes it off and gets back to his feet, but Falcao clings to it. Harris drops straight back, but Falcao tightens a choke. The horn saves Harris, though Falcao holds onto the hold for a few extra seconds. Harris appears OK to continue. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Falcao.
Round 2 - A touch of gloves starts the second round. Falcao lands a nice right-left combo and tries to wrestle Harris to the mat. Falcao takes top position and with Harris possibly a bit wobbly, takes his back and looks for the rear-naked choke. Falcao gets in his legs as hooks and tries to flatten out the kneeling Harris. Falcao can't get his forearm across the throat, and Harris tries to buck him off. He finally does and returns standing, and Harris then pins Falcao against the cage. Falcao reverses and delivers knees to the body, but Harris shoves him way, and we restart. Falcao throws a right, and Harris ducks under it and shoots. He grabs a single leg, but Falcao's sprawl is strong. Harris pushes him against the fence, but Falcao is too strong for Harris to get him down. The action stalemates against the fence before Harris finally gets the strength to take the fight to the mat. But Falcao quickly is back up and then lands a body kick. Falcao goes high with a head kick and unloads a couple quick punches as Harris tries to grab the single leg again. He's stuck kneeling, and Falcao delivers punches from above while trying to improve his position. Falcao is warned about punches to the back of the head as Harris simply holds off and tries to avoid punishment. Harris powers his way back to his feet, and the fighters reset before the round ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Falcao.
Round 3 - The final frame is underway. More circling leads to a restless crowd. Falcao snaps off an inside leg kick. Harris throws the occasional lunging shot, but there's still little action 90 seconds in. The boo birds are out in full force now. The fighters continue circling, and Harris' occasional right jabs are about all that's thrown. Harris tries a looping overhand left, but it does nothing. The crowd is now outright angry at this slow-paced affair. "Get your purse, and get out of here!" and "Wake up you boobs!" are some of the more inventive cat calls. More circling, more lunging shots, more uninspired play-by-play. Hey, did you know Mizzou beat Iowa State today? Go Tigers! Anyway, more circling. More booing. More angry looks from the ref. Harris shoots for a double, Falcao sprawls, Harris puts him in the cage, and they break off and reset. That's not helping with the hostile crowd. Harris throws some lunging punches and a body kick, but nothing lands. Both fighters now are trying to blame the other, and the only action starts to come after the round ends. The loudest boos I've ever heard at a bout's conclusion signals an end to this sorry affair. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-10 and can't wait for the next fight.
MATT HUGHES VS. B.J. PENN
Round 1 - Penn comes out swinging with a heavy right-left combo. He then catches a body kick and tags and then drops Hughes with a right. Soon after Penn pounces with follow-up shots, the bout is halted, and the once-asleep crowd is ecstatic. Penn runs out of the cage to the surprise of just about everyone but quickly returns. B.J. Penn def. Matt Hughes via KO (punches) - Round 1, 0:21
QUINTON "RAMPAGE" JACKSON VS. LYOTO MACHIDA
Round 1 - The night's headliner is underway. No touch of the gloves. Jackson stalks as Machida circles. A full 30 seconds in, nothing's landed as the fighters circle. Machida attempts some low kicks but has nothing behind them. More than a minute in, there's still little action. Jackson is willing to wait for an opening, but Machida isn't giving him one. Machida attempts some low kicks, but he's too far away to do much with them. Jackson paws his jab but can't get within reach. Machida throws a low kick, and Jackson counters with a nice straight left. Machida scampers away, and Jackson chases with punches before pressing him against the cage. Jackson tries a foot stomp, but the pace slows. Machida wings a shot on the break, and they reset. Machida comes in with a lunging knee to the body, and Jackson just misses a counter. Machida lands the next knee nicely, but Jackson grabs him and puts him into the fence. Machida reverses and the jockey for upper-body position and trade short knees. Machida eventually pushes away and resets. Machida circles as Jackson begins to chase before settling down again. Jackson wings and misses with hooks. Machida lands a low kick and then retreats out of the way of Jackson's shots. Not a ton of action. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Machida.
