UFC 143: ‘Diaz vs. Condit’ Results and Play-by-Play
Feb 4, 2012
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results of UFC
143, which is headlined by a UFC interim welterweight
championship bout between Nick Diaz and
Carlos
Condit.
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Round 1
Thompson stands orthodox with his hands by his waist, flicking kicks to Stittgen’s legs and midsection. “Wonderboy” switches back forth to southpaw, keeping his distance. Stittgen tries a few leg kicks of his own and covers up when Thompson wades in with punches. Stittgen bull-rushes, trying to clinch, but Thompson rebuffs him. Stittgen’s strikes aren’t even coming close and Thompson continues to rack up the precise but non-damaging strikes through the middle of the frame. Thompson stuffs a couple straight punches in Stittgen’s face and then goes to the head with a right high kick. It lands smack on Stittgen’s face and he falls to the mat in a heap. Josh Rosenthal jumps in to save the unconscious Stittgen at 4:13 of the opening round, a beautiful knockout win for Stephen Thompson in his UFC debut.
Rafael Natal vs. Michael Kuiper
Round 1
An early clinch yields nothing but the next takedown try from Natal scores a takedown. Kuiper hops right back up and moves the fight to the fence. Natal gets another takedown along the fence and tries to posture up, but Kuiper doesn't let him get any offense off, and gets back to his feet. Kuiper again pushes Natal against the fence, but can't find a throw or strikes. When they separate, Kuiper chases, and gets taken down with another double-leg, as Natal trips his foot after the shot and sets up once more in half guard. When Natal looks to pass, Kuiper sweeps to top position. Natal looks for a quick armbar, but the Dutchman yanks his arm out, and tries to pound aay from full guard. Natal keeps looking for the armbar, pinning Kuiper's arm to his chest. He throws his hips for the submission and Kuiper rolls, taking a tough few seconds to extricate his arm. He yanks out and regains his feet, whizzing a head kick by the Brazilian before the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Natal
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Natal
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Natal
Round 2
Kuiper connects with a kick to the leg of Natal, then a hard one to the body. Natal is throwing wide punches, trying to get inside for a takedown, but it's not coming this time. Kuiper has the outside position on the fence, working some dirty boxing, but Natal comes through with a couple hard shots. Natal gets the outside now and looks to go low for a double-leg, backs away and slugs Kuiper with a pair of hard shots. Kuiper pushes Natal away and moves him off further with a front kick. Natal swings some wide rights which connect, but the punches are coming slower and slower as his mouth hangs open. A double-leg attempt fails for Natal and he winds up pushing Kuiper on the cage. He gets the takedown with about 20 seconds left but doesn’t do anything with the position.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Natal
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Natal
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Natal
Round 3
A big right hand along the cage sends Natal to the ground and Kuiper rushes to finish. Natal is on his side, his back to the fence as Kuiper unloads with punches and ref Steve Mazzagatti hovers nearby. The Brazilian is looking to sweep as he clasps onto Kuiper’s left leg, but Kuiper kneels down and slugs more punches to Natal’s head and body. Kuiper postures up, throws more hammerfists and dives back into Natal’s guard. Natal swings his legs up and rolls to his feet after a minute of punishment and brings Kuiper down with a double-leg on the fence. Kuiper stands up, gets lifted into the air and slammed down to the mat. Natal lands in side control and works to isolate Kuiper’s arm for the crucifix. Kuiper defends well and Natal leans across his body to throw short, horizontal elbows. With 85 seconds to go, Natal hops into full mount. He locks up an arm-triangle choke and steps off to Kuiper’s left side. Kuiper is calm, but the choke is deep and Natal has more than 30 seconds left to finish. Natal keeps wrenching with Mazzagatti watching closely, but Kuiper survives to hear the final horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kuiper (29-28 Natal)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Natal (30-27 Natal)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kuiper (29-28 Natal)
Official result: The scorecards read 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28, all for the winner by unanimous decision, Rafael “Sapo” Natal.
Matt Riddle vs. Henry Martinez
Round 1
The southpaws touch gloves and line up, and it’s Martinez swinging first on the taller man. Martinez backs Riddle into the cage but has his punches go off the “TUF” alum’s arms. Martinez’s punches are beginning to get through, countering kicks with big right hands up top. Riddle throws a long jab to the body, but he wanders into the pocket and eats another pair of shots. Another right crashes into Riddle’s cheek, which is already reddened with two minutes left in the first frame. Riddle tries a knee from the Thai plum and Martinez finishes the round with another combo.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Round 2
Martinez is sticking to the theme of the first round in the early part of the second, waiting for Riddle to lob punches and kicks, then flurrying with quick three-punch combos. Martinez scores with a hard left, ducks a high kick and gets a rear waistlock. Nothing comes of the tie-up and they go back to throwing. Riddle thuds a couple left kicks to Martinez’s body and eats some right-hand counters in return. Riddle finishes strong with a three-punch combo, a kick to the body. He unloads with aggressive punches and the welterweights slap hands at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Round 3
Riddle lands a kick to Martinez’s body, but Martinez gets the better of the early exchange with some more corking overhand punches. Martinez stands stock-still, waiting to counter and leaving himself open to further body kicks. Martinez is showing wear on the bridge of his nose as he walks forward, trying to close the gap on Riddle, who’s still racking up the leg and body kicks. Martinez lands a solid left counter but is spun to the ground soon after via single-leg. Martinez gives up his back and kneels, and Riddle hops right on, quickly sinking in both hooks. Riddle’s riding high, elbowing to the side of Martinez’s head as he tries to hang on. He can’t and Martinez stands up, facing the cage, allowing Riddle to get off a high kick. Another takedown goes for Riddle with 90 seconds left and Martinez pulls rubber guard as he’s scooted into the fence. Closed guard now for Martinez; Riddle pins his man’s head down with his right arm and slugs away with his left. Riddle keeps the pressure on with hard elbows and punches to the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Riddle (29-28 Martinez)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Riddle (29-28 Martinez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Riddle (29-28 Martinez)
Official result: One judge has it 29-28 Martinez, while another sides with Riddle, 29-28. The final and deciding judge sees the bout 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Matt Riddle.
