LG
11-17-2013, 06:47 AM
CODY DONOVAN
VS.
GIAN VILLANTE
ROUND 1
The light heavyweights go straight to the clinch, where Villante pops Donovan with a couple quick uppercuts inside. Donovan separates and connects with a right hand, answered by a leg kick and another uppercut from the Strikeforce veteran. Donovan grazes Villante’s head with a right high kick, tries another and has it blocked. They tie up again and it’s Villante on the outside, muscling “Donnybrook” against the cage for a few seconds before releasing. Donovan is scoring with some uppercuts of his own now, mixing in overhand rights as he moves in and out on his relatively stationary opponent. Villante catches a body kick and shoves Donovan to the ground in the center of the cage with about 90 seconds to go. Donovan gets guard and throws up his legs, causing Villante to stand and allow him back up. Donovan connects with a jab and a hook, then squints and backs away after possibly receiving a finger in the eye just before time expires.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Donovan
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Donovan
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Donovan
ROUND 2
Villante comes forward and runs into a couple jabs before Donovan pushes off the cage and eats a left-handed counter. Donovan is sporting some damage around his right eye, the same one he was squinting at the end of the previous round. Donovan tries to repeat his right high kick from the opening round; this time, Villante is waiting and drops him with a counter right hook. Donovan falls to the ground and goes fetal, and Villante polishes him off with a few more punches before referee Kim Winslow steps in.
THE RESULT
Gian Villante def. Cody Donovan via TKO (Punches) R2 1:22
WILL CAMPUZANO
VS.
SERGIO PETTIS
ROUND 1
Campuzano takes 20 seconds to press in on Pettis and floor the young prospect with a double-leg takedown. Pettis immediately tries for a guillotine, can’t finish it but uses the choke to escape from underneath and get to his feet. Campuzano catches a body kick and sweeps the leg to put Pettis back on the canvas, then grabs hold of Pettis’ back when they scramble up. Campuzano has one hook in, with his right leg being fended off by Pettis. They hit the ground for a split second and pop back up, separating for Pettis to score with a couple quick leg kicks. Campuzano defends a throw with a whizzer, takes another chopping kick on his lead leg. The next leg kick and a pair of punches to the ace have Campuzano limping a bit and pawing at his nose. Pettis keeps picking away at the veteran as he walks Campuzano around the outside with a minute to go. Campuzano catches a leaping knee and takes down Pettis again, but he can’t do much with the position in the last few seconds.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Pettis
ROUND 2
Pettis goes back to chopping at Campuzano’s legs, and now Campuzano tries to return fire with a kick of his own. Campuzano shoots in and the speedy Pettis hops away to avoid the takedown. They clinch up in the center, and again Campuzano can’t keep hold of the quicker man. Now Campuzano over-commits on a combination and Pettis changes levels to hit his first takedown. Campuzano tries to drive forward and gets caught in a guillotine, but he twists free and extracts his head as he goes to his back. Pettis looks for an armbar from north-south position, then tries to take the back and winds up underneath Campuzano midway through the bout. Campuzano connects with a couple solid punches on top before Pettis is able to wrap him up and slow the pace. Campuzano stands up and comes crashing back down with more rugged punches. Pettis rolls to his knees and Campuzano tries to take back-control as they stand. Campuzano can’t sink his hooks and gets pulled to the ground, where Pettis passes to side control. Campuzano puts him back in guard, then kicks Pettis away and stands. Pettis catches Campuzano leaning and tags him with a knee to the face.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Pettis
ROUND 3
Pettis starts the final round by sticking jabs in Campuzano’s face and then going to the midsection with a right round kick. Campuzano comes in to clinch and gets caught in another power guillotine setup. It’s not deep this time, and Campuzano is able to pull his head loose and back away. He shoots back in and this time succeeds in putting Pettis on the ground. Pettis grabs for Campuzano’s arms as the Texan works from half-guard on the left side. Pettis gets a knee in and reestablishes guard, and the bantamweights continue to grind on the ground with 2:30 left on the clock. Pettis uses a butterfly guard to push away, then tries a triangle when Campuzano comes back down to the ground. Campuzano avoids this, stands and tries to come back down in full mount, but Pettis elevates him and shoves him away again. Back on their feet, Pettis lands a few quick kicks before stuffing a double-leg shot and spinning around to take Campuzano’s back. Campuzano gets away and begins bombing with punches as time runs out, but Pettis wraps him up and takes him down to finish the fight on top.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campuzano (29-28 Pettis)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Campuzano (29-28 Pettis)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campuzano (29-28 Pettis)
THE RESULT
Sergio Pettis def. Will Campuzano via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00
JASON HIGH
VS.
ANTHONY LAPSLEY
ROUND 1
Lapsley comes forward swinging and is immediately taken down by the wrestler. High postures up in half-guard while “The Recipe” tries to control the wrists from underneath. High pulls his hands free and steps into mount just 40 seconds into the bout. Lapsley turns over and gives up his back, allowing High to sink his hooks. High can’t get a rear-naked choke working, though, since Lapsley has both of his arms trapped. Lapsley powers back to his feet, only to be taken back down at the base of the fence. Still standing, High tries for a guillotine on his kneeling opponent, then pulls guard to squeeze the choke. Lapsley gets to his knees and escapes danger from the choke, though High’s still got him in a headlock. High spins to take the back and dumps Lapsley on his head with a suplex. High moves from back to full mount, then back mount again. High stands and pulls guard with another guillotine attempt, then rolls on top with 20 seconds left in the round. Lapsley frees his head and finishes the round mounted.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 High
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 High
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 High
ROUND 2
Lapsley gets wrapped up and rolls underneath before he can be taken down, trying for a heel hook. High gets his leg out and comes down to top position, quickly passing to full mount. Lapsley fights his hands off to avoid ground-and-pound, then rolls over to give up his back and allow High to put his hooks in. High tries to maneuver to full mount again and gets rolled to his back, with Lapsley in his guard. Lapsley throws a couple right hands to High’s ribs, a hard right to the cheek, but High is doing well to dodge damage. Two minutes left in the round and Lapsley sits up momentarily to drop a pair of hard right hands. Lapsley passes to half-guard on High’s right as ref Mario Yamasaki warns of an imminent stand-up. Lapsley tries for a kimura on High’s left arm, can’t get it and instead socks High in the face with an elbow. A few more elbow strikes from Lapsley close out the round.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lapsley
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lapsley
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-10
ROUND 3
High gets clipped by a left hook as he shoots in but nonetheless finishes the double-leg takedown near the base of the fence. Lapsley gets his legs up for an armbar but loses any chance as High stacks him up and passes to the side. Lapsley posts and gets a knee on the ground, but that’s where his progress stalls as High holds him in a headlock. High drops for another guillotine, can’t get it and switches to an omoplata as Lapsley comes out on top. Lapsley can’t extract his left arm, so he stands up and drops hard rights to High’s ribs. North-south position now as Lapsley regains his arm, and High scrambles to his feet. Lapsley drives forward for a takedown and is caught in another headlock. They stand and Lapsley gets a rear waistlock, so High rolls through and grabs at a heel hook. One minute left and Lapsley tries to jump on High’s back, but he slips off and High escapes out the back door to take top position. Lapsley throws desperate punches with both hands as High works to pass to side control and time runs out.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 High (29-27 High)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 High (29-27 High)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 High (30-28 High)
THE RESULT
Jason High def. Anthony Lapsley via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00
EDWIN FIGUEROA
VS.
