Travicity
03-04-2011, 02:11 AM
TODD BROWN VS. IGOR POKRAJAC
Round 1 - A bit of a feeling-our process before the fighters trade low kicks and reset. The fighters then trade jabs in the center of the cage. Pokrajac moves in and connects on a solid combination and clinches, but Brown pushes him away. Brown unloads a right and then eats one. Brown fakes a punch and rushes in. He presses Pokrajac against the cage. A few knees to his opponent's legs are about all that Brown can muster, and the crowd grows impatient. Brown continues working knees but can't get the leverage for punches. Pokrajac finally breaks free, and we reset. Pokrajac throws heavy punches, but Brown lands a solid with one of his own. Pokrajac doesn't flinch, but Brown again presses him into the cage. The pace again slows before Pokrajac pops him with an uppercut. Brown retires fire from the clinch before backing away. Pokrajac has success with hands. Brown continues moving in but eats a right and drops to a knee. Pokrajac takes the back of his kneeling opponent, but Brown forces him into a loose north-south position and then gets back to his feet. Pokrajac pops him with more punches, a flush head kick and then drops him with a vicious knee from the clinch. Brown turtles and eats a swarm of punches with 10 seconds remaining. The ref has seen enough, and the bout is halted with virtually no time remaining. Brown is dazed on the mat. Igor Pokrajac def. Todd Brown via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 5:00
DAVE BRANCH VS. ROUSIMAR PALHARES
Round 1 - Branch paws his jab as Palhares circles. Branch throws the jab rapid fire but doesn't land. Palhares blocks a combo. Little action in the first minute of the fight. Branch fires a punch from distance, Palhares shoots, grabs an arm and torques for the armbar. Branch collapses on top of him and escapes with top position. Palhares remains active from his back and looks for additional submission attempts. Branch gets back to full guard and delivers punches to the side. Palhares rolls to his side but eats a couple punches. The fighters trade elbows before Palhares grabs his opponent's wrists. Palhares is shutting down Branch's efforts and looks for an armbar before attempting a triangle choke. He gets his legs in the right position, but Branch pushes close to avoid and then escapes out the back. Palhares moves to a leg, grabs it and torques. Branch signals he's OK while trying to push Palhares off with a kick to the butt. Branch breaks free just as the round ends and then unloads punches as the round ends. Palhares complains that they were late. It was a nice late scramble for Branch, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Palhares due to submission attempts.
Round 2 - Branch throws a punch, and Palhares looks to shoot. He resets and looks for a better opening. More circling, and neither fighter appears to want to throw first. Palhares shoots for a single leg, but Branch fights it off and gets back to his feet. Palhares pushes him against the cage, though, and continues working for the takedown. Palhares grabs a leg and drags Branch to the mat. He secures the leg, torques the foot and knee, and forces the tap-out. Branch taps out in frustration. Rousimar Palhares def. Dave Branch via submission (kneebar) - Round 2, 1:44
ROB KIMMONS AND DONGI YANG
Round 1 - No touch of the gloves. Kimmons misses with a right but lands one flush when Yang tries to clinch. Kimmons misses high with a kick. Yang snaps off a solid low kick and then peddles away from counter punches. Yang lands a lightning quick left that drops Kimmons. Yang punches, but Kimmons is awake and pulls the Korean close to buy recovery time. Yang postures up and lands a next left before moving into side control. Yang unloads a barrage of body punches and then hops into mount to continue the assault. Kimmons tries to roll free, but Yang clings to him and continues with occasional punches. Kimmons rolls again, and Yang takes his back and delivers more punches. Kimmons rolls again, and Yang locks in an arm-triangle choke. Kimmons refuses to tap for nearly a half minute, and Yang finally lets go of the hold. Kimmons surprisingly escapes to his feet. Yang grabs his back and eats an elbow, but Kimmons is taken back to the mat. Yang takes mount position and unloads more undefended blows. Kimmons keeps rolling, but Yang keeps tagging him. Yang grabs an arm and considers a submission but pops Kimmons with punches thanks to the distraction. Yang works on the arm again but can't get the tap-out before the round ends. A great bit of survival for Kimmons, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-8 for Yang.
Round 2 - Kimmons fire first, but Yang is the first to land. He clinches, but Kimmons gets the slick takedown and lands in top position. Yang reverses and works from side control to deliver punches and elbows to the gut. Kimmons is trying to fend off the mount position but eats some blows in the process. Kimmons rolls to his knee, and Yang takes his back, gets his hooks in and flattens out his opponent. Kimmons rolls again, and Yang now has mount. Kimmons eats a few more big punches and rolls to his stomach. Yang continues the assault before Kimmons ties him up and gets a breather. Kimmons rolls to his stomach again, and Yang fires off punches to the side of the head. This one-sided fight is getting uncomfortable to watch. Yang works punches to the ribs, and when Kimmons rolls over, he unloads more punches. Inexplicably, the crowd is yelling for a standup. Yang keeps dropping punches, and the bout finally and mercifully is called. Dongi Yang def. Rob Kimmons via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 4:47
REUBEN DURAN VS. TAKEYA MIZUGAKI
Round 1 - Duran unloads a swift combo, but Mizugaki avoids most of the blows. Duran has quick hands, though. Duran then goes high with a kick and connects with another super-quick combo. Mizugaki looks for punches but is countered, and they reset. Duran lands a low kick and then ducks under a punch, but Mizugaki tags him on the next exchange. The fighters seemingly tip their caps and go at it again. Duran lands a nice right. The trade punches and then get in a firefight in the center of the cage before breaking off. The crowd loves it. Mizugaki tries a low kick. Mizugaki lands a nice overhand right but eats a left. You can hear the thud of the punches echo through the arena. Mizugaki lands a low kick. Mizugaki lands another and then avoids punches. Duran isn't closing the distance like before and then waves in his opponent. Duran catches a kick and lands a straight right. Mizugaki tries again and gets tagged again. Mizugaki lands another low kick, but he pays for it again. Mizugaki shoots just as the bell sounds. It's an exciting first round that MMAjunkie.com scores 10-9 for Duran.
