UFC on FOX 6 Recap:

By Dustin Perie.

Odd start to the show, first with the panel not realizing the camera was on, then slight audio issues, commentary was in and out, and when it did come back it was Goldberg speaking to presumably his producers, asking if he needs to apologize for the audio issues, great stuff that boarder lined awkward.  But enough about technical issues, let’s get to the violence.

Featherweight Division:

Ricardo Lamas 12-2 (+160) vs. Erik Koch 13-1 (-175)

Hats off to Koch for the bad ass entrance music: Scooter – Fire, it’s very dated, but if you are interested in a trip back to the mid 90s, it’s a funky way to do it.

Round 1:

First round started off slow, both men showing off their great head kicks with not much being landed clean.  Lamas went for a single leg mid-way through the round, but somehow Koch found a way to stay vertical.  Lamas received a warning from John McCarthy about open hand strikes to the face.  Right near the end of the round Lamas scored a sloppy takedown which will likely score him the round.

According to me: 10-9 Lamas.

Round 2:

Lamas slipped going for a leg kick, Koch dove in, but found himself on his back.  With Lamas on top; some nasty shots were landed, Koch is stacked and his face is playing the part of pearl harbour.  Koch is opened up really bad, elbows rained down on Koch’s mug and Big John had seen enough.

Decision: Ricardo Lamas 13-2 Defeated Erik Koch 13-2 via TKO at 2:32 of the 2^nd round.

Lamas thanks hometown crowd and dedicated fight to his late grandfather.  Heart warming I suppose, but these guys really need to start using their mic time properly.

Lightweight Division:

Anthony “Showtime” Pettis 13-2 (-135) vs. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone 19-4, 1NC (+125)

Round 1:

Pettis and Cerrone came out swinging, you really get the impression these dudes don’t care for each other.  Showtime went for a silly cartwheel kick that almost cost him huge.  Cowboy countered with a knee that was very close to doing major damage.  Pettis smashed the torso of Cerrone with a series of body kicks.  After 4 or 5 of them Cowboy hits the mat, ate a couple punches on the ground until it was stopped.

Decision: Anthony “Showtime” Pettis 14-2 Defeated Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone 19-5 1NC via TKO at 2:35 of the 1^st round.

Pettis asks Dana what else does he need to do to earn a title shot, claimed that he was determined to show Cerrone that he’s not afraid of him.  He then mentioned that today is his birthday, and the bonus money would go a long way.  This is the first guy in a long time that “gets it”. You are given 30 seconds after each fight, instead of being a robot and thanking your sponsors, you need to promote yourself in this sport.    Pettis is an entertaining guy in his interviews, and fun to watch inside the octagon, that equals money in the UFC.

Light Heavyweight Division:

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson 32-10 (+295) vs. Glover Teixeira 19-2 (-325)

The +295 attached to Rampage is very sexy.  For my non betting friends, that means if you bet $100, you earn $295.  In other words, Rampage is the underdog, and as he should be, Glover is a dangerous dude, but essentially 3 to 1 odds?  Sign me up for Rampage… for a friendly bet.

Round 1:

This makes absolutely no sense, but Rampage seems to get faster with age.  That being said, Glover quickly took him down and gets Quinton’s back.  However not for long, Rampage confidently gets back to his feet.  Both men exchange bombs when they returned to standing position.  Rampage went for a double leg and ate an uppercut for his trouble.  Rampage looked to be in trouble late in the round.  He was dropped around the 50 second mark, found his way back to his feet, and was fighting for his life.  Luckily for Rampage he was saved by the horn as round one came to an end.

According to me:  10-9 Teixeira.

Round 2:

Glover earned a takedown very early into round 2.  Rampage in half guard got smashed with a few elbows, but again, Rampage somehow gets back up.  With both men back on their feet, significant shots seemed to be 2 to 1 for Teixeira.  For every shot Jackson hit, Glover hit two more.  Rampage was cut near his left eye, and appeared to make him mad more than anything.  Unfortunately for Rampage, and my fictitious bet, just like the end of the first Rampage is in trouble at the end of the second.

According to me: 20-18 Teixeira.

Round 3:

After the second round, Jackson’s corner must have told him he needs to knock Teixeira out, because he came out swinging.  Glover earns another takedown as the crowd boos.  I don’t think they are booing the takedown as much as I think they just really want to see a knockout.  Not like they haven’t seen enough already.  Rampage got nailed with a couple shot on the ground, but again worked his way up.  Both men traded punches until Teixeira made a lazy takedown that probably wouldn’t take my 12 year old nephew down.  Rampage is exhausted and is getting taken down at will.  Fight goes the distance, and I can’t imagine it’s not a clean sweep for Teixeira.