Chris Cope vs. Matt Brown
Round 1
Cope works the clinch on the fence with dirty boxing until Brown exits with a knee. Cope backs him off with punches but Brown gets a takedown along the fence. Cope pops back up and gets pushed into the cage with Brown looking for knees inside. Cope reverses and the welterweights fight inside until Brown drops down for a single-leg. He hoists the leg into the air and trips the other; as Cope stands back up, Brown lands a solid knee. Cope is swinging wide on his punches and Brown works a few low kicks. Cope answers with a leg kicks of his own; Brown finishes off with a pair of clean right hands.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Brown
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Brown
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Brown
Round 2
Brown comes in with an overhand right and lands a kick to the body. Cope tries some kicks of his own, has his head snapped back with a punch. Brown is walking forward, swinging hands at Cope, who backpedals and snaps off counter-shots. Brown misses a jab but catches Cope with the follow-up right hand behind the ear. A left hook sends Cope to the floor and Brown lands a couple more punches on the floor before referee Kim Winslow steps in to save the dazed Cope. The official time of the TKO stoppage is 1:19 of round two.
Alex Caceres vs. Edwin Figueroa
Round 1
Figueroa flicks out a jab while the southpaw Caceres goes low and high with kicks. A left hand rattles Figueroa’s head, and the next one puts him on his rear. He hops right back up and, seconds later, catches a Caceres low kick square on the cup. Figueroa writhes in pain on the mat, rolling over to the fence as referee Herb Dean calls a break in the action. Figueroa is still on the mat a minute later, but after two, he’s back on his feet. They resume and Caceres goes back to kicking, but he’s felled a minute later by a Figueroa head kick. Caceres seems to come to as he hits the ground and stays alive as Figueroa pounces and tries to finish. Caceres recovers and nearly secures Figueroa’s back on the floor. Figueroa escapes and stands, but “Bruce Leeroy” hops on his back again and rides him down. Caceres works a neck crank with a body triangle, can’t get it and gets rolled over. He loses back mount, regains it and goes for another neck crank. Again, Figueroa defends; he staves off two more rear-naked choke attempts at the end of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Round 2
Caceres goes back to landing effective kicks to the leg and body, and Figueroa swings punches. Figueroa scores with a solid counter left, but a moment later, another low kick from Caceres crashes into Figueroa’s cup. Figueroa hits the deck again, this time sitting in the middle of the cage with ref Dean watching over him. When Figueroa is finally ready to resume, Dean deducts two points from Caceres. They resume and Caceres moves Figueroa into the fence, blitzing with punches and then giving chase to the ground. Caceres takes Figueroa’s back again, locks up a body triangle and works to soften him up with punches. Still defending the choke, Figueroa twists around and winds up in Caceres’ guard, whereupon Caceres throws up a triangle with an armbar. Figueroa defends and stands above Caceres to finish the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 9-8 Figueroa
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 9-8 Figueroa
Chris Nelson scores the round 9-8 Figueroa
Round 3
Caceres pushes with front kicks but a windmill right from Figueroa sends him stumbling backward. Figueroa moves forward, winging tired arm punches and half-kicks. A turning kick from Caceres lands in Figueroa’s breadbasket; he responds with one to Caceres’ leg. Caceres stuffs a straight left in Figueroa’s face and gets clipped with an overhand right. Caceres knocks Figueroa down with a low kick and leaps onto his back again as he tries to stand. Figueroa stays up, pushing Caceres’ back into the cage and defending the RNC again. Caceres can’t lock up the choke through several attempts and Figueroa dumps him head-first onto the ground. The afro’d one maintains the back, though, and with 80 seconds left, he peels off for an armbar. It doesn’t come and the move gives Figueroa the opportunity to drop ground-and-pound through Caceres’ guard. Caceres tries to throw up another triangle and Figueroa spins for a toe hold. Caceres takes Figueroa’s back and drags him to the mat one more time as time expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Caceres (28-27 Caceres)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Caceres (28-28 Draw)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres (28-27 Caceres)
Official result: All three judges’ scorecards read 28-27, one for Caceres and two for Edwin Figueroa, the winner by split decision.
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway
Round 1
Both featherweights are swinging hard punches early, then Holloway tries a jumping knee. Poirier fends him off with punches, staying out of the range of Holloway’s own shots and turning kicks. Another flying knee from Holloway grazes, but it allows Poirier to get a hold of the Octagon newcomer. He can’t get the takedown right away, but the next try has Holloway on his back with Poirier in full mount. Poirier seems to be sneaking up for an armbar, then he ties up the right arm of the turning Holloway and socks him in the face with rights. Holloway tries to push off the cage and buck loose, but Poirier stays on and takes the chance on an armbar. It’s deep, but Holloway won’t tap. Poirier slaps on a triangle from underneath, sweeps to mount and locks up a nasty straight armbar. Holloway is forced to capitulate at 3:23 of the first.
Ed Herman vs. Clifford Starks
Round 1
Herman comes out swinging nasty lead uppercuts; he scores with a few before Starks gets inside to tie up. He muscles “Short Fuse” into the cage with an underhook and socks him with right hands while Herman attacks inside with knees. Herman gets out of the clinch and sticks a jab in Starks’ face; Starks counters with a straight right and a jab. Hard right hand from Starks comes over the top and Herman responds with another uppercut before he’s pushed into the fence again. They jockey for position and Herman scores with a nice knee on the break before going back to uppercuts. Starks feels the punches and doesn’t want to give Herman any distance, pushing the action onto the cage once more with two minutes left in the frame. Herman gets the Thai plum and puts a knee on Starks’ body, followed by an uppercut. Starks slugs Herman with a wide right, stuffs a takedown and pushes into the fence. Herman gets the takedown on second effort and goes to Starks’ half-guard in the middle of the cage. Starks’ left arm is pinned behind him and Herman gets off a few solid punches before Starks scrambles up. Now it’s Starks on top in Herman’s open guard, Herman throwing from the bottom and then momentarily switching to an armbar. Starks stifles it and that’s where the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Starks
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Starks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Starks
Round 2
Starks wallops Herman with a rightties up and puts Herman on the fence again, but this time Herman gets the trip and puts the fight on the floor. He’s immediately latched onto Starks’ back, looking for the rear-naked choke. Starks rolls and defends as ref Josh Rosenthal moves in for a closer look. Herman turns Starks toward the fence and sinks the choke in, eliciting the tap at 1:43 of the second round.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Renan Barao
Round 1
Barao leads off with some cracking leg kicks, then sidesteps a single-leg grab. Now the leg kicks go to the outside of Jorgensen’s leg, then a stiff jab to the fence. A spinning kick to the body sends Jorgensen stumbling back into the cage and Barao rushes him. Jorgensen looks for a takedown in the tie-up, but Barao stays on his feet with great balance. Another jab goes through for Barao, a leg kick, a push kick to the chest. Jorgensen grazes over the top with a right, but he’s being kept at bay by Barao’s jab. Jorgensen comes inside to clinch, gets turned into the fence and Barao splits off. Jorgensen pumps his jab, throws an inside thigh kick of his own. Barao’s jab is looking stronger, though, as are his leg kicks. Barao is focusing on straight punches and hard kicks to the outside of Jorgensen’s left thigh. Jorgensen comes inside with an underhook and is turned into the fence again. They trade short knees inside before breaking with 40 ticks left. Barao grazes Jorgensen’s head with a spinning kick and stuffs a couple more punches in the face of “Young Guns” before the end of the frame.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barao
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Barao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barao
Round 2
Jorgensen dives for a double-leg and gets stuffed before Barao resumes his jabbing. The punches are hard and are followed by a couple hard, straight rights. Jorgensen is moving around the outside, looking to stay out of the range of Barao’s shots, to no avail: a series of jabs leads to a turning kick in Jorgensen’s gut. Jorgensen ties up and pulls guard this time, and Barao quickly moves to half-guard on Jorgensen’s left side. Jorgensen turns to isolate Barao’s right arm, finds nothing and goes to his back again, closing up guard. Barao stays heavy on top, working to pass and dropping intermittent, ineffectual punches to the body. Jorgensen posts and gets to his feet with just over 90 seconds left. He puts a left on Barao’s temple, has a high kick blocked. A right hand gets through for Jorgensen while Barao misses with a couple combinations. Jorgensen’s jumping round kick is blocked, but he finds something with a follow-up left hand. Barao is really swinging wild as the round closes, his nose bloodied up from the late punches of Jorgensen.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barao
