UFC 102 Play-by-Play & Results
Aug 30, 2009
Sherdog.com reports from the Rose Garden Arena in Portland with
live play-by-play of UFC
102. In the main event, Randy
Couture will take on Antonio
Rodrigo Nogueira.
Additionally, Jake Rossen will provide a live UFC 102 blog. Also, don't forget to check out the MMA Forums to discuss tonight's event.
Click here for quick results.
Hit F5 on your keyboard to refresh often, as play-by-play is updated in real time.
Round 1
The fighters touch gloves as round one begins. Dunham comes out southpaw and lands a right hook that Aurelio shrugs off. Dunham is controlling the pace in the stand-up, avoiding Aurelio's shots and landing counterpunches. Midway through the round, Dunham lands a hard left hand, and Aurelio is in big trouble. Dunham follows up and tries to finish, but Aurelio holds on and survives. Dunahm stands up, and referee Shawn Gregory instructs Aurelio to join him. Dunham is continually stuffing Aurelio's shot attempts and is finding a home for his left straight. Sherdog scores the first round 10-8 for Dunham.
Round 2
Evan Dunham edged Marcus
Aurelio.
Aurelio shoots in to begin the second frame, but
is again stuffed. Dunham begins to mix up his striking, landing
inside leg kicks. With four minutes to go, Aurelio finally scores a
takedown and begins to land shots to Dunham's head from the half
guard. Dunham escapes to his feet quickly, and is struck with an
accidental eye poke shortly thereafter. Aurelio is now moving
forward and throwing bombs. Both fighters are swinging with bad
intentions. Dunham circles to his left and lands a flying knee as
the crowd cheers the local fighter on. With 90 seconds left,
Aurelio lands a right and pushes Dunham up against the fence. With
the takedown again averted, both fighters exchange in the center of
the cage as the horn sounds. 10-9 Dunham.
Round 3
Aurelio immediately shoots in and secures a double leg, landing shots from Dunham's full guard against the fence. Aurelio lands an elbow from the top, bloodying Dunham's nose. Dunham escapes to his feet, but Aurelio is still in control, holding on to an anaconda choke. Aurelio flips his opponent over his head, and the fight looks to be close to a finish, but Dunham again escapes to his feet as the crowd erupts. Time on the feet is short, however, as Aurelio shoots and scores another takedown. Dunham has none of it, though, and gets back to his feet once again. Both fighters look weary as they trade shots, with Dunham getting the better of the exchanges. Dunham throws Aurelio off with 20 seconds remaining, and lands several hard shots as the fight comes to a close.
Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 Aurelio.
Sherdog.com scores the fight: 29-27 Dunham.
Official judges:
29-28, 28-29 and 30-27. The judges score a split decision for Evan Dunham.
Mark Munoz vs. Nick Catone
Round 1
Munoz clinches right off the bat, but Catone pushes him up against the cage and lands a nice combination that stuns Munoz. Munoz shoots and looks to have the takedown, but Catone scrambles back to his feet almost immediately. Munoz with a good knee from the clinch along the cage. Munoz lands an inadvertent low blow while attempting an inside leg kick. Catone is given time to recover and after a minute or so is ready to go. Catone gets a takedown off the restart and winds up in side-control. He knees to the body of Munoz, who attempts to wriggle free. Munoz slips out the back door and pounds a pair of big rights to Catone's head. Catone gets to his feet, but is slammed back to the mat from a rear body-lock. Catone gets back to his feet once again. Munoz ducks under for a quick double, but gives up on it and the fighters clinch. Munoz lands a nice knee before being tripped to the mat as the horn sounds to end the first round. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Catone by a razor thin margin.
Round 2
Mark Munoz decisioned Nick
Catone.
Catone hits another takedown about 30 seconds into the second
frame. He quickly moves to north-south position and then tries to
take Munoz back as he stands. Munoz escapes to his feet and pushes
Catone against the cage. He gets a body-lock and repeatedly tries
to sink Catone to the mat. Catone has none of it, working his way
clear of Munoz grasp. Catone stuns Munoz with big right, but the
former Oklahoma State wrestler shakes it off. Munoz clinches up
along the cage once again, but he is having problems keeping Catone
under control. Catone's right hand finds its mark once again, but
Munoz keeps moving forward. The round closes with Munoz searching
for a guillotine choke, but Catone keeps him at bay until the round
comes to a close. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Nick
Catone.