Round 2 - Jackson stalks as soon as the round opens. Machida forces him back with a lunging knee and fake front kick. Jackson lunges through the next ones and presses Machida into the cage. Jackson works a couple short punches to the body. Machida reverses but takes a low blow, and we have a brief timeout before a restart. Little action as both look to counter. Jackson lunges with a left and then clinches with Machida. In a familiar fashion, they fight for upper-body control before Jackson finally gets his first takedown. Machida is in the seated position against the cage, and he easily gets back to his feet. He then presses Jackson into the cage and looks for and gets the clean break. Machida tries to dart in with a shot, and Jackson ties him up again. They're against the cage again, and Jackson holds him tight to avoid an escape. Machida, though, ultimately gets it and lands a solid body kick and then breaks out of a clinch with a punch. Jackson wings a left while chasing. Machida lands a low kick and a stiff left jab, and the fighters tie up again. Machida presses Jackson into the cage, and the ref wants action. Machida looks for a trip, but Jackson remains upright. Jackson with a knee to the body before they break. The fighters swing and trade punches, and Jackson is knocked off balance. Machida pulls back a punch before the round ends. It's close, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Jackson.
Round 3 - The final round of the night is underway. Jackson looks for a low kick, but Machida is ready. Machida fires off one of his own. More pawing of the jabs, and Jackson fires off lunging punches that just miss their mark. Machida plants his feet, but Jackson isn't ready to engage and throws a soft low kick. The boo birds want some action. Jackson throws his hands and connects with air as Machida retreats. Jackson moves in and eats a right, and Machida unloads a barrage. Jackson looks in trouble but then answers with a storm of his own. Machida, though, quickly dumps him to the mat and works from half guard. Jackson seems fully alert. Nice sequence there. The pace slows, though, once Machida is on the mat, and he looks to free his second leg. He settles for elbows to the midsection, and the crowd is yelling for a standup. Machida continues trying to free his second leg, but Jackson uses his legs to secure it. Machida looks to grab an arm, but Jackson stays compact while on his back. The boo birds are begging for a standup now with 90 seconds remaining. But Machida finally frees the leg and gets mount. Jackson pulls him close, and Machida settles for a couple short elbow strikes. He then grabs a leg, rolls his legs over Jackson's body and torques an armbar. Jackson powers his way back to his feet and amazingly survives. He now stalks, but Machida engages first and pushes his opponent into the cage. Machida drags Jackson to the mat and then scrambles trying to secure a leg and shoulder lock. The round ends, and MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Machida
winner by split decision Rampage Jackson
TYSON GRIFFIN VS. NIK LENTZ
Round 1 - The lightweights get us started. Lentz connects on a body kick and then quickly wrestles his opponent to the mat. Lentz frees a leg and drops short elbows as Griffin tries to keep him close. Griffin gets to his knees, and Lentz goes north-south but can't lock in a choke. Griffin grabs a leg, which allows him to get back standing, and then he overpowers Lentz to the mat. Lentz looks for a guillotine but doesn't have the angle, and he gets back to his feet before Griffin picks up and slams him back down. Lentz, though, is unfazed and quickly hops back to his feet. Griffin presses him against the cage and dips for the takedown. Lentz fends it off and throws ineffective punches to the ribs. Griffin continues working for the takedown at the round's midway point. Griffin finally puts Lentz in the seated position, but he again hops up. Griffin clings to his hips and takes him back down. Lentz back up. The crowd is becoming a bit restless. Griffin locks his arms around the hips again and continues pinning Lentz against the cage. Herb Dean and the crowd wants action. Griffin finally scoops up and dumps Lentz, who's quickly back up. The fighters trade punches and reset. Lentz a nice shot but is countered. Lentz lands a low kick. Griffin swings and takes another leg kick and then another. I want to award it to Lentz, but Griffin controlled the action and gets it 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.