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Barao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barao
Round 3
The punching exchanges in the early part of round three are more even, though Barao still takes the edge with a few leg kicks mixed in and a hard combo after about 60 seconds. Jorgensen connects with a straight right, but whiffs and spins himself around with the follow-up left. A punch from Barao has Jorgensen staggering, though he appeared more off-balance than hurt. Barao connects with a turning high kick and backs off as Jorgensen comes in with punches, trying to keep him at bay with a teep kick. Jorgensen lands a straight right and slips one from Barao, then dodges an overhand shot. The next leg kick from Barao is checked and Jorgensen stuffs a hand in his face before dancing out of the way of some punches. Now Barao is getting some power behind his leg kicks, landing two hard strikes which Jorgensen doesn’t check. They’re throwing hands right down to the last horn, Barao landing the last meaningful shot with a right hand.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barao (30-27 Barao)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Barao (30-27 Barao)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barao (30-27 Barao)
Official result: All three judges score the bout 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Renan Barao.
Josh Koscheck vs. Mike Pierce
Round 1
Pierce backs Koscheck into the cage and drops for a single. Instead, he settles for an underhook, throwing knees and punches up the middle while Koscheck maintains his balance. Koscheck tries to circle out and escape, but Pierce has him pinned and now works a few foot stomps. Pierce is just leaning his weight onto Koscheck as boos begin to sprinkle down about 90 seconds in. Right on cue, the welterweights split and Pierce lands a solid punch on his way out. Thirty seconds later, they’re back to the fence, clinching and jockeying for position. Koscheck motions to ref Herb Dean that Pierce is grabbing his trunks and Dean verbally warns Pierce. They’re back to exchanging, though the punches are sparse, Pierce looking to stick his jab and Koscheck looking for big punches. They trade hard rights before settling down again, allowing Pierce to score with a pair of jabs on the outside. Pierce is getting off first with his punches, but the right hand of Koscheck is constantly cocked and ready to counter. Pierce ties up again with 20 seconds left and pushes Koscheck onto the cage for the remainder of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Round 2
Pierce lays a nice counter right on Koscheck’s cheek and rushes in for a single-leg behind it. Koscheck defends, hopping over to the fence, where they trade punches inside. Koscheck reverses the position and they step away from the cage, Pierce landing a solid one-two as they disengage. He pumps the jab again and ducks a tie-up attempt from Koscheck to deliver another. Pierce is oozing blood from his hairline, a red stain quickly coating the right side of his face. Pierce pushes his man into the fence, where Koscheck connects with a knee up the middle. Ref Dean steps in to pause the action and warn Koscheck to mind his fingers on probing punches. They resume and Koscheck, bleeding from the nose, soon after shoots a double, bringing Pierce down at the base of the fence with relative ease. Pierce is trying to post and twist loose as Koscheck looks to take his back. Pierce stands and scrambles loose, and the round ends without much further action.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Koscheck
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Koscheck
Round 3
Koscheck scores with punches early, but it’s followed quickly by a Pierce single-leg. This one goes for Pierce’s first takedown of the bout, but Koscheck is quickly to his feet and pushing his fellow wrestler against the cage. They walk around the perimeter as ref Dean urges them repeatedly to work. Koscheck backs up and puts a left on Pierce, then another. Pierce gets a collar tie and slugs with a few uppercuts, a knee to the gut. Pierce moves around the outside, working his jab and following with a left hook. Another takedown attempt from Koscheck is stuffed, Pierce throwing a wide base against the cage. Dean again urges the fighters to get busy and splits them with 90 seconds to go. Pierce lands a jab but simultaneously catches a finger in his already swollen left eye. Koscheck is issued another warning by Dean, but no point is deducted. Pierce recovers quickly and goes back to jabbing on the outside; he’s now mindful of the open left hand of Koscheck. Pierce half-shoots a double, senses a headlock from Koscheck and goes back out. Koscheck blitzes with 30 seconds to go and hits a double-leg on the fence. He wraps up the legs of Pierce but doesn’t throw any strikes from the top. Pierce works back to his feet and finishes the fight with a spinning elbow in close quarters.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Koscheck (29-28 Pierce)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Koscheck (29-28 Koscheck)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pierce (29-28 Pierce)
Official score: One judge scores the bout 29-28 Pierce, while another has it 29-28 for Koscheck. The final judge sees it 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Josh Koscheck.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson
Round 1
Werdum leads off with a low kick, then backs Nelson off with a front kick. Nelson comes inside and just slips a knee from Werdum, but eats the leg kick behind it. Nelson stumbles and Werdum is on his back in the blink of an eye. They hit the floor and Werdum is hunting for the rear-naked choke, but Nelson somehow twists loose and escapes to his feet. Werdum keeps Nelson on the fence and scores with some big knees to the body, then a couple up top. Nelson is getting mauled in the clinch and turns the Brazilian around into the fence, where Nelson slugs with some no-look lefts. Another pair of knees to the face of Nelson have Werdum back in control in the clinch, but “Big Country” regains his composure and turns him around again. Nelson’s midsection is bruised up already as he tries to control the bigger man on the outside. Ref Josh Rosenthal splits them up with 1:40 left in the round and he wants the cageside physician to take a look at Nelson’s bloodied nose. The doc clears him to continue and Nelson is immediately greeted by Werdum’s knee when they restart. Werdum backs Nelson off with wide punches, but Big Country catches a kick and socks Werdum with a big right, felling the BJJ specialist. Nelson gives chase to the ground and Werdum throws up an armbar, but Nelson keeps in tight and defends. They’re back on the feet with 20 seconds left and Werdum closes out the frame with a kick to the body and another hard knee.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Round 2
Werdum slams a hard kick to the outside of Nelson’s thigh and then drops him with another knee. Nelson’s right back up, grinning and walking Werdum down. Nelson connects with a couple flailing rights, but when he gets in the pocket, Werdum tags him with more vicious knees and kicks. Nelson’s face is a mess, blood flecked all over his chest as he chases Werdum around the cage. Werdum’s right hand is finding its mark on Nelson’s face and guts both. Nelson connects with a right that appears to hurt Werdum, but Werdum is still throwing back as Nelson gives chase around the outside. Nelson tries to tie up just before the horn and grazes with a right hand. Werdum is looking tired as he leans up against the fence immediately after the round expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Round 3
Nelson and his bloodstained belly inch toward Werdum, who changes levels after 30 seconds and rushes for a takedown. Nelson puts his back on the fence and snares Werdum in a guillotine, but the choke doesn’t look very tight and Werdum soon breaks the grip. They go back to throwing and Werdum connects with a two-piece and another knee before Nelson wraps him up again. Once they break, Werdum loads up on another pair of rights, another knee and a stiff jab. Werdum piles up the jabs and then turns Nelson around with a snapping front kick to the mush. Two minutes to go and this is looking like a lost cause for Nelson, who keeps coming forward but can’t lay any substantial strikes on his bigger foe. Werdum scores with an uppercut and a grazing high knee, then steps out of the way of a syrupy low kick from Nelson. A straight right to the body of Nelson connects, but Big Country is still moving forward at the end.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum (30-27 Werdum)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Werdum (30-27 Werdum)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum (30-27 Werdum)
Official result: It’s a clean sweep with three 30-27 scorecards for Fabricio Werdum, the winner by unanimous decision.
