UFC 104 Results and Live Play-by-Play
Oct 25, 2009
Sherdog.com reports from the Staples Center in Los Angeles with
UFC
104 results and live play-by-play. In the main event, UFC light
heavyweight champion Lyoto
Machida will take on challenger Mauricio
"Shogun" Rua.
Additionally, Jake Rossen will provide a live UFC 104 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.
Struve vs.
Gormley.
Stefan
Struve vs. Chase
Gormley
Round 1
Struve throws low kicks in the opening 30 seconds before going up top. He misses with the head kick and Gormley takes the fight to the mat with a double-leg. Gormley lands some shots while standing in Struve’s guard. Struve goes for a leg lock and Gormley is content to sit back for one of his own. The two exchange submission attempts back-and-forth before Struve sweeps to top position. Struve unloads on Gormley as he hangs onto his left leg. Referee Jason Herzog is watching closely but doesn’t intervene. The fighters scramble on the mat until Struve, from top position, pulls Gormley into a triangle. Struve goes to his back and elicits the tapout at 4:04 of the first frame.
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Razak Al-Hassan
Round 1
Al-Hassan takes Kingsbury to the mat with a trip right off the bat. Taking top position he tries to secure a guillotine choke but cannot finish after falling to guard. Kingsbury moves one leg through on the way to mount but can’t pass all the way. Kingsbury is put back in guard and the pace slows. Referee Jason Herzog decides to stand the fight back up. Al-Hassan grazes Kingsbury with a head kick and the fighters exchange punches as the round closes. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Kyle Kingsbury.
Kingsbury vs.
Al-Hassan.
Round 2
The fighters clinch and Kingsbury takes Al-Hassan to the mat. Al-Hassan immediately sweeps to the top and works for a guillotine choke. Kingsbury defends and stands back up. Kingsbury pins him against the cage but Al-Hassan gets double underhooks and spins him against the fence. Kingsbury fights for one underhook and they separate. They clinch up again and trade turns putting the other against the cage. The pace is quite slow and neither fighter seems poised to take the advantage. Herzog separates them again. Kingsbury flurries with punches in the final 10 seconds, Al-Hassan answers with a kick to the body. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Al-Hassan.
Round 3
Kingsbury delivers a stiff left hand that is countered by a right from Al-Hassan, both fighters’ heads snap backwards. Kingsbury pushing the action now, charging forward while Al-Hassan circles and counters. Kingsbury leaps in with a right hands but Al-Hassan fights back, landing a solid left. From the clinch along the cage, Kingsbury tries to heed his corner’s instructions to take the fight to the mat. He locks up a single and trips Al-Hassan to the mat but he springs right back to his feet. The fighters fall back to the mat from the clinch and both scramble back to their feet once again. Kingsbury chases Al-Hassan right up to the bell but fails to land any significant shots before the horn ends the lackluster match. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Kingsbury.
Official scores are 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29. Kingsbury takes the split decision.
Jorge Rivera vs. Rob Kimmons
Round 1
Kimmons punches his way inside on Rivera and changes levels for a takedown but Rivera grabs underhooks and thwarts him. Kimmons pushes Rivera back against the cage but Rivera escapes back to the center. Rivera lands a nice right hand lead and pushes Kimmons against the cage and scores with a nice uppercut. Rivera takes control in the middle of the cage, scoring with multiple punch combinations, landing big right after big right. Kimmons shows a solid chin but his only answer in the exchanges are flailing counters. Kimmons backs Rivera into the cage once again and takes him down with about 45 seconds left in the round. Rivera defends from his back but Kimmons finds some holes and lands his best shots of the round. Sherdog scores the round 10-9 for Rivera.
Rivera vs.
Kimmons.
Round 2
Kimmons charges in again to begin round two, pushing Rivera against the cage. Rivera knees to the body as Kimmons shoots and drops him awkwardly to the mat. Kimmons pops right back up but Rivera lands an uppercut that hurts Kimmons who falls to his back. Rivera takes over from top position and punishes him with strikes. He is landing at will every time he sits up in his guard. Rivera is pounding away with just over a minute left in round two. Rivera stands up out of guard and leaps back in with more right hands. With 30 seconds left, Rivera lets Kimmons up. The fighters exchange from the clinch with Kimmons getting the better shots in the final seconds. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Rivera.