Round 2 - Each fighter swings wildly from distance before resetting. Mizugaki lands a nice low kick and then ducks under his opponent's right-left combo. Mizugaki tries it again and eats a right and then a leg kick from Duran. Durna works left jabs that get through but telegraphs a left hook. Duran sticks with the jab, and Mizugaki is hesitant to close distance. The fighters clash in the center and trade heavy blows, but neither is really slowing. Mizugaki whiffs with three power punches, and Duran clinches and puts him against the cage. Mizugaki scores a hop-toss takedown, though, and gets the fight to the mat. Duran tries to get back to his feet, but once to the kneeling position, Mizugaki tags him with some short punches to the face. Duran finally gets upright, and they remain clinched against the cage. Duran works body punches but then takes a knee to the face before he's taken to the mat again. Duran eats a few punches while trying to get his back against the cage. He gets upright, and the round ends with them in the clinch.
Round 3 - The fighters swing from distance. Mizugaki looks for a low kick and gets it, but he instantly eats a counter shot. More circling, and each clearly respect the other's power. The pace slows a bit, but Mizugaki starts a firefight with a low kick. Duran lands a nice right, but Mizugaki trips him to the mat and drops elbows from full guard. Duran ties him up for the most part, but Mizugaki gets through some solid forearm strikes and smothers his opponent to avoid the standup. Duran fires elbows his from back, but Mizugaki is getting the better of it from top position. Duran tries to roll free, but Mizugaki takes his back. Duran overpowers him and spins free and then pins Mizugaki against the cage as they get back to their feet. That could be a critical escape for Duran. Mizugaki gets an underhook and pins Duran against the cage. Durna unloads some solid shots, but Mizugaki trips him back down to the mat. Duran rolls to his knees and then powers his way back to his feet. Mizugaki clings to him, but Duran tries to swing wildly to steal the round. It's an extremely close last round and fight, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Mizugaki and 29-28 overall for the WEC vet. But it could go either way. Takeya Mizugaki def. Reuben Duran via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
SHANE ROLLER VS. THIAGO TAVARES
Round 1 - Roller lands a nice left jab to open the fight. He then looks to use low kicks to set up punches, but Tavares easily snuffs it out. Roller then ducks under a punch. Tavares stays light on his feet but eats a straight left to the belly. Roller is the aggressor early, but little is landing. Tavares fires back but like Roller has too much distance. Roller paws a jab and backs up his opponent, but little is landing from either. The fighters miss on kicks from varying levels, and Tavares whiffs with a wild hook. Roller does the same but follows up with a nice knee to the chest. Tavares unloads a combo and wobbles Roller, who's trying to regain his wits. Tavares surpisingly backs up, and Roller appears recovered. Roller tries a low-kick, punch again, but Tavares easily peddles away. Tavares snaps off a solid low kick. Roller shoots, but Tavares easily stuffs it. Roller may still be dealing with cobwebs, but he tries to strike out of it. Tavares remains patient and avoids the punches and kicks. Roller shoots again. Tavares sprawls, and Roller pushes him against the cage to wait out the round.
Round 2 - The fighters circle to open the round, and Roller struggles to land anything. Tavares finds success with his jab and a couple low kicks. Roller moves forward with a combo, but Tavares ducks under it and gets the takedown. Roller gets back to his feet, paws his left and then drops Tavares with a flush right. Roller pounces with a couple follow-up blows before the ref can halt the bout. Amazing knockout. Shane Roller def. Thiago Tavares via KO (punches) - Round 2, 1:28
DANNY CASTILLO VS. JOE STEVENSON
Round 1 - Lots of buzz for this fight among the crowd. Castillo goes with a kick that's checked, and the fighters briefly tie up in the center. Stevenson works forward with jabs. Castillo backs him up with a right. Castillo considers a lunging knee. Stevenson eventually corrals him and unloads a couple knees before using the headlock to push him against the cage. Stevenson looks for the takedown, but Castillo aptly defends. Stevenson, though, picks him up, and after some fight from Castillo, slams him to the mat. Stevenson lands in side control, but Castillo quickly gets to his feet. Stevenson locks on a guillotine and looks to have it, but Castillo slides free and then takes him to the mat. Stevenson looks to cagewalk back to his feet and then locks in a guillotine from his back. Castillo escapes and tags Stevenson with a punch on his way back up. The crowd applauds the action. Castillo shoots and gets the takedown, but Stevenson again tries a guillotine. He can't get it, and Stevenson gets back to his feet. Castillo wings a right that misses. Castillo unloads a combo, and Stevenson looks briefly staggered. Castillo throws more heavy blows, but Stevenson smiles and avoids them. Castillo just misses a lunging knee as the entertaining first round comes to a close. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Stevenson, though it was close.
Round 2 - Stevenson looks to be the aggressor, but he's quickly backed up when Castillo sings. Castillo looks to shoot again, and Stevenson instantly looks for a guillotine, but it's not there. Castillo connects on the first part of a left-right combo and then lands a right cross. Stevenson remains in the pocket and shoots, but Castillo forces him to the kneeling position and tries a couple body shots. Stevenson again scores a slam after securing the hips. Stevenson lands in half guard. Castillo pulls him close. Stevenson looks for any openings, and Castillo pulls him back into full guard. Stevenson postures up, but Castillo deflects the punches and drops back down. Castillo pulls him tight and tags him with some elbows. Stevenson fires off some punches but seems to hit the back of the head. Castillo escapes and then pushes Stevenson into the cage. A timeout is called, and the ref warns Castillo for an illegal knee. Stevenson says he's fine to continue, and a touch of gloves gets us restarted. Castillo misses on a flying knee but gets the body kick. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Stevenson.