Vacant UFC Interim Welterweight Championship
Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz
Round 1
The welterweights touch foreheads as they’re given final instructions by ref Steve Mazzagatti, and there’s no touch of gloves once they begin. Condit fires first with a low kick outside, then goes inside as Diaz walks him around the outside. Diaz lobs a combination and Condit circles away; Condit does the same when Diaz wades inside to clinch. Diaz dodges a lead uppercut and zaps Condit with a hard left cross. Diaz wants the fight on the cage but Condit keeps skipping away when they get close. Condit lays a kick on Diaz’s cheek and hops away again. Diaz backs Condit down again, but again can only get off a single punch before the “Natural Born Killer” slides away. Condit keeps the leg kicks coming to the outside of Diaz’s right leg. Diaz scores with a low kick and a right hand. Now Diaz is jawing, throwing up his hands and goading Condit to engage. Condit tries a spinning strike and Diaz uses the opportunity to clinch and cores with punches to the body. Diaz backs Condit down and slugs him one to the body. Diaz folds his arm, then uncrosses then and puts a one-two on Condit to finish.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Condit
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Round 2
Condit is still playing matador to Diaz’s bull at the start of the second. Diaz catches a kick but can’t get anything behind it before Condit bounces away. Condit grazes with a spinning back-fist that allows Diaz to tie up; again, Condit slips out and continues circling the outside. Diaz is really talking to him now, walking straight forward with his hands by his side. Condit lands a leg kick and Diaz talks some more. A switch kick lands for Condit, then a knee up the middle. Diaz gets close enough to land a pair of right hands, followed by a one-two, followed by Condit dashing away. A big right snaps the head of Condit, but he quickly answers with kicks to the body. Diaz taunts him by holding his belly and trudging forward. He gets Condit against the cage and wails away with four or five punches to the gut. Condit pumps his jab with 40 seconds left, still moving backward. Diaz puts a right hand behind Condit’s ear, tries for a waistlock, but Condit bolts again. Diaz seems to want a word with Condit after the horn, but they’re quickly separated.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Round 3
Diaz tries to kick high but Condit is too far out of range. Condit goes for an inside leg kick but eats a left hand against the fence. Now Condit goes for teep kicks to keep Diaz at bay, but Diaz nonetheless closes the gap and hurls a combo to the body and head. A right hand-slash-forearm connects for Condit and it’s followed by another leg kick. Diaz has a head kick blocked but puts a nice right hook on Condit’s chin. Condit hasn’t stopped moving, still working the outside with active leg kicks and counters. Diaz misses by a mile with an awkward front kick; Condit replies with a pair of whipping leg kicks and one to the ribs. Diaz goes to the body with a left hand, but again he can’t pin Condit on the fence. More jawing from Diaz yields a jumping kick, a knee, a quick one-two from Condit. With 50 seconds to go, Diaz cracks Condit with a crisp left. Condit escapes and misses with a leaping knee. Condit slips on a kick but Diaz doesn’t have time to capitalize before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Condit
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Condit
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Round 4
It’s the same familiar pattern as the fight moves into the championship rounds, Condit working the outside and using effective kicks while Diaz tries to close the gap and pin him on the cage. Diaz finally gets the clinch and drops for a single-leg, but Condit slips away. Diaz is still taunting, but there’s less to taunt as Condit continues to punish the ex-Strikeforce champ’s legs and body with kicks. Condit puts an uppercut in Diaz’s breadbasket and follows up with a leg kick. Condit lands a hard combo on Diaz’s face, has a kick caught and hops away to keep kicking. A turning side-kick to the breadbasket of Diaz scores for Condit. Another kick is caught, but again Diaz can’t follow through. Diaz tries to kick high -- with less effect than Condit -- and catches one last kick before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Condit
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Condit
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Round 5
It’s more kicking, more spinning and more jogging from Condit, who’s still got some spring left in his step as the final round starts. Diaz ducks a punch and tries to clinch but finds nothing. He digs a left to Condit’s body, misses with a series of kicks. Condit responds with a crisp low kick, a right hand up top and a head kick. Diaz finally gets the clinch but it’s a matter of seconds before Condit’s loose again, evading a big knee up the middle. Diaz snaps back Condit’s head with a right straight, takes a hard kick in return. With 90 seconds left, Diaz takes a rear waist-lock and secures Condit’s back as he’s dragging him to the mat. Diaz has a body triangle as he hunts for the rear-naked choke, but Condit’s defending the wrists well. Forty seconds to go and Diaz tries to lock up the choke. Condit defends again and uses the cage to push off. Diaz tries for an armbar with only seconds to go, but it’s too late and the slippery Condit slides right out.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 Condit)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 Diaz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 Condit)
Official result: The judges have it 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46, all for the winner by unanimous decision and new UFC interim welterweight champion, Carlos Condit.