ERIK PEREZ
ROUND 1
Perez feels out the range with kicks and gets clipped by a hard left hook-right straight combo. Perez circles to his left and throws a leg kick inside while Figueroa throws a left, and Perez’s kick collides with Figueroa’s cup. Figueroa kneels on the ground in the center of the Octagon for a few seconds before retreating to his corner to recover. After a minute, the bantamweights get back to action, and Perez lands another high leg kick inside before driving on a double-leg and taking down Figueroa against the fence. Figueroa posts and stands, so “Goyito” gives him a couple knees from the standing position before they separate. A push kick from Perez sends Figueroa to the ground for a second. Now it’s punching exchanges between the two, with Perez getting the better as he throws quick counters to Figueroa’s looping punches. Perez gets a takedown and loops his left arm around Figueroa’s neck as he tries to advance from side control. Figueroa bucks and rolls to scramble up, but he’s quickly taken down again right in front of Perez’s corner, where the round expires.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Perez
ROUND 2
A cracking right hook on the chin sends Figueroa to the canvas, but he’s quickly back on his feet, throwing bombs back at Perez. The Greg Jackson student walks Figueroa toward the fence, then shoots a double-leg, lifts him in the air and slams Figueroa to the ground. Figueroa gets to his knees, where Perez takes back control and drops hammer fists. Figueroa works back to his feet, then fends off another shot against the fence and separates, but not before eating a Perez elbow on the way out. Figueroa presses forward and swipes a hard right hook across Perez’s face. Another right hand catches Perez on the jaw before he shoots and completes another takedown near the middle of the cage. Perez rides out the final minute of the round on top, with occasional punches to Figueroa’s body.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Perez
ROUND 3
Figueroa spends the first minute of the final round creeping forward on Perez, but when “El Ferroz” unleashes punches, they’re wide and easily slipped by Perez. The bantamweights continue their give-and-take, now with Perez loading up on power punches and spinning kicks which whiff. After almost two minutes, Perez hits a takedown and leans right to left across Figueroa’s body, throwing right hands to the body while keeping control of Figueroa’s head with his left arm. Perez passes to north-south position and drops a hard knee to the body which makes Figueroa roll over and stand. It’s short-lived, as Perez shoots again and holds him against the fence. Inside the final minute and the bantamweights separate, allowing Perez lands a big right hand that sends Figueroa tilting. Figueroa stays vertical but doesn’t attack in the closing seconds, and this one is headed to the judges’ scorecards.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
THE RESULT
Erik Perez def. Edwin Figueroa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
BRIAN EBERSOLE
VS.
RICK STORY
ROUND 1
Story shoots and is stuffed by Ebersole, who backpedals as Story throws a thudding left hook to his body. Ebersole comes off the fence with a standing elbow, answered by Story with another sizzling body shot. Ebersole fakes a shot and then has to back up as Story throws another heavy body-head combination. An overhand left on the chin has Ebersole scrunching up his face. Ebersole looks hesitant to engage as he moves around the outside with a high guard, covering up as Story throws hands. Story hops away from a single-leg shot, stuffs a double and hits Ebersole with a body blow. With 70 seconds left, Ebersole finally commits to a combination, scoring with a right hook but eating a harder left. Story stands right in front of Ebersole and takes an outside leg kick to give him a three-punch combo in return. Story splits Ebersole’s guard with a right straight, then swipes him with a left hook on the cheek.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Story
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Story
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Story
ROUND 2
Story shoots for a single-leg takedown on the fence, switches to a double and puts Ebersole on his back. It doesn’t last long, as Ebersole powers back to his feet and resumes moving backward, away from Story’s powerful punches. Story mixes up his attacks with leg kicks and close-quarters elbows, denying a few clinch and takedown attempts from Ebersole along the way. Ebersole steps in to land another elbow, then fires off a jab in his face. Story keeps coming, though, stringing together combinations with left hands to the body and rights up top. With 30 seconds left in the round, Ebersole grabs hold of Story’s right leg and hops him toward the fence. Story frees his leg and reverses the position, then clubs Ebersole with a huge right hook. Ebersole stays up and catches an off-balance story with a left hook to score a knockdown of his own just before the horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Story
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Story
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Story
ROUND 3
Story snuffs out a shot from Ebersole and reverses direction to score a takedown, putting Ebersole on his back near the fence. Story stands and comes crashing back down with a big right hand, then backs out and allows Ebersole to his feet. Ebersole connects with a right hook, pulls up short with a pair of jabs behind it. Now it’s Ebersole standing up Story on a takedown attempt and circling away. Story takes a jab on the nose and returns fire with a thudding right hook on Ebersole’s cheek. Ebersole shoots a double-leg from way out and takes a right hook for his trouble. Ebersole is just eating power punches from Story and continuing to jab, and those punches have added up to some bleeding and swelling on Story’s left eye. Story walks Ebersole against the fence and kicks out the veteran’s right leg with a nasty shot to the thigh. Ebersole circles away, stepping gingerly on his injured leg and now looking to tie up. Ebersole pops Story with a short hook as they separate, then gets walked toward the fence again. Story attacks the injured leg with two more kicks and now Ebersole hits the deck. Story pounces and closes out the last few seconds of the bout on top.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Story (30-27 Story)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Story (30-27 Story)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Story (30-27 Story)
THE RESULT
Rick Story def. Brian Ebersole via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
ED HERMAN
VS.
THALES LEITES
ROUND 1
Herman lands a leg kick outside, gets caught off balance and trips to the ground, where Leites follows and presses in close from half-guard. Herman elevates him and Leites stands to drop a couple hard right hands on the face of “Short Fuse.” Leites comes back down and works to advance past Herman’s guard, eventually passing to side control on the right about two minutes into the fight. Herman rolls left and scrambles back to his feet, gets held against the fence and soon taken back to the floor. Herman surrenders his back, and Leites wastes no time sinking in both hooks and sitting down with his back against the fence. Herman gets to his knees and eats three or four thumping left hands before giving up his back again. Just before the round ends, Herman twists around and stands, finishing the frame with Leites pushing him against the cage.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Leites
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Leites
ROUND 2
Leites cracks Herman with a pair of hard left hooks, countered by a Herman jab and leg kick, before Leites puts the fight back on the fence with over-unders. Herman turns him around and scores with a standing elbow in close quarters. Leites reverses as the pace slows further, prompting ref Kim Winslow to call for action. Leites obliges with a trip takedown and sets up on top in Herman’s deep half-guard. Now it’s full mount for Leites, then back mount as Herman rolls over. They’re back in the position from round one, Leites seated with his back against the fence, and again Herman is able to peel Leites off and twist around. Leites sneaks around to take Herman’s back again with one minute remaining in the round. Herman gets off the fence and puts his back to the mat, leaving Leites once again on top in half-guard, and that’s where the round ends.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Leites
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Leites
ROUND 3
Herman gets in a couple good punches as the middleweights work in the clinch on the fence, but the shots slow as Leites takes the outside position and leans on him. Herman gets the outside again and pops Leites with an uppercut, then a left hand on the exit. They tie up and exchange positions on the fence; Herman grabs the fence to avoid a trip, but he’s scalded by ref Winslow and Leites is eventually able to complete the takedown. Leites passes to side control on Herman’s right with about 90 seconds left in the bout. Herman surrenders his back and gets rolled by Leites, who starts hunting for an arm triangle from the back. Herman traps Leites’ left arm long enough to fend off the arm-triangle and rear-naked choke attempts, so Leites goes back to the front and takes full mount just before the final horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites (30-27 Leites)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Leites (30-27 Leites)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Leites (30-27 Leites)
THE RESULT
Thales Leites def. Ed Herman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
DONALD CERRONE
VS.
