UFC Fight Night 20 ***SPOILERS***

[Drooke]

pbp courtesy of mmajunkie.com

 

Enjoy the fights, everyone.

 

 

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NICK CATONE VS. JESSE FORBES

 

Round 1 - Catone lands an early combination, and Forbes returns fire. The fighters reset, and Catone ducks under a right and shoots. Forbes sprawls and is pushed into the cage. Forbes reverses the position and then pushes away to create distance at his corner's urging. Catone moves in with a right that misses but lands a left. Catone, though, has blood trickling from his nose. The fighters throw from distance though little lands. Catone, though, lands a counter right. Catone is now gushing blood from his nose, and he's breathing with a wide-open mouth. Forbes is backed up with a kick to the body, and Catone then moves in and clinches. Catone pops him with a right on the break. Catone shoots again, and Forbes easily sprawls. Catone lands a couple rights and then avoid a cross left from Forbes. Forbes lands a nice left jab as the back-and-forth affair continues. Forbes lands a couple nice shots, and one wobbles Catone briefly, and he then follows with a stiff left that delights the crowd. Catone fires off a body kick that misses its mark. Catone swings wildly and misses, shoots, but is stuffed. The fighters trade knees from the clinch, and Catone's lands directly to the cup. A timeout is called as Forbes quickly shakes it off. On the restart, the fighters exchange wildly, which allows Catone to get through two nice rights. A frantic exchange while Forbes holds onto a checked kick closes out the round. It's an action-packed round in which both fighters do damage, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Forbes.

 

Round 2 - Forbes lands the second part of a one-two, but Catone answers with a shot of his own. Catone fakes a shoot and just misses a knee to the head. Forbes lands another left jab but is slowed with Catone's kick to the legs. Catone with a front kick that's blocked, but he lands two nice rights before Forbes' left backs him up. Catone clinches, but Forbes puts him into the cage. After a knee to the gut, Catone returns with a series of the shots and then breaks off with a short uppercut that finds its mark. Catone, though, is again heavily bleeding from the nose. The pace slows until Catone sidesteps Forbes' charge and lands a left. Forbes shakes it off and takes the center of the cage, where he takes a kick to the body. The pace slows as both fighters labor for breath. Catone, though, quickly snaps out of the lull and chases Forbes with punches. Forbes locks him up, gets an underhook, and throws knees to the body. Catone returns fire and then lands a nice front kick when his opponent's back is against the cage. It's another competitive and close round, but MMAjunkie.com gives the edge to Catone, 10-9.

 

Round 3 - A nice round of applause from the half-full crowd gets the final frame started. The fighters trade in the center of the cage. Forbes bounces with confidence, but Catone shoots and finally gets his takedown, double-leg style. Working from inside full guard, Catone works punches to the head and body. Forbes goes his with his guard and looks for the triangle. Catone, though, snuffs it out. Forbes, though, pulls him tight to avoid damage, and the ref calls for an awfully quick standout that draws a chorus of boos. Catone lands a nice right after the restart, but Catone again shoots. What started as a double-leg takedown turns into a bumrush when Catone can't lock down the arms. Forbes lands on his knees and quickly gets back to his feet. Sloppy overhand rights land for both fighters, and Forbes' corner is now yelling for Forbes to shoot for his own takedown. Catone, though, shoots first. Forbes sprawls, and the fighters trade knees from the clinch. Forbes breaks out the clinch with a right forearm cross that glances Forbes' forehead. Catone shoots for a single leg, but Forbes again sprawls, and the fighters trade knees again. Few of the knees do any real damage from each fighter, and they break with 10 seconds to go. The fighters trade haymakers until the final horn sounds. It's a great final round for a hugely entertaining fight. MMAjunkie.com gives the final round edge to Catone, 10-9 (for the 29-28 win), though the decision could go either way. Nick Catone def. Jesse Forbes via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

 

GERALD HARRIS VS. JOHN SALTER

 