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Daniel
Stittgen vs. Stephen
Thompson
Round 1
Thompson stands orthodox with his hands by his waist, flicking kicks to Stittgen’s legs and midsection. “Wonderboy” switches back forth to southpaw, keeping his distance. Stittgen tries a few leg kicks of his own and covers up when Thompson wades in with punches. Stittgen bull-rushes, trying to clinch, but Thompson rebuffs him. Stittgen’s strikes aren’t even coming close and Thompson continues to rack up the precise but non-damaging strikes through the middle of the frame. Thompson stuffs a couple straight punches in Stittgen’s face and then goes to the head with a right high kick. It lands smack on Stittgen’s face and he falls to the mat in a heap. Josh Rosenthal jumps in to save the unconscious Stittgen at 4:13 of the opening round, a beautiful knockout win for Stephen Thompson in his UFC debut.
Rafael Natal vs. Michael Kuiper
Round 1
An early clinch yields nothing but the next takedown try from Natal scores a takedown. Kuiper hops right back up and moves the fight to the fence. Natal gets another takedown along the fence and tries to posture up, but Kuiper doesn't let him get any offense off, and gets back to his feet. Kuiper again pushes Natal against the fence, but can't find a throw or strikes. When they separate, Kuiper chases, and gets taken down with another double-leg, as Natal trips his foot after the shot and sets up once more in half guard. When Natal looks to pass, Kuiper sweeps to top position. Natal looks for a quick armbar, but the Dutchman yanks his arm out, and tries to pound aay from full guard. Natal keeps looking for the armbar, pinning Kuiper's arm to his chest. He throws his hips for the submission and Kuiper rolls, taking a tough few seconds to extricate his arm. He yanks out and regains his feet, whizzing a head kick by the Brazilian before the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Natal
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Natal
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Natal
Round 2
Kuiper connects with a kick to the leg of Natal, then a hard one to the body. Natal is throwing wide punches, trying to get inside for a takedown, but it's not coming this time. Kuiper has the outside position on the fence, working some dirty boxing, but Natal comes through with a couple hard shots. Natal gets the outside now and looks to go low for a double-leg, backs away and slugs Kuiper with a pair of hard shots. Kuiper pushes Natal away and moves him off further with a front kick. Natal swings some wide rights which connect, but the punches are coming slower and slower as his mouth hangs open. A double-leg attempt fails for Natal and he winds up pushing Kuiper on the cage. He gets the takedown with about 20 seconds left but doesn’t do anything with the position.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Natal
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Natal
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Natal
Round 3
A big right hand along the cage sends Natal to the ground and Kuiper rushes to finish. Natal is on his side, his back to the fence as Kuiper unloads with punches and ref Steve Mazzagatti hovers nearby. The Brazilian is looking to sweep as he clasps onto Kuiper’s left leg, but Kuiper kneels down and slugs more punches to Natal’s head and body. Kuiper postures up, throws more hammerfists and dives back into Natal’s guard. Natal swings his legs up and rolls to his feet after a minute of punishment and brings Kuiper down with a double-leg on the fence. Kuiper stands up, gets lifted into the air and slammed down to the mat. Natal lands in side control and works to isolate Kuiper’s arm for the crucifix. Kuiper defends well and Natal leans across his body to throw short, horizontal elbows. With 85 seconds to go, Natal hops into full mount. He locks up an arm-triangle choke and steps off to Kuiper’s left side. Kuiper is calm, but the choke is deep and Natal has more than 30 seconds left to finish. Natal keeps wrenching with Mazzagatti watching closely, but Kuiper survives to hear the final horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kuiper (29-28 Natal)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Natal (30-27 Natal)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kuiper (29-28 Natal)
Official result: The scorecards read 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28, all for the winner by unanimous decision, Rafael “Sapo” Natal.
Matt Riddle vs. Henry Martinez
Round 1
The southpaws touch gloves and line up, and it’s Martinez swinging first on the taller man. Martinez backs Riddle into the cage but has his punches go off the “TUF” alum’s arms. Martinez’s punches are beginning to get through, countering kicks with big right hands up top. Riddle throws a long jab to the body, but he wanders into the pocket and eats another pair of shots. Another right crashes into Riddle’s cheek, which is already reddened with two minutes left in the first frame. Riddle tries a knee from the Thai plum and Martinez finishes the round with another combo.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Round 2
Martinez is sticking to the theme of the first round in the early part of the second, waiting for Riddle to lob punches and kicks, then flurrying with quick three-punch combos. Martinez scores with a hard left, ducks a high kick and gets a rear waistlock. Nothing comes of the tie-up and they go back to throwing. Riddle thuds a couple left kicks to Martinez’s body and eats some right-hand counters in return. Riddle finishes strong with a three-punch combo, a kick to the body. He unloads with aggressive punches and the welterweights slap hands at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Martinez
Round 3
Riddle lands a kick to Martinez’s body, but Martinez gets the better of the early exchange with some more corking overhand punches. Martinez stands stock-still, waiting to counter and leaving himself open to further body kicks. Martinez is showing wear on the bridge of his nose as he walks forward, trying to close the gap on Riddle, who’s still racking up the leg and body kicks. Martinez lands a solid left counter but is spun to the ground soon after via single-leg. Martinez gives up his back and kneels, and Riddle hops right on, quickly sinking in both hooks. Riddle’s riding high, elbowing to the side of Martinez’s head as he tries to hang on. He can’t and Martinez stands up, facing the cage, allowing Riddle to get off a high kick. Another takedown goes for Riddle with 90 seconds left and Martinez pulls rubber guard as he’s scooted into the fence. Closed guard now for Martinez; Riddle pins his man’s head down with his right arm and slugs away with his left. Riddle keeps the pressure on with hard elbows and punches to the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Riddle (29-28 Martinez)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Riddle (29-28 Martinez)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Riddle (29-28 Martinez)
Official result: One judge has it 29-28 Martinez, while another sides with Riddle, 29-28. The final and deciding judge sees the bout 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Matt Riddle.
Chris Cope vs. Matt Brown
Round 1
Cope works the clinch on the fence with dirty boxing until Brown exits with a knee. Cope backs him off with punches but Brown gets a takedown along the fence. Cope pops back up and gets pushed into the cage with Brown looking for knees inside. Cope reverses and the welterweights fight inside until Brown drops down for a single-leg. He hoists the leg into the air and trips the other; as Cope stands back up, Brown lands a solid knee. Cope is swinging wide on his punches and Brown works a few low kicks. Cope answers with a leg kicks of his own; Brown finishes off with a pair of clean right hands.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Brown
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Brown
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Brown
Round 2
Brown comes in with an overhand right and lands a kick to the body. Cope tries some kicks of his own, has his head snapped back with a punch. Brown is walking forward, swinging hands at Cope, who backpedals and snaps off counter-shots. Brown misses a jab but catches Cope with the follow-up right hand behind the ear. A left hook sends Cope to the floor and Brown lands a couple more punches on the floor before referee Kim Winslow steps in to save the dazed Cope. The official time of the TKO stoppage is 1:19 of round two.