According to me: 30-27 Teixeira.

Decision: Glover Teixeira 20-2 Defeated Quinton “Rampage” Jackson 32-11 via unanimous decision.  30-27, 30-27, 29-28

Not exactly sure what fight that one judge was watching, but regardless, a dominant performance by Glover Teixeira.  Thankfully I did not actually put money on this fight.  And for the record, Chael Sonnen is fantastic on the panel, if I were Vince McMahon; I would be throwing a boat load of money at this guy to bring him into the entertainment business.

Flyweight Championship:

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson 16-2-1 (-220) vs. John “The Magician” Dodson 15-5 (+180)

I can’t believe that these guys are 30 pounds lighter than me and are absolutely jacked.  If I didn’t see it, I would say it’s impossible to have that much muscle and be only 125lbs.

Dodson enters the arena oddly dancing and wearing a Pop Rocks t-shirt, I’m not sure where that falls on the fashion scale, but it’s likely somewhere in between odd and interesting.

Round 1:

Needless to say, the speed of this fight is pure madness.  Mighty Mouse got jacked with a jab, but popped right back up.  Shortly thereafter, Johnson went for a head kick and got tossed to the mat with authority, Johnson however returned to his feet quickly.  Johnson scored a takedown but was unable to hold The Magician down for long.  Johnson certainly landed more strikes in the first round, but Dodson was fighting smarter.  Unfortunately for the Magician, intelligence and poise is not criteria the judges are looking for.

According to me: 10-9 Johnson.

Round 2:

Dodson landed some significant counters early into the 2^nd.  Once in the clinch, Johnson was able to score a takedown against the cage, but due to the speed of these two, the advantage did not last.  Dodson rocked Johnson to the ground with a swift counter.  Johnson quickly pops up, but gets nailed for a second time and hits the canvas.  Johnson shoots for a takedown likely to buy himself some time.  Johnson gets knocked down for the third time off a counter, but this dude will not quit, and it appears pain only fazes Johnson for milliseconds.  Dodson may be running low on gas, because after being knocked down four times in the round, Johnson regained the momentum.

According to me: Fight tied 19-19.

Round 3:

Johnson went for a takedown and ate a knee in the process.  Dodson looked to get hit below the belt, Big John called for time for Dodson to regain his composure and make sure everything is still intact.  After the restart Dodson just about ended it with a flying knee, Johnson was just able to get out of the way in time.  Johnson was finally able to take Dodson down after consistently being countered.  Dodson showed very good ground defence and was not on his back for long, both men stand up and the round ends.

According to me: 29-28 Johnson.

Round 4:

Now in championship rounds, Mighty Mouse still looks quicker than most MMA fighters do in round one, his speed is uncanny.  Using his speed Johnson takes down Dodson, on the way back up Dodson got a knee to the face while his hand was on the mat.  Technically it is illegal; but it is such a stupid rule.  Placing your finger on the mat shouldn’t save you from getting hit.  Doctors take a look at his eye that now is starting to swell but determine he is fit to continue.  The fight continues and they end up in a similar situation. Johnson has Dodson’s head and arm clinched.   Johnson is filling him in with knees essentially when Big John says it is ok.  Dodson is intermittently dropping his hand to the mat.  It is ridiculous that you have to wait for the referee’s approval before you can hit your opponent.  Just as Dodson breaks away the round ends.

According to me: 39-37 Johnson.

Round 5:

By my score Dodson needs a knockout or submission if he plans to leave Chicago UFC Flyweight Champion.  Johnson is right back on attack with a clinch into a takedown.  Pressed up against the cage, Dodson switches position and moves Johnson against the cage.  Some innovative offence from Johnson, while against the cage, he jumped up on Dodson knees, and started raining down elbows from the elevated position, Dodson quickly got away and regrouped.  Johnson regains the clinch and really starts hurting Dodson with knees and uppercuts.  How Dodson hasn’t been knocked out yet I’ll never know.  As the fight ends Johnson finished strong in the clinch with 199 significant strikes landed.

According to me: 49-46 Johnson.

Decision: Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson 17-2-1 Defeated John “The Magician” Dodson 15-6 via unanimous decision.  48-47,49-46, 48-47

Overall a solid offering from the UFC, although I’m a tad worried they are burning out their audience with weekly shows.  But if they keep doing entertaining shows like this, business should be steady.