Round 3
Rivera knocks Kimmons to the mat with a barrage of punches just 10 seconds into the final round. Rivera settles into his guard and pounds away with right hands as referee Herzog watches intently. Kimmons’ face is covered in blood and Herzog calls for the doctor. After a cursory look, Kimmons takes up his position on the mat and Rivera continues the assault. Herzog deems he has had enough and steps in at 1:53 to give Rivera the win by TKO.
Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen
Round 1
Okami pistons the jab from his southpaw stance, snapping Sonnen’s head back before the wrestler shoots in. Okami staves him off for a moment but Sonnen gets him to the mat from the clinch along the cage. Okami struggles back to his feet but Sonnen grabs a body clinch from the rear and slams him to the mat. Okami back up for a second but back he goes, courtesy of Sonnen. Sonnen takes his back and attempts a rear naked choke but Okami defends and gets back to his feet with Sonnen holding onto a rear body lock. Sonnen jumps onto Okami’s back and begins working the rear naked again but Okami escapes. In the center of the cage, Sonnen hits another takedown but can’t keep Okami down. The fighters exchange big lefts, Sonnen first and Okami with a counter as the round closes. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 Sonnen.
Sonnen vs.
Okami.
Round 2
Okami scores with punches as round two gets underway. Sonnen shoots as Okami is throwing a kick and he is stopped in his tracks. Okami tries to get away from Sonnen’s grasp but he clings to his shorts and legs from behind. Sonnen is taking control of the fight, surprisingly, on the feet. He is backing Okami up and landing a lead left hook over and over. Okami has no answer and seems preoccupied with defending the takedown. Sonnen takes round two on the Sherdog.com scorecard 10-9.
Round 3
Sonnen is back at it in the third, stalking Okami on the feet to set up his shot. He drops for the takedown but Okami defends with underhooks. Sonnen is undeterred and press forward on the feet. The two southpaws circle in the center of the cage but Sonnen is much more active. Okami, possibly sensing a little urgency begins to push forward but Sonnen stuffs him up against the cage and plants him to the canvas. Okami turtles and Sonnen takes his back. Okami wriggles back to his feet with Sonnen in tow, holding his waist in a body lock. Sonnen pushes him to the mat and Okami, on his side, locks up a Kimura. Sonnen defends will and Okami lets the hold go. He gets back to his feet but can’t shake Sonnen. The round closes and Sonnen takes it on the Sherdog card, 10-9.
Sonnen takes a unanimous decision on the official cards with scores of 30-27 across the board.
Barry vs.
Hardonk.
Antoni Hardonk vs. Patrick Barry
Round 1
Barry and Hardonk trade low kicks through the opening minute of combat. Both fighters connected clean. Hardonk lands a stinging kick to Barry’s left leg, which forces the American to switch to Southpaw. Hardonk accidentally pokes Barry in the eye and time is called. Hardonk continues to attack the legs of his opponent, whether Barry fights as a left hander or from the orthodox stance. Hardonk slips throwing a kick and Barry takes advantage. Barry hops on top into side control, where he punches from the top and controls position. Hardonk gets back to his feet and is clipped by a Barry right hook. Both of Barry’s legs are bruised up from the low kicks. Hardonk stays with his low kick game plan and it’s working as he frustrates Barry in the final seconds of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barry
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barry
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Hardonk
Round 2
Barry’s right eye is swollen from the first-round eye poke, but it doesn’t affect him early as he scores with several right-hook leads to the head of Hardonk. Barry’s confidence is at an all-time high as he starts to land at will. Hardonk, frustrated from the assault, attempts a rare takedown. Barry stuffs it easily. Hardonk steps forward in the pocket and is hit with a jab on the top of the head. He stumbles from the blow and Barry pounces with a savage right hand to the fallen fighter. Barry raises his arms before referee Josh Rosenthal takes action at 2:30 of round two. Impressive performance from Patrick Barry.
Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer
Round 1
Bader sneaks in a right hook on the heels of his jab. Schafer doubles up on his jab, but he can’t follow up with meaningful punches. Bader is swinging for the fences from the outside, and he’s grazing punches on both sides of his opponent’s face. Bader connects with a hard right hand that puts Schafer down. Bader swarms with leather as Schafer holds on. Bader absolutely tees off with his right hand, but Schafer survives. Scahfer then gets busy with an offensive guard, where he works omaplata and kimura attempts. Bader’s defense is solid. The horn ends a solid first frame.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Bader
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bader
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bader
Round 2
Bader vs.
Schafer.
Bader is caught with a finger in the eye. Referee Josh Rosenthal
gives Bader a short reprieve and the fight is back on. Schafer
looks confident as he slugs Bader with a right hook. Bader’s pace
has slowed after the draining first stanza. Bader is loading up on
his right hand and he’s falling short. Schafer stays calm and
connects with a jab and a short right. Bader lands a
grazing-straight right to the ribs. Bader winds up with his right
hand is hit by two clean counter rights. Bader lands a left hook
and Schafer taunts him with a smile. Schafer gets sloppy and is hit
with two right-hand leads. A minute remains in the round. Bader
lands a right hand after two uninspiring jabs. Schafer stuffs a
takedown and blasts Bader with a right hand. Schafer stops another
shot and works a guillotine as the round closes.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Schafer
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Schafer
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Schafer
Round 3
Schafer starts the round with a lazy jab and pays for it, as Bader connects with a right-handed haymaker. Schafer stumbles around the cage like a newborn deer taking its first steps before crashing to the canvas. Bader swarms with punches and elbows, but much like the first round, Schafer survives and stops Bader in his tracks with a solid guard. The fighters clash heads in the guard and Schafer is cut. The laceration is cleaned by a doctor and action resumes. Schafer finds a rhythm on the feet and pieces together a few clean right hands. Bader steps forward and snaps Schafer’s head back with a jab. Bader drops levels for a double-leg takedown, and he scores. Schafer attempts to defend the shot with a guillotine, but Bader easily passes to side control. Bader controls the final minute before giving up guard and an omaplata try at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bader (29-27 Bader)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bader (29-28 Bader)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bader (29-28 Bader)
Ryan Bader takes the unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-26.
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Round 1
Johnson, a much larger opponent who failed to make weight on Friday, storms out and roughs Yoshida up with rights and lefts and to the chin. Yoshida is hurt and backing up with his hands down. Johnson lands a clean right cross directly on the chin and Yoshida goes to sleep. Referee Steve Mazzagatti halts the contest at just 0:41 of the first. Following the knockout, Johnson apologizes to the UFC for not making weight, which he says is a result of a knee injury.
Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher
Round 1
A one-two from Fisher ends a minute-long feeling-out process. Stevenson lands a left hand that opens up a small cut near the right temple on Fisher’s eyebrow. Stevenson switches levels for a takedown and Fisher defends beautifully. Fisher’s eye is bothering him as he blinks constantly, perhaps in an effort to prompt referee Herb Dean to separate the fighters, as Stevenson is controlling the clinch. Dean separates the fighters and Stevenson gets a takedown and half of Fisher’s back. Stevenson lands some right hands at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Fisher
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Stevenson
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Fisher
Round 2
Stevenson lands a hard right hand as Fisher starts the round aggressively. Fisher throws a kick to the body that is caught. Stevenson keeps a tight hold on the foot of Fisher and drags him to the canvas. Stevenson drops back for a heel hook, and Fisher defends. Stevenson gets back on top and briefly advances to mount before being put in half guard. Stevenson is teeing off with right elbows from half guard. Fisher is trapped against the fence and he’s taking a beating as Stevenson mixes in punches with the elbows. Stevenson moves to a crucifix and drops about 20 straight elbows that open up the face of Fisher. Dean steps in to save Fisher, who tapped out with his feet due to the strikes at 4:03 of the second.
Gleison Tibau vs. Josh Neer
Round 1
Tibau grazes a fast-punching combination and then follows with a beautifully-executed knee-tap takedown. Tibau gets sloppy and allows his opponent to stand before scoring another forceful takedown. Neer hops back up and taken down for the third time. In what is becoming a pattern through the first three minutes of action, Tibau is unable to hold Neer to the floor. Neer stands and Tibau drops levels for a single. Tibau completes the takedown. Neer works a butterfly guard from his back, and eventually uses it to stand.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Round 2
Tibau vs.