Round 3 - Castillo opens with a leg kick and fakes a shoot. Castillo lands a lunging body shot and then a quick right to the head. He follows with more low kicks and jabs. The fighters jockey for position and hit the mat. Castillo takes advantage of the kneeling Stevenson and looks for a guillotine. It's not there. Castillo delivers knees to the body, which are legal, but Stevenson gets back to his feet. Stevenson wants the guillotine, but Castillo takes him to the mat. Stevenson easily powers his way back to his feet before Castillo drags him back down. Stevenson locks in a guillotine on the way down, and it's fairly tight. Castillo, though, pops his head free and lands a stiff right to the face. Stevenson wants to get back up. Castillo presses him back into the cage, but Stevenson gets upright. Castillo, though, takes him right back down. Stevenson gets back up again, and Castillo takes his back before moving to the side to deliver knees to the body. He then elevates and takes Stevenson to the mat. Castillo lands in mount and unloads a barrage before the fight ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Castillo, but this could go either way. Danny Castillo def. Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
CYRILLE DIABATE VS. STEVE CANTWELL
Round 1 - Lots of bouncing early as the fighters circle. Diabate moves in first, but Cantwell blocks. Diabate considers a head kick, and he hits his chin even with a half kick. Diabate moves forward with punches as Cantwell covers. Diabate fires off a couple low kicks and then snaps off a couple nice body kicks. Cantwell, though, shoots on the second and gets the takedown. Cantwell lands in half guard and looks to pass. The pace slows as Cantwell looks for better position. Diabate remains patient on his back. Cantwell gets to his knees and delivers some punches, and Diabate throws some elbows. Cantwell stands over his opponent looking to drop a bunch, but Diabate quickly gets back up and delivers a couple knees punches and a knee from the clinch before resetting. Diabate lands a jab and just missed on a knee. Diabate lands another knee, but Cantwell counters with a right. Diabate uses his range to land a few solid shots. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate blocks it and tags him with a knee and some punches. A quick left drops Cantwell. Cantwell, though, survives and gets back to his feet. Exciting first round. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Diabate.
Round 2 - Diabate fires off a body kick and follows with punches that miss. Diabate appears to be timing his knee, but he eats a punch while sitting in the pocket. Diabate lands a short uppercut aqnd then a body kick is barely checked. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate overpowers him and forces him to the mat. Diabate initially stands over him and then moves in with a couple punches before signaling for the standup. Diabate uses his jab to frustrate Cantwell and then follows with short uppercuts. Cantwell gets through a decent left, but Diabate is getting the better of the exchanges. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate collapses on top of him. Cantwell kneels and then gets back to his feet. Diabate clinches and pushes him against the cage and unloads a nice barrage of punches that put Cantwell in a cloud. A low kick shows Cantwell is clearly wobbly. Cantwell shoots, but he can't finish the takedown, and Diabate gets top position. Diabate drops hammerfists as the round ends. It's all Diabate, who gets it 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.
Round 3 - Diabate goes low with kicks. He then uses punches to set up inside leg kicks. Cantwell's face is badly swelling. Diabate fires off some quick punches and then elbows from close range. The fighters trade low kicks, and then Diabate lands some lunging punches. More low kicks from Diabate, he's slowing his opponent with punches. Diabate lands a low kick and a straight left. Cantwell wings a few shots that Diabate easily avoids. A high knee from Diabate and then another lands. Diabate with a nice one-two combo. Cantwell tries to push forward, but he can't get inside Diabate's reach. Diabate with more jabs and body kicks. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate easily sprawls. A nice knee from Diabate is followed with solid short punches. Cantwell goes high with a kick, but he's tagged again with a rib kick. Diabate lands a couple quick straight punches. Diabate with more knees to the body, and with Cantwell against the cage, he tries for the finish with uppercuts. Cantwell, though, can take a punch. Diabate with more jabs to close the round. It's all Diabate, who takes it 10-9 in what should be a clean sweep. Cyrille Diabate def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-26)
BRIAN BOWLES VS. DAMACIO PAGE
Round 1 - A firefight starts this bantamweight bout, and Bowles gets the better of it before they restart. Page lands a solid body kick that echoes through the arena. Page then lands a low one. Bowles just misses on an overhand right before Page moves forward with punches. Page looks low again and eats a punch. Bowles already has a huge welt from the body kick. Bowles looks to duck under a punch and barely avoids a huge knee. The fighters circle some more, and Page lands a low kick and then a body kick. Bowles answers with a straight left and ducks under a high kick. The fighters trade in the center, and a firefight erupts. Bowles catches a kick and forced Page to the mat and unloads a quick barrage. While on the mat, Bowles sinks in a guillotine choke, and the crowd knows it's tight. The stoppage comes moments later when Page goes to sleep. Brian Bowles def. Damacio Page via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 1, 3:30
ALESSIO SAKARA VS. CHRIS WEIDMAN
Round 1 - Weidman looks for a kick, but Sakara avoids it. Weidman charges in with a left but trips and nearly falls. Sakara then snaps off a low kick. Weidman looks a little overly anxious. Sakara tags him with another low kick, and Weidman answers with one of his own. Weidman misses on a combo but gets the low kick. Weidman answers with another and then clinches and puts Sakara against the cage, but the Italian skirts away. Weidman lands a nice jab and then another low kick. Weidman is head hutting, but Sakara fires back. Weidman shoots for a single leg and pins Sakara against the cage. He wants the takedown, but Sakara fights it off. Weidman breaks off with an elbow that just misses. The fighters trade heavy blows, but nothing substantial, though Sakara has some facial bleeding. Weidman shoots, but Sakara sprawls free. The fighters look for lunging shots. Weidman closes distance with punches but gives up on the takedown. It's a close first round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Weidman due to the aggression.