Round 1 - A touch of gloves gets the two welterweight newcomers started. Little action early as the fighters circle from crouched positions. Salter rears up first, but Harris sidesteps him. A lunging left knocks Salter's mouthpiece out, but the action is quickly restarted. Salter lands a nice combo, but Harris shakes it off. A very slow and deliberate pace to this one. Salter uncorks another combo, and Harris is forced to shoot. Salter stuffs it, and Harris is stuck on his knees and defending against a possible guillotine. Salter throws punches with Harris in the front headlock, and he then dips to his knees as well. Harris, though, gets back to his feet and delivers a knee to the body from the clinch to break free. The fighters take to the center of the cage before Harris lands a lunging right from distance. The fighters remain patient with the occasional punch from range, the crowd grows a bit restless. Salter lands a few punches and then charges in with a few more before Harris can back peddle away. Back to the center of the cage, Salter shoots for a single leg and tries to drag Harris to the mat. Harris, though, escapes and earns some applause. Salter lunges with a right that misses and take a deep breath. It's a fairly lackluster round that MMAjunkie.com scores 10-9 for Salter, the more aggressive of the two.

 

Round 2 - A slow pace to start the round quickly fades away with wild shots from both fighters. Nothing lands. Harris partially lands an overhand right from distance, but the fighters' stick-and-move style isn't translating to much excitement. Someone in the crowd yells for one of Harris' trademark slams. Salter charges in with some right uppercuts, but they sound like slaps more than punches. Harris, though, patiently circles away again. Salter, somehow bleeding from his nose, shoots for a single leg, but Harris overpowers him and takes him to the kneeling position and delivers punches to the body. Salter, though, has had enough and gets back to his feet. Harris starts to find his range and delivers some shots to the nose than now have Salter dripping blood. The pace slows again, but Harris sneaks in a right. Salter lunges in with a combo, Harris returns fire, and the duo is stopped by the horn. MMAjunkie.com scores a close round for Harris, 10-9, who ties it up.

 

Round 3 - Harris unloads a nice combo that rattles Salter, but Salter dips and scores the takedown to stop the assault. Harris works from his knees, but Salter tries to climb on with a possible inverted triangle. The move isn't wise, though, and Harris easily puts him on his back and works from full guard. Harris rains down a big right and then fakes a few additional shots that draw boos from the crowd. Harris throws big elbows now that just miss, and the crowd is screaming with either boos or cheers at the unusual display. The ref soon calls for a restart with three minutes to go. The fighters again take the center of the cage. Harris shoots for a double leg and the fighters then fight for position on the ground. Harris eventually takes the top position and works form half guard and delivers elbow strikes to the head as Salter turtles up. Harris unloads additional punches and elbows with increasing frequency until the ref calls a halt to the bout. It may be an early stoppage since Salter seemed to be intelligently defending himself. Gerald Harris def. John Salter via TKO (strikes) - Round 3, 3:24.

 

KYLE BRADLEY VS. RAFAEL DOS ANJOS

 

Round 1 - The fighters throw but land little early. Bradley lands some low kicks, but Dos Anjos checks a right. Dos Anjos charges in but lands nothing, and Bradley backs him up with a leg kick. Dos Anjos misses with a head kicks that draws ohhhs, but Bradley quickly reapplies the pressure with low kicks. Bradley goes to the belly with a punch and then eats a counter-shot to the grill. Dos Anjos stuns Bradley with a couple punches to the head, but Bradley retreats. After re-engaging, Bradley takes a cup shot. However, he needs minimal time before the restart. Dos Anjos checks a big body kick and puts Bradley on his back and then works ground and pound from inside full guard. Bradley tries to keep him close, but Dos Anjos sneaks through a few elbows and punches to the head and body. A couple big rights land flush, and Bradley is forced to pull him close. Dos Anjos pulls Bradley into the cage and continues raining down punches from the top position. Bradley stalls the action by pulling him close and then backdoors his way out to get back to his feet. Dos Anjos fires first with a nice body kick, but Bradley shakes it off. Dos Anjos wings a wild right that somehow connects and just misses with a pair of cross hooks. Dos Anjos lands a nice front kick and then wobbles Bradley with a big left just as the horn sounds. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Dos Anjos.

 

Round 2 - Bradley lands an inside leg kick but Bradley braced nicely for it. Bradley just misses on a left uppercut as Dos Anjos charges in, but Bradley uses a right to connect on the next time. Both fighters are maintaining frantic pace. Dos Anjos shoots and puts Bradley against the cage and remains persistent to drag him to the mat. Dos Anjos works from side control and looks to control Bradley's hands. He looks for a kimura before settling on some forearm shots to the face. Dos Anjos moves into the north-south position (and amuses a rowdy crowd) before grabbing an arm again to work the kimura. Bradley throws a knee to the head and is warned not to do it. Dos Anjos secures the arm, but Bradley managed to roll free and escape to his feet while seemingly on the brink of defeat. The fighters trade heavy blows in the center of the cage, and Bradley looks briefly stunned before he's again dragged to the mat. Dos Anjos works from half guard and delivers forearms to the face and big punches to the head. The punches connect in dozens before Bradley pulls his opponent into full guard. Dos Anjos, though, continues the assault. Bradley looks for an arm but gives it up after taking numerous shots to the face. Dos Anjos postures up and rains down more blows before the round comes to a close. It's all Dos Anjos, who takes the round 10-9.