Neer.
The second stage begins as the first ended, as
Tibau gets two quick takedowns, but is unable to do anything with
the position. Tibau gets a third takedown, and this time he’s able
to capitalize. Tibau moves to mount and then the back of Neer.
Tibau transitions to a tight armbar, but Neer is game. Neer escapes
and works briefly from the top before standing. Neer keeps Tibau at
bay with lowkicks and punches for the duration of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Round 3
Tibau rushes in and gets a quick single-leg. Neer defends from his guard and stands when Tibau gave space. For the first time in the fight, Neer shrugs off a Tibau takedown. He stuffs another. Tibau is fatigued and backing up with his hands down. Neer lands a right hand and is taken down. Neer elbows the head from an open guard. Tibau allows Neer to stand, and is hit with a low kick. Tibau scores yet another single. Neer checks the clock and gets to his feet. Tibau gets another clean takedown before time expires. The crowd boos both fighters.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tibau (30-27 Tibau)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tibau (30-27 Tibau)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tibau (30-27 Tibau)
Tibau takes a unanimous decision with official scores of 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.
Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell
Round 1
Velasquez gets a single-leg takedown after landing a kick to the body. Rothwell stands and is taken back down. Velasquez punishes Rothwell with short punches and moves to north-south. Velasquez goes to side control, which allows Rothwell to escape to his feet. Velasquez takes him back down and dishes out a world of hurt with both elbows and hands. Velasquez moves effortlessly from mount to side control and beyond. Velasquez allows Rothwell to stand after a completely one-sided thrash fest.
Velasquez vs.
Rothwell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Velasquez
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Velasquez
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-7 Velasquez
Round 2
Velasquez snags a quick single and the beating commences. Velasquez’s right hand finds a home on the face of Rothwell. Velasquez pins Rothwell’s left arm against the cage and unloads with lefts to the head. While Rothwell frees his arm and stands to his feet, referee Steve Mazzagatti executes extremely poor judgment in calling the fight. An awful move to a fight that was growing more exciting by the minute. The official time is 0:58 of round two.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Round 1
Shogun lands a left hook that makes Machida grimace. The champion goes to the Thai plum, where he lands several knees to the body. Shogun charges forward and clinches with his foe against the fencing. The fighters separate and Machida blasts Rua with a left kick to the body. Machida lands a hard knee to the body and Shogun dives in for a takedown. Machida easily defends and then slips away from a Rua head-kick attempt. This fight provides an interesting visual: Machida with his traditional karate stance, and Shogun with a rigid Thai stance. Shogun lands a hard low kick and Machida answers with a kick to the body. The first round is an interesting and close chess match.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Machida
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rua
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 2
Shogun goes to the legs of Machida to kickoff the second period. Machida lands a straight right that backs Rua up to the fence. Machida steps forward and cracks Rua with a left kick to the ribs. Shogun tries to attack and Machida glides away. Machida gets his movement cut off and he absorbs a hard Thai kick to the body. Both sides of Machida’s body are red. Shogun lands an unintentional knee to the groin from the clinch. Rua attacks the legs with kicks and knees to close the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Machida
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Machida
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 3
Shogun lands a snapping kick to the body and Machida is looking frustrated. The pace slows and the crowd briefly lets the fighters hear it. Machida goes to the midsection with a kick. Machida draws Shogun in and unloads with a right hand. Rua drops levels for a takedown and Machida stops it. Shogun lands two hard low kicks and a crushing kick to the ribs. It appears as Machida has been out scouted in this bout, as Rua is having his way with Machida with low kicks whenever the champion raises his leg to attack. Machida and Shogun exchange and Shogun gets the better of it with a hard-counter right. Machida landed a knee to the gut to start the trade, but was hurt by Rua’s right.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rua
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Machida
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 4
The pace slows in the first championship round. Rua lands a kick to the leg and body. Machida slips and Shogun sprints in to score a takedown. The reflexes of Machida are on display as he springs to his feet and stops the challenger’s advance with underhooks. Machida steps forward and is absolutely blasted with a knee to the body. Machida seems content to drop the round as he circles and avoids Rua for the final minute.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rua
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rua
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 5
Both fighters land simultaneously as Shogun connects with a kick to the body and Machida scores with a straight-right hand. Machida sneaks in a right on the chin and a knee to the body. Rua clinches with the champion and referee Herb Dean separates them. Rua lands a standing elbow and a right hand. Rua stays on the attack, but starts to miss wildly as Machida shows the movement that made him famous. Rua dances in the cage and counters a fast punching attack by Machida with a knee.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rua (48-47 Rua)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rua (48-47 Rua)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua (50-45 Rua)
All three judges score the fight 48-47 for Lyoto Machida, who takes the unanimous decision. The crowd boos the scores.