Round 2 - The fighters take the center of the cage and patiently circle. Lentz goes high with a kick that misses, and the fighters then collide with combos. Both land. Lentz shoots with a single leg and puts Griffin against the cage, but he circles off, and we reset. The crowd wants some action as the fighters circle. Griffin works short punches, but his limited reach isn't helping. He finally knocks Lentz off balance as he throws a kick, but Lentz shows no damage. Griffin just misses a right hook and then is pressed into the cage as Lentz hops on top of him. Griffin quickly is back up and eats a right. Griffin grabs a single leg and looks for the drag-takedown, but Lentz defends from one leg and then locks in a guillotine as Griffin takes him to the mat. Griffin escapes back to his feet, and we restart again. Lentz lands some nice jab-jab-leg-kick combos, and Griffin barely checks a big head kick. Lentz shoots behind a burst of additional punches, but Griffin reverses and takes him to the mat. The action stalls, and the crowd becomes restless as they wait it out on the mat. Lentz works butterfly guard and avoids any damage and puts his back against the cage to get to his feet. Griffin, though, pulls him back down to a seated position, and the pace again slows to a crawl. Lentz tries to get back to his feet with 10 seconds remaining, but Griffin slams him before the horn sounds. In a round much like the first, Griffin edges his fellow wrestler, 10-9.
Round 3 - Lentz opens with a kick and is stunned with a quick right hook. Lentz tries again and is stunned with another hook and head kick. The blows hurt, but Lentz won't deviate from the game plan and moves in again. He shoots, but Griffin gets the upperhand and takes top position when they hit the mat. Lentz nearly secures an armbar as the fighters jockey for position, but Griffin defends. Lentz works butterfly guard again as he's pressed into the cage. Lentz briefly gets to his feet, but Griffin quickly drags him back to the canvas. Lentz goes to a kneeling position and muscles his way back to his feet. Griffin locks in a guillotine and is slammed to the mat, but he doesn't break the hold even as Lentz moves into side control. A bloodied Lentz finally breaks free and works from his dominant top position with elbow strikes. Griffin secures a leg, and Lentz works from half guard. Griffin gets to the seated position, but Lentz grabs an arm and torques it an unorthodox position, and they briefly the mat before standing against the cage. The fighters trade short punches and jockey for position before Lentz gets the final takedown and punches of the fight. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Lentz and 29-28 for Griffin. But the judges could go either way. Nik Lentz def. Tyson Griffin via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28).
PAUL KELLY VS. T.J. O'BRIEN
Round 1 - Kelly swings and puts O'Brien against the cage. O'Brien comes out swinging and creates distance, but the heavy-handed Kelly backs him up again. O'Brien uses leg kicks to get distance, but Kelly swings through them. The fighters reset, and O'Brien looks for leg kicks again. He then goes high with a kick that's checked. O'Brien then uses front kicks to try to back him up. Kelly checks one, which knocks O'Brien off balance, but he's told to get back to his feet. Kelly then swings wildly before O'Brien is against the cage. However, he attempts knees from the clinch and gets back to the center of the cage. O'Brien throws a leg kick that briefly staggers the Brit. But Kelly swings wildly again, and O'Brien again is forced against the fence to defend. He looks for the Muay Thai clinch again, but the action stalls, and the ref wants a restart. O'Brien works kicks from varying angles, but Kelly returns a low one. Kelly again with lunging punches, but he's struggling to reach the much-taller O'Brien. O'Brien tries a flying knee, but Kelly catches him and takes him to the mat. Kelly swings and then gets back to his feet and waits for his opponent to do the same. Kelly opens with hooks, and though the aggressor, is starting to bleed heavily from the nose. The fighters end the round trading kicks. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for the more aggressive Kelly.
Round 2 - Replays showed O'Brien landing more counter-shots than you'd think, but Kelly still was the clear round winner. And he comes out aggressive in the second and quickly drops O'Brien with a combo. Kelly initially pounces, lands more punches but must fight off a triangle-choke attempt and returns to his feet. O'Brien, though, quickly matches punches and sees an opening to drag the Brit to the mat. He hops into mount and lands a few punches and then looks for the rear-naked choke when Kelly gives up his back. But Kelly escapes, takes top position, secures the crucifix position and delivers a steady stream of punches. The ref looks in closely. O'Brien appears OK, but the punches are mounting. O'Brien tries to muscle his way free, but Kelly keeps the punches coming, and the ref drops to a knee ready to stop it. Kelly unloads short elbow strikes, and after a couple dozen land, the ref finally has has enough and calls for the merciful stoppage. Paul Kelly def. T.J. O'Brien via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:16.