 

Round 3 - Both fighters appear fresh for the final frame, and Dos Anjos charges in first. He scoops down and then picks up and slams Bradley to the mat. With his opponent pinned against the cage, Dos Anjos throws additional punches to the head and frees a leg in the process. Bradley is trapped against the fence and can do little but pull Dos Anjos back into full guard. Dos Anjos escapes to side control and delivers punches as Bradley tries to defend. The punches continue, but Bradley rolls free and now stands over his downed opponent. Bradley thinks about diving in but throws leg kicks before finally allowing Dos Anjos to stand. Dos Anjos fires off low kicks and then shoots. Bradley sprawls and is pressed against the cage, but Dos Anjos continues working for the takedown. Bradley sprawls hoping to avoid the takedown, but Dos Anjos scoops him and slams him back to the canvas with a minute to go. Working from full guard, Dos Anjos delivers short forearm strikes before posturing up for big blows to the head and body. Bradley secures one arm but gives it up as Dos Anjos lands more shots and then hops into mount just as the final horn sounds. MMAjunkie.com scores the round, 10-9, for Dos Anjos, who should take the unanimous decision. Rafael Dos Anjos def. Kyle Bradley via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

 

MIKE GUYMON VS. RORY MACDONALD

 

Round 1 - Guymon quickly clinches and puts MacDonald against the cage, but the youngster quickly puts Guymon on his back. MacDonald works from inside guard, but Guymon ties him up and avoids most shots. MacDonald frees a leg and then loves into side control, but Guymon quickly fulls him back into full guard. Guymon delivers some sharp elbows from his back, but MacDonald again moves to side control. Guymon rolls over and gives up his back and works his way back to his feet. MacDonald initially clings to him but eventually breaks free to allow the restart. Guymon ducks under a punch and again shoots, but he's stuffed and can't get the trip takedown either. The fighters separate and start again, and MacDonald lands a nice shot to the stomach and then a right to the face. Guymon counters and appeared to wobble MacDonald. However, right before rushing in, he realized MacDonald has quickly recovered and backs off. On the next takedown attempt, though, Guymon is put on his back, and MacDonald moves into side control. The two KOTC vets jockey for position, but MacDonald gets the better of it with short punches. MacDonald looks for the crucifix position but instead focuses on Guymon's left arm. He finally secures it, extends it, rolls to his back and forces the tapout via armbar. Rory MacDonald def. Mike "Joker" Guymon via submission (armbar) - Round 1, 4:27.

 

NIK LENTZ VS. THIAGO TAVARES

 

Round 1 - Lentz strikes first with a low kick and then just misses with a head kick. Lentz shoots from across the cage and puts Tavares against the fence. Lentz tries to drag him to the mat, but Tavares fends it off. However, on the next exchange, Lentz catches a kick and quickly puts his opponent on the canvas. Working from half guard, Lentz rains down hammerfists to the head. Tavares, though, sees an opening and pushes free to get back to his feet. Lentz fires off a variety of punches to set up the takedown, but Tavares easily defends and then sprawls on the next wild shoot. Tavares lands a nice combo after the reset, but Lentz again throws a smorgasbord of strikes to set up the takedown. Tavares, though, wisely locks in a guillotine, and Lentz nearly goes out before he leaves his feet. But just as he hits the canvas, Lentz's head pops free and he quickly gets back to his feet. The effort earns a nice round of applause from the now-full crowd. Tavares works low kicks and then uses a right to set up his own takedown attempt. He can't do anything with the single leg, though, and Lentz looks for his own guillotine before the ref calls for a restart. The fighters trade body kicks, but Tavares shakes off a takedown and delivers a high kick on the break. It's a very close round, but Tavares' nearly successful guillotine earns him a 10-9 score on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.