After losing UFC 151 and Strikeforce: Melendez vs Healy, we almost lost UFC 153 as well. Although the card doesn’t have the same relevant fights as it did a month ago, we now have some very exciting matchups that can really be best described as “fun”, even if they have no impact on any division.  Let’s break down the insanity of an already broken down card.

Anderson Silva vs Stephan Bonnar

This fight has a lot of people really excited. Rightfully so, these two fighters have a history of exciting fights with spectacular outcomes, but before I cloud the matter with such misleading facts, let’s be clear about something: People aren’t excited about this fight in the same way they were excited for GSP vs Nick Diaz. The excitement people feel for this fight is really more akin to giddy sadism or the strange fascination we have watching wildebeest cross crocodile infested rivers on the Discovery Channel. Stephan Bonnar is one tough S.O.B. but is he ever out of his league. I believe his ability to absorb unnatural amounts of punishment will take this fight into later rounds but I will be shocked if Anderson Silva finds himself in any sort of danger at any point in this fight. Yes, this is MMA and anything can happen (just ask Matt Serra) but this is also the greatest man to ever fight in the sport and he will deliver that greatness by the fistful

Prediction: Silva by TKO

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs Dave Herman

You have to respect a guy like Nogueira. He is a legend of the sport, and if he retired tomorrow would have nothing but fond farewells from the MMA community. He’s a former champion in the two most prestigious promotions this sport has produced. Coming off a devastating loss to Frank Mir and nearly a year of inactivity, the last thing Big Nog needed to do was take a fight on short notice against a lower tier heavyweight on a two-fight losing streak but he stepped up when the UFC needed him the most. Dave Herman probably isn’t the caliber of fighter we would have seen Nogueira fight had he been matched up on more organic terms, but he is still a tough, durable fighter with heavy hands who may have the spryness of a young fighter to put them on the aging Brazilian. The more likely scenario is that Nogueira boxes his way inside Herman’s sloppy standup, takes him down and takes home a limb.

Prediction: Nogueira by submission

Glover Teixeira vs Fabio Maldonado

Since Jones took over the light heavyweight division, there have been few upcoming fighters that seem to pose a credible threat to him. Enter Glover Teixeira and his laundry list of first round finishes. Teixeira has generated more hype after submitting Kyle Kingsbury than even monster-Swede Alexander Gustafsson has in a 6-1 run through the same division. Fabio Maldonado has some great boxing as was on display when he fought Igor Pakrajac but I feel it simply will not be enough against the markedly more well-rounded Brazilian. Expect another brilliant, first-round finish.

Prediction: Teixeira by KO

Jon Fitch vs Erick Silva

Speaking of exciting Brazilian prospects, Erick Silva has been touted as the next big thing in the welterweight division has he has torn through four opponents in less than two rounds worth of cage time. Now we have seen Erick Silva fight a strong wrestler in Charlie Brenneman, but even the Spaniard’s smothering top game isn’t on the level of Jon Fitch. Some may call Fitch’s style boring, but the reality is, he has a tendency to make his opponents look amateurish at best and had he not been clipped inside of 15 seconds against Johny Hendricks, that fight might have gone very differently. I remain a believer that despite his string of bad luck, Fitch is a top fight welterweight and he will stifle the rise of another prospect on Saturday night.

Prediction: Fitch by UD

Phil Davis vs Wagner Prado

Here is a rematch of fight that last ended in a no-contest due to an early eye poke that left Prado unable to continue. Prior to that, Phil Davis was getting outclassed on the feet against a fighter with multiple knockout victories. Was this a slow start for Phil or just a bad game plan? It’s hard to tell given that we didn’t see what Prado’s ground game looked like. With that in mind, expect to see it on Saturday. I don’t see Phil playing rock-em sock-em with the Brazilian this time around and he’ll look to bring Prado to mat as soon as possible.

Prediction: Davis by UD

Demian Maia vs Rick Story

We haven’t seen much of Maia’s submission game over the last few years and for that reason, I find this fight harder to predict. If Maia was still the submission hungry fighter from his early UFC run, I would say it was safe to say this was a sub of the night forerunner, but instead we’ve seen a Demian Maia who fancies himself a kick boxer with his only finish since 2009 coming by way of a rib injury to Dong Hyun Kim when he fell on the Korean. Story his a resilient fighter if not the most technical, but his constant pressure has swayed judges before and it very well could again. The more likely scenario is that Maia uses Story’s cage-pressing tactics against him and announces himself as a submission contender in the 170 lb shark tank.