Alex Caceres vs. Edwin Figueroa
Round 1
Figueroa flicks out a jab while the southpaw Caceres goes low and high with kicks. A left hand rattles Figueroa’s head, and the next one puts him on his rear. He hops right back up and, seconds later, catches a Caceres low kick square on the cup. Figueroa writhes in pain on the mat, rolling over to the fence as referee Herb Dean calls a break in the action. Figueroa is still on the mat a minute later, but after two, he’s back on his feet. They resume and Caceres goes back to kicking, but he’s felled a minute later by a Figueroa head kick. Caceres seems to come to as he hits the ground and stays alive as Figueroa pounces and tries to finish. Caceres recovers and nearly secures Figueroa’s back on the floor. Figueroa escapes and stands, but “Bruce Leeroy” hops on his back again and rides him down. Caceres works a neck crank with a body triangle, can’t get it and gets rolled over. He loses back mount, regains it and goes for another neck crank. Again, Figueroa defends; he staves off two more rear-naked choke attempts at the end of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-10
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres
Round 2
Caceres goes back to landing effective kicks to the leg and body, and Figueroa swings punches. Figueroa scores with a solid counter left, but a moment later, another low kick from Caceres crashes into Figueroa’s cup. Figueroa hits the deck again, this time sitting in the middle of the cage with ref Dean watching over him. When Figueroa is finally ready to resume, Dean deducts two points from Caceres. They resume and Caceres moves Figueroa into the fence, blitzing with punches and then giving chase to the ground. Caceres takes Figueroa’s back again, locks up a body triangle and works to soften him up with punches. Still defending the choke, Figueroa twists around and winds up in Caceres’ guard, whereupon Caceres throws up a triangle with an armbar. Figueroa defends and stands above Caceres to finish the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 9-8 Figueroa
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 9-8 Figueroa
Chris Nelson scores the round 9-8 Figueroa
Round 3
Caceres pushes with front kicks but a windmill right from Figueroa sends him stumbling backward. Figueroa moves forward, winging tired arm punches and half-kicks. A turning kick from Caceres lands in Figueroa’s breadbasket; he responds with one to Caceres’ leg. Caceres stuffs a straight left in Figueroa’s face and gets clipped with an overhand right. Caceres knocks Figueroa down with a low kick and leaps onto his back again as he tries to stand. Figueroa stays up, pushing Caceres’ back into the cage and defending the RNC again. Caceres can’t lock up the choke through several attempts and Figueroa dumps him head-first onto the ground. The afro’d one maintains the back, though, and with 80 seconds left, he peels off for an armbar. It doesn’t come and the move gives Figueroa the opportunity to drop ground-and-pound through Caceres’ guard. Caceres tries to throw up another triangle and Figueroa spins for a toe hold. Caceres takes Figueroa’s back and drags him to the mat one more time as time expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Caceres (28-27 Caceres)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Caceres (28-28 Draw)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Caceres (28-27 Caceres)
Official result: All three judges’ scorecards read 28-27, one for Caceres and two for Edwin Figueroa, the winner by split decision.
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway
Round 1
Both featherweights are swinging hard punches early, then Holloway tries a jumping knee. Poirier fends him off with punches, staying out of the range of Holloway’s own shots and turning kicks. Another flying knee from Holloway grazes, but it allows Poirier to get a hold of the Octagon newcomer. He can’t get the takedown right away, but the next try has Holloway on his back with Poirier in full mount. Poirier seems to be sneaking up for an armbar, then he ties up the right arm of the turning Holloway and socks him in the face with rights. Holloway tries to push off the cage and buck loose, but Poirier stays on and takes the chance on an armbar. It’s deep, but Holloway won’t tap. Poirier slaps on a triangle from underneath, sweeps to mount and locks up a nasty straight armbar. Holloway is forced to capitulate at 3:23 of the first.
Ed Herman vs. Clifford Starks
Round 1
Herman comes out swinging nasty lead uppercuts; he scores with a few before Starks gets inside to tie up. He muscles “Short Fuse” into the cage with an underhook and socks him with right hands while Herman attacks inside with knees. Herman gets out of the clinch and sticks a jab in Starks’ face; Starks counters with a straight right and a jab. Hard right hand from Starks comes over the top and Herman responds with another uppercut before he’s pushed into the fence again. They jockey for position and Herman scores with a nice knee on the break before going back to uppercuts. Starks feels the punches and doesn’t want to give Herman any distance, pushing the action onto the cage once more with two minutes left in the frame. Herman gets the Thai plum and puts a knee on Starks’ body, followed by an uppercut. Starks slugs Herman with a wide right, stuffs a takedown and pushes into the fence. Herman gets the takedown on second effort and goes to Starks’ half-guard in the middle of the cage. Starks’ left arm is pinned behind him and Herman gets off a few solid punches before Starks scrambles up. Now it’s Starks on top in Herman’s open guard, Herman throwing from the bottom and then momentarily switching to an armbar. Starks stifles it and that’s where the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Starks
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Starks
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Starks
Round 2
Starks wallops Herman with a rightties up and puts Herman on the fence again, but this time Herman gets the trip and puts the fight on the floor. He’s immediately latched onto Starks’ back, looking for the rear-naked choke. Starks rolls and defends as ref Josh Rosenthal moves in for a closer look. Herman turns Starks toward the fence and sinks the choke in, eliciting the tap at 1:43 of the second round.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Renan Barao
Round 1
Barao leads off with some cracking leg kicks, then sidesteps a single-leg grab. Now the leg kicks go to the outside of Jorgensen’s leg, then a stiff jab to the fence. A spinning kick to the body sends Jorgensen stumbling back into the cage and Barao rushes him. Jorgensen looks for a takedown in the tie-up, but Barao stays on his feet with great balance. Another jab goes through for Barao, a leg kick, a push kick to the chest. Jorgensen grazes over the top with a right, but he’s being kept at bay by Barao’s jab. Jorgensen comes inside to clinch, gets turned into the fence and Barao splits off. Jorgensen pumps his jab, throws an inside thigh kick of his own. Barao’s jab is looking stronger, though, as are his leg kicks. Barao is focusing on straight punches and hard kicks to the outside of Jorgensen’s left thigh. Jorgensen comes inside with an underhook and is turned into the fence again. They trade short knees inside before breaking with 40 ticks left. Barao grazes Jorgensen’s head with a spinning kick and stuffs a couple more punches in the face of “Young Guns” before the end of the frame.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barao
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Barao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barao
Round 2
Jorgensen dives for a double-leg and gets stuffed before Barao resumes his jabbing. The punches are hard and are followed by a couple hard, straight rights. Jorgensen is moving around the outside, looking to stay out of the range of Barao’s shots, to no avail: a series of jabs leads to a turning kick in Jorgensen’s gut. Jorgensen ties up and pulls guard this time, and Barao quickly moves to half-guard on Jorgensen’s left side. Jorgensen turns to isolate Barao’s right arm, finds nothing and goes to his back again, closing up guard. Barao stays heavy on top, working to pass and dropping intermittent, ineffectual punches to the body. Jorgensen posts and gets to his feet with just over 90 seconds left. He puts a left on Barao’s temple, has a high kick blocked. A right hand gets through for Jorgensen while Barao misses with a couple combinations. Jorgensen’s jumping round kick is blocked, but he finds something with a follow-up left hand. Barao is really swinging wild as the round closes, his nose bloodied up from the late punches of Jorgensen.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barao
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Barao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barao