EDSON BARBOZA VS. MIKE LULLO
Round 1 - Yahoo! Sports MMA blogger Maggie Hendricks' cousin, Mike Lullo, meets fellow newcomer Edson Barboza in this latest bout. A touch of gloves gets us started. Lullo throws a soft leg kick. Both guys circle. Barboza counters a low kick with a punch that misses. Both guys with solid boxing stances and light on their feet. Lullo tries the occasional low kick and then shoots, but Barboza stuffs it and then overpowers and tosses Lullo to the mat. Barboza lands in side control but returns to his feet and allows Lullo to do the same. Barboza snaps off a low kick and then ducks under a punch. Lullo does the same and then shoots, but Barboza reverses and takes top position with a snazzy mid-air spin. Barboza looks for the gogoplata as he places a shin across his opponent's throat. Barboza looks OK, so Lullo throws punches from his back while holding the choke. The ref checks on Barboza, and he's fine. Lullo continues throwing punches from his back as Barboza does nothing from the top. Lullo works elbows and then focuses on the choke again. He doesn't have the angle he needs, and Barboza eventually muscles his way back to his feet, and we restart. Both fighters miss with high kicks. Barboza throws a nice low kick and lands. Barboza snaps off another, but Lullo seems unfazed. Lullo lands some jabs, but Barboza knocks his feet out from under him with a kick. Lullo's kick is checked, and he just misses a counter haymaker. It was an exciting round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Barboza.
Round 2 - Barboza strikes first with low kicks, and Lullo just avoids punches. Lullo shoots and pins Barboza against the fence, but he can't get the takedown. Barboza lands a nice low kick and does damage with a punch. With Lullo backed into a corner, Barboza throws and lands more punches. Lullo shoots, but Barboza takes top position and goes to the mat. Lullo goes high with his guard and is plotting something. He traps an arm with his legs and throws elbows. Barboza has had enough and wiggles free to get back to his feet. Barboza snaps off another solid low kick. Lullo answers and then shoots, but he's slowed by another leg kick and must restart. Lullo with lunging jabs, but Barboza sidesteps them and snaps off another low kick. Barboza just misses an uppercut when Lullo moves in and then snaps another low kick. He then gets the uppercut as Lullo looks to shoot, but it doesn't seem to do damage. Lullo pulls guard and then delivers punches from his back. He goes high with his guard and is fishing for some type of submission. Barboza's strikes are neutralized, but Lullo can do little but get his legs high and stall the action. His elbows open a cut, but Barboza quickly backs out and returns to his feet. His next low kick knocks Lullo to the mat. But Lullo hops and lands a nice shot. Barboza's next leg kick knocks his opponent to the mat, and Lullo really labors to get to his feet. His lead leg is wrecked. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Barboza.
Round 3 - A touch of gloves gets the final frame underway, and Barboza snaps off a sickening leg kick that buckles Lullo. Barboza snaps off another, and Lullo hits the mat in pain. Lullo gets back up, but Barboza connects on another, and his leg is clearly wrecked. The ref waves off the fight, and Lullo begrudgingly accepts the TKO stoppage.
Edson Barboza def. Mike Lullo via TKO (leg kicks) - Round 3, 0:26
DENNIS HALLMAN VS. KARO PARISYAN
Round 1 - Good to see Parisyan back in the cage. He looks focused, as does Hallman, After a touch of gloves from the vets, we're underway. Parisyan shoots, but Hallman stuffs it out. The fighters trade punches, and Parisyan moves in with more while looking for the takedown. He pins Hallman against the cage, gets a body lock, but can't get the takedown. Hallman looks for a guillotine, but Parisyan simply stands taller to break free and he continues to pin his opponent against the fence. With no improvement, the ref wants a restart. Parisyan moves in again with punches and lands a hook, but Hallman clips and drops him with a right hand that connects to the side of the head. He quickly pounces and rains down a few hammerfists, and the bout quickly is waved off. Dennis Hallman def. Karo Parisyan via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 1:47
MARK MUNOZ VS. AARON SIMPSON
Round 1 - Referee Mark Fennell calls the action. The two at distance early testing the range. Simpson scores the first solid shot to the body, and he comes right back with another combination. Simpson shoot in for a single-leg, but Munoz defends it well, and they break. They clinch briefly and exchange knees before breaking to restart. Munoz pushes in a lands a nice left hand. Simpson jockeys for position inside and lands a knee to the head that sees Munoz pull away. Munoz firing overhand punches with varying success. Simpson stuffs a shot and tries to move to the back, but Munoz stands and moves away. Simpson defends a few strikes and scores and slam takedown, but Munoz pulls free and starts firing bombs. Traded shots inside. Munoz getting the better of the haymakers. Simpson fires back, but Munoz controlling for now. Less than one minute in a tight round. Stalemate in the clinch. Simpson lands another high knee as they break. Munoz moves in behind a kick and finds resistance. Simpson tries a leaping knee that glances off as the round ends. Close opening frame, but MMAjunkie.com sees it slightly for Munoz, 10-9.