Prediction: Maia by submission

UFC 152 was an ever-pleasing mix of favorites and underdogs claiming victories in their respective bouts and even those who were supposed to run through their opponents had to work hard for their victory, dig deep and really find what it was meant for them to be a fighter. With the dust from the weekend starting to settle, let’s see where our victors and more notable losers will wind up in the coming months.

Jon Jones:

Jon Bones showed us again why he is the man with the belt as he persevered through a dangerous armbar early in the fight to find his rhythm and put Vitor through the works. With Dan Henderson tentatively slated to fight Lyoto Machida later this year and a potential injury to Jones’s arm that could leave him out of action for a few weeks or months (yet to be determined), it is most likely that we will see the winner of this bout take on the champion at a mid-2013 event.

Jones will fight the winner of Dan Henderson vs Lyoto Machida

Vitor Belfort:

Jones’ brilliance and unpredictability as allowed him, similarly to Anderson Silva, create such doubt in the mind of his opponent that in some ways, he’s already won before he even walks out to the cage. Despite looking largely outmatched on Saturday, Vitor also offered moments of aggressiveness that made Jones look almost human. Many of his contemporaries are finding themselves at the end of their careers and moving on to different chapters in their lives. Vitor has proven over the last couple years that he is still very capable of pulling the trigger and inflicting massive damage. On top of the fact that his foray into the light heavyweight division was solely for a title shot and came about as a courtesy to the UFC, I don’t think he will lose much ground in the middleweight division.

Belfort will fight Brian Stann

Demetrious Johnson:

As predicted by this writer, Mighty Mouse’s extraordinary work rate would win him the inaugural flyweight title. Predicting his next opponent should be interesting, in that the flyweight division is currently quite shallow, consisting of only 14 fighters. Still, that should be enough to create genuine challengers. The next notable flyweight fight comes on October 5 between TUF 14 bantamweight winner, John Dodson, and Jussier da Silva. Both of these fighters are extremely talented and may present the first flyweight number one contender.

Johnson will fight the winner of John Dodson vs Jussier da Silva

Joseph Benevidez:

As one of the top flyweights in the world coming off a loss to the now champion, Demetrious Johnson, it would probably make the most sense to see him fight another flyweight considered in the top five. Ian McCall also lost a closely contested fight to Demetrious Johnson and likely make the most sense for Benevidez’s next opponent.

Benevidez will fight Ian McCall

Michael Bisping:

Bisping’s complete game is the story of his victory over Brian Stann. He was better in the standup, he dominated on the ground and at the end of three rounds it looked like going two more would have been just another day in the gym. I think it’s fair to say Bisping has earned a step up in competition. There are two big middleweight fights happening at UFC 155 and it’s likely Bisping will claim the winner of one of them…

Bisping will fight the winner of Chris Weidman vs Tim Boetch

Matt Hamill:

Hamill’s return on Saturday wasn’t pretty, but given that he is coming off of a long hiatus and a two-fight losing streak, a win is a win. Hamill will obviously need some time to get back into fighting. It would also seem that Vinny Magalhaes was having a hard time getting back into the swing of things in his octagon return. I’d like to see these two match up in the future after their respective Saturday night wins.

Matt Hamill will fight Vinny Magalhaes

Cub Swanson:

Since losing his title to Jose Aldo, Cub Swanson has looked mediocre but in 2012 he has been storming his way back into contention. After brutally taking out a top featherweight prospect, he is one of very few featherweights not named Jose Aldo to hold a three-fight winning streak. With injury drama that has resulted in an unclear number one contender status between Eric Koch and Frankie Edgar, one other featherweight stands above the rest as a contender… the Korean Zombie, Chan-Sung Jung. Although his fight with Dustin Poirier was to determine who is next in line, we all know that this is little more a token offer and until your name is on the poster and the UFC Countdown production team are knocking at your door, it really doesn’t mean a whole heck of a lot.