EVAN DUNHAM
ROUND 1
Dunham shoots an early double-leg and takes a knee from the sprawling Cerrone. The lightweights reset and Dunham takes another knee to the gut as he lunges ahead with a long left hand. The next reaching left from Dunham costs him, as Cerrone pulls his head down and drops him with another hard knee. Cerrone tries to pound out his injured opponent on the ground, but Dunham manages to put the “Cowboy” in half-guard near the fence. Dunham has a cut on the outside of his right eye, possibly on the eyelid, and another leak on his left eye. Dunham grabs for a leg from underneath and gets top position, where he’s forced to dodge a triangle choke from Cerrone, then an omoplata. Cerrone uses the latter to get on top and hold the kneeling Dunham in a headlock. They scramble up and Dunham takes the outside position with a body lock on the fence. Cerrone drills him with another knee, and the pair separates. Cerrone is attacking Dunham’s legs now, forcing the wrestler to move backward. Dunham won’t stop throwing his hands, though, and one right on the jaw has Cerrone looking wobbly for a split second. Meanwhile, the blood on Dunham’s face worsens as Cerrone continues to pump his jab.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Cerrone
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cerrone
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Cerrone
ROUND 2
Cerrone continues to work on Dunham with knees and leg kicks when Dunham wades into striking range. Dunham, meanwhile, is able to touch Cerrone with sporadic punches, but they don’t appear to have much steam behind them. Dunham catches a knee, can’t do anything with it. Cerrone hops away, Dunham follows and hits the Cowboy with an uppercut. A straight right from Dunham snaps back the head of Cerrone, who drives a knee into Dunham’s chest and gets a takedown near the fence. Cerrone gets too high and Dunham slips out the back, but when Dunham takes top position, Cerrone instantly traps him in a triangle choke. Cerrone tightens the choke and pulls Dunham’s head down to the canvas to get the mount and the tap.
THE RESULT
Donald Cerrone def. Evan Dunham via Submission (Triangle Choke) R2 3:49
ALI BAGAUTINOV
VS.
TIM ELLIOTT
ROUND 1
Bagautinov circles to his left around the outside while Elliott walks after him with his chin stuck out and his hands by his waist. Bagautinov throws a couple heavy right hooks, dodged by Elliott, who continues to invite the Russian to punch him. Elliott wades in behind some awkward left hands, tries to tie up and gets shoved away. Bagautinov dazes Elliott with a knee and a punch, causing Elliott to grab for a single-leg, which Bagautinov steps out of. Elliott is showing redness from the strikes beneath his right eye as he keeps chasing Bagautinov around the cage. Bagautinov reverses momentum and puts Elliott on the floor with a quick takedown, but Elliott posts and stands immediately. Bagautinov is fending off Elliott with quicker punches, tries another single-leg and gets stood up against the fence. Elliott drops his hands and steps backward at the 10-second clapper, allowing Bagautinov to score with a pair of punches and a head kick before the horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
ROUND 2
The flyweights resume their chase from the opening round, with Elliott chasing the Russian around the outside and Bagautinov making him pay for slack defense with speedy hands. Elliott steps in with a knee and gets taken down, but the American pulls guard with a guillotine on his way down. Bagautinov tries to sit up, can’t peel Elliott’s hands away, so he lifts and slams his way out. Elliott takes advantage of the slam by powering forward and settling into Bagautinov’s open guard. Elliott works some ground-and-pound to the body and head until Bagautinov tries for an armbar, forcing Elliott to stand and escape. Bagautinov lands a right over the top, then an uppercut on the chin as Elliott continues to walk forward. Bagautinov hits a single-leg but Elliott scrambles out, then slips the follow-up ankle pick attempt. This time, it’s Elliott who gets the last work in the round with a short left hook.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Elliott
ROUND 3
Bagautinov sticks jabs in the face of the oncoming Elliott, then switches to right hands over the top. Elliott is finding his mark with jabs, too, but Bagautinov’s punches still look to be quicker and harder. After absorbing a few kicks to his lead leg, Bagautinov switches stances and begins scoring with his left hand. Elliott eats a left to the mush and counters with a snappy three-piece combo, one of his better offensive sequences of the bout. Ninety seconds left and the final round still seems up for grabs as Elliott tries and fails to clinch, but makes Bagautinov pay with punches inside. In the closing seconds, Bagautinov sticks a hard, straight right in Elliott’s face and follows with a left hook. Elliott gets the last word, though, with a whipping trip takedown to close out the fight.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov (30-27 Bagautinov)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov (30-27 Bagautinov)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov (29-28 Bagautinov)
THE RESULT
Ali Bagautinov def. Tim Elliott via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00
JOSH KOSCHECK
VS.
TYRON WOODLEY
ROUND 1
Woodley hits Koscheck with an overhand right in the opening seconds, then repeats the feat and drops him to a knee at the base of the fence. Koscheck pops up and presses “T-Wood” against the cage, slowing the pace for the next minute while ref Herb Dean calls for the welterweights to work. About 90 seconds into the round, Dean breaks them up. Woodley takes a moment to work his way inside and land another right hand, then a hard leg kick. Koscheck gets off a right of his own that sends Woodley backing up to the other side of the cage. Koscheck steps in and gets drilled again with another vicious right hand, and Woodley pours on the punishment with some brutal ground-and-pound which Koscheck somehow survives. Woodley winds up on top in the closed guard of Koscheck, who is bleeding from beneath his right eye and lumped up on his forehead. Herb Dean issues a confusing stand-up order and the 170-pounders reset on the feet. Koscheck closes in on Woodley against the cage, and Woodley drops him one more time with a right hand on the temple. This time, Koscheck is done and ref Dean calls a halt to the bout.
THE RESULT
Tyron Woodley def. Josh Koscheck via KO (Punches) R1 4:38
ROBBIE LAWLER
VS.