Round 2 - Weidman stalks, but Sakara keeps him at bay with punches. Weidman shoots and gets the single leg, controls the ankles and then moves into full guard. The punches from top are only sporadic for Weidman, but his elbows soon do damage. He then postures up and delivers a punch and moves into side control. Weidman opens another facial cut, and the blood is oozing. Weidman looks for the crucifix position but can't secure it. Weidman drops more short elbows and then punches. Sakara's face now looks like hamburger meat. Sakara tries to roll free, but Weidman covers him and moves into half guard. Sakara, though, finally escapes and batters Weidman with punches. Sakara, though, closes the distance, dips and gets the takedown. Sakara is quickly back up, and the ref calls for time to have the cuts checked. Sakara wipes the blood on the ref's arm, which gets a rise out of the crowd. The doctor quickly clears him, and we're underway again. Sakara works jabs, and Weidman answers with his own. Weidman clinches and then breaks it with a knee to the gut. Weidman takes a quick combo of body shots but shakes it off. Sakara, though, lands another. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Weidman, though Sakara still has plenty left.
Round 3 - Sakara works the jab, but Weidman grabs a clinch and fires off a couple quick knees. Weidman shoots and gets the takedown. Weidman moves into side control and works short punches. Sakara avoids most of the damage, and the pace slows. Weidman works annoying forearm strikes to the face. He then moves into half guard and looks for a choke from the top. With no openings, he returns to forearm strikes and then hops back into side control. The ref unwisely calls for a standup. The fighters trade punches before Weidman shoots and gets another takedown. Weidman works from side control but ends up back in half guard. Weidman looks for opening, but Sakara deflects most of the ground and pound before hopping ack to his feet. Weidman, though, gets a final drag-takedown and closes out the round there with some final punches. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Weidman and 30-27 overall. Chris Weidman def. Alessio Sakara via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
C.B. DOLLAWAY VS. MARK MUNOZ
Round 1 - Dollaway strikes first with a low kick. Munoz moves and clinches, but Dollaway gets the takedown. They jockey for position on the mat, but Dollaway backs away, and Munoz gets upright. Munoz tags Dollaway with a right. Dollaway tumbles ot the mat, and Munoz follows with a few big blows to force a stoppage. Dollaway protests and the crowd boos. They may have just cause for the protests, but the fight is over. Mark Munoz def. C.B. Dollaway via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 0:54
MARTIN KAMPMANN VS. DIEGO SANCHEZ
Round 1 - Lots of circling early. Kampmann strikes first, but Sanchez defends. The fighter collide in the center of the cage, but neither lands. More in-and-out strikes, but neither has landed anything significant. Sanchez grabs a single leg and then puts Kampmann against the cage. Kampmann sprawls and gets free and then punishes Sanchez with a quick knee from the clinch. Sanchez moves in and is briefly dropped by a punch. Kampmann holds a loose guillotine and looks for knees. Sanchez defends and then breaks away as the crowd cheers their efforts. Sanchez's bottom lip looks split. The fighters collide in the center, and Sanchez looks for the clinch before trying for a takedown that come sup short. After resetting, Kampmann has success with some combos. Sanchez telegraphs and misses a takedown and whiffs on a knee on the way up. Sanchez lands a nice combo of body shots. Kampmann connects on a solid jab and then resets. Sanchez shoots again and puts Kampmann against the cage. Kampmann fends off the takedown and escapes. Sanchez moves in and eats a punch before the first round ends. It's all Kampmann, who takes it 10-9.
Round 2 - Sanchez shoots again, and he fails again. He immediately tries again, and Kampmann puts his back against the cage to stay upright. Sanchez resets. Kampmann works a jab and lands a right when they collide. Sanchez wings a quick combo, and a punch gets through. Sanchez, though, is bleeding badly from the mouth. Kampmann lands a solid right and then takes a counter shot. Kampmann lands a left and looks to shoot, but he's too slow, and Kampmann pops him with knees. Sanchez tries again for a takedown, but he's far short. Sanchez shoots again and drops to his knees trying to get the drag-takedown, but Kampmann shoves him away. Kampmann's jab is looking sharp as Sanchez closes the distance. A firefight erupts against the cage. Both land some solid shots before wisely resetting. Kampmann, now, is bleeding from near his eye. Sanchez whiffs badly on a high kick. He swings wild again, and Kampmann counters. The fighters trade hooks in the center of the cage, and Sanchez lands a nice right. Kampmann returns fire. Sanchez shoots for a single leg, and Kampmann pops him with a knee. A firefight ends the round, and Sanchez landed a solid shot in the mix that may have rocked Kampmann. Still, the round belongs to Kampmann, 10-9.