 

Round 2 - Lentz fires first with a nice leg kick and then follows with another before Tavares sprawls free of the takedown attempt. Tavares land a kick of his own and then sprawls to avoid another takedown. Lentz makes him pay with a right hand on the break. Tavares delivers body kicks, but Lentz answers with the biggest of all and immediately looks for the takedown. Tavares defends and tags Lentz with a nice right. In the clinch, Lentz lands a knee to the body and unloads a nice combo of punches as Tavares tries to corral him. The fighters tentatively trade punches in the center of the cage before Tavares finds his range and unloads a nice right-left combo. Lentz's once-frantic pace has finally slowed a bit, but he gets a breather when Tavares connects on an accidental blow to the junk. After the restart, the fighters trade kicks and then clinch, but Tavares lands a body kick on the break. Lentz goes low with a kick, but Tavares returns fire to knock him briefly off balance. Tavares partially connects on an overhand right but takes a low kick. Tavares gets through another right and then wrestles Lentz to the mat. Tavares works from full guard as he pushes Lentz into the cage. Lentz goes high with his guard and avoids all but a few short hammerfists before the horn sounds. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Tavares.

 

Round 3 - Lentz scores early with a jab, but his low kick is countered with Tavares' stiff kick to the ribs. The fighters trade low kicks, and Tavares works his hands. A right jab lands, but Tavares then fires off a low blow that catches Lentz flush in the family jewels. It makes a sickening thud as the youngster falls to the mat in the fetal position. Tavares is deducted a point for the serious blow. A few minutes in, and Lentz is still writhing on the mat in obviously agonizing pain. Cageside officials confer with Lentz, who eventually gets back to his feet and amazingly says he can continue. The fighters trade wildly on the restart, and Lentz has a steady stream of blood coming from his nose. Tavares senses a hurt opponent and immediately stalks and unleashes big shots. From the clinch, Lentz lands a low kick before breaking away to create distance. The fighters trade jabs before Lentz shoots and muscles his way to a takedown. Tavares, though, quickly pops back up to his feet. Lentz checks a kick to the ribs but eats a left jab. Tavares goes high with a kick that Lentz checks. Lentz goes low with a kick, but he's running out of steam. Tavares throws some overhand rights, but it's Lentz's short uppercuts that land from close distance. Lentz continues firing shots despite a lack of energy, and Tavares clinches to deliver knees to the midsection and a couple big punches after the break. Tavares may have him hurt, but Lentz quickly bounces off the cage and pushes forward with a barrage of punches. He then clinches with Tavares and lands a cross right that briefly sends Tavares to a knee before the round ends. It's a crazy final round that MMAjunkie.com scores 10-9 for Lentz, and with the point deduction, it's a 10-8 round that makes it an overall 28-28 score on the MMAjunkie.com card. Thiago Tavares vs. Nick Lentz declared majority draw (28-28, 28-28, 29-27).

 

 

[Drooke]

JESSE LENNOX VS. RICK STORY

 

Round 1 - After a heated weigh-in staredown, the two welterweights get started. Lennox swings wildly and misses, but the fighters collide and each lands a nice shot in the center of the cage. The fighters again collide with a quick burst of shots before separating. Story lands a nice punch to the ribs. Each fighter is now throwing the sporadic shot, but little lands. Story goes high and partially connects on a high kick, but Lennox counters with a right hand. Story lands a nice jab but then ducks into a kick that Lennox lands to the chest. The fighters trade more shots in the center of the cage, but Story remains the aggressor. Lennox lands a nice overhand right on the next exchange. The fighters clinch and fight for position, but Lennox controls the wrists backs out and takes the center of the cage. Lennox looks for the takedown and tries to drag Story to the mat, but fends it off. Lennox instead pushes him into the cage, but Story breaks the hold with a forearm strike that partially connects. Lennox fires off a couple low kicks, but Story lands a nice shot to the stomach and then head before the round ends. It's a competitive and close first round, but MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Story.

 

Round 2 - Story strikes first with a right, and the fighters then trade big blows from distance. Neither seems bothered, and Story shoots and puts his opponent into the cage. Lennox is then taken to the mat, and Story presses him into the fence. Lennox looks for an arm, but Story moves into side control. Lennox tries to roll free, but Story muscles him back to the canvas and works from inside full guard. Lennox goes high with his guard and looks for the triangle, and Story's had enough and calls for the restart from the standing position. Lennox throws a combo but can't get close enough to his opponent, and Story throws a left and eats a low kick to the knee. Lennox lands a nice body kick as Story dips into it and then connects on a stiff right. Lennox's face, though, is starting to swell and bleed pretty badly. Story grazes him with a left and then a right. Story catches a kick and then throws a right punch before letting go. Story closes out the round with a combo, though Lennox largely avoids the shots. Still, MMAjunkie.com gives the round to Story, 10-9.