Swanson fights Chan-Sung Jung

Jon Jones vs Vitor Belfort

Jon Jones is a very clear favorite to win this fight, and rightfully so. Given his accomplishments over the last year and a half against strikers, wrestlers and muggers, it’s hard to imagine there are any stylistic matchups left to threaten the champ. This is doubly so when considering his opponent is 10 years his senior. However, when you consider Jones’s toughest test to date has come at the lightning quick hands of Lyoto Machida, it is reasonable to think that Vitor, a boxer with a conceivably greater speed advantage, may have more of a chance than odds-makers are letting on. In addition to a certain striking advantage, Vitor Belfort probably has the best jiu-jitsu of any fighter Jones has faced since entering the UFC. That being said, I don’t think Belfort has the advantage in the grappling department and despite still being a very dangerous fighter, his chin isn’t what it used to be and he will be giving up a foot of reach and considerable mass on fight night. Despite having made a case for Vitor’s chances of success, I simply can’t envision him taking control of the fight before Jones takes his confidence away.
Prediction: Jon Jones by TKO in round 3

Joseph Benavidez vs Demetrious Johnson

Joseph Benavidez has long been touted as the uncrowned flyweight kingpin and on Saturday he’ll finally get his opportunity to live up to such accolades. This won’t be easy though and “Mighty Mouse” is no walk in the park for anyone and his ability to outwork opponents often leaves him with his hand raised, despite his original underdog status. Benavidez comes into this fight with real stopping power for flyweight, as demonstrated in his fight with Yasuhiro Urushitani and Johnson may find his chin tested in the early rounds of this fight. Ultimately, I think Johnson’s speed will keep him out of harm’s way for the first couple rounds and as the fight wears on, he will begin to pull away as he continues an unrivaled work rate.

Prediction: Demetrious Johnson by unanimous decision

Michael Bisping vs Brian Stann

Michael Bisping may very well be at the end of his rope with this fight, should he lose. He has a great record against a number of very tough opponents regardless of the outcome, he will undoubtedly fight on for years to come… but should he lose, at what cost? Bisping may find himself at the bottom of the pile if he loses to Brian Stann on Saturday and what makes this so interesting is the outcome really depends on which game plan he chooses to employ.  Bisping actually has very underrated grappling skills, despite hailing from a nation that has, traditionally, poor grappling skills. Given that Brian Stann is certainly no pushover on the ground (unless your name is Chael Sonnen), it is far and away, the weakest aspect of his game. If Bisping employs the same technical boxing game plan he has used against most of his recent opponents, I feel that he is gambling with his future. Brian Stann has proven an ability to put away both brawlers and technicians in absolutely brutal fashion. Stann will fearlessly go toe-to-toe with “The Count” and employ the counter punching that has made him so successful since coming down to middleweight.

Prediction: Brian Stann by TKO in round 2

Matt Hamill vs Roger Hollett

Matt “The Hammer” Hamill makes his return after a brief 17-month retirement and it will be interesting to see what shape he returns in to the octagon. If Matt aims to head-hunt as he has done in the past he may find himself getting beaten to the punch (no pun intended). Hamill, after re-evaluating his career will likely come back using the game plan that brought him success in his early days, take them down and pound them out.

Prediction: Matt Hamill by TKO in round 3

Cub Swanson vs Charles Oliveira

Cub Swanson has been a modest tear, cutting down George Roop and bringing the fight to a much larger Ross Pearson. Swanson may be small but he is scrappy and when he hits his stride he packs a hell of a wallop. I feel though he may find it harder to impose his game on Oliveira as Do Bronx has a rangy style that can be just as sporadic and unpredictable as Swanson’s. Furthermore, Cub’s commendable bottom game that served him so well against Pearson will likely count for nothing if he finds himself under Oliveira. With that in mind, I don’t foresee many areas that Oliveira will not be comfortable taking the fight.

Prediction: Oliveira by submission in round 2

Predictions by Farrell Tremblay

Published via MMAxposed and mm-eh.ca

Robert Thomas (168.8) vs Jeff Sharkey (170)

R1 – Sharkey lands a right hand and presses him against the cage. Thomas reverses and has Sharkey on the wall. They trade position a few times clinching against the cage. Thomas throws a string of high kicks and a couple get through. Sharkey lands a hard body kick of his own and follows with a take down. Sharkey has him in trouble after a flurry on the feet. Thomas finds his way back up and both guys continue to swing for the fences. Sharkey lands a huge right hand and drops him in the exchange. Very exciting round to kick off the card. 10-9 Sharkey

R2 – Both guys come out tentative. They trade strikes on the feet for the first half of the round with nothing too significant landing. Thomas connects with a right high kick, Sharkey counters with a left hand. Thomas seems to be landing the crisper strikes and is doing a good job utilizing his reach advantage. Sharkey lands a huge counter right hand, drops him and gains the mount! That last strike steals the round. 10-9 Sharkey

R3 – Chants of “Sharkey” fill the stadium before the round starts. He lands a few hard shots in the clinch, Thomas counters with a solid body kick. Thomas lands a high right kick and Sharkey counters with a taunt. Sharky then lands a solid take down nearly carrying him on his shoulders! Thomas gets back to his feet and lands an excellent body shot and then a flying knee. The round ends with Sharkey in trouble against the cage. 10-9 Thomas

Matt Marcone scores it 29-28 for Jeff Sharkey, judges call it 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28 for Jeff Sharkey by split decision.