Round 2 - Simpson looks to strike on the outside.Munoz tries to get in tight. Simpson moves to the back in a scramble, but Munoz blasts him with a spinning back elbow. Simpson wobbles and both again fire off bog shots. Munoz moves in for a takedown. It lands, but Simpson does pop back up. Munoz bleeding from the head, and he catches a kick to the cup. Needs a restart. Munoz moves forward with a low kick. Simpson starting to time them with counters. Munoz does land a powerful kicks to the body. Munoz backs away and lands a slapping high kick to the face. Simpson absorbs it and closes the distance for a takedown. Simpson looks to be tiring, and the action is slow on the ground. Just as Simpson tries to advance, Fennell calls for the restart. Munoz landing kicks on the restart, and he's doing a good job of changing sides and levels. Munoz lands a low blow, and we stop briefly. Munoz continues to fire kicks on the restart. Simpson catches one for a takedown. Munoz scrambles back up. Back into the clinch. Simpson still throwing bombs, but Munoz landed more efficiently. Round ends there, and MMAjunkie.com sees it for Munoz, 10-9.
Round 3 - Simpson takes the center early. He catches a kick and forces Munoz down, but Munoz gets to the back and lands a few powerful punches. Simpson scrambles up, and Munoz fires a left hand to the eye. Simpson thinks it's a poke and gets a timeout. It looks like a punch on the replay. Simpson says he'll continue, and he moves in. Munoz controls the action in the clinch and fires knees to the legs. Not enough for Fennell, and he restarts the action. Simpson fires off a flurry of shots to open, but Munoz walks through them and moves back into the clinch. Knees to the thighs in the clinch. Munoz pulls away and fires off a combination. Simpson slows it down and delivers a left hand. Munoz continues to work the legs when he can. Simpson still trying to grind away. One minute left. Simpson tries to lock in a front choke with Munoz briefly on his knees, but he rises and delivers another flurry. Into the clinch again, but Munoz pulls away and fires off punches in the closing seconds. Simpson tries to answer, but he's just a little low in the volume department. MMAjunkie.com sees the final round for Munoz, 10-9, and awards him the fight a closer-than-the-score would indicate win of 30-27. Mark Munoz def. Aaron Simpson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
MATT BROWN VS. BRIAN FOSTER
Round 1 - Brown walks down Foster and then snaps off a low kick. Foster resets and then avoids a high kick. Brown paws the jab. Foster fakes a Superman punch but closes the distance and easily gets the takedown. Brown, though, quickly is back to his feet. Brown avoids punches and goes with a kick but doesn't have much behind it. But he shoots and gets the takedown and lands in side control. He goes to the near north-south position, moves back to side control and looks for mount. Foster fends off the position improvement, reverses the position, and now has Brown's back while he's in the kneeling position. The fighters battle for position, and now Brown has his opponent secured in the kneeling position. Brown works from the side with knees to the ribs, but Foster gets back to his feet. The fighters stay close and trade knees from the clinch before breaking. The fighters swing wildly, and both connect, and then Foster forces a drag-takedown. Brown overpowers him and takes top position with a roll and then nearly loses it before corralling his kneeling opponent. Brown takes his back and looks for the rear-naked choke, but he's too high. Instead, he grabs an arm and torques it while controlling Foster's head with his legs. After a few tense moments, Foster breaks free and takes top position. He stands over Brown and rains down a big right. But once on the mat, he eats elbows from Brown. Foster tries to dive in, but Brown's legs keep him at a bay. MMAjunkie.com scores an exciting and close round 10-9 for Brown