 

Round 3 - The fighters again open by trading punches, and Lennox gets through a nice right. He then dips, secures Story's legs and screams in delight as he slams him to the mat. Lennox immediately looks for an arm while in side control, but Story rolls to his knees. He stands even as Lennox clings to his back, and Story flings himself backward to send his opponent into the mat. Once there, Story takes a dominant top position and locks in a headlock from sitting side control. Story unloads punches from the headlock position and then delivers elbows to the head and side. Story then grabs an arm and looks for the keylock, but Lennox escapes to his feet. Story remains the aggressor standing and then uses punches to set up a slick takedown. Story postures up to rain down punches and makes Lennox's face even more of a bloody mess. But when Story postures up again, Lennox locks in the triangle choke with a minute to go. He looks like he's got it, but after 20 seconds, Story escapes and gets back to his feet. Lennox looks spent but keeps swinging. The fighters swing wildly with kicks and punches as the final frame comes to a close. It's a solid fight, but MMAjunkie.com again gives the round to Story, 10-9. Rick Story def. Jesse Lennox via split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29).

 

CHRIS LEBEN VS. JAY SILVA

 

Round 1 - A surprisingly huge ovation greets Leben, who's the clear fan favorite in this one. Leben misses wildly with his first shot, and Silva pops him a jab. Silva then leaps high for a flying knee, but Leben stuffs it and catches his opponent, and then takes the fight to the mat. Leben moves into the mount position while against the cage and then rains down a barrage of punches. Silva quickly gives up his back, Leben continues the assault, locks in his hooks and rolls to his back looking for the rear-naked choke. Silva continues eating punches until Leben locks on the choke. It's not there, so he continues throwing more punches. Leben works the choke again, and Silva looks like a deer in headlights. Leben can't get the choke secured, but he keeps his body lock and finally slide his arm under Silva's chin. Silva, though, is effective in defending against the choke. Leben remains patient and applies pressure for another minute, but Silva won't tap. Leben unhooks the choke to reset, and Silva tries to scramble free. Leben clings to him and delivers more punches from behind. Leben again breaks the choke while assessing the situation as a minute remains. Leben unloads more punches, but he can't get the choke and instead focused on torquing the body lock. Silva, though, finally escapes, gets to his feet and delivers a body kick just as the round sounds. It's a clear 10-9 round for Leben, but he's got to be frustrated he couldn't end it.

 

Round 2 - Silva lands an early jab, and Leben circles away before landing a low kick. Leben avoids a wild combo and then delivers a nice knee to the body. Leben fakes a right and misses with a big overhand left. Silva makes him pay with a straight punch to the head. Leben gets underhooks and scores the drag takedown, and he works from half guard with Silva again pressed against the cage. Leben works some short elbows and then punches, and Silva tries to use the cage to get back to his feet. The pace slows as Silva ties up his opponent. Leben now works from full guard and delivers punches to the midsection and then postures up for a right hand to the face. He follows with more punches until Silva can pull him close. Leben moves into side control and throws more punches and looks for mount once again. With Silva pressed against the cage, it's not easy, but Leben eventually gets it. Silva tries to escape, and Leben again takes his back and works the rear-naked choke. He still can't get it, so he maintains the body lock and throws punches from behind. Leben continues the onslaught until the round comes to a close. It's all Leben again, who takes it 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.