Round 3
The punching exchanges in the early part of round three are more even, though Barao still takes the edge with a few leg kicks mixed in and a hard combo after about 60 seconds. Jorgensen connects with a straight right, but whiffs and spins himself around with the follow-up left. A punch from Barao has Jorgensen staggering, though he appeared more off-balance than hurt. Barao connects with a turning high kick and backs off as Jorgensen comes in with punches, trying to keep him at bay with a teep kick. Jorgensen lands a straight right and slips one from Barao, then dodges an overhand shot. The next leg kick from Barao is checked and Jorgensen stuffs a hand in his face before dancing out of the way of some punches. Now Barao is getting some power behind his leg kicks, landing two hard strikes which Jorgensen doesn’t check. They’re throwing hands right down to the last horn, Barao landing the last meaningful shot with a right hand.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barao (30-27 Barao)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Barao (30-27 Barao)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Barao (30-27 Barao)
Official result: All three judges score the bout 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Renan Barao.
Josh Koscheck vs. Mike Pierce
Round 1
Pierce backs Koscheck into the cage and drops for a single. Instead, he settles for an underhook, throwing knees and punches up the middle while Koscheck maintains his balance. Koscheck tries to circle out and escape, but Pierce has him pinned and now works a few foot stomps. Pierce is just leaning his weight onto Koscheck as boos begin to sprinkle down about 90 seconds in. Right on cue, the welterweights split and Pierce lands a solid punch on his way out. Thirty seconds later, they’re back to the fence, clinching and jockeying for position. Koscheck motions to ref Herb Dean that Pierce is grabbing his trunks and Dean verbally warns Pierce. They’re back to exchanging, though the punches are sparse, Pierce looking to stick his jab and Koscheck looking for big punches. They trade hard rights before settling down again, allowing Pierce to score with a pair of jabs on the outside. Pierce is getting off first with his punches, but the right hand of Koscheck is constantly cocked and ready to counter. Pierce ties up again with 20 seconds left and pushes Koscheck onto the cage for the remainder of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Round 2
Pierce lays a nice counter right on Koscheck’s cheek and rushes in for a single-leg behind it. Koscheck defends, hopping over to the fence, where they trade punches inside. Koscheck reverses the position and they step away from the cage, Pierce landing a solid one-two as they disengage. He pumps the jab again and ducks a tie-up attempt from Koscheck to deliver another. Pierce is oozing blood from his hairline, a red stain quickly coating the right side of his face. Pierce pushes his man into the fence, where Koscheck connects with a knee up the middle. Ref Dean steps in to pause the action and warn Koscheck to mind his fingers on probing punches. They resume and Koscheck, bleeding from the nose, soon after shoots a double, bringing Pierce down at the base of the fence with relative ease. Pierce is trying to post and twist loose as Koscheck looks to take his back. Pierce stands and scrambles loose, and the round ends without much further action.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pierce
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Koscheck
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Koscheck
Round 3
Koscheck scores with punches early, but it’s followed quickly by a Pierce single-leg. This one goes for Pierce’s first takedown of the bout, but Koscheck is quickly to his feet and pushing his fellow wrestler against the cage. They walk around the perimeter as ref Dean urges them repeatedly to work. Koscheck backs up and puts a left on Pierce, then another. Pierce gets a collar tie and slugs with a few uppercuts, a knee to the gut. Pierce moves around the outside, working his jab and following with a left hook. Another takedown attempt from Koscheck is stuffed, Pierce throwing a wide base against the cage. Dean again urges the fighters to get busy and splits them with 90 seconds to go. Pierce lands a jab but simultaneously catches a finger in his already swollen left eye. Koscheck is issued another warning by Dean, but no point is deducted. Pierce recovers quickly and goes back to jabbing on the outside; he’s now mindful of the open left hand of Koscheck. Pierce half-shoots a double, senses a headlock from Koscheck and goes back out. Koscheck blitzes with 30 seconds to go and hits a double-leg on the fence. He wraps up the legs of Pierce but doesn’t throw any strikes from the top. Pierce works back to his feet and finishes the fight with a spinning elbow in close quarters.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Koscheck (29-28 Pierce)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Koscheck (29-28 Koscheck)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pierce (29-28 Pierce)
Official score: One judge scores the bout 29-28 Pierce, while another has it 29-28 for Koscheck. The final judge sees it 29-28 for the winner by split decision, Josh Koscheck.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson
Round 1
Werdum leads off with a low kick, then backs Nelson off with a front kick. Nelson comes inside and just slips a knee from Werdum, but eats the leg kick behind it. Nelson stumbles and Werdum is on his back in the blink of an eye. They hit the floor and Werdum is hunting for the rear-naked choke, but Nelson somehow twists loose and escapes to his feet. Werdum keeps Nelson on the fence and scores with some big knees to the body, then a couple up top. Nelson is getting mauled in the clinch and turns the Brazilian around into the fence, where Nelson slugs with some no-look lefts. Another pair of knees to the face of Nelson have Werdum back in control in the clinch, but “Big Country” regains his composure and turns him around again. Nelson’s midsection is bruised up already as he tries to control the bigger man on the outside. Ref Josh Rosenthal splits them up with 1:40 left in the round and he wants the cageside physician to take a look at Nelson’s bloodied nose. The doc clears him to continue and Nelson is immediately greeted by Werdum’s knee when they restart. Werdum backs Nelson off with wide punches, but Big Country catches a kick and socks Werdum with a big right, felling the BJJ specialist. Nelson gives chase to the ground and Werdum throws up an armbar, but Nelson keeps in tight and defends. They’re back on the feet with 20 seconds left and Werdum closes out the frame with a kick to the body and another hard knee.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Round 2
Werdum slams a hard kick to the outside of Nelson’s thigh and then drops him with another knee. Nelson’s right back up, grinning and walking Werdum down. Nelson connects with a couple flailing rights, but when he gets in the pocket, Werdum tags him with more vicious knees and kicks. Nelson’s face is a mess, blood flecked all over his chest as he chases Werdum around the cage. Werdum’s right hand is finding its mark on Nelson’s face and guts both. Nelson connects with a right that appears to hurt Werdum, but Werdum is still throwing back as Nelson gives chase around the outside. Nelson tries to tie up just before the horn and grazes with a right hand. Werdum is looking tired as he leans up against the fence immediately after the round expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum
Round 3
Nelson and his bloodstained belly inch toward Werdum, who changes levels after 30 seconds and rushes for a takedown. Nelson puts his back on the fence and snares Werdum in a guillotine, but the choke doesn’t look very tight and Werdum soon breaks the grip. They go back to throwing and Werdum connects with a two-piece and another knee before Nelson wraps him up again. Once they break, Werdum loads up on another pair of rights, another knee and a stiff jab. Werdum piles up the jabs and then turns Nelson around with a snapping front kick to the mush. Two minutes to go and this is looking like a lost cause for Nelson, who keeps coming forward but can’t lay any substantial strikes on his bigger foe. Werdum scores with an uppercut and a grazing high knee, then steps out of the way of a syrupy low kick from Nelson. A straight right to the body of Nelson connects, but Big Country is still moving forward at the end.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Werdum (30-27 Werdum)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Werdum (30-27 Werdum)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Werdum (30-27 Werdum)
Official result: It’s a clean sweep with three 30-27 scorecards for Fabricio Werdum, the winner by unanimous decision.