Round 2 - The second round opens with a timeout when the fighters trade kicks and Foster takes a shin to the crotch. It happens again, and Herb Dean reluctantly awards the timeout. It's brief, and they trade again. Brown lands, but Foster catches the next one and sends Brown to the mat. Foster stands over his downed opponent and looks to move in, but Brown is waiting, and Foster resorts to leg kicks before carefully moving into guard. Brown uses the butterfly guard to create distance but ultimately secures full guard as Foster tries to posture up. Foster gets to his feet and delivers punches to the body and then just misses with a wild right to the head as he dives back in. Foster then sees an opening and slaps on a guillotine, drops to his back, and forces the tap-out. Brown is livid with himself. Brian Foster def. Matt Brown via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 2, 2:11
JOE LAUZON VS. GEORGE SOTIROPOULOS
Round 1 - Tonight's big lightweight fight is underway with referee Marc Fennel in charge. Both fighters swing, though nothing substantial lands. The fighters tie up and then reset. Lauzon gets through a right. Lauzon moves in, corrals Sotiropoulos, and looks for the takedown with a front head lock, but he doesn't have the position and gives it up. The fighters again tie up and then reset. Sotiropoulos shoots, but Lauzon stuffs it, and they break from the clinch. Sotiropoulos shoots and puts Lauzon against the cage, and Lauzon rains downward elbows as punishment. Sotiropoulos still clinches with him against the cage, and the fighters battle for position before breaking and resetting. Lauzon grabs a Muay Thai clinch but lets it go. The fighters swing from distance, but neither can connect. Sotiropoulos shoots, but Lauzon collapses on top of him. Sotiropoulos reverses, but Lauzon does the same and takes top position during a scramble. Lauzon stands over Sotiropoulos, who grabs a single leg to work his way back to his feet. He maintains the hold and takes Lauzon to the mat. Lauzon kneels, and Sotiropoulos looks to take his back before pulling him to his back and holding him down from north-south position. Sotiropoulos delivers a downward elbow to the gut, but Lauzon ties him up before Sotiropoulos hops into mount. Lauzon, though, bucks him off just before the round ends. It's a strategic and action-packed first round, and in a close one, MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Lauzon.
Round 2 - The fighters let the hands fly to open the second, but nothing much lands. Sotiropoulos shoots, but Lauzon initially stuffs it and tries to maintain his balance against the fence. The fighters remain tied up, and Lauzon hops on one leg and avoids the takedown before they separate and reset. Sotiropoulos lands a combo and finishes it with a nice shot to the body. Sotiropoulos grabs the Muay Thai clinch and lands some nice elbows to the body. The fighters scramble and hit the mat, and Sotiropoulos lands in top position after Lauzon's failed armbar. Sotiropoulos works for position and tries to grab an armbar, but Lauzon aptly defends. Sotiropoulos remains in top position and return to north-south position, snatches an arm, and torques the kimura to force the tap-out from Lauzon.
TIM BOETSCSH VS. PHIL DAVIS
Round 1 - A touch of gloves starts this light-heavyweight bout. Lots of circling as both look to counter. Davis swings and misses with a right, and Boetsch checks his high kick. The fighters trade low kicks and then collide on body kicks. Davis with a punch-punch-kick combo that Boetsch snuffs out. Davis fakes a kick and goes high with a punch. Boetsch catches the next kick but fails to kick Davis' leg out from under him. Both fighters are patient. Boetsch shoots but can't secure the legs, but he tags Davis with a right to the side of the head. Boetsch tries to catch a kick again, but Davis fires off a couple quickly punches. Davis then ducks under a punch, secures a body lock and forces the first takedown. Davis frees a leg and delivers a couple punches to the body. He then follows with a half dozen more, and each makes a thud noise. Boetsch rolls into Davis in hopes of avoiding the blows, but Davis drops elbows to the face and then punches to the ears. Boetsch maintains position and delivers more punches. Boetsch is defending well, but more than a few shots are getting through. Davis wants to improve position and ultimately gives up the ground fight, and we return to standing. Davis pushes Boetsch into the fence and waits out the round. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Davis.