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Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Round 1
Struve throws low kicks in the opening 30 seconds before going up top. He misses with the head kick and Gormley takes the fight to the mat with a double-leg. Gormley lands some shots while standing in Struve’s guard. Struve goes for a leg lock and Gormley is content to sit back for one of his own. The two exchange submission attempts back-and-forth before Struve sweeps to top position. Struve unloads on Gormley as he hangs onto his left leg. Referee Jason Herzog is watching closely but doesn’t intervene. The fighters scramble on the mat until Struve, from top position, pulls Gormley into a triangle. Struve goes to his back and elicits the tapout at 4:04 of the first frame.
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Razak Al-Hassan
Round 1
Al-Hassan takes Kingsbury to the mat with a trip right off the bat. Taking top position he tries to secure a guillotine choke but cannot finish after falling to guard. Kingsbury moves one leg through on the way to mount but can’t pass all the way. Kingsbury is put back in guard and the pace slows. Referee Jason Herzog decides to stand the fight back up. Al-Hassan grazes Kingsbury with a head kick and the fighters exchange punches as the round closes. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Kyle Kingsbury.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
The fighters clinch and Kingsbury takes Al-Hassan to the mat. Al-Hassan immediately sweeps to the top and works for a guillotine choke. Kingsbury defends and stands back up. Kingsbury pins him against the cage but Al-Hassan gets double underhooks and spins him against the fence. Kingsbury fights for one underhook and they separate. They clinch up again and trade turns putting the other against the cage. The pace is quite slow and neither fighter seems poised to take the advantage. Herzog separates them again. Kingsbury flurries with punches in the final 10 seconds, Al-Hassan answers with a kick to the body. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Al-Hassan.
Round 3
Kingsbury delivers a stiff left hand that is countered by a right from Al-Hassan, both fighters’ heads snap backwards. Kingsbury pushing the action now, charging forward while Al-Hassan circles and counters. Kingsbury leaps in with a right hands but Al-Hassan fights back, landing a solid left. From the clinch along the cage, Kingsbury tries to heed his corner’s instructions to take the fight to the mat. He locks up a single and trips Al-Hassan to the mat but he springs right back to his feet. The fighters fall back to the mat from the clinch and both scramble back to their feet once again. Kingsbury chases Al-Hassan right up to the bell but fails to land any significant shots before the horn ends the lackluster match. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Kingsbury.
Official scores are 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29. Kingsbury takes the split decision.
Jorge Rivera vs. Rob Kimmons
Round 1
Kimmons punches his way inside on Rivera and changes levels for a takedown but Rivera grabs underhooks and thwarts him. Kimmons pushes Rivera back against the cage but Rivera escapes back to the center. Rivera lands a nice right hand lead and pushes Kimmons against the cage and scores with a nice uppercut. Rivera takes control in the middle of the cage, scoring with multiple punch combinations, landing big right after big right. Kimmons shows a solid chin but his only answer in the exchanges are flailing counters. Kimmons backs Rivera into the cage once again and takes him down with about 45 seconds left in the round. Rivera defends from his back but Kimmons finds some holes and lands his best shots of the round. Sherdog scores the round 10-9 for Rivera.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Kimmons charges in again to begin round two, pushing Rivera against the cage. Rivera knees to the body as Kimmons shoots and drops him awkwardly to the mat. Kimmons pops right back up but Rivera lands an uppercut that hurts Kimmons who falls to his back. Rivera takes over from top position and punishes him with strikes. He is landing at will every time he sits up in his guard. Rivera is pounding away with just over a minute left in round two. Rivera stands up out of guard and leaps back in with more right hands. With 30 seconds left, Rivera lets Kimmons up. The fighters exchange from the clinch with Kimmons getting the better shots in the final seconds. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 for Rivera.