Round 3
Munoz is attacking to start the third. He pushes forward, throwing a combination that sets up a shot. Caton is showing good takedown defense, defends the single-leg but finds himself on the end of a pair of Munoz rights. Munoz, showing a sense of urgency that was not there in the first two rounds, wades in throwing punches. Munoz shoots and gets stuffed again. He pulls guard and sinks a guillotine, but Catone defends. Catone goes for a toe hold, but Munoz defends and takes the top position. Catone escapes to his feet and hits a double of his own. He takes Munoz's back, but he quickly sweeps to top position where he punches to the head of Catone. The fighters scramble for the final 20 seconds with neither getting the upper hand. Sherdog.com scores the final round 10-9 for Munoz.
Sherdog.com scores the fight: 29-28 Catone.
Official judges:
The official scores read 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29 giving Mark Munoz the victory by split-decision.
Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague
Round 1
Duffee crushes Hague with a left hand and follows him to the canvas, where he knocks him out with a barrage of punches. The final blow being an ill-intentioned left hand. Duffee takes home the knockout win in just seven seconds.
Todd Duffee stopped Tim Hague in seven seconds. Photo
by Dave Mandel.
Michael Russow vs. Justin McCully
Round 1
McCully is pumping the jab early as Russow walks him down and gets the takedown. McCully gets back to his feet briefly before being taken back down by a single. Russow goes to work from McCully's guard. The crowd shows their displeasure with the pace of the fight, booing for the first time. Russow continues to methodically attack from top position, not taking any chances. McCully gets back to his feet again, this time for a few seconds longer. Russow puts him back on the canvas, dodging a Kimura along the way. Russow overextends trying to pass and McCully slips out the back door and takes his back. Russow reverses postion again, this time he has to defend a kneebar. The round comes to a close with Russow back in McCully's guard. Sherdog.com scores the opening round 10-9 for Mike Russow. The ringside physician is in McCully's corner, and referee Herb Dean has called time. McCully will be allowed to continue after a quick battery of balance tests.
Mike Russow def. Justin
McCully.
Round 2
Round two begins with Russow mauling McCully up against the cage and pulling him to the mat. Russow attempts to pass from half-guard. Russow latches onto a kimura, but McCully defends. He is standing over McCully and dives back into his guard. The crowd is not happy with this fight, as they continue to boo. Russow is looking for the north-south choke he predicted before the fight. McCully gets to his knees and Russow is pounding away. McCully shows a big mouse under his left eye as referee Herb Dean stands the fight up to cheers from the crowd. Russow plants him again, this time easily passing to side control. Russow extends McCully's left arm in a kimura as the round closes. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Mike Russow.
Round 3
McCully is moving forward, jabbing his way in on Russow to begin round three. Russow, almost in slow motion, ducks under and hits another takedown. Standing in McCully's guard, Russow lobs a few punches before settling back into the guard. Dean quickly stands the heavyweight back up. McCully finally finding some success with his striking game. He shrugs off a takedown and tosses a two piece combo Russow's way. The lumbering policeman does not want to stand, he clinches and hits another takedown, much to the Portland crowd's consternation. With 30 seconds left, Dean brings the fighters back to their feet in the center of the cage. McCully, out of desperation, is throwing wildly, but Russow ends the offense by putting his opponent back on the mat as time expires. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Russow.
Sherdog.com scores the fight: 30-27 Russow.
Official judges:
The official scores read 29-28, 30-26 and 30-27, all for Russow.
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Chris Tuchscherer
Gonzaga stopped
Tuchscherer.