Frank Marques (139.2) vs. Eric Montgomery (139.4)

R1 – The Hamilton crowd loves “Frank the Tank!” but Montgomery comes out of the gate with a double leg take down. He controls from the top spending much of the round in half guard. Montgomery lands a brutal right knee as Marques tries to get up. He is a bloody mess but defending well from the bottom. He gets back to his feet as the referee stops to check the cut. She has seen enough as Marques’ eye is nearly swollen shut.

Eric Montgomery wins via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) at 4:20 of round one, despite the fact the announcer first calls it for Marquez!

Adam Assenza (156) vs. Taylor Solomon (154.2)

R1 – Assenza tries a spinning wheel kick but misses. Solomon tries hard for the take down against the cage but is also unsuccessful. Solomon lands a flurry, rocking him and then follows with a slam. Assenza works his way back to the feet and lands a few shots of his own. Both guys are fighting at a furious pace. Solomon has him in the Muay-Thai clinch and lands some solid knees. The round ends with a slip and Adam Assenza take down. Close round 10-9 Solomon

R2 – Solomon is trying very hard for a take down but Assenza defends well. They clinch against the cage and Solomon gets on top, nearly swept in the process. Assenza gets back to his feet, only to be taken down again. Solomon works punches from the top, Assenza nearly gets the armbar but Solomon slips out of it. The round ends with Solomon on top landing small shots in guard.  10-9 Solomon

R3 – Assenza nearly puts him away with a slam and punches on the ground! Solomon gets back to his feet but is still in trouble. Assenza decides to try for the take down and gets it. He works with Solomon pressed against the cage. Both guys are giving it everything they have with Assenza getting the better of the exchanges. The round ends with another Assenza take down. 10-9 Assenza

Matt Marcone scores it 29-28 Taylor Solomon in a close fight, judges call it 29-28-28-29 and 29-28 for Adam Assenza!

Ryan Dickson (168.6) vs. Chris St. Jean (169.6)

R1 – The crowd gives Ryan Dickson a huge pop in the introductions! Dickson ducks under a punch and gets the first takedown and works to half guard. St. Jean gets up, but then taken down as Dickson gets his back. He lands a serious of vicious shots from there and finishes the fight.

Ryan Dickson wins via TKO strikes at 2:42 round one.

Jason Saggo (156) vs. Eric Attard (155.6)

R1 – Saggo gets the first take down but Attard gets back to his feet. Not much action until another Jason Saggo take down. Saggo quickly mounts and gets his back. He sinks in a rear-naked choke and makes no mistake.

Jason Saggo wins by submission (rear-naked choke) in round one.

Jason Meisel (155.8) vs. Kyle Prepolec (155.2): Broadcast live through the Score!

R1 – Prepolec presses Meisel against the cage, they separate. Both guys are swinging for the knockout. A crazy scramble ends up with Meisel on top. Prepolec reverses, gets up and lands some hard knees in the clinch. Meisel throws two left high kicks and Meisel retaliates. Very close round and a good one to debut on live TV with, 10-10

R2 – Meisel connects with a low right kick to the groin that stops the clock. Prepolec does not look comfortable and is taking his time. The doctor checks him out in the octagon to the love of the crowd! After the full five minutes, Prepolec gets up and is still in considerable pain but they continue. Prepolec gets a take down, passes to half guard and Meisel reverses and ends up on top. Prepolec locks in a triangle, Meisel slams him to defend but ultimately taps!

Kyle Prepolec wins by submission (triangle) at 3:50 round two.