Round 3
Rivera knocks Kimmons to the mat with a barrage of punches just 10 seconds into the final round. Rivera settles into his guard and pounds away with right hands as referee Herzog watches intently. Kimmons’ face is covered in blood and Herzog calls for the doctor. After a cursory look, Kimmons takes up his position on the mat and Rivera continues the assault. Herzog deems he has had enough and steps in at 1:53 to give Rivera the win by TKO.
Yushin Okami vs. Chael Sonnen
Round 1
Okami pistons the jab from his southpaw stance, snapping Sonnen’s head back before the wrestler shoots in. Okami staves him off for a moment but Sonnen gets him to the mat from the clinch along the cage. Okami struggles back to his feet but Sonnen grabs a body clinch from the rear and slams him to the mat. Okami back up for a second but back he goes, courtesy of Sonnen. Sonnen takes his back and attempts a rear naked choke but Okami defends and gets back to his feet with Sonnen holding onto a rear body lock. Sonnen jumps onto Okami’s back and begins working the rear naked again but Okami escapes. In the center of the cage, Sonnen hits another takedown but can’t keep Okami down. The fighters exchange big lefts, Sonnen first and Okami with a counter as the round closes. Sherdog.com scores the round 10-9 Sonnen.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Round 2
Okami scores with punches as round two gets underway. Sonnen shoots as Okami is throwing a kick and he is stopped in his tracks. Okami tries to get away from Sonnen’s grasp but he clings to his shorts and legs from behind. Sonnen is taking control of the fight, surprisingly, on the feet. He is backing Okami up and landing a lead left hook over and over. Okami has no answer and seems preoccupied with defending the takedown. Sonnen takes round two on the Sherdog.com scorecard 10-9.
Round 3
Sonnen is back at it in the third, stalking Okami on the feet to set up his shot. He drops for the takedown but Okami defends with underhooks. Sonnen is undeterred and press forward on the feet. The two southpaws circle in the center of the cage but Sonnen is much more active. Okami, possibly sensing a little urgency begins to push forward but Sonnen stuffs him up against the cage and plants him to the canvas. Okami turtles and Sonnen takes his back. Okami wriggles back to his feet with Sonnen in tow, holding his waist in a body lock. Sonnen pushes him to the mat and Okami, on his side, locks up a Kimura. Sonnen defends will and Okami lets the hold go. He gets back to his feet but can’t shake Sonnen. The round closes and Sonnen takes it on the Sherdog card, 10-9.
Sonnen takes a unanimous decision on the official cards with scores of 30-27 across the board.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Antoni Hardonk vs. Patrick Barry
Round 1
Barry and Hardonk trade low kicks through the opening minute of combat. Both fighters connected clean. Hardonk lands a stinging kick to Barry’s left leg, which forces the American to switch to Southpaw. Hardonk accidentally pokes Barry in the eye and time is called. Hardonk continues to attack the legs of his opponent, whether Barry fights as a left hander or from the orthodox stance. Hardonk slips throwing a kick and Barry takes advantage. Barry hops on top into side control, where he punches from the top and controls position. Hardonk gets back to his feet and is clipped by a Barry right hook. Both of Barry’s legs are bruised up from the low kicks. Hardonk stays with his low kick game plan and it’s working as he frustrates Barry in the final seconds of the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Barry
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Barry
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Hardonk
Round 2
Barry’s right eye is swollen from the first-round eye poke, but it doesn’t affect him early as he scores with several right-hook leads to the head of Hardonk. Barry’s confidence is at an all-time high as he starts to land at will. Hardonk, frustrated from the assault, attempts a rare takedown. Barry stuffs it easily. Hardonk steps forward in the pocket and is hit with a jab on the top of the head. He stumbles from the blow and Barry pounces with a savage right hand to the fallen fighter. Barry raises his arms before referee Josh Rosenthal takes action at 2:30 of round two. Impressive performance from Patrick Barry.
Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer
Round 1
Bader sneaks in a right hook on the heels of his jab. Schafer doubles up on his jab, but he can’t follow up with meaningful punches. Bader is swinging for the fences from the outside, and he’s grazing punches on both sides of his opponent’s face. Bader connects with a hard right hand that puts Schafer down. Bader swarms with leather as Schafer holds on. Bader absolutely tees off with his right hand, but Schafer survives. Scahfer then gets busy with an offensive guard, where he works omaplata and kimura attempts. Bader’s defense is solid. The horn ends a solid first frame.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Bader
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bader
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bader
Round 2
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Schafer
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Schafer
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Schafer
Round 3
Schafer starts the round with a lazy jab and pays for it, as Bader connects with a right-handed haymaker. Schafer stumbles around the cage like a newborn deer taking its first steps before crashing to the canvas. Bader swarms with punches and elbows, but much like the first round, Schafer survives and stops Bader in his tracks with a solid guard. The fighters clash heads in the guard and Schafer is cut. The laceration is cleaned by a doctor and action resumes. Schafer finds a rhythm on the feet and pieces together a few clean right hands. Bader steps forward and snaps Schafer’s head back with a jab. Bader drops levels for a double-leg takedown, and he scores. Schafer attempts to defend the shot with a guillotine, but Bader easily passes to side control. Bader controls the final minute before giving up guard and an omaplata try at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Bader (29-27 Bader)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Bader (29-28 Bader)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Bader (29-28 Bader)
Ryan Bader takes the unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-26.
Anthony Johnson vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Round 1
Johnson, a much larger opponent who failed to make weight on Friday, storms out and roughs Yoshida up with rights and lefts and to the chin. Yoshida is hurt and backing up with his hands down. Johnson lands a clean right cross directly on the chin and Yoshida goes to sleep. Referee Steve Mazzagatti halts the contest at just 0:41 of the first. Following the knockout, Johnson apologizes to the UFC for not making weight, which he says is a result of a knee injury.
Joe Stevenson vs. Spencer Fisher
Round 1
A one-two from Fisher ends a minute-long feeling-out process. Stevenson lands a left hand that opens up a small cut near the right temple on Fisher’s eyebrow. Stevenson switches levels for a takedown and Fisher defends beautifully. Fisher’s eye is bothering him as he blinks constantly, perhaps in an effort to prompt referee Herb Dean to separate the fighters, as Stevenson is controlling the clinch. Dean separates the fighters and Stevenson gets a takedown and half of Fisher’s back. Stevenson lands some right hands at the bell.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Fisher
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Stevenson
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Fisher
Round 2
Stevenson lands a hard right hand as Fisher starts the round aggressively. Fisher throws a kick to the body that is caught. Stevenson keeps a tight hold on the foot of Fisher and drags him to the canvas. Stevenson drops back for a heel hook, and Fisher defends. Stevenson gets back on top and briefly advances to mount before being put in half guard. Stevenson is teeing off with right elbows from half guard. Fisher is trapped against the fence and he’s taking a beating as Stevenson mixes in punches with the elbows. Stevenson moves to a crucifix and drops about 20 straight elbows that open up the face of Fisher. Dean steps in to save Fisher, who tapped out with his feet due to the strikes at 4:03 of the second.
Gleison Tibau vs. Josh Neer
Round 1
Tibau grazes a fast-punching combination and then follows with a beautifully-executed knee-tap takedown. Tibau gets sloppy and allows his opponent to stand before scoring another forceful takedown. Neer hops back up and taken down for the third time. In what is becoming a pattern through the first three minutes of action, Tibau is unable to hold Neer to the floor. Neer stands and Tibau drops levels for a single. Tibau completes the takedown. Neer works a butterfly guard from his back, and eventually uses it to stand.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Round 2
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tibau
Round 3
Tibau rushes in and gets a quick single-leg. Neer defends from his guard and stands when Tibau gave space. For the first time in the fight, Neer shrugs off a Tibau takedown. He stuffs another. Tibau is fatigued and backing up with his hands down. Neer lands a right hand and is taken down. Neer elbows the head from an open guard. Tibau allows Neer to stand, and is hit with a low kick. Tibau scores yet another single. Neer checks the clock and gets to his feet. Tibau gets another clean takedown before time expires. The crowd boos both fighters.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Tibau (30-27 Tibau)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Tibau (30-27 Tibau)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Tibau (30-27 Tibau)
Tibau takes a unanimous decision with official scores of 30-27 (twice) and 29-28.