 

Round 3 - A touch of gloves gets the final round started. The fighters trade ineffective kicks until Silva lands a couple solid punches. Leben gets underhooks and again looks for the takedown but settles for patented footstomps when he can't get it. The crowd cheers the shots. The ref, though, finally calls for a break. The middleweights swing wildly, and Silva ahain lands a nice punch. Leben, though, stuns him with a counter shot. Leben closes the distance and delivers a knee to the belly and then works footstomps again. The fighters trade knees from the clinch, and Silva lands a nice right forearm to the mouth. The fighters break, and Silva sidesteps Leben's quick flurry. The sluggers again clinch against the cage, but neither can do anything with the position. Silva shoots and can't get it and falls to his knees. Leben rolls him over on his back and works from the top in half guard. Silva looks for an arm from below, but Leben makes him pay with punches. A minute to go, and Leben again looks for the mount. Silva, though, secures a leg, and Leben instead delivers punches and elbows from his dominant position. The barrage continues until the final horn. It's another clear-cut round for Leben, who dominated the three-round fight to the joy of the crowd. Chris Leben def. Jay Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

 

[Drooke]

The Main Card PBP is brought to you by www.cagepotato.com a quite entertaining site

 

...and we're on the air. Looks like both Goldberg and Rogan are going with the Johnny Cash look tonight. Somebody's going to have to change before they hit the club after this, otherwise they're going to look like idiots. That would be a new experience for at least one of them.

 

Amir Sadollah vs. Brad Blackburn

 

A quick look at the crowd reveals one old guy in a suit who is waaaay out of the UFC's target demographic, and one guy doing the Arsenio Hall fist-pump who is waaaay too typical of it.

 

Round 1

 

Right off the bat we seem to be getting the kickboxing match that Blackburn promised us. Both guys are staying busy, but it?s Sadollah who lands the first big shot of the fight ? a hard right hand that pushes Blackburn backwards. In Forrest Griffin fashion, Sadollah is finishing almost every combo with a leg kick, and doing so very effectively at the moment. Sadollah looks to be cut under his right eye, but there?s some blood on Blackburn?s face as well. Things are pretty even, but then a big shot from Sadollah wobbles Blackburn. Sadollah pushes forward and lands a hard elbow, then takes Blackburn down to ensure that the first round is his. Blackburn quickly recovers open guard and then gets back to his feet before the round ends.

 

Round 2

 

Rogan says Blackburn is mixing up his attack more in the second round, and he says this fifteen seconds in to the round. Looks like both guys are feeling the effects of a busy first round, because much more of the action is taking place in the clinch so far. Blackburn counters a Sadollah leg kick with right hand and puts the TUF winner on his ass. A hard left elbow in close by Sadollah. Blackburn responds with a looping right a few moments later. Blackburn gets wobbled just a little bit in the final ten seconds, and in a round this close it might have cost him.

 

Round 3

 

Sadollah hurts Blackburn with a big knee in the opening seconds of the round, and once again he takes Blackburn down instead of continuing the assault on the feet. Blackburn does a good job of defending off his back and keeping Sadollah from mounting him. Blackburn tries to kick him away and get up, but instead eats a right hand and lets Sadollah get to half-guard, where he works some elbows in tight. Sadollah very briefly gets the mount in the last ten seconds and then finishes with a flurry. This is Sadollah?s decision all the way, but of course we have to wait through another commercial break just to find out what we already know.

 

Amir Sadollah def. Brad Blackburn via unanimous decision.

 

Sadollah mumbles through his post-fight interview, ala Ricky Bobby. You can't tell Mike Goldberg that Amir and Forrest Griffin weren't separated at birth. Seriously, you can't do it. If you even try he sticks his fingers in his ears, crawls under the nearest piece of furniture, and screams until you leave the room. It's really not worth the effort.

 

Rogan talks with Randy Couture about his upcoming bout with Mark Coleman, claiming that the winner could be in line for a 205-pound title shot. Wait, seriously? You win two straight in that division and it's like the roll out the red carpet for you.

 

Oh God, if I have to see that Magic Johnson Rent-a-Center commercial one more time...wait a minute. The more I see it, the more similarities I see between Magic and Tracy Jordan. It's almost creepy. Great, now I can't stop thinking about it.

 

Aaron Simpson vs. Tom Lawlor

 

Round 1

 

Lawlor comes right out swinging leather and Simpson seems like he?d rather have this in the clinch, where a wrestler can breathe. Lawlor stings him with an uppercut and Simpson is hurt. His legs turn a little rubbery and Lawlor pours it on. Simpson is taking some huge shots, and while his equilibrium seems shot, he?s hanging in there. Lawlor mayhave worn himself down trying to finish Simpson, because his pace has slowed noticeably in the final two minutes. Simpson, who looked like he was headed for a nap, may actually survive this round. Without a doubt, Lawlor is up one round to none, but Simpson has to be glad just to be standing.