Elias Theodorou (185.4) vs. Simon Marini (183.2)

R1 – Marini comes out to the old school HBK Shawn Michaels theme song. Bad-ass! Both fighters trade position against the cage with neither doing too much damage. Theodorou lands the first flurry while Marini is trapped on the wall. A punch briefly wobbles Theodorou after they separate. Close round that went back and forth, 10-10

R2 – Marini controls the centre of the octagon. They clinch and Theodorou forces him back to the cage. It looks like his strategy is to wear him out and use his superior cardio. After a while the referee separates them and this time Theodorou controls the centre. Neither fighter landing any significant strikes with Theodorou getting the nod for octagon control. 10-9 Theodorou

R3 – Theodorou throws a right hand and Marini counters with a left leg kick and then a straight right hand. Theodorou lands a high kick and then goes back to the fence. They trade positions until they are separated again. Marini lands a nice combination and becomes the aggressor. Close round, Elias landed more but Marini landed the harder shots, 10-9 Theodorou.

Matt Marcone calls it 30-28 Theodorou and all three judges score it 30-27 for Elias Theodorou

Tristan Johnson (145.2) vs. Rick Glenn (145.4)

R1 – Both guys are connecting early in the fight. Glenn connects with a few shots, a body kick and then gets the take down. He shoots for a heal hook but Johnson escapes and ends up on top. Johnson lands some hard rights standing over Glenn. A few more brief exchanges lead to the end of the round and a Tristan Johnson take down. 10-9 Johnson.

R2 – Glenn is having success with straight body kicks and then takes Johnson down. Glenn presses him against the cage, lands some strikes and passes to side control. Johnson scrambles and gets back to his feet. Glenn is turning up the heat with strikes and gets another take down. He lands some vicious elbows in guard, passes to full mount and finishes the fight with a barrage of punches.

Rick Glenn wins via TKO stoppage at 4:26 of round two.

Alex Ricci (156.8) vs. Jesse Ronson (155.4)

R1 – The crowd trades chants. Ronson connects with a left hand and then a left hook that staggers Ricci. He takes him to the mat and presses him against the cage. Ricci wall walks but Ronson drops him moments later! Ronson tries to finish but Ricci survives, Ronson takes the half guard. They stand up and Ronson lands a left high kick. All Ronson in round one, 10-8.

R2 – Ronson controls the centre of the octagon. He forces Ricci to the cage again and works hard for a double leg take down. Ricci defends well and lands a nice body kick after they separate. Ronson staggers Ricci with a devastating leg kick. Ricci connects with a hook in the last minute of the round that is giving him some confidence. They strike to the bell and it’s a 10-9 round for Ronson. Ricci needs to finish the fight in the third if he is to get his hand raised.

R3 – Ronson goes right back to using his wrestling against his opponent. He presses Ricci against the cage, they separate and Ronson ends up on top. Failed submission attempt from the bottom by Ricci; they stand up again. Ronson throws him into side control and opts to stand up and land shots with Ricci trapped on his back. Ricci gets back to his feet and pours it all into the final minute! He lands a flying knee, some strikes, but it’s ultimately another 10-9 round for Ronson.

Matt Marcone calls it 30-26 Ronson and the judges score it 30-27 Ronson.

John Fraser (135.4) vs. Josh Hill (134.8)

R1 – Hill gets the early take down and goes to work from the guard. He lands a couple short elbows and strikes to the head. Hill lands some solid shots with two minutes left in the round and is still in the same guard position. It looks like a prototypical Josh Hill fight, controlling position from the top, landing strikes and avoiding submissions. Fraser was never really on the offensive. 10-9 Hill

R2 – Hill lands another take down a minute into the round, picking up where he left off. He passes to half guard and continues to control the top position. Fraser gets up but Hill drags him down into side control. He then gains the mount but Fraser quickly gets it back to full guard. Hill lands four consecutive left punches to the head and once again passes to half guard. The second round looks much like the first, 10-9 Hill.

R3 – It’s deja vu to start the third round. Hill seems to be able to take the fight to the ground whenever he wants. He goes back to work from the guard, then half guard, then full mount. Fraser does a good job scrambling to bring it back to guard. Hill’s wrestling and submission defense was the difference in this fight, as fans start the “UFC” chant and he takes the third round and surely a 30-27 decision.

Matt Marcone scored the bout 30-27 Josh Hill and the judges agree.

Kudos to the Score Fighting Series for putting on a great live show!

With just two days to go before the Score Fighting Series’ fifth event in Ontario, we present episode seven of the MMAxposed podcast. We get a real heart to heart interview with Hector Lombard, who dropped a split decision to Tim Boetch in his UFC debut.

It was Lombard’s first loss in 25 fights and he opens up about the haters, his injury during training camp, and Dana White’s post-fight comments saying he should fight at welterweight. He also gives his thoughts on a new possible training destination, making it to the big show, and who he wants to fight next.