Round 3 - Kampmann works the jab early. Sanchez moves in but eats another. Again, Kampmann counters the advance with a right. Sanchez shoots for a single leg, but Kampmann defends and tags him with a knee before resetting. Sanchez moves in and lands a solid right. Kampmann shakes it off and then sidesteps out of Sanchez's next blows. Kampmann returns to the jab. Sanchez shoots again, and once again, he's easily stuffed. The fighters trade in the center, and each is taking some shots. Sanchez shoots again and finally gets a takedown after wrapping up the hips. Kampmann quickly fights his way back to his feet, though. Each circles looking for an opening. Sanchez's shots are coming up short despite their frequency. Kampmann counters with a right, and Sanchez finally connects on some solid shots. Kampmann shakes it off, but once against the cage, he eats more punches. He wisely circles off. Kampmann connects on a right, and Sanchez's cheek explodes into a bloody. He goes headhunting in the final seconds, but Kampmann avoids easily. It's a close final round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Sanchez and 29-28 overall for Kampmann. Diego Sanchez def. Martin Kampmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Round 1 - A bit of a feeling-our process before the fighters trade low kicks and reset. The fighters then trade jabs in the center of the cage. Pokrajac moves in and connects on a solid combination and clinches, but Brown pushes him away. Brown unloads a right and then eats one. Brown fakes a punch and rushes in. He presses Pokrajac against the cage. A few knees to his opponent's legs are about all that Brown can muster, and the crowd grows impatient. Brown continues working knees but can't get the leverage for punches. Pokrajac finally breaks free, and we reset. Pokrajac throws heavy punches, but Brown lands a solid with one of his own. Pokrajac doesn't flinch, but Brown again presses him into the cage. The pace again slows before Pokrajac pops him with an uppercut. Brown retires fire from the clinch before backing away. Pokrajac has success with hands. Brown continues moving in but eats a right and drops to a knee. Pokrajac takes the back of his kneeling opponent, but Brown forces him into a loose north-south position and then gets back to his feet. Pokrajac pops him with more punches, a flush head kick and then drops him with a vicious knee from the clinch. Brown turtles and eats a swarm of punches with 10 seconds remaining. The ref has seen enough, and the bout is halted with virtually no time remaining. Brown is dazed on the mat. Igor Pokrajac def. Todd Brown via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 5:00
DAVE BRANCH VS. ROUSIMAR PALHARES
Round 1 - Branch paws his jab as Palhares circles. Branch throws the jab rapid fire but doesn't land. Palhares blocks a combo. Little action in the first minute of the fight. Branch fires a punch from distance, Palhares shoots, grabs an arm and torques for the armbar. Branch collapses on top of him and escapes with top position. Palhares remains active from his back and looks for additional submission attempts. Branch gets back to full guard and delivers punches to the side. Palhares rolls to his side but eats a couple punches. The fighters trade elbows before Palhares grabs his opponent's wrists. Palhares is shutting down Branch's efforts and looks for an armbar before attempting a triangle choke. He gets his legs in the right position, but Branch pushes close to avoid and then escapes out the back. Palhares moves to a leg, grabs it and torques. Branch signals he's OK while trying to push Palhares off with a kick to the butt. Branch breaks free just as the round ends and then unloads punches as the round ends. Palhares complains that they were late. It was a nice late scramble for Branch, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Palhares due to submission attempts.
Round 2 - Branch throws a punch, and Palhares looks to shoot. He resets and looks for a better opening. More circling, and neither fighter appears to want to throw first. Palhares shoots for a single leg, but Branch fights it off and gets back to his feet. Palhares pushes him against the cage, though, and continues working for the takedown. Palhares grabs a leg and drags Branch to the mat. He secures the leg, torques the foot and knee, and forces the tap-out. Branch taps out in frustration. Rousimar Palhares def. Dave Branch via submission (kneebar) - Round 2, 1:44
ROB KIMMONS AND DONGI YANG
Round 1 - No touch of the gloves. Kimmons misses with a right but lands one flush when Yang tries to clinch. Kimmons misses high with a kick. Yang snaps off a solid low kick and then peddles away from counter punches. Yang lands a lightning quick left that drops Kimmons. Yang punches, but Kimmons is awake and pulls the Korean close to buy recovery time. Yang postures up and lands a next left before moving into side control. Yang unloads a barrage of body punches and then hops into mount to continue the assault. Kimmons tries to roll free, but Yang clings to him and continues with occasional punches. Kimmons rolls again, and Yang takes his back and delivers more punches. Kimmons rolls again, and Yang locks in an arm-triangle choke. Kimmons refuses to tap for nearly a half minute, and Yang finally lets go of the hold. Kimmons surprisingly escapes to his feet. Yang grabs his back and eats an elbow, but Kimmons is taken back to the mat. Yang takes mount position and unloads more undefended blows. Kimmons keeps rolling, but Yang keeps tagging him. Yang grabs an arm and considers a submission but pops Kimmons with punches thanks to the distraction. Yang works on the arm again but can't get the tap-out before the round ends. A great bit of survival for Kimmons, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-8 for Yang.
Round 2 - Kimmons fire first, but Yang is the first to land. He clinches, but Kimmons gets the slick takedown and lands in top position. Yang reverses and works from side control to deliver punches and elbows to the gut. Kimmons is trying to fend off the mount position but eats some blows in the process. Kimmons rolls to his knee, and Yang takes his back, gets his hooks in and flattens out his opponent. Kimmons rolls again, and Yang now has mount. Kimmons eats a few more big punches and rolls to his stomach. Yang continues the assault before Kimmons ties him up and gets a breather. Kimmons rolls to his stomach again, and Yang fires off punches to the side of the head. This one-sided fight is getting uncomfortable to watch. Yang works punches to the ribs, and when Kimmons rolls over, he unloads more punches. Inexplicably, the crowd is yelling for a standup. Yang keeps dropping punches, and the bout finally and mercifully is called. Dongi Yang def. Rob Kimmons via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 4:47
REUBEN DURAN VS. TAKEYA MIZUGAKI
Round 1 - Duran unloads a swift combo, but Mizugaki avoids most of the blows. Duran has quick hands, though. Duran then goes high with a kick and connects with another super-quick combo. Mizugaki looks for punches but is countered, and they reset. Duran lands a low kick and then ducks under a punch, but Mizugaki tags him on the next exchange. The fighters seemingly tip their caps and go at it again. Duran lands a nice right. The trade punches and then get in a firefight in the center of the cage before breaking off. The crowd loves it. Mizugaki tries a low kick. Mizugaki lands a nice overhand right but eats a left. You can hear the thud of the punches echo through the arena. Mizugaki lands a low kick. Mizugaki lands another and then avoids punches. Duran isn't closing the distance like before and then waves in his opponent. Duran catches a kick and lands a straight right. Mizugaki tries again and gets tagged again. Mizugaki lands another low kick, but he pays for it again. Mizugaki shoots just as the bell sounds. It's an exciting first round that MMAjunkie.com scores 10-9 for Duran.