RORY MACDONALD
ROUND 1
MacDonald inches forward on the southpaw Lawler, who keeps the rangier fighter at bay with front kicks in the opening minute. The Canadian makes Lawler miss on a power punch, slips out and lands a leg kick. Lots of clashing of high kicks and punches in the first half of the opening round, though both are getting through with low kicks as Lawler continues circling to his left. MacDonald sticks a hand in Lawler’s face, then sidesteps Lawler’s headhunting counters. Lawler goes for a high kick in the closing seconds, has the kick caught and zaps MacDonald with a pair of hard punches before the horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lawler
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lawler
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Lawler
ROUND 2
Lawler blocks a high kick and digs a right hand into MacDonald’s ribs, but MacDonald answers with a kick to the body and a straight right on the chin before circling out. A leg kick lands for MacDonald, who slips out of range before Lawler can counter with a haymaker left. Lawler blocks a right hand, takes a kick to the body and a right hook behind the ear. MacDonald comes in behind the last punch and plows Lawler to the ground at the base of the fence. After a period of inactivity on top, MacDonald explodes with some heavy elbows in the closing seconds of the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
ROUND 3
Lawler stings MacDonald with an uppercut in the round’s opening exchange, but MacDonald recovers enough to drive forward and trip the veteran to the ground. The action slows on the ground, prompting a stand-up from ref Mario Yamasaki. Once back on his feet, Lawler drubs MacDonald with another punch on the temple and this time chases as MacDonald falls to the ground. MacDonald does well to tie up from underneath, so Lawler stands up and invites “Ares” to do the same. MacDonald is bloodied now, a splash of red staining the left side of his face as Lawler socks him again. This time, MacDonald catches a finger in the eye and needs a moment to recover. When they resume, Lawler walks straight forward and drops MacDonald with a huge uppercut on the chin. MacDonald throws up his legs for an armbar attempt, but Lawler shoves his legs aside and sets up in side control with 90 seconds left in the bout. Lawler pounds on MacDonald but leaves his arm hanging in guard too long, allowing MacDonald to try for an armbar which forces Lawler to stand. Now it’s MacDonald hitting a takedown with 10 seconds left and landing elbows as the bout ends.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lawler (29-28 Lawler)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lawler (29-28 Lawler)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Lawler (29-28 Lawler)
THE RESULT
Robbie Lawler def. Rory MacDonald via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00
CHAEL SONNEN
VS.
RASHAD EVANS
ROUND 1
Sonnen takes less than 10 seconds to shoot a double, defended by Evans with his back to the fence. Evans hits Sonnen’s ribs with a couple slaps before turning him around, and Sonnen reverses again just as quickly. The wrestlers trade positions on the cage rapidly, fighting inside and looking for opportunities to dirty box. Evans fires the first big shot with a right hand on Sonnen’s cheek, then wraps up the former middleweight contender and looks for a trip. Sonnen stays standing until midway through the round, when Evans succeeds with his takedown try. Left hands score for Evans on top, then short, stapling elbows which are partially deflected by Sonnen’s forearms. Evans lays a forearm across Sonnen’s throat to drop a big elbow, and now Sonnen goes to his knees. Evans smells blood and starts to unload, then steps into full mount with just over one minute remaining. Sonnen goes belly-down and Evans turns up the heat, prompting ref Herb Dean to tell Sonnen to fight back. Sonnen does not, so Dean calls an end to the fight after a few more heavy shots from “Suga.”
THE RESULT
Rashad Evans def. Chael Sonnen via TKO (Punches) R1 4:05
GEORGES ST. PIERRE
VS.
JOHNY HENDRICKS
ROUND 1
Referee Mario Yamasaki is the third man in the cage for tonight’s main event, with judges Sal D’Amato, Glenn Trowbridge and Tony Weeks scoring at cageside. St. Pierre ducks a punch and takes down Hendricks in the center of the cage in the first 15 seconds, then tries for a quick guillotine. Hendricks powers back to his feet and the wrestlers clinch with over-unders before Hendricks pushes the champion against the cage. They trade knees inside before being broken up by ref Yamasaki. Hendricks clips the shooting GSP with an uppercut, then keeps the punches coming as St. Pierre digs for a takedown against the fence. Hendricks switches to elbows, forcing St. Pierre to give up the shot. When the champion raises his head, he’s cut above the right eye from Hendrick’s hard elbow strikes. They separate and Hendricks catches St. Pierre shooting in again, this time with a step-in knee. The fighters clinch up and it’s the challenger scoring with knees inside. Hendricks slips a straight left, counters St. Pierre with a left hand and a leg kick.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
ROUND 2
Hendricks emerges from his corner for round two with a wide smile. St. Pierre tries to take the grin of his challenger’s face with a Superman punch, but Hendricks comes back harder and knocks a glob of spit from GSP’s mouth with a cracking left hand. Another left uppercut follows, and St. Pierre’s face is marked up now. The champion is stumbling and tries to wrap up with Hendricks, who loses his mouthpiece and a bit of momentum with it. He gets it right back as the fight resumes, drilling GSP with another left hand, then working knees to the thigh as he muscles the French Canadian against the fence. St. Pierre shoves him off and comes forward with a left hook, then a jab to Hendricks’ ample beard. Another jab connects for the champ, and another after he dodges a knee from Hendricks in the clinch. They tangle up in the pocket and Hendricks scores with a left on the temple. St. Pierre comes back with a jab, then a slapping head kick which draws an eye roll from Hendricks. They finish the round in the clinch, trading knees inside.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
ROUND 3
St. Pierre sticks a jab in the face of Hendricks, who gets one back with a knee to the body. Two more jabs connect for the champ, then a leg kick outside and an overhand left. Hendricks has a left hook go off GSP’s gloves and just misses with a murderous uppercut. St. Pierre goes to the body with a hook, then steps off and counters a Hendricks left hook with one of his own. Hendricks’ hands are dropping a bit now as he circles the outside, eating jab after jab from the champ. With less than one minute to go, Hendricks shoots a double-leg against the fence and pulls St. Pierre to the ground. Hendricks gets in a couple short hammer fists before St. Pierre explodes to his feet at the end of the period.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
ROUND 4
Hendricks comes out jabbing, but St. Pierre slips them and slaps the challenger with a hard inside leg kick. St. Pierre snaps back Hendricks’ head with a jab. Hendricks tries to clinch and load up on his right hand, but GSP slips and falls to the ground, pulling the American into his guard about 90 seconds into the first championship round. Hendricks lands a couple punches on top before standing and allowing St. Pierre to do the same. GSP has even more blood on the right side of his face now, streaming from a horizontal cut of a few inches on his cheek. Hendricks pops the champion with a jab, then a slow uppercut behind it. A right hook gets St. Pierre into range for a double-leg on the fence, but Hendricks stuffs it and turns him around. Now it’s Hendricks working for a single-leg which GSP sprawls on. St. Pierre pushes Hendricks on the cage, gets reversed, and again they trade knees in the clinch, this time with Hendricks getting the higher volume.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
ROUND 5
Hendricks tries to keep GSP on the outside, double- and triple-pumping his jab in the champ’s face, but St. Pierre grabs hold of a single-leg anyway. Hendricks defends by hopping on one leg clear across the fence, socking St. Pierre in the face with short punches as he does. St. Pierre releases the leg and gets bullied against the fence, where both men briefly attempt standing kimuras before separating. St. Pierre lands a kick to the challenger’s body and moves in behind to finish a takedown at the base of the cage with just over three minutes on the clock. Hendricks gets to a knee, then to his feet, and then reverses St. Pierre in the clinch on the fence. They trade positions two more time before ref Yamasaki splits them up. Hendricks steps in with a short right hook and dips out. St. Pierre shoots another single-leg on the fence with 65 seconds on the clock, but the shot is defended by Hendricks. GSP keeps after it, pulling Hendricks off the fence and completing the single, but the “Bigg Rigg” stands back up. St. Pierre goes for one last takedown and finishes the fight hunting for a kimura.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (48-47 Hendricks)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (48-47 Hendricks)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (48-47 Hendricks)
THE RESULT
Georges St. Pierre def. Johny Hendricks via Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) R5 5:00
VS.