Vacant UFC Interim Welterweight Championship
Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz
Round 1
The welterweights touch foreheads as they’re given final instructions by ref Steve Mazzagatti, and there’s no touch of gloves once they begin. Condit fires first with a low kick outside, then goes inside as Diaz walks him around the outside. Diaz lobs a combination and Condit circles away; Condit does the same when Diaz wades inside to clinch. Diaz dodges a lead uppercut and zaps Condit with a hard left cross. Diaz wants the fight on the cage but Condit keeps skipping away when they get close. Condit lays a kick on Diaz’s cheek and hops away again. Diaz backs Condit down again, but again can only get off a single punch before the “Natural Born Killer” slides away. Condit keeps the leg kicks coming to the outside of Diaz’s right leg. Diaz scores with a low kick and a right hand. Now Diaz is jawing, throwing up his hands and goading Condit to engage. Condit tries a spinning strike and Diaz uses the opportunity to clinch and cores with punches to the body. Diaz backs Condit down and slugs him one to the body. Diaz folds his arm, then uncrosses then and puts a one-two on Condit to finish.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Condit
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Round 2
Condit is still playing matador to Diaz’s bull at the start of the second. Diaz catches a kick but can’t get anything behind it before Condit bounces away. Condit grazes with a spinning back-fist that allows Diaz to tie up; again, Condit slips out and continues circling the outside. Diaz is really talking to him now, walking straight forward with his hands by his side. Condit lands a leg kick and Diaz talks some more. A switch kick lands for Condit, then a knee up the middle. Diaz gets close enough to land a pair of right hands, followed by a one-two, followed by Condit dashing away. A big right snaps the head of Condit, but he quickly answers with kicks to the body. Diaz taunts him by holding his belly and trudging forward. He gets Condit against the cage and wails away with four or five punches to the gut. Condit pumps his jab with 40 seconds left, still moving backward. Diaz puts a right hand behind Condit’s ear, tries for a waistlock, but Condit bolts again. Diaz seems to want a word with Condit after the horn, but they’re quickly separated.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Round 3
Diaz tries to kick high but Condit is too far out of range. Condit goes for an inside leg kick but eats a left hand against the fence. Now Condit goes for teep kicks to keep Diaz at bay, but Diaz nonetheless closes the gap and hurls a combo to the body and head. A right hand-slash-forearm connects for Condit and it’s followed by another leg kick. Diaz has a head kick blocked but puts a nice right hook on Condit’s chin. Condit hasn’t stopped moving, still working the outside with active leg kicks and counters. Diaz misses by a mile with an awkward front kick; Condit replies with a pair of whipping leg kicks and one to the ribs. Diaz goes to the body with a left hand, but again he can’t pin Condit on the fence. More jawing from Diaz yields a jumping kick, a knee, a quick one-two from Condit. With 50 seconds to go, Diaz cracks Condit with a crisp left. Condit escapes and misses with a leaping knee. Condit slips on a kick but Diaz doesn’t have time to capitalize before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Condit
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Condit
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Round 4
It’s the same familiar pattern as the fight moves into the championship rounds, Condit working the outside and using effective kicks while Diaz tries to close the gap and pin him on the cage. Diaz finally gets the clinch and drops for a single-leg, but Condit slips away. Diaz is still taunting, but there’s less to taunt as Condit continues to punish the ex-Strikeforce champ’s legs and body with kicks. Condit puts an uppercut in Diaz’s breadbasket and follows up with a leg kick. Condit lands a hard combo on Diaz’s face, has a kick caught and hops away to keep kicking. A turning side-kick to the breadbasket of Diaz scores for Condit. Another kick is caught, but again Diaz can’t follow through. Diaz tries to kick high -- with less effect than Condit -- and catches one last kick before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Condit
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Condit
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Condit
Round 5
It’s more kicking, more spinning and more jogging from Condit, who’s still got some spring left in his step as the final round starts. Diaz ducks a punch and tries to clinch but finds nothing. He digs a left to Condit’s body, misses with a series of kicks. Condit responds with a crisp low kick, a right hand up top and a head kick. Diaz finally gets the clinch but it’s a matter of seconds before Condit’s loose again, evading a big knee up the middle. Diaz snaps back Condit’s head with a right straight, takes a hard kick in return. With 90 seconds left, Diaz takes a rear waist-lock and secures Condit’s back as he’s dragging him to the mat. Diaz has a body triangle as he hunts for the rear-naked choke, but Condit’s defending the wrists well. Forty seconds to go and Diaz tries to lock up the choke. Condit defends again and uses the cage to push off. Diaz tries for an armbar with only seconds to go, but it’s too late and the slippery Condit slides right out.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 Condit)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 Diaz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Diaz (48-47 Condit)
Official result: The judges have it 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46, all for the winner by unanimous decision and new UFC interim welterweight champion, Carlos Condit.
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