 

Round 2

 

Simpson wisely looks for a takedown fairly early in the second, and Lawlor responds by threatening with a guillotine before being put down. Lawlor doesn?t stay down long before getting back to his feet and then staggering Simpson with a looping right that may have caught him behind the ear. They go back to the clinch and Lawlor looks for a standing guillotine, but can?t finish it. Simpson lands a couple hard shots in the last minute, backing Lawlor up, and he finishes on top inside another guillotine, but may have stolen the round with help from a fickle judge or two.

 

Round 3

 

Simpson comes out looking for a fight-ending punch, but Lawlor stays out of range and counters with a couple of stinging counters. With that strategy failed, Simpson goes back to looking for the takedown. He scoops Lawlor up for a big slam, but can?t keep him down. Lawlor then puts Simpson down, though Simpson is getting the better of the scramble, perhaps due to superior conditioning. Lawlor is just surviving now, with Simpson the much fresher fighter. They get back to the clinch and Lawlor is just leaning on Simpson. A brief punching exchange in the final ten seconds and Lawlor lands a hard left, but doesn?t follow up. If Lawlor took the first round 10-8, which he really should have, we could actually be looking at a draw here. Regardless, one hell of a scrap. These boys could be looking at a bonus.

 

Aaron Simpson def. Tom Lawlor via split decision.

 

The crowd doesn't like the call, but Rogan points out that Simpson doesn't deserve the boos for fighting his heart out. At the same time, how you don't give Lawlor a 10-8 first round? What does a guy have to do to get a 10-8? Does anyone even know?

 

Rogan takes a minute to interview the guys from new Spike series "Blue Mountain State," and no, he's not going to go to the trouble of memorizing any of these questions. Instead Rogan reads them off a piece of a paper in clear view of the camera. We couldn't even get him some cue cards? I guess this way is more, I don't know, honest. But still.

 

Evan Dunham vs. Efrain Escudero

 

Round 1

 

Escudero doesn?t seem as intent on knocking out Dunham as he was Cole Miller, because he follows a right hand with a half-hearted takedown attempt, but Dunham isn?t having it. Dunham is doing a good job of using his range, and normally I wouldn?t say this, but he should consider getting some sun. Dude is pale. Doesn?t he live in Vegas, for crying out loud? You get a sunburn walking to your car in the morning. Escudero rocks Dunham with a right hand and follows up with more of the same, dropping Dunham and then falling into his guard. Dunham survives for the moment, and holds on through an Escudero guillotine attempt from the top. Dunham actually manages to end the round by putting Escudero down, though not nearly so violently, and it?s Escudero?s round all the way.

 

Round 2

 

Dunham seems to be more comfortable in the stand-up to start this round, which is mildly amazing considering how badly he got rocked in the first Dunham gets to the clinch and uses a leg trip to put Escudero on his back. That doesn?t happen all that often. Dunham starts dropping some heavy punches that are finding their mark, but Escudero doesn?t seem quite as concerned as maybe he should be. Dunham makes a sweet transition to take Efrain?s back in the last minute. Dunham can?t get the rear naked choke, so he settles for punishing Escudero with punches from behind just to make sure no idiot judge takes the round away from him.

 

Round 3

 

Escudero jumps right into a guillotine choke, but Dunham defends well, gets up and eventually puts Escudero down. Dunham moves for his back and, as Escudero tries to escape, makes a beautiful move for a triangle choke. When he can?t seal that up he transitions to an armbar, and it looks tight. Escudero is trying to tough it out, but I?m feeling a Razak Al-Hasan situation coming on. Finally, he taps, but perhaps not before serious damage was done to his arm.

 

Evan Dunham def. Efrain Escudero via submission (armbar) at 1:53 of round 3.

 

After the break Rogan tells us that Escudero has left the Octagon, likely with a broken arm. That could be premature, and Rogan doesn't have a PhD in anything except perhaps bong repair, but that was bad.

 

Gray Maynard vs. Nate Diaz

 

Man, for a guy with pretty scrawny biceps, Diaz loves to flex them bad boys. Maynard, on the other hand, just loves getting that cash 4 gold, son. It's amazing. You send them your broken or unwanted gold, and they send you money!