Round 1
Gonzaga lands a devastating left low kick to the groin of Tuchscherer in the opening seconds of the bout. After a delayed reaction, Tuchscherer waved for referee Dave Hagan who stepped in to halt the action. Tuchscherer crumpled to the mat and resisted any efforts to treat him by the ringside staff. Replays show it was a direct hit to the groin. He is up on a stool now and seems to be ready to continue. Tuchscherer is ready to go. Gonzaga lands a head kick that drops Tuchscherer soon after the restart. He follows him to the canvas and pounds away with punches to the head. Tuchscherer scrambles for position but Gonzaga is too much for him, easily taking the mount. Tuchscherer is bleeding profusely from the nose. Gonzaga continues his assault, now from the back of Tuchscherer, who has gotten up to his knees. Referee Dave Hagan has seen enough and steps in to end the beating at 2:27 of the first round.
Ed Herman vs. Aaron Simpson
Round 1
Simpson picked up a
win.
Herman takes the center of the cage with Simpson
circling as the fighters trade punches. Simpson shoots and missed,
but Herman still ends up on his back after trying to sprawl. The
fighters scramble and Simpson slams Herman to the mat. Simpson is
standing over Herman looking for openings to strike, and Herman
can't get to his feet. Simpson is kicking his legs and striking the
downed Herman. Herman shoves Simpson with his legs and gets back to
his feet. Simpson drops Herman with an overhand right and follows
him to the mat looking for the finish. Though he lands some good
shots, Herman is game and stalls his attack. Herman gets back to
his feet again but is sent back to the floor by another Simpson
takedown. Simpson gets some ground-and-pound going as the round
comes to a close. Herman limps back to his corner favoring his left
leg. Sherdog.com scores the first round 10-9 for Aaron Simpson.
Round 2
Herman throws a head kick that Simpson catches and pushes him to the mat. Herman immediately grasps his left knee and yells in pain. Referee Lavigne jumps in to stop the match at 17 seconds of the second round, giving Simpson the TKO due to injury. Replays show Herman's left knee buckle as Simpson was throwing him to the mat.
Brandon Vera vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Round 1
Soszynski comes out throwing leather and clips Vera with a right hand. “The Truth” shakes it off and fires a body kick to the liver that backs up Soszynski. Vera kicks the leg and sneaks in a knee to the body. Soszynski’s aggression has stopped since absorbing the sharp blows to the body. Soszynski ties up with Vera and pushes him to the fence. Vera gets his back off the cage and lands a right hook to the body. Vera switches from an orthodox stance to southpaw. He reverts back and unloads a head kick that is blocked. Soszynski bulldogs forward and Vera holds him with an underhook. Vera breaks free and lands a clean inside-low kick. Soszynski shoots and it’s stuffed. Vera lands a standing-left elbow at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vera
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Vera
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Vera
Round 2
Vera outclassed
Soszynski.
Soszynski goes to the clinch early in the second stanza. Vera works
to gain a Thai plum, but Soszynski backs away before a knee is
aimed at the chin. Soszynski throws a left-hand lead and Vera
connects with a jab while showing good head movement. Soszynski
rushes forward and there is a clash of heads that knocks Vera’s
mouthguard to the floor. Referee Herb Dean steps in to replace the
safety device and the fight is back on. Soszynski runs forward and
Vera works a standing guillotine. He lets it go and gets an
uppercut in to the chin of the Canadian. Soszynski drops levels for
a double and drags Vera to the floor. Vera quickly gets to his feet
and the clinchfest resumes.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vera
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Vera
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Vera
Round 3
Vera goes to work on the lead leg of Soszynski with low kicks. Soszynski attempts a double and Vera defends with a kimura. Soszynski has double underhooks against the cage, but is turned by Vera, who trips his foe to the floor. Vera, from half guard, lands a few punches and Soszynski stands. Vera connects a knee to Soszynski’s cup. Dean gives the wounded a short reprieve and the action is back on. Vera slips in a right-hook lead. Vera has outclassed Soszynski from the opening bell with superior foot and head movement. Vera kicks the body and leg in the disappointing bout’s final moments.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vera (30-27 Vera)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Vera (30-27 Vera)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Vera (30-27 Vera)
Official scores:
30-27 across the board for Vera.
Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia
Round 1
Maia kicks the head and it’s blocked. Maia tries to kick again and Marquardt counters it with a straight right. Maia takes it right on the chin and falls hard to the mat. Marquardt opts out of unloading as it’s not needed. Referee Dave Hagen steps in at the 0:21 mark of round one.
Maia was stopped in 21 seconds. Photo by Dave
Mandel.
Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Round 1
Rosholt gets the contest started with a low kick. Leben attempts to return the favor, but comes up short. Rosholt snaps home another low kick in a tentative first minute. Rosholt snaps Leben’s head back with a straight right to the chin. Leben gets a takedown with a trip, but Rosholt would not be held down. Leben comes forward and is tagged by a left hook. Rosholt gets a clean single and mounts Leben. The punished fighter defends and stands as he absorbs a right hand and an elbow. Leben throws caution to the wind and starts winging haymakers.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Rosholt
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rosholt
Round 2
Leben turns up the pressure and he knocks his prey off balance with a left hook. Leben jumps on top and starts throwing left hands from half guard. Rosholt gets back to guard, and absorbs right hands to the body for his effort. The action slows and referee Yves Lavigne stands the fighters. Rosholt kicks the lead leg of Leben to keep him at bay. Leben comes forward with a low kick and follows with a straight right that scores. Rosholt ducks his head and steps forward with leather. It sets up a beautiful single leg. Rosholt hits the head and body before standing.
Rosholt put Leben to
sleep.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leben
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Leben
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Leben
Round 3
Rosholt gets a quick takedown. He sets up and arm triangle, and Leben has none of it. Rosholt takes the mount. Leben tries to give his back, and Rosholt goes for the arm triangle again. This time there is no escape. Rosholt chokes Leben out cold. Lavigne steps in at 1:30 of the third.
Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva
Round 1
Jardine connects with a straight right and a powerful low kick. Jardine connects with a kick to the body, but falls after Silva swoops the foot. Jardine stands and throws a flurry. Silva covers in the pocket and puts Jardine down with a hard left-hook counter. Silva stands over the fallen fighter and punches him out until referee Herb Dean steps in at 1:35 of the first.
Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Round 1
The fighters collide in the center of the Octagon and Couture gets the best of a punching exchange. Nogueira attempts a trip and Couture defends well. Nogueira eats a right hand and tries to pull guard. Couture blocks the technique and lets Nogueira stands. Nogueira drops Couture with a right hand. Nogueira transitions to a brabo choke and Couture defends. The hold is tight, but Couture holds on. The next two minutes are an absolute slugfest, resembling Frye vs. Takayama at times. Both fighters connect with several heavy punches. Nogueira is cut, but he takes the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
The heavyweights went
toe-to-toe.
Round 2
Minotauro clips Couture with a right hook, left hook combo. Nogueira follows by attempting to pull guard with a guillotine, but Couture is game. Couture begins to work from the guard of the Brazilian for the first time tonight. Couture scores with left elbows and short punches. Nogueira sweeps Couture and takes the mount. Couture gets to half guard, a position he’s struggled with from the bottom in the past. Nogueira sets up an arm triangle choke and takes the mount. He lets go of the submission to punch the head with his right hand. Couture gets to half guard and to his feet. Couture lands a body shot and backs away from Nogueira. A counter-left hook scores for Couture. Minotauro answers with a knee to the body.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Round 3
Couture kicks the lead leg and scores with a right hand. Nogueira flattens Couture with a right hand and he pounces with punches. Referee Mario Yamasaki watches closely as Nogueira tees off on his prey. Couture comes to his senses, but Nogueira has advanced to side control. Minotauro controls his opponent against the fence. The Brazilian has slowed his offensive attack from side control, and it allows the now bleeding Couture to briefly get to half guard. Nogueira takes the hall of famer’s back. After working for a rear-naked choke, Couture escapes danger and takes the top position. From his foe’s closed guard, Couture elbows the head with his left arm. 30 seconds remain. Couture rides out the clock and Nogueira sweeps for the mount at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (30-27 Nogueira)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (30-27 Nogueira)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (30-27 Nogueira)
Nogueira takes the unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.
Additionally, Jake Rossen will provide a live UFC 102 blog. Also, don't forget to check out the MMA Forums to discuss tonight's event.
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Hit F5 on your keyboard to refresh often, as play-by-play is updated in real time.