GIAN VILLANTE
ROUND 1
The light heavyweights go straight to the clinch, where Villante pops Donovan with a couple quick uppercuts inside. Donovan separates and connects with a right hand, answered by a leg kick and another uppercut from the Strikeforce veteran. Donovan grazes Villante’s head with a right high kick, tries another and has it blocked. They tie up again and it’s Villante on the outside, muscling “Donnybrook” against the cage for a few seconds before releasing. Donovan is scoring with some uppercuts of his own now, mixing in overhand rights as he moves in and out on his relatively stationary opponent. Villante catches a body kick and shoves Donovan to the ground in the center of the cage with about 90 seconds to go. Donovan gets guard and throws up his legs, causing Villante to stand and allow him back up. Donovan connects with a jab and a hook, then squints and backs away after possibly receiving a finger in the eye just before time expires.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Donovan
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Donovan
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Donovan
ROUND 2
Villante comes forward and runs into a couple jabs before Donovan pushes off the cage and eats a left-handed counter. Donovan is sporting some damage around his right eye, the same one he was squinting at the end of the previous round. Donovan tries to repeat his right high kick from the opening round; this time, Villante is waiting and drops him with a counter right hook. Donovan falls to the ground and goes fetal, and Villante polishes him off with a few more punches before referee Kim Winslow steps in.
THE RESULT
Gian Villante def. Cody Donovan via TKO (Punches) R2 1:22
WILL CAMPUZANO
VS.
SERGIO PETTIS
ROUND 1
Campuzano takes 20 seconds to press in on Pettis and floor the young prospect with a double-leg takedown. Pettis immediately tries for a guillotine, can’t finish it but uses the choke to escape from underneath and get to his feet. Campuzano catches a body kick and sweeps the leg to put Pettis back on the canvas, then grabs hold of Pettis’ back when they scramble up. Campuzano has one hook in, with his right leg being fended off by Pettis. They hit the ground for a split second and pop back up, separating for Pettis to score with a couple quick leg kicks. Campuzano defends a throw with a whizzer, takes another chopping kick on his lead leg. The next leg kick and a pair of punches to the ace have Campuzano limping a bit and pawing at his nose. Pettis keeps picking away at the veteran as he walks Campuzano around the outside with a minute to go. Campuzano catches a leaping knee and takes down Pettis again, but he can’t do much with the position in the last few seconds.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Pettis
ROUND 2
Pettis goes back to chopping at Campuzano’s legs, and now Campuzano tries to return fire with a kick of his own. Campuzano shoots in and the speedy Pettis hops away to avoid the takedown. They clinch up in the center, and again Campuzano can’t keep hold of the quicker man. Now Campuzano over-commits on a combination and Pettis changes levels to hit his first takedown. Campuzano tries to drive forward and gets caught in a guillotine, but he twists free and extracts his head as he goes to his back. Pettis looks for an armbar from north-south position, then tries to take the back and winds up underneath Campuzano midway through the bout. Campuzano connects with a couple solid punches on top before Pettis is able to wrap him up and slow the pace. Campuzano stands up and comes crashing back down with more rugged punches. Pettis rolls to his knees and Campuzano tries to take back-control as they stand. Campuzano can’t sink his hooks and gets pulled to the ground, where Pettis passes to side control. Campuzano puts him back in guard, then kicks Pettis away and stands. Pettis catches Campuzano leaning and tags him with a knee to the face.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Pettis
ROUND 3
Pettis starts the final round by sticking jabs in Campuzano’s face and then going to the midsection with a right round kick. Campuzano comes in to clinch and gets caught in another power guillotine setup. It’s not deep this time, and Campuzano is able to pull his head loose and back away. He shoots back in and this time succeeds in putting Pettis on the ground. Pettis grabs for Campuzano’s arms as the Texan works from half-guard on the left side. Pettis gets a knee in and reestablishes guard, and the bantamweights continue to grind on the ground with 2:30 left on the clock. Pettis uses a butterfly guard to push away, then tries a triangle when Campuzano comes back down to the ground. Campuzano avoids this, stands and tries to come back down in full mount, but Pettis elevates him and shoves him away again. Back on their feet, Pettis lands a few quick kicks before stuffing a double-leg shot and spinning around to take Campuzano’s back. Campuzano gets away and begins bombing with punches as time runs out, but Pettis wraps him up and takes him down to finish the fight on top.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Campuzano (29-28 Pettis)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Campuzano (29-28 Pettis)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Campuzano (29-28 Pettis)
THE RESULT
Sergio Pettis def. Will Campuzano via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) R3 5:00
JASON HIGH
VS.
ANTHONY LAPSLEY
ROUND 1
Lapsley comes forward swinging and is immediately taken down by the wrestler. High postures up in half-guard while “The Recipe” tries to control the wrists from underneath. High pulls his hands free and steps into mount just 40 seconds into the bout. Lapsley turns over and gives up his back, allowing High to sink his hooks. High can’t get a rear-naked choke working, though, since Lapsley has both of his arms trapped. Lapsley powers back to his feet, only to be taken back down at the base of the fence. Still standing, High tries for a guillotine on his kneeling opponent, then pulls guard to squeeze the choke. Lapsley gets to his knees and escapes danger from the choke, though High’s still got him in a headlock. High spins to take the back and dumps Lapsley on his head with a suplex. High moves from back to full mount, then back mount again. High stands and pulls guard with another guillotine attempt, then rolls on top with 20 seconds left in the round. Lapsley frees his head and finishes the round mounted.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 High
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 High
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 High
ROUND 2
Lapsley gets wrapped up and rolls underneath before he can be taken down, trying for a heel hook. High gets his leg out and comes down to top position, quickly passing to full mount. Lapsley fights his hands off to avoid ground-and-pound, then rolls over to give up his back and allow High to put his hooks in. High tries to maneuver to full mount again and gets rolled to his back, with Lapsley in his guard. Lapsley throws a couple right hands to High’s ribs, a hard right to the cheek, but High is doing well to dodge damage. Two minutes left in the round and Lapsley sits up momentarily to drop a pair of hard right hands. Lapsley passes to half-guard on High’s right as ref Mario Yamasaki warns of an imminent stand-up. Lapsley tries for a kimura on High’s left arm, can’t get it and instead socks High in the face with an elbow. A few more elbow strikes from Lapsley close out the round.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lapsley
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lapsley
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-10
ROUND 3
High gets clipped by a left hook as he shoots in but nonetheless finishes the double-leg takedown near the base of the fence. Lapsley gets his legs up for an armbar but loses any chance as High stacks him up and passes to the side. Lapsley posts and gets a knee on the ground, but that’s where his progress stalls as High holds him in a headlock. High drops for another guillotine, can’t get it and switches to an omoplata as Lapsley comes out on top. Lapsley can’t extract his left arm, so he stands up and drops hard rights to High’s ribs. North-south position now as Lapsley regains his arm, and High scrambles to his feet. Lapsley drives forward for a takedown and is caught in another headlock. They stand and Lapsley gets a rear waistlock, so High rolls through and grabs at a heel hook. One minute left and Lapsley tries to jump on High’s back, but he slips off and High escapes out the back door to take top position. Lapsley throws desperate punches with both hands as High works to pass to side control and time runs out.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 High (29-27 High)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 High (29-27 High)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 High (30-28 High)
THE RESULT
Jason High def. Anthony Lapsley via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00
EDWIN FIGUEROA
VS.