Round 2 - Each fighter swings wildly from distance before resetting. Mizugaki lands a nice low kick and then ducks under his opponent's right-left combo. Mizugaki tries it again and eats a right and then a leg kick from Duran. Durna works left jabs that get through but telegraphs a left hook. Duran sticks with the jab, and Mizugaki is hesitant to close distance. The fighters clash in the center and trade heavy blows, but neither is really slowing. Mizugaki whiffs with three power punches, and Duran clinches and puts him against the cage. Mizugaki scores a hop-toss takedown, though, and gets the fight to the mat. Duran tries to get back to his feet, but once to the kneeling position, Mizugaki tags him with some short punches to the face. Duran finally gets upright, and they remain clinched against the cage. Duran works body punches but then takes a knee to the face before he's taken to the mat again. Duran eats a few punches while trying to get his back against the cage. He gets upright, and the round ends with them in the clinch.
Round 3 - The fighters swing from distance. Mizugaki looks for a low kick and gets it, but he instantly eats a counter shot. More circling, and each clearly respect the other's power. The pace slows a bit, but Mizugaki starts a firefight with a low kick. Duran lands a nice right, but Mizugaki trips him to the mat and drops elbows from full guard. Duran ties him up for the most part, but Mizugaki gets through some solid forearm strikes and smothers his opponent to avoid the standup. Duran fires elbows his from back, but Mizugaki is getting the better of it from top position. Duran tries to roll free, but Mizugaki takes his back. Duran overpowers him and spins free and then pins Mizugaki against the cage as they get back to their feet. That could be a critical escape for Duran. Mizugaki gets an underhook and pins Duran against the cage. Durna unloads some solid shots, but Mizugaki trips him back down to the mat. Duran rolls to his knees and then powers his way back to his feet. Mizugaki clings to him, but Duran tries to swing wildly to steal the round. It's an extremely close last round and fight, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Mizugaki and 29-28 overall for the WEC vet. But it could go either way. Takeya Mizugaki def. Reuben Duran via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
SHANE ROLLER VS. THIAGO TAVARES
Round 1 - Roller lands a nice left jab to open the fight. He then looks to use low kicks to set up punches, but Tavares easily snuffs it out. Roller then ducks under a punch. Tavares stays light on his feet but eats a straight left to the belly. Roller is the aggressor early, but little is landing. Tavares fires back but like Roller has too much distance. Roller paws a jab and backs up his opponent, but little is landing from either. The fighters miss on kicks from varying levels, and Tavares whiffs with a wild hook. Roller does the same but follows up with a nice knee to the chest. Tavares unloads a combo and wobbles Roller, who's trying to regain his wits. Tavares surpisingly backs up, and Roller appears recovered. Roller tries a low-kick, punch again, but Tavares easily peddles away. Tavares snaps off a solid low kick. Roller shoots, but Tavares easily stuffs it. Roller may still be dealing with cobwebs, but he tries to strike out of it. Tavares remains patient and avoids the punches and kicks. Roller shoots again. Tavares sprawls, and Roller pushes him against the cage to wait out the round.
Round 2 - The fighters circle to open the round, and Roller struggles to land anything. Tavares finds success with his jab and a couple low kicks. Roller moves forward with a combo, but Tavares ducks under it and gets the takedown. Roller gets back to his feet, paws his left and then drops Tavares with a flush right. Roller pounces with a couple follow-up blows before the ref can halt the bout. Amazing knockout. Shane Roller def. Thiago Tavares via KO (punches) - Round 2, 1:28
DANNY CASTILLO VS. JOE STEVENSON
Round 1 - Lots of buzz for this fight among the crowd. Castillo goes with a kick that's checked, and the fighters briefly tie up in the center. Stevenson works forward with jabs. Castillo backs him up with a right. Castillo considers a lunging knee. Stevenson eventually corrals him and unloads a couple knees before using the headlock to push him against the cage. Stevenson looks for the takedown, but Castillo aptly defends. Stevenson, though, picks him up, and after some fight from Castillo, slams him to the mat. Stevenson lands in side control, but Castillo quickly gets to his feet. Stevenson locks on a guillotine and looks to have it, but Castillo slides free and then takes him to the mat. Stevenson looks to cagewalk back to his feet and then locks in a guillotine from his back. Castillo escapes and tags Stevenson with a punch on his way back up. The crowd applauds the action. Castillo shoots and gets the takedown, but Stevenson again tries a guillotine. He can't get it, and Stevenson gets back to his feet. Castillo wings a right that misses. Castillo unloads a combo, and Stevenson looks briefly staggered. Castillo throws more heavy blows, but Stevenson smiles and avoids them. Castillo just misses a lunging knee as the entertaining first round comes to a close. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Stevenson, though it was close.
Round 2 - Stevenson looks to be the aggressor, but he's quickly backed up when Castillo sings. Castillo looks to shoot again, and Stevenson instantly looks for a guillotine, but it's not there. Castillo connects on the first part of a left-right combo and then lands a right cross. Stevenson remains in the pocket and shoots, but Castillo forces him to the kneeling position and tries a couple body shots. Stevenson again scores a slam after securing the hips. Stevenson lands in half guard. Castillo pulls him close. Stevenson looks for any openings, and Castillo pulls him back into full guard. Stevenson postures up, but Castillo deflects the punches and drops back down. Castillo pulls him tight and tags him with some elbows. Stevenson fires off some punches but seems to hit the back of the head. Castillo escapes and then pushes Stevenson into the cage. A timeout is called, and the ref warns Castillo for an illegal knee. Stevenson says he's fine to continue, and a touch of gloves gets us restarted. Castillo misses on a flying knee but gets the body kick. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Stevenson.