Marcus
Aurelio vs. Evan
Dunham
Round 1
The fighters touch gloves as round one begins. Dunham comes out southpaw and lands a right hook that Aurelio shrugs off. Dunham is controlling the pace in the stand-up, avoiding Aurelio's shots and landing counterpunches. Midway through the round, Dunham lands a hard left hand, and Aurelio is in big trouble. Dunham follows up and tries to finish, but Aurelio holds on and survives. Dunahm stands up, and referee Shawn Gregory instructs Aurelio to join him. Dunham is continually stuffing Aurelio's shot attempts and is finding a home for his left straight. Sherdog scores the first round 10-8 for Dunham.
Round 2
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Round 3
Aurelio immediately shoots in and secures a double leg, landing shots from Dunham's full guard against the fence. Aurelio lands an elbow from the top, bloodying Dunham's nose. Dunham escapes to his feet, but Aurelio is still in control, holding on to an anaconda choke. Aurelio flips his opponent over his head, and the fight looks to be close to a finish, but Dunham again escapes to his feet as the crowd erupts. Time on the feet is short, however, as Aurelio shoots and scores another takedown. Dunham has none of it, though, and gets back to his feet once again. Both fighters look weary as they trade shots, with Dunham getting the better of the exchanges. Dunham throws Aurelio off with 20 seconds remaining, and lands several hard shots as the fight comes to a close.
Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 Aurelio.
Sherdog.com scores the fight: 29-27 Dunham.
Official judges:
29-28, 28-29 and 30-27. The judges score a split decision for Evan Dunham.
Mark Munoz vs. Nick Catone
Round 1
Munoz clinches right off the bat, but Catone pushes him up against the cage and lands a nice combination that stuns Munoz. Munoz shoots and looks to have the takedown, but Catone scrambles back to his feet almost immediately. Munoz with a good knee from the clinch along the cage. Munoz lands an inadvertent low blow while attempting an inside leg kick. Catone is given time to recover and after a minute or so is ready to go. Catone gets a takedown off the restart and winds up in side-control. He knees to the body of Munoz, who attempts to wriggle free. Munoz slips out the back door and pounds a pair of big rights to Catone's head. Catone gets to his feet, but is slammed back to the mat from a rear body-lock. Catone gets back to his feet once again. Munoz ducks under for a quick double, but gives up on it and the fighters clinch. Munoz lands a nice knee before being tripped to the mat as the horn sounds to end the first round. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Catone by a razor thin margin.
Round 2
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Round 3
Munoz is attacking to start the third. He pushes forward, throwing a combination that sets up a shot. Caton is showing good takedown defense, defends the single-leg but finds himself on the end of a pair of Munoz rights. Munoz, showing a sense of urgency that was not there in the first two rounds, wades in throwing punches. Munoz shoots and gets stuffed again. He pulls guard and sinks a guillotine, but Catone defends. Catone goes for a toe hold, but Munoz defends and takes the top position. Catone escapes to his feet and hits a double of his own. He takes Munoz's back, but he quickly sweeps to top position where he punches to the head of Catone. The fighters scramble for the final 20 seconds with neither getting the upper hand. Sherdog.com scores the final round 10-9 for Munoz.
Sherdog.com scores the fight: 29-28 Catone.
Official judges:
The official scores read 30-27, 29-28 and 28-29 giving Mark Munoz the victory by split-decision.
Todd Duffee vs. Tim Hague
Round 1
Duffee crushes Hague with a left hand and follows him to the canvas, where he knocks him out with a barrage of punches. The final blow being an ill-intentioned left hand. Duffee takes home the knockout win in just seven seconds.
Michael Russow vs. Justin McCully
Round 1
McCully is pumping the jab early as Russow walks him down and gets the takedown. McCully gets back to his feet briefly before being taken back down by a single. Russow goes to work from McCully's guard. The crowd shows their displeasure with the pace of the fight, booing for the first time. Russow continues to methodically attack from top position, not taking any chances. McCully gets back to his feet again, this time for a few seconds longer. Russow puts him back on the canvas, dodging a Kimura along the way. Russow overextends trying to pass and McCully slips out the back door and takes his back. Russow reverses postion again, this time he has to defend a kneebar. The round comes to a close with Russow back in McCully's guard. Sherdog.com scores the opening round 10-9 for Mike Russow. The ringside physician is in McCully's corner, and referee Herb Dean has called time. McCully will be allowed to continue after a quick battery of balance tests.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Round two begins with Russow mauling McCully up against the cage and pulling him to the mat. Russow attempts to pass from half-guard. Russow latches onto a kimura, but McCully defends. He is standing over McCully and dives back into his guard. The crowd is not happy with this fight, as they continue to boo. Russow is looking for the north-south choke he predicted before the fight. McCully gets to his knees and Russow is pounding away. McCully shows a big mouse under his left eye as referee Herb Dean stands the fight up to cheers from the crowd. Russow plants him again, this time easily passing to side control. Russow extends McCully's left arm in a kimura as the round closes. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Mike Russow.