ERIK PEREZ
ROUND 1
Perez feels out the range with kicks and gets clipped by a hard left hook-right straight combo. Perez circles to his left and throws a leg kick inside while Figueroa throws a left, and Perez’s kick collides with Figueroa’s cup. Figueroa kneels on the ground in the center of the Octagon for a few seconds before retreating to his corner to recover. After a minute, the bantamweights get back to action, and Perez lands another high leg kick inside before driving on a double-leg and taking down Figueroa against the fence. Figueroa posts and stands, so “Goyito” gives him a couple knees from the standing position before they separate. A push kick from Perez sends Figueroa to the ground for a second. Now it’s punching exchanges between the two, with Perez getting the better as he throws quick counters to Figueroa’s looping punches. Perez gets a takedown and loops his left arm around Figueroa’s neck as he tries to advance from side control. Figueroa bucks and rolls to scramble up, but he’s quickly taken down again right in front of Perez’s corner, where the round expires.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Perez
ROUND 2
A cracking right hook on the chin sends Figueroa to the canvas, but he’s quickly back on his feet, throwing bombs back at Perez. The Greg Jackson student walks Figueroa toward the fence, then shoots a double-leg, lifts him in the air and slams Figueroa to the ground. Figueroa gets to his knees, where Perez takes back control and drops hammer fists. Figueroa works back to his feet, then fends off another shot against the fence and separates, but not before eating a Perez elbow on the way out. Figueroa presses forward and swipes a hard right hook across Perez’s face. Another right hand catches Perez on the jaw before he shoots and completes another takedown near the middle of the cage. Perez rides out the final minute of the round on top, with occasional punches to Figueroa’s body.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Perez
ROUND 3
Figueroa spends the first minute of the final round creeping forward on Perez, but when “El Ferroz” unleashes punches, they’re wide and easily slipped by Perez. The bantamweights continue their give-and-take, now with Perez loading up on power punches and spinning kicks which whiff. After almost two minutes, Perez hits a takedown and leans right to left across Figueroa’s body, throwing right hands to the body while keeping control of Figueroa’s head with his left arm. Perez passes to north-south position and drops a hard knee to the body which makes Figueroa roll over and stand. It’s short-lived, as Perez shoots again and holds him against the fence. Inside the final minute and the bantamweights separate, allowing Perez lands a big right hand that sends Figueroa tilting. Figueroa stays vertical but doesn’t attack in the closing seconds, and this one is headed to the judges’ scorecards.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Perez (30-27 Perez)
THE RESULT
Erik Perez def. Edwin Figueroa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
BRIAN EBERSOLE
VS.
RICK STORY
ROUND 1
Story shoots and is stuffed by Ebersole, who backpedals as Story throws a thudding left hook to his body. Ebersole comes off the fence with a standing elbow, answered by Story with another sizzling body shot. Ebersole fakes a shot and then has to back up as Story throws another heavy body-head combination. An overhand left on the chin has Ebersole scrunching up his face. Ebersole looks hesitant to engage as he moves around the outside with a high guard, covering up as Story throws hands. Story hops away from a single-leg shot, stuffs a double and hits Ebersole with a body blow. With 70 seconds left, Ebersole finally commits to a combination, scoring with a right hook but eating a harder left. Story stands right in front of Ebersole and takes an outside leg kick to give him a three-punch combo in return. Story splits Ebersole’s guard with a right straight, then swipes him with a left hook on the cheek.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Story
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Story
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Story
ROUND 2
Story shoots for a single-leg takedown on the fence, switches to a double and puts Ebersole on his back. It doesn’t last long, as Ebersole powers back to his feet and resumes moving backward, away from Story’s powerful punches. Story mixes up his attacks with leg kicks and close-quarters elbows, denying a few clinch and takedown attempts from Ebersole along the way. Ebersole steps in to land another elbow, then fires off a jab in his face. Story keeps coming, though, stringing together combinations with left hands to the body and rights up top. With 30 seconds left in the round, Ebersole grabs hold of Story’s right leg and hops him toward the fence. Story frees his leg and reverses the position, then clubs Ebersole with a huge right hook. Ebersole stays up and catches an off-balance story with a left hook to score a knockdown of his own just before the horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Story
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Story
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Story
ROUND 3
Story snuffs out a shot from Ebersole and reverses direction to score a takedown, putting Ebersole on his back near the fence. Story stands and comes crashing back down with a big right hand, then backs out and allows Ebersole to his feet. Ebersole connects with a right hook, pulls up short with a pair of jabs behind it. Now it’s Ebersole standing up Story on a takedown attempt and circling away. Story takes a jab on the nose and returns fire with a thudding right hook on Ebersole’s cheek. Ebersole shoots a double-leg from way out and takes a right hook for his trouble. Ebersole is just eating power punches from Story and continuing to jab, and those punches have added up to some bleeding and swelling on Story’s left eye. Story walks Ebersole against the fence and kicks out the veteran’s right leg with a nasty shot to the thigh. Ebersole circles away, stepping gingerly on his injured leg and now looking to tie up. Ebersole pops Story with a short hook as they separate, then gets walked toward the fence again. Story attacks the injured leg with two more kicks and now Ebersole hits the deck. Story pounces and closes out the last few seconds of the bout on top.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Story (30-27 Story)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Story (30-27 Story)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Story (30-27 Story)
THE RESULT
Rick Story def. Brian Ebersole via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
ED HERMAN
VS.
THALES LEITES
ROUND 1
Herman lands a leg kick outside, gets caught off balance and trips to the ground, where Leites follows and presses in close from half-guard. Herman elevates him and Leites stands to drop a couple hard right hands on the face of “Short Fuse.” Leites comes back down and works to advance past Herman’s guard, eventually passing to side control on the right about two minutes into the fight. Herman rolls left and scrambles back to his feet, gets held against the fence and soon taken back to the floor. Herman surrenders his back, and Leites wastes no time sinking in both hooks and sitting down with his back against the fence. Herman gets to his knees and eats three or four thumping left hands before giving up his back again. Just before the round ends, Herman twists around and stands, finishing the frame with Leites pushing him against the cage.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Leites
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Leites
ROUND 2
Leites cracks Herman with a pair of hard left hooks, countered by a Herman jab and leg kick, before Leites puts the fight back on the fence with over-unders. Herman turns him around and scores with a standing elbow in close quarters. Leites reverses as the pace slows further, prompting ref Kim Winslow to call for action. Leites obliges with a trip takedown and sets up on top in Herman’s deep half-guard. Now it’s full mount for Leites, then back mount as Herman rolls over. They’re back in the position from round one, Leites seated with his back against the fence, and again Herman is able to peel Leites off and twist around. Leites sneaks around to take Herman’s back again with one minute remaining in the round. Herman gets off the fence and puts his back to the mat, leaving Leites once again on top in half-guard, and that’s where the round ends.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Leites
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Leites
ROUND 3
Herman gets in a couple good punches as the middleweights work in the clinch on the fence, but the shots slow as Leites takes the outside position and leans on him. Herman gets the outside again and pops Leites with an uppercut, then a left hand on the exit. They tie up and exchange positions on the fence; Herman grabs the fence to avoid a trip, but he’s scalded by ref Winslow and Leites is eventually able to complete the takedown. Leites passes to side control on Herman’s right with about 90 seconds left in the bout. Herman surrenders his back and gets rolled by Leites, who starts hunting for an arm triangle from the back. Herman traps Leites’ left arm long enough to fend off the arm-triangle and rear-naked choke attempts, so Leites goes back to the front and takes full mount just before the final horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leites (30-27 Leites)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Leites (30-27 Leites)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Leites (30-27 Leites)
THE RESULT
Thales Leites def. Ed Herman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
DONALD CERRONE
VS.