Round 3 - Castillo opens with a leg kick and fakes a shoot. Castillo lands a lunging body shot and then a quick right to the head. He follows with more low kicks and jabs. The fighters jockey for position and hit the mat. Castillo takes advantage of the kneeling Stevenson and looks for a guillotine. It's not there. Castillo delivers knees to the body, which are legal, but Stevenson gets back to his feet. Stevenson wants the guillotine, but Castillo takes him to the mat. Stevenson easily powers his way back to his feet before Castillo drags him back down. Stevenson locks in a guillotine on the way down, and it's fairly tight. Castillo, though, pops his head free and lands a stiff right to the face. Stevenson wants to get back up. Castillo presses him back into the cage, but Stevenson gets upright. Castillo, though, takes him right back down. Stevenson gets back up again, and Castillo takes his back before moving to the side to deliver knees to the body. He then elevates and takes Stevenson to the mat. Castillo lands in mount and unloads a barrage before the fight ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Castillo, but this could go either way. Danny Castillo def. Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
CYRILLE DIABATE VS. STEVE CANTWELL
Round 1 - Lots of bouncing early as the fighters circle. Diabate moves in first, but Cantwell blocks. Diabate considers a head kick, and he hits his chin even with a half kick. Diabate moves forward with punches as Cantwell covers. Diabate fires off a couple low kicks and then snaps off a couple nice body kicks. Cantwell, though, shoots on the second and gets the takedown. Cantwell lands in half guard and looks to pass. The pace slows as Cantwell looks for better position. Diabate remains patient on his back. Cantwell gets to his knees and delivers some punches, and Diabate throws some elbows. Cantwell stands over his opponent looking to drop a bunch, but Diabate quickly gets back up and delivers a couple knees punches and a knee from the clinch before resetting. Diabate lands a jab and just missed on a knee. Diabate lands another knee, but Cantwell counters with a right. Diabate uses his range to land a few solid shots. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate blocks it and tags him with a knee and some punches. A quick left drops Cantwell. Cantwell, though, survives and gets back to his feet. Exciting first round. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Diabate.
Round 2 - Diabate fires off a body kick and follows with punches that miss. Diabate appears to be timing his knee, but he eats a punch while sitting in the pocket. Diabate lands a short uppercut aqnd then a body kick is barely checked. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate overpowers him and forces him to the mat. Diabate initially stands over him and then moves in with a couple punches before signaling for the standup. Diabate uses his jab to frustrate Cantwell and then follows with short uppercuts. Cantwell gets through a decent left, but Diabate is getting the better of the exchanges. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate collapses on top of him. Cantwell kneels and then gets back to his feet. Diabate clinches and pushes him against the cage and unloads a nice barrage of punches that put Cantwell in a cloud. A low kick shows Cantwell is clearly wobbly. Cantwell shoots, but he can't finish the takedown, and Diabate gets top position. Diabate drops hammerfists as the round ends. It's all Diabate, who gets it 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.
Round 3 - Diabate goes low with kicks. He then uses punches to set up inside leg kicks. Cantwell's face is badly swelling. Diabate fires off some quick punches and then elbows from close range. The fighters trade low kicks, and then Diabate lands some lunging punches. More low kicks from Diabate, he's slowing his opponent with punches. Diabate lands a low kick and a straight left. Cantwell wings a few shots that Diabate easily avoids. A high knee from Diabate and then another lands. Diabate with a nice one-two combo. Cantwell tries to push forward, but he can't get inside Diabate's reach. Diabate with more jabs and body kicks. Cantwell shoots, but Diabate easily sprawls. A nice knee from Diabate is followed with solid short punches. Cantwell goes high with a kick, but he's tagged again with a rib kick. Diabate lands a couple quick straight punches. Diabate with more knees to the body, and with Cantwell against the cage, he tries for the finish with uppercuts. Cantwell, though, can take a punch. Diabate with more jabs to close the round. It's all Diabate, who takes it 10-9 in what should be a clean sweep. Cyrille Diabate def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-26)
BRIAN BOWLES VS. DAMACIO PAGE
Round 1 - A firefight starts this bantamweight bout, and Bowles gets the better of it before they restart. Page lands a solid body kick that echoes through the arena. Page then lands a low one. Bowles just misses on an overhand right before Page moves forward with punches. Page looks low again and eats a punch. Bowles already has a huge welt from the body kick. Bowles looks to duck under a punch and barely avoids a huge knee. The fighters circle some more, and Page lands a low kick and then a body kick. Bowles answers with a straight left and ducks under a high kick. The fighters trade in the center, and a firefight erupts. Bowles catches a kick and forced Page to the mat and unloads a quick barrage. While on the mat, Bowles sinks in a guillotine choke, and the crowd knows it's tight. The stoppage comes moments later when Page goes to sleep. Brian Bowles def. Damacio Page via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 1, 3:30
ALESSIO SAKARA VS. CHRIS WEIDMAN
Round 1 - Weidman looks for a kick, but Sakara avoids it. Weidman charges in with a left but trips and nearly falls. Sakara then snaps off a low kick. Weidman looks a little overly anxious. Sakara tags him with another low kick, and Weidman answers with one of his own. Weidman misses on a combo but gets the low kick. Weidman answers with another and then clinches and puts Sakara against the cage, but the Italian skirts away. Weidman lands a nice jab and then another low kick. Weidman is head hutting, but Sakara fires back. Weidman shoots for a single leg and pins Sakara against the cage. He wants the takedown, but Sakara fights it off. Weidman breaks off with an elbow that just misses. The fighters trade heavy blows, but nothing substantial, though Sakara has some facial bleeding. Weidman shoots, but Sakara sprawls free. The fighters look for lunging shots. Weidman closes distance with punches but gives up on the takedown. It's a close first round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Weidman due to the aggression.