Round 2 - Davis misses with a high kick and Boetsch whiffs with an overhand right. The fighters clinch, and Davis puts his opponent against the cage. He looks to pick and slam him, but Boetsch fends it off. Davis, though, sticks tightly to him and presses him back into the fence as the boo birds make themselves known. Davis delivers a knee to the body, but Boetsch is avoiding anything substantial. Boetsch grab a guillotine as Boetsch finally gets the takedown, but Davis lands in half guard and frees his head. Davis straightens out an arm and locks for the keylock and then tries a kimura. Davis keeps the arm secures and tries to roll Boetsch's body to create tension. Boetsch taps, and the ref doesn't see it. Boetsch taps again, and after some initial confusion, the ref finally halts the bout to award Davis the win
MAIQUEL FALCO VS. GERALD HARRIS
Round 1 - The middleweights are underway. Harris paws his jab as the fights patiently and slowly circle. Harris fakes a couple shots and then misses with a wild left. Harris lunges with a right that misses. The boo birds aren't happy with the slow start as the fighters slowly circle some more. Harris continues faking a shot, and Falcao clearly wants to avoid it. Two minutes in, we've had little action. Harris keeps acting as though he's reaching for Falcao's lead leg and then misses with a lunging left. Harris comes up short with a lunging right. The ref warns the fighters to get busy. Harris again with telegraphed lunging shots. Three minutes in, and we still have little action. Harris partially connects on a lunging left. Falcao moves in with a flurry and connects on a few, but Harris scores the takedown. Falcao reverses the position and delivers some punches from the top. With a leg free, Falcao looks to pin one of Harris' arms. But when Harris rolls to his knees, Falcao looks for the rear-naked choke. Harris shakes it off and gets back to his feet, but Falcao clings to it. Harris drops straight back, but Falcao tightens a choke. The horn saves Harris, though Falcao holds onto the hold for a few extra seconds. Harris appears OK to continue. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Falcao.
Round 2 - A touch of gloves starts the second round. Falcao lands a nice right-left combo and tries to wrestle Harris to the mat. Falcao takes top position and with Harris possibly a bit wobbly, takes his back and looks for the rear-naked choke. Falcao gets in his legs as hooks and tries to flatten out the kneeling Harris. Falcao can't get his forearm across the throat, and Harris tries to buck him off. He finally does and returns standing, and Harris then pins Falcao against the cage. Falcao reverses and delivers knees to the body, but Harris shoves him way, and we restart. Falcao throws a right, and Harris ducks under it and shoots. He grabs a single leg, but Falcao's sprawl is strong. Harris pushes him against the fence, but Falcao is too strong for Harris to get him down. The action stalemates against the fence before Harris finally gets the strength to take the fight to the mat. But Falcao quickly is back up and then lands a body kick. Falcao goes high with a head kick and unloads a couple quick punches as Harris tries to grab the single leg again. He's stuck kneeling, and Falcao delivers punches from above while trying to improve his position. Falcao is warned about punches to the back of the head as Harris simply holds off and tries to avoid punishment. Harris powers his way back to his feet, and the fighters reset before the round ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Falcao.
Round 3 - The final frame is underway. More circling leads to a restless crowd. Falcao snaps off an inside leg kick. Harris throws the occasional lunging shot, but there's still little action 90 seconds in. The boo birds are out in full force now. The fighters continue circling, and Harris' occasional right jabs are about all that's thrown. Harris tries a looping overhand left, but it does nothing. The crowd is now outright angry at this slow-paced affair. "Get your purse, and get out of here!" and "Wake up you boobs!" are some of the more inventive cat calls. More circling, more lunging shots, more uninspired play-by-play. Hey, did you know Mizzou beat Iowa State today? Go Tigers! Anyway, more circling. More booing. More angry looks from the ref. Harris shoots for a double, Falcao sprawls, Harris puts him in the cage, and they break off and reset. That's not helping with the hostile crowd. Harris throws some lunging punches and a body kick, but nothing lands. Both fighters now are trying to blame the other, and the only action starts to come after the round ends. The loudest boos I've ever heard at a bout's conclusion signals an end to this sorry affair. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-10 and can't wait for the next fight.