EVAN DUNHAM
ROUND 1
Dunham shoots an early double-leg and takes a knee from the sprawling Cerrone. The lightweights reset and Dunham takes another knee to the gut as he lunges ahead with a long left hand. The next reaching left from Dunham costs him, as Cerrone pulls his head down and drops him with another hard knee. Cerrone tries to pound out his injured opponent on the ground, but Dunham manages to put the “Cowboy” in half-guard near the fence. Dunham has a cut on the outside of his right eye, possibly on the eyelid, and another leak on his left eye. Dunham grabs for a leg from underneath and gets top position, where he’s forced to dodge a triangle choke from Cerrone, then an omoplata. Cerrone uses the latter to get on top and hold the kneeling Dunham in a headlock. They scramble up and Dunham takes the outside position with a body lock on the fence. Cerrone drills him with another knee, and the pair separates. Cerrone is attacking Dunham’s legs now, forcing the wrestler to move backward. Dunham won’t stop throwing his hands, though, and one right on the jaw has Cerrone looking wobbly for a split second. Meanwhile, the blood on Dunham’s face worsens as Cerrone continues to pump his jab.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Cerrone
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Cerrone
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Cerrone
ROUND 2
Cerrone continues to work on Dunham with knees and leg kicks when Dunham wades into striking range. Dunham, meanwhile, is able to touch Cerrone with sporadic punches, but they don’t appear to have much steam behind them. Dunham catches a knee, can’t do anything with it. Cerrone hops away, Dunham follows and hits the Cowboy with an uppercut. A straight right from Dunham snaps back the head of Cerrone, who drives a knee into Dunham’s chest and gets a takedown near the fence. Cerrone gets too high and Dunham slips out the back, but when Dunham takes top position, Cerrone instantly traps him in a triangle choke. Cerrone tightens the choke and pulls Dunham’s head down to the canvas to get the mount and the tap.
THE RESULT
Donald Cerrone def. Evan Dunham via Submission (Triangle Choke) R2 3:49
ALI BAGAUTINOV
VS.
TIM ELLIOTT
ROUND 1
Bagautinov circles to his left around the outside while Elliott walks after him with his chin stuck out and his hands by his waist. Bagautinov throws a couple heavy right hooks, dodged by Elliott, who continues to invite the Russian to punch him. Elliott wades in behind some awkward left hands, tries to tie up and gets shoved away. Bagautinov dazes Elliott with a knee and a punch, causing Elliott to grab for a single-leg, which Bagautinov steps out of. Elliott is showing redness from the strikes beneath his right eye as he keeps chasing Bagautinov around the cage. Bagautinov reverses momentum and puts Elliott on the floor with a quick takedown, but Elliott posts and stands immediately. Bagautinov is fending off Elliott with quicker punches, tries another single-leg and gets stood up against the fence. Elliott drops his hands and steps backward at the 10-second clapper, allowing Bagautinov to score with a pair of punches and a head kick before the horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
ROUND 2
The flyweights resume their chase from the opening round, with Elliott chasing the Russian around the outside and Bagautinov making him pay for slack defense with speedy hands. Elliott steps in with a knee and gets taken down, but the American pulls guard with a guillotine on his way down. Bagautinov tries to sit up, can’t peel Elliott’s hands away, so he lifts and slams his way out. Elliott takes advantage of the slam by powering forward and settling into Bagautinov’s open guard. Elliott works some ground-and-pound to the body and head until Bagautinov tries for an armbar, forcing Elliott to stand and escape. Bagautinov lands a right over the top, then an uppercut on the chin as Elliott continues to walk forward. Bagautinov hits a single-leg but Elliott scrambles out, then slips the follow-up ankle pick attempt. This time, it’s Elliott who gets the last work in the round with a short left hook.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Elliott
ROUND 3
Bagautinov sticks jabs in the face of the oncoming Elliott, then switches to right hands over the top. Elliott is finding his mark with jabs, too, but Bagautinov’s punches still look to be quicker and harder. After absorbing a few kicks to his lead leg, Bagautinov switches stances and begins scoring with his left hand. Elliott eats a left to the mush and counters with a snappy three-piece combo, one of his better offensive sequences of the bout. Ninety seconds left and the final round still seems up for grabs as Elliott tries and fails to clinch, but makes Bagautinov pay with punches inside. In the closing seconds, Bagautinov sticks a hard, straight right in Elliott’s face and follows with a left hook. Elliott gets the last word, though, with a whipping trip takedown to close out the fight.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov (30-27 Bagautinov)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov (30-27 Bagautinov)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Bagautinov (29-28 Bagautinov)
THE RESULT
Ali Bagautinov def. Tim Elliott via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) R3 5:00
JOSH KOSCHECK
VS.
TYRON WOODLEY
ROUND 1
Woodley hits Koscheck with an overhand right in the opening seconds, then repeats the feat and drops him to a knee at the base of the fence. Koscheck pops up and presses “T-Wood” against the cage, slowing the pace for the next minute while ref Herb Dean calls for the welterweights to work. About 90 seconds into the round, Dean breaks them up. Woodley takes a moment to work his way inside and land another right hand, then a hard leg kick. Koscheck gets off a right of his own that sends Woodley backing up to the other side of the cage. Koscheck steps in and gets drilled again with another vicious right hand, and Woodley pours on the punishment with some brutal ground-and-pound which Koscheck somehow survives. Woodley winds up on top in the closed guard of Koscheck, who is bleeding from beneath his right eye and lumped up on his forehead. Herb Dean issues a confusing stand-up order and the 170-pounders reset on the feet. Koscheck closes in on Woodley against the cage, and Woodley drops him one more time with a right hand on the temple. This time, Koscheck is done and ref Dean calls a halt to the bout.
THE RESULT
Tyron Woodley def. Josh Koscheck via KO (Punches) R1 4:38
ROBBIE LAWLER
VS.