Round 3
McCully is moving forward, jabbing his way in on Russow to begin round three. Russow, almost in slow motion, ducks under and hits another takedown. Standing in McCully's guard, Russow lobs a few punches before settling back into the guard. Dean quickly stands the heavyweight back up. McCully finally finding some success with his striking game. He shrugs off a takedown and tosses a two piece combo Russow's way. The lumbering policeman does not want to stand, he clinches and hits another takedown, much to the Portland crowd's consternation. With 30 seconds left, Dean brings the fighters back to their feet in the center of the cage. McCully, out of desperation, is throwing wildly, but Russow ends the offense by putting his opponent back on the mat as time expires. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Russow.
Sherdog.com scores the fight: 30-27 Russow.
Official judges:
The official scores read 29-28, 30-26 and 30-27, all for Russow.
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Chris Tuchscherer
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Gonzaga lands a devastating left low kick to the groin of Tuchscherer in the opening seconds of the bout. After a delayed reaction, Tuchscherer waved for referee Dave Hagan who stepped in to halt the action. Tuchscherer crumpled to the mat and resisted any efforts to treat him by the ringside staff. Replays show it was a direct hit to the groin. He is up on a stool now and seems to be ready to continue. Tuchscherer is ready to go. Gonzaga lands a head kick that drops Tuchscherer soon after the restart. He follows him to the canvas and pounds away with punches to the head. Tuchscherer scrambles for position but Gonzaga is too much for him, easily taking the mount. Tuchscherer is bleeding profusely from the nose. Gonzaga continues his assault, now from the back of Tuchscherer, who has gotten up to his knees. Referee Dave Hagan has seen enough and steps in to end the beating at 2:27 of the first round.
Ed Herman vs. Aaron Simpson
Round 1
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Round 2
Herman throws a head kick that Simpson catches and pushes him to the mat. Herman immediately grasps his left knee and yells in pain. Referee Lavigne jumps in to stop the match at 17 seconds of the second round, giving Simpson the TKO due to injury. Replays show Herman's left knee buckle as Simpson was throwing him to the mat.
Brandon Vera vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
Round 1
Soszynski comes out throwing leather and clips Vera with a right hand. “The Truth” shakes it off and fires a body kick to the liver that backs up Soszynski. Vera kicks the leg and sneaks in a knee to the body. Soszynski’s aggression has stopped since absorbing the sharp blows to the body. Soszynski ties up with Vera and pushes him to the fence. Vera gets his back off the cage and lands a right hook to the body. Vera switches from an orthodox stance to southpaw. He reverts back and unloads a head kick that is blocked. Soszynski bulldogs forward and Vera holds him with an underhook. Vera breaks free and lands a clean inside-low kick. Soszynski shoots and it’s stuffed. Vera lands a standing-left elbow at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vera
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Vera
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Vera
Round 2
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vera
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Vera
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Vera
Round 3
Vera goes to work on the lead leg of Soszynski with low kicks. Soszynski attempts a double and Vera defends with a kimura. Soszynski has double underhooks against the cage, but is turned by Vera, who trips his foe to the floor. Vera, from half guard, lands a few punches and Soszynski stands. Vera connects a knee to Soszynski’s cup. Dean gives the wounded a short reprieve and the action is back on. Vera slips in a right-hook lead. Vera has outclassed Soszynski from the opening bell with superior foot and head movement. Vera kicks the body and leg in the disappointing bout’s final moments.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Vera (30-27 Vera)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Vera (30-27 Vera)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Vera (30-27 Vera)
Official scores:
30-27 across the board for Vera.