MATT HUGHES VS. B.J. PENN
Round 1 - Penn comes out swinging with a heavy right-left combo. He then catches a body kick and tags and then drops Hughes with a right. Soon after Penn pounces with follow-up shots, the bout is halted, and the once-asleep crowd is ecstatic. Penn runs out of the cage to the surprise of just about everyone but quickly returns. B.J. Penn def. Matt Hughes via KO (punches) - Round 1, 0:21
QUINTON "RAMPAGE" JACKSON VS. LYOTO MACHIDA
Round 1 - The night's headliner is underway. No touch of the gloves. Jackson stalks as Machida circles. A full 30 seconds in, nothing's landed as the fighters circle. Machida attempts some low kicks but has nothing behind them. More than a minute in, there's still little action. Jackson is willing to wait for an opening, but Machida isn't giving him one. Machida attempts some low kicks, but he's too far away to do much with them. Jackson paws his jab but can't get within reach. Machida throws a low kick, and Jackson counters with a nice straight left. Machida scampers away, and Jackson chases with punches before pressing him against the cage. Jackson tries a foot stomp, but the pace slows. Machida wings a shot on the break, and they reset. Machida comes in with a lunging knee to the body, and Jackson just misses a counter. Machida lands the next knee nicely, but Jackson grabs him and puts him into the fence. Machida reverses and the jockey for upper-body position and trade short knees. Machida eventually pushes away and resets. Machida circles as Jackson begins to chase before settling down again. Jackson wings and misses with hooks. Machida lands a low kick and then retreats out of the way of Jackson's shots. Not a ton of action. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Machida.
Round 2 - Jackson stalks as soon as the round opens. Machida forces him back with a lunging knee and fake front kick. Jackson lunges through the next ones and presses Machida into the cage. Jackson works a couple short punches to the body. Machida reverses but takes a low blow, and we have a brief timeout before a restart. Little action as both look to counter. Jackson lunges with a left and then clinches with Machida. In a familiar fashion, they fight for upper-body control before Jackson finally gets his first takedown. Machida is in the seated position against the cage, and he easily gets back to his feet. He then presses Jackson into the cage and looks for and gets the clean break. Machida tries to dart in with a shot, and Jackson ties him up again. They're against the cage again, and Jackson holds him tight to avoid an escape. Machida, though, ultimately gets it and lands a solid body kick and then breaks out of a clinch with a punch. Jackson wings a left while chasing. Machida lands a low kick and a stiff left jab, and the fighters tie up again. Machida presses Jackson into the cage, and the ref wants action. Machida looks for a trip, but Jackson remains upright. Jackson with a knee to the body before they break. The fighters swing and trade punches, and Jackson is knocked off balance. Machida pulls back a punch before the round ends. It's close, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Jackson.
Round 3 - The final round of the night is underway. Jackson looks for a low kick, but Machida is ready. Machida fires off one of his own. More pawing of the jabs, and Jackson fires off lunging punches that just miss their mark. Machida plants his feet, but Jackson isn't ready to engage and throws a soft low kick. The boo birds want some action. Jackson throws his hands and connects with air as Machida retreats. Jackson moves in and eats a right, and Machida unloads a barrage. Jackson looks in trouble but then answers with a storm of his own. Machida, though, quickly dumps him to the mat and works from half guard. Jackson seems fully alert. Nice sequence there. The pace slows, though, once Machida is on the mat, and he looks to free his second leg. He settles for elbows to the midsection, and the crowd is yelling for a standup. Machida continues trying to free his second leg, but Jackson uses his legs to secure it. Machida looks to grab an arm, but Jackson stays compact while on his back. The boo birds are begging for a standup now with 90 seconds remaining. But Machida finally frees the leg and gets mount. Jackson pulls him close, and Machida settles for a couple short elbow strikes. He then grabs a leg, rolls his legs over Jackson's body and torques an armbar. Jackson powers his way back to his feet and amazingly survives. He now stalks, but Machida engages first and pushes his opponent into the cage. Machida drags Jackson to the mat and then scrambles trying to secure a leg and shoulder lock. The round ends, and MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Machida
winner by split decision Rampage Jackson