Round 2 - Weidman stalks, but Sakara keeps him at bay with punches. Weidman shoots and gets the single leg, controls the ankles and then moves into full guard. The punches from top are only sporadic for Weidman, but his elbows soon do damage. He then postures up and delivers a punch and moves into side control. Weidman opens another facial cut, and the blood is oozing. Weidman looks for the crucifix position but can't secure it. Weidman drops more short elbows and then punches. Sakara's face now looks like hamburger meat. Sakara tries to roll free, but Weidman covers him and moves into half guard. Sakara, though, finally escapes and batters Weidman with punches. Sakara, though, closes the distance, dips and gets the takedown. Sakara is quickly back up, and the ref calls for time to have the cuts checked. Sakara wipes the blood on the ref's arm, which gets a rise out of the crowd. The doctor quickly clears him, and we're underway again. Sakara works jabs, and Weidman answers with his own. Weidman clinches and then breaks it with a knee to the gut. Weidman takes a quick combo of body shots but shakes it off. Sakara, though, lands another. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Weidman, though Sakara still has plenty left.
Round 3 - Sakara works the jab, but Weidman grabs a clinch and fires off a couple quick knees. Weidman shoots and gets the takedown. Weidman moves into side control and works short punches. Sakara avoids most of the damage, and the pace slows. Weidman works annoying forearm strikes to the face. He then moves into half guard and looks for a choke from the top. With no openings, he returns to forearm strikes and then hops back into side control. The ref unwisely calls for a standup. The fighters trade punches before Weidman shoots and gets another takedown. Weidman works from side control but ends up back in half guard. Weidman looks for opening, but Sakara deflects most of the ground and pound before hopping ack to his feet. Weidman, though, gets a final drag-takedown and closes out the round there with some final punches. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Weidman and 30-27 overall. Chris Weidman def. Alessio Sakara via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
C.B. DOLLAWAY VS. MARK MUNOZ
Round 1 - Dollaway strikes first with a low kick. Munoz moves and clinches, but Dollaway gets the takedown. They jockey for position on the mat, but Dollaway backs away, and Munoz gets upright. Munoz tags Dollaway with a right. Dollaway tumbles ot the mat, and Munoz follows with a few big blows to force a stoppage. Dollaway protests and the crowd boos. They may have just cause for the protests, but the fight is over. Mark Munoz def. C.B. Dollaway via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 0:54
MARTIN KAMPMANN VS. DIEGO SANCHEZ
Round 1 - Lots of circling early. Kampmann strikes first, but Sanchez defends. The fighter collide in the center of the cage, but neither lands. More in-and-out strikes, but neither has landed anything significant. Sanchez grabs a single leg and then puts Kampmann against the cage. Kampmann sprawls and gets free and then punishes Sanchez with a quick knee from the clinch. Sanchez moves in and is briefly dropped by a punch. Kampmann holds a loose guillotine and looks for knees. Sanchez defends and then breaks away as the crowd cheers their efforts. Sanchez's bottom lip looks split. The fighters collide in the center, and Sanchez looks for the clinch before trying for a takedown that come sup short. After resetting, Kampmann has success with some combos. Sanchez telegraphs and misses a takedown and whiffs on a knee on the way up. Sanchez lands a nice combo of body shots. Kampmann connects on a solid jab and then resets. Sanchez shoots again and puts Kampmann against the cage. Kampmann fends off the takedown and escapes. Sanchez moves in and eats a punch before the first round ends. It's all Kampmann, who takes it 10-9.
Round 2 - Sanchez shoots again, and he fails again. He immediately tries again, and Kampmann puts his back against the cage to stay upright. Sanchez resets. Kampmann works a jab and lands a right when they collide. Sanchez wings a quick combo, and a punch gets through. Sanchez, though, is bleeding badly from the mouth. Kampmann lands a solid right and then takes a counter shot. Kampmann lands a left and looks to shoot, but he's too slow, and Kampmann pops him with knees. Sanchez tries again for a takedown, but he's far short. Sanchez shoots again and drops to his knees trying to get the drag-takedown, but Kampmann shoves him away. Kampmann's jab is looking sharp as Sanchez closes the distance. A firefight erupts against the cage. Both land some solid shots before wisely resetting. Kampmann, now, is bleeding from near his eye. Sanchez whiffs badly on a high kick. He swings wild again, and Kampmann counters. The fighters trade hooks in the center of the cage, and Sanchez lands a nice right. Kampmann returns fire. Sanchez shoots for a single leg, and Kampmann pops him with a knee. A firefight ends the round, and Sanchez landed a solid shot in the mix that may have rocked Kampmann. Still, the round belongs to Kampmann, 10-9.
Round 3 - Kampmann works the jab early. Sanchez moves in but eats another. Again, Kampmann counters the advance with a right. Sanchez shoots for a single leg, but Kampmann defends and tags him with a knee before resetting. Sanchez moves in and lands a solid right. Kampmann shakes it off and then sidesteps out of Sanchez's next blows. Kampmann returns to the jab. Sanchez shoots again, and once again, he's easily stuffed. The fighters trade in the center, and each is taking some shots. Sanchez shoots again and finally gets a takedown after wrapping up the hips. Kampmann quickly fights his way back to his feet, though. Each circles looking for an opening. Sanchez's shots are coming up short despite their frequency. Kampmann counters with a right, and Sanchez finally connects on some solid shots. Kampmann shakes it off, but once against the cage, he eats more punches. He wisely circles off. Kampmann connects on a right, and Sanchez's cheek explodes into a bloody. He goes headhunting in the final seconds, but Kampmann avoids easily. It's a close final round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Sanchez and 29-28 overall for Kampmann. Diego Sanchez def. Martin Kampmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)