RORY MACDONALD
ROUND 1
MacDonald inches forward on the southpaw Lawler, who keeps the rangier fighter at bay with front kicks in the opening minute. The Canadian makes Lawler miss on a power punch, slips out and lands a leg kick. Lots of clashing of high kicks and punches in the first half of the opening round, though both are getting through with low kicks as Lawler continues circling to his left. MacDonald sticks a hand in Lawler’s face, then sidesteps Lawler’s headhunting counters. Lawler goes for a high kick in the closing seconds, has the kick caught and zaps MacDonald with a pair of hard punches before the horn.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lawler
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lawler
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Lawler
ROUND 2
Lawler blocks a high kick and digs a right hand into MacDonald’s ribs, but MacDonald answers with a kick to the body and a straight right on the chin before circling out. A leg kick lands for MacDonald, who slips out of range before Lawler can counter with a haymaker left. Lawler blocks a right hand, takes a kick to the body and a right hook behind the ear. MacDonald comes in behind the last punch and plows Lawler to the ground at the base of the fence. After a period of inactivity on top, MacDonald explodes with some heavy elbows in the closing seconds of the frame.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
ROUND 3
Lawler stings MacDonald with an uppercut in the round’s opening exchange, but MacDonald recovers enough to drive forward and trip the veteran to the ground. The action slows on the ground, prompting a stand-up from ref Mario Yamasaki. Once back on his feet, Lawler drubs MacDonald with another punch on the temple and this time chases as MacDonald falls to the ground. MacDonald does well to tie up from underneath, so Lawler stands up and invites “Ares” to do the same. MacDonald is bloodied now, a splash of red staining the left side of his face as Lawler socks him again. This time, MacDonald catches a finger in the eye and needs a moment to recover. When they resume, Lawler walks straight forward and drops MacDonald with a huge uppercut on the chin. MacDonald throws up his legs for an armbar attempt, but Lawler shoves his legs aside and sets up in side control with 90 seconds left in the bout. Lawler pounds on MacDonald but leaves his arm hanging in guard too long, allowing MacDonald to try for an armbar which forces Lawler to stand. Now it’s MacDonald hitting a takedown with 10 seconds left and landing elbows as the bout ends.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lawler (29-28 Lawler)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Lawler (29-28 Lawler)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Lawler (29-28 Lawler)
THE RESULT
Robbie Lawler def. Rory MacDonald via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) R3 5:00
CHAEL SONNEN
VS.
RASHAD EVANS
ROUND 1
Sonnen takes less than 10 seconds to shoot a double, defended by Evans with his back to the fence. Evans hits Sonnen’s ribs with a couple slaps before turning him around, and Sonnen reverses again just as quickly. The wrestlers trade positions on the cage rapidly, fighting inside and looking for opportunities to dirty box. Evans fires the first big shot with a right hand on Sonnen’s cheek, then wraps up the former middleweight contender and looks for a trip. Sonnen stays standing until midway through the round, when Evans succeeds with his takedown try. Left hands score for Evans on top, then short, stapling elbows which are partially deflected by Sonnen’s forearms. Evans lays a forearm across Sonnen’s throat to drop a big elbow, and now Sonnen goes to his knees. Evans smells blood and starts to unload, then steps into full mount with just over one minute remaining. Sonnen goes belly-down and Evans turns up the heat, prompting ref Herb Dean to tell Sonnen to fight back. Sonnen does not, so Dean calls an end to the fight after a few more heavy shots from “Suga.”
THE RESULT
Rashad Evans def. Chael Sonnen via TKO (Punches) R1 4:05
GEORGES ST. PIERRE
VS.
JOHNY HENDRICKS
ROUND 1
Referee Mario Yamasaki is the third man in the cage for tonight’s main event, with judges Sal D’Amato, Glenn Trowbridge and Tony Weeks scoring at cageside. St. Pierre ducks a punch and takes down Hendricks in the center of the cage in the first 15 seconds, then tries for a quick guillotine. Hendricks powers back to his feet and the wrestlers clinch with over-unders before Hendricks pushes the champion against the cage. They trade knees inside before being broken up by ref Yamasaki. Hendricks clips the shooting GSP with an uppercut, then keeps the punches coming as St. Pierre digs for a takedown against the fence. Hendricks switches to elbows, forcing St. Pierre to give up the shot. When the champion raises his head, he’s cut above the right eye from Hendrick’s hard elbow strikes. They separate and Hendricks catches St. Pierre shooting in again, this time with a step-in knee. The fighters clinch up and it’s the challenger scoring with knees inside. Hendricks slips a straight left, counters St. Pierre with a left hand and a leg kick.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
ROUND 2
Hendricks emerges from his corner for round two with a wide smile. St. Pierre tries to take the grin of his challenger’s face with a Superman punch, but Hendricks comes back harder and knocks a glob of spit from GSP’s mouth with a cracking left hand. Another left uppercut follows, and St. Pierre’s face is marked up now. The champion is stumbling and tries to wrap up with Hendricks, who loses his mouthpiece and a bit of momentum with it. He gets it right back as the fight resumes, drilling GSP with another left hand, then working knees to the thigh as he muscles the French Canadian against the fence. St. Pierre shoves him off and comes forward with a left hook, then a jab to Hendricks’ ample beard. Another jab connects for the champ, and another after he dodges a knee from Hendricks in the clinch. They tangle up in the pocket and Hendricks scores with a left on the temple. St. Pierre comes back with a jab, then a slapping head kick which draws an eye roll from Hendricks. They finish the round in the clinch, trading knees inside.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
ROUND 3
St. Pierre sticks a jab in the face of Hendricks, who gets one back with a knee to the body. Two more jabs connect for the champ, then a leg kick outside and an overhand left. Hendricks has a left hook go off GSP’s gloves and just misses with a murderous uppercut. St. Pierre goes to the body with a hook, then steps off and counters a Hendricks left hook with one of his own. Hendricks’ hands are dropping a bit now as he circles the outside, eating jab after jab from the champ. With less than one minute to go, Hendricks shoots a double-leg against the fence and pulls St. Pierre to the ground. Hendricks gets in a couple short hammer fists before St. Pierre explodes to his feet at the end of the period.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
ROUND 4
Hendricks comes out jabbing, but St. Pierre slips them and slaps the challenger with a hard inside leg kick. St. Pierre snaps back Hendricks’ head with a jab. Hendricks tries to clinch and load up on his right hand, but GSP slips and falls to the ground, pulling the American into his guard about 90 seconds into the first championship round. Hendricks lands a couple punches on top before standing and allowing St. Pierre to do the same. GSP has even more blood on the right side of his face now, streaming from a horizontal cut of a few inches on his cheek. Hendricks pops the champion with a jab, then a slow uppercut behind it. A right hook gets St. Pierre into range for a double-leg on the fence, but Hendricks stuffs it and turns him around. Now it’s Hendricks working for a single-leg which GSP sprawls on. St. Pierre pushes Hendricks on the cage, gets reversed, and again they trade knees in the clinch, this time with Hendricks getting the higher volume.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Hendricks
ROUND 5
Hendricks tries to keep GSP on the outside, double- and triple-pumping his jab in the champ’s face, but St. Pierre grabs hold of a single-leg anyway. Hendricks defends by hopping on one leg clear across the fence, socking St. Pierre in the face with short punches as he does. St. Pierre releases the leg and gets bullied against the fence, where both men briefly attempt standing kimuras before separating. St. Pierre lands a kick to the challenger’s body and moves in behind to finish a takedown at the base of the cage with just over three minutes on the clock. Hendricks gets to a knee, then to his feet, and then reverses St. Pierre in the clinch on the fence. They trade positions two more time before ref Yamasaki splits them up. Hendricks steps in with a short right hook and dips out. St. Pierre shoots another single-leg on the fence with 65 seconds on the clock, but the shot is defended by Hendricks. GSP keeps after it, pulling Hendricks off the fence and completing the single, but the “Bigg Rigg” stands back up. St. Pierre goes for one last takedown and finishes the fight hunting for a kimura.
SHERDOG SCORES
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (48-47 Hendricks)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (48-47 Hendricks)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (48-47 Hendricks)
THE RESULT
Georges St. Pierre def. Johny Hendricks via Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) R5 5:00