In what many are predicting could be fight of the night, Canadian striking sensations Jesse Ronson and Alex Ricci also join the podcast. They will be fighting each other at SFS5 in Hamilton on Saturday, August 25th and both sound desperate to get inside the octagon.

Ronson talks about his mentality going into his fight on July 28 knowing he couldn’t afford to get hurt, the intensity of his sparring sessions and the origins of his nickname. He also thinks a victory could possibly send him to the UFC’s stacked lightweight division.

Ricci talks about the fight with Ronson, competing on four of the five Score Fighting Series cards, and a UFC dream of his own.

Let us know what you think!

http://www.mediafire.com/?7vvyv79675cl7eq

(8:00) Jesse Ronson

(18:45) Alex Ricci

(27:30) Hector Lombard

Ontario pro fighters Jason Saggo and Eric Attard will be stepping into the cage this Saturday, August 25th at the Score Fighting Series to test their minds, strength and skills. MMAxposed could see this bout being the fight of the night between these two skilled lightweights. Saggo is a brown belt training under Paul Abel out of P.E.I. and Attard trains out of Modern Vision MMA in Welland, Ontario under coach Chris Bonfoco. Both of these guys bring a different element into the cage; Saggo being known for his strong ground game and Attard for his Muay Thai background and powerful leg kicks. They are both at a comparable level when it comes to fitness and strength. This fight could go either way but it is bound to be the epitome of what a MMA fight should be!

Have a look behind the scenes in their training leading up to this event. Hear what they have to say about each other and how they think this fight will end.

Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca for this event The Score Fighting Series: Hill Vs. Fraser Saturday August 25 2012

READY FOR WAR!!

It didn’t take long for Ronda Rousey to retain her bantamweight title in one of the most highly anticipated women’s bout in MMA history. Last night’s Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman saw the champion dispose of her opponent Sarah Kaufman in a familiar style via armbar submission at 0:54 of the first round. Kaufman (15-2), a former champion, came into the event on a three-fight winning streak but stood little chance against the Olympic bronze medalist. Rousey (6-0-0) has now won all of her six professional fights with a first round armbar. After the fight she called out former featherweight champ Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos, who is currently on a one-year suspension after testing positive for an anabolic steroid earlier this year, suggesting Cyborg “come down to 135 and let’s settle this.”

The co-main event featured Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza making quick work of Derek Brunson, knocking out the middleweight at 0:41 of the first round. Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker had indicated the winner of the Souza-Brunson bout may very well be next in line to face middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, and it seems likely Souza will get his rematch. The former champ lost the belt to Rockhold in a five round unanimous decision last fall.

Elsewhere, middleweight Anthony Smith finished Lumumba Sayers with a triangle choke at 3:52 of round one; welterweight Tarec Saffiedine defeated Roger Bowling by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), while light heavyweight Ovince St. Preux knocked out T.J. Cook at 0:20 of round three.

On the preliminary card, former bantamweight champ Miesha Tate was able to get a hold of an arm and submit Julie Kedzie at 3:28 of the third round. It was Tate’s first fight since losing the title to Rousey in early March. Others fights included middleweight Adlan Amagov stopping Keith Berry by TKO at 0:48 of the first round, lightweight Bobby Green winning a unanimous decision over Matt Ricehouse (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), and Germaine de Randamie defeating Hiroko Yamanaka by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a women’s featherweight bout.

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman Results

Main Card

Strikforce Women’s Bantamweight title bout

Ronda Rousey def. Sarah Kaufman via submission (armbar) – 0:54 of Round 1

Middleweight bout

Ronaldo Souza def. Derek Brunson via KO (punches) – 0:41 of Round 1

Welterweight bout

Tarec Saffiedine def. Roger Bowling via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Middleweight bout

Anthony Smith def. Lumumba Sayers via submission (triangle choke) – 3:52 of Round 1

Light Heavyweight bout

Ovince St. Preux def. T.J. Cook via KO (punch) – 0:20 of Round 3

Preliminary Card

Women’s Bantamweight bout

Miesha Tate def. Julie Kedzie via submission (armbar) – 3:28 of Round 3

Middleweight bout

Adlan Amagov def. Keith Berry via TKO (kick and punches) – 0:48 of Round 1

Women’s Featherweight bout

Germaine de Randamie def. Hiroko Yamanaka via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Lightweight bout

Bobby Green def. Matt Ricehouse via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)