 

Round 1

 

Diaz clearly has more range on the feet, and he?s trying to use that by reaching out and grabbing Maynard?s lead hand. Maynard is bobbing and weaving to get inside, but almost immediately he?s cut over his right eye, maybe from a clash of heads during the aforementioned bobbing and weaving. Maynard lands a good uppercut, but Diaz looks unfazed. The trash talk has already begun, with Diaz imploring Maynard to come on and Maynard calling Diaz a bitch, according to Joe Rogan. Now it?s a Diaz joint. First round comes to a close, and it?s tough to call. Diaz may get it with the judges based purely on the cut.

 

Round 2

 

Maynard fakes a shot and lands a punch, which works perfectly by exploiting Diaz?s fear of the takedown. Diaz looks for a takedown in the clinch, but that ain?t going to happen. Maynard gets Diaz coming towards him and hammers him with a right hook that clearly hurts Diaz. Maynard lands a left hook, then drops Diaz with a knee to the chin. After letting him up, Maynard continues smack Diaz almost at will, while also staying out of range of Diaz?s looping punches. Diaz is trying to mean mug near the end of the round, but he can?t be feeling good right now.

 

Randy Couture, ever the sage, implores Maynard to stop playing with him in between rounds.

 

?That?s his game. That?s not your game.? See? That?s why you bring Randy along. He?s the dad you didn?t have, probably because he divorced your mom and then two other women.

 

Round 3

 

Diaz gets off to a good start in the final round, landing a head kick and finding a home for his punches, putting Maynard off balance for the first time in the fight. Of course, he celebrates this by taunting Maynard, because that?s what Nate do. The cut over Maynard?s eye is bleeding more now, perhaps into his eye. Suddenly he doesn?t look so comfortable. A lunging right from Maynard stuns Diaz and leaves him reaching for a hopeless takedown. Now it?s Maynard coming on, and it may be enough to reclaim the round. Either way, Maynard should get the decision, but it?s by no means a sure thing.

 

Gray Maynard def. Nate Diaz via split decision.

 

Since this broadcast is already running over, looks like we're not going to get any post-fight interviews. God, I hate when there's no falling action. Che

 

 

 

[TripleB]

It was like 1:30 this morning when I got to watch the fight and I was dead tired but Maynard and Diaz seemed to be really lackluster, it was a battle to even stay up (sleep won!).

 

Maybe the quote of the year:  ?That?s his game. That?s not your game.? See? That?s why you bring Randy along. He?s the dad you didn?t have, probably because he divorced your mom and then two other women.

 

[Tennessee]

I don't understand how high level grappelers like Diaz, Mir, and others don't have the ability to take someone down.  If both of these guys had takedowns, they would dominate others.  This seems like a failure of BJJ.  You should be abe to take someone down if you have a black belt in a form of grappling.

[Tennessee]

One other thing... pullin' guard isn't a takedown.  It seems like a really bad idea to pull guard and then sweep.  Why should you put yourself in a bad position and then work for a good position?

[MattM]

See? That?s why you bring Randy along. He?s the dad you didn?t have, probably because he divorced your mom and then two other women.[/b]

 

Wow!

[TripleB]

Maynard has excellent Takedowns. However most of Diaz's wins have come from getting taken down and then pulling a submission. Diaz has a slick ground game. I'm Randy told Maynard to keep it standing.

[Tennessee]

Maynard said he threw the game plan out the window in post fight interviews, but that is not really what I am arguing about.  It seems like these "high level" grapplers would have better takedowns.  Is this an individual problem or a BJJ problem?  I don't know?  Diaz and Mir would be fighters if they could take people down at will... instead of pulling guard or getting takendown.  I've heard it said by BJJ people that BJJ teaches you to find a window where as wrestling teaches you to push through the wall.  I personally think this is BS.  Wrestling teaches you to stay in a good position and find a window... that is what I teach my wrestlers.  I think BJJ teaches you to get in a bad position then get out of it (i.e. pull guard then sweep).

[Smooth34]

I didn't get to see the last two roundss of the Maynard-Diaz fight since it went over the allotted two hours.  I set my DVR since I wasn't home.  Very frustrating, but on the bright side I got to see plenty of footage for the upcoming series..Blue Mountain State.

 

Ridiculous...give me a break Spike TV.

[D-train]

I didn't get to see the last two roundss of the Maynard-Diaz fight since it went over the allotted two hours.  I set my DVR since I wasn't home.  Very frustrating, but on the bright side I got to see plenty of footage for the upcoming series..Blue Mountain State.

 

Ridiculous...give me a break Spike TV.

 

the same thing happened to me!  i was pissed the next day!!!