Nate Marquardt vs. Demian Maia
Round 1
Maia kicks the head and it’s blocked. Maia tries to kick again and Marquardt counters it with a straight right. Maia takes it right on the chin and falls hard to the mat. Marquardt opts out of unloading as it’s not needed. Referee Dave Hagen steps in at the 0:21 mark of round one.
Chris Leben vs. Jake Rosholt
Round 1
Rosholt gets the contest started with a low kick. Leben attempts to return the favor, but comes up short. Rosholt snaps home another low kick in a tentative first minute. Rosholt snaps Leben’s head back with a straight right to the chin. Leben gets a takedown with a trip, but Rosholt would not be held down. Leben comes forward and is tagged by a left hook. Rosholt gets a clean single and mounts Leben. The punished fighter defends and stands as he absorbs a right hand and an elbow. Leben throws caution to the wind and starts winging haymakers.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Rosholt
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rosholt
Round 2
Leben turns up the pressure and he knocks his prey off balance with a left hook. Leben jumps on top and starts throwing left hands from half guard. Rosholt gets back to guard, and absorbs right hands to the body for his effort. The action slows and referee Yves Lavigne stands the fighters. Rosholt kicks the lead leg of Leben to keep him at bay. Leben comes forward with a low kick and follows with a straight right that scores. Rosholt ducks his head and steps forward with leather. It sets up a beautiful single leg. Rosholt hits the head and body before standing.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Leben
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Leben
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Leben
Round 3
Rosholt gets a quick takedown. He sets up and arm triangle, and Leben has none of it. Rosholt takes the mount. Leben tries to give his back, and Rosholt goes for the arm triangle again. This time there is no escape. Rosholt chokes Leben out cold. Lavigne steps in at 1:30 of the third.
Keith Jardine vs. Thiago Silva
Round 1
Jardine connects with a straight right and a powerful low kick. Jardine connects with a kick to the body, but falls after Silva swoops the foot. Jardine stands and throws a flurry. Silva covers in the pocket and puts Jardine down with a hard left-hook counter. Silva stands over the fallen fighter and punches him out until referee Herb Dean steps in at 1:35 of the first.
Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Round 1
The fighters collide in the center of the Octagon and Couture gets the best of a punching exchange. Nogueira attempts a trip and Couture defends well. Nogueira eats a right hand and tries to pull guard. Couture blocks the technique and lets Nogueira stands. Nogueira drops Couture with a right hand. Nogueira transitions to a brabo choke and Couture defends. The hold is tight, but Couture holds on. The next two minutes are an absolute slugfest, resembling Frye vs. Takayama at times. Both fighters connect with several heavy punches. Nogueira is cut, but he takes the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Minotauro clips Couture with a right hook, left hook combo. Nogueira follows by attempting to pull guard with a guillotine, but Couture is game. Couture begins to work from the guard of the Brazilian for the first time tonight. Couture scores with left elbows and short punches. Nogueira sweeps Couture and takes the mount. Couture gets to half guard, a position he’s struggled with from the bottom in the past. Nogueira sets up an arm triangle choke and takes the mount. He lets go of the submission to punch the head with his right hand. Couture gets to half guard and to his feet. Couture lands a body shot and backs away from Nogueira. A counter-left hook scores for Couture. Minotauro answers with a knee to the body.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira
Round 3
Couture kicks the lead leg and scores with a right hand. Nogueira flattens Couture with a right hand and he pounces with punches. Referee Mario Yamasaki watches closely as Nogueira tees off on his prey. Couture comes to his senses, but Nogueira has advanced to side control. Minotauro controls his opponent against the fence. The Brazilian has slowed his offensive attack from side control, and it allows the now bleeding Couture to briefly get to half guard. Nogueira takes the hall of famer’s back. After working for a rear-naked choke, Couture escapes danger and takes the top position. From his foe’s closed guard, Couture elbows the head with his left arm. 30 seconds remain. Couture rides out the clock and Nogueira sweeps for the mount at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (30-27 Nogueira)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (30-27 Nogueira)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Nogueira (30-27 Nogueira)
Nogueira takes the unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.
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