Cain Velasquez vs. Ben Rothwell
Round 1
Velasquez gets a single-leg takedown after landing a kick to the body. Rothwell stands and is taken back down. Velasquez punishes Rothwell with short punches and moves to north-south. Velasquez goes to side control, which allows Rothwell to escape to his feet. Velasquez takes him back down and dishes out a world of hurt with both elbows and hands. Velasquez moves effortlessly from mount to side control and beyond. Velasquez allows Rothwell to stand after a completely one-sided thrash fest.
Dave
Mandel/Sherdog.com
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-8 Velasquez
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-7 Velasquez
Round 2
Velasquez snags a quick single and the beating commences. Velasquez’s right hand finds a home on the face of Rothwell. Velasquez pins Rothwell’s left arm against the cage and unloads with lefts to the head. While Rothwell frees his arm and stands to his feet, referee Steve Mazzagatti executes extremely poor judgment in calling the fight. An awful move to a fight that was growing more exciting by the minute. The official time is 0:58 of round two.
Lyoto Machida vs. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
Round 1
Shogun lands a left hook that makes Machida grimace. The champion goes to the Thai plum, where he lands several knees to the body. Shogun charges forward and clinches with his foe against the fencing. The fighters separate and Machida blasts Rua with a left kick to the body. Machida lands a hard knee to the body and Shogun dives in for a takedown. Machida easily defends and then slips away from a Rua head-kick attempt. This fight provides an interesting visual: Machida with his traditional karate stance, and Shogun with a rigid Thai stance. Shogun lands a hard low kick and Machida answers with a kick to the body. The first round is an interesting and close chess match.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Machida
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rua
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 2
Shogun goes to the legs of Machida to kickoff the second period. Machida lands a straight right that backs Rua up to the fence. Machida steps forward and cracks Rua with a left kick to the ribs. Shogun tries to attack and Machida glides away. Machida gets his movement cut off and he absorbs a hard Thai kick to the body. Both sides of Machida’s body are red. Shogun lands an unintentional knee to the groin from the clinch. Rua attacks the legs with kicks and knees to close the round.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Machida
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Machida
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 3
Shogun lands a snapping kick to the body and Machida is looking frustrated. The pace slows and the crowd briefly lets the fighters hear it. Machida goes to the midsection with a kick. Machida draws Shogun in and unloads with a right hand. Rua drops levels for a takedown and Machida stops it. Shogun lands two hard low kicks and a crushing kick to the ribs. It appears as Machida has been out scouted in this bout, as Rua is having his way with Machida with low kicks whenever the champion raises his leg to attack. Machida and Shogun exchange and Shogun gets the better of it with a hard-counter right. Machida landed a knee to the gut to start the trade, but was hurt by Rua’s right.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rua
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Machida
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 4
The pace slows in the first championship round. Rua lands a kick to the leg and body. Machida slips and Shogun sprints in to score a takedown. The reflexes of Machida are on display as he springs to his feet and stops the challenger’s advance with underhooks. Machida steps forward and is absolutely blasted with a knee to the body. Machida seems content to drop the round as he circles and avoids Rua for the final minute.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rua
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rua
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua
Round 5
Both fighters land simultaneously as Shogun connects with a kick to the body and Machida scores with a straight-right hand. Machida sneaks in a right on the chin and a knee to the body. Rua clinches with the champion and referee Herb Dean separates them. Rua lands a standing elbow and a right hand. Rua stays on the attack, but starts to miss wildly as Machida shows the movement that made him famous. Rua dances in the cage and counters a fast punching attack by Machida with a knee.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Rua (48-47 Rua)
Brian Knapp scores the round 10-9 Rua (48-47 Rua)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Rua (50-45 Rua)
All three judges score the fight 48-47 for Lyoto Machida, who takes the unanimous decision. The crowd boos the scores.
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