UFC 124 Results & Live Play-by-Play
Dec 11, 2010
Sherdog.com will report from the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec,
Canada, at approximately 7:25 p.m. ET with play-by-play and live
results of
UFC 124, which is headlined by Georges
St. Pierre vs. Josh
Koscheck.
Check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card.
Click here for quick results.
John Makdessi vs. Pat Audinwood
Round 1
Makdessi gets a huge pop from the half-full Bell Centre. Hard boos for Audinwood. Big cheers for referee Herb Dean. Audinwood looks twice Makdessi's size. First action comes 45 seconds in when Makdessi lands a hard side kick. Audinwood punches back but misses. Each guy throwing kicks and missing. Audinwood has another one-two head kick blocked. Makdessi grazes with a spinning-back kick and the crowd roars. Makdessi lands short left hooks then drops Audinwood with a left cross. Audinwood gets back to his feet under fire, but he's outclassed standing. Spinning-back kick by Makdessi and Audinwood shoots. Makdessi throws him off. 10-9 Makdessi.
Makdessi lands another side kick. And another. Audinwood is just circling. Audinwood's nose is bloodied. Makdessi lands a hook kick and is starting to show he's technically way beyond Audinwood standing. Spinning-back kick lands for Makdessi. Audinwood reaches lazily and Makdessi clocks him with a four-punch combo. Audinwood shoots and puts Makdessi down, but he shrimps and stands back up. Makdessi lands a left book to the body, and then follows it with one to the head. More left hooks pour in for Makdessi until the bell. 10-9 Makdessi.
Round 3
Spinning-back kick and a hook kick from Makdessi miss. Audinwood is circling still with no offense. Another weak one-two head kick from Audinwood is blocked. Another spinning-back kick misses. Left hook for the Canadian lands. Audinwood throws a "Superman" punch that is nowhere near close. Hard left counter from Makdessi when Audinwood throws a tame head kick. It is a point fighting match and Makdessi is winning it easily. Right cross and a double left for Makdessi in the last 10 seconds. All Makdessi. 10-9 and 30-27 overall on the Sherdog.com scorecard.
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 30-26 for Makdessi, who takes the unanimous decision.
Judging note: Sherdog.com's Greg Savage reports that John Woodburn gave Makdessi the second frame with a 10-8 score. Sal D'Amato and David Therien went 10-9 in all rounds.
Ricardo Almeida vs. T.J. Grant
Round 1
Philippe Chartier is the referee. They trade low kicks before Almeida finishes a single-leg takedown. Almeida gets to half, but can't advance past Grant's active butterfly guard. Grant is punching and hammerfisting from the bottom. Almeida stands and eats an upkick. He dives into Grant's guard with two hooks. Grant scoots to the fence and gets up, but Almeida sucks him back down. Almeida looks for his guillotine, but grant fights off his wrists and escapes to guard. Good clean punches from the Brazilian, who passes to half as the horn sounds. 10-9 Almeida.
Round 2
Grant stalks Almeida down to the fence, but when he attacks, Almeida changes levels and slams him to the mat. Grant tries to work double butterfly guard, and Almeida smoothly passes to side mount. Grant regains half guard but Almeida is relentless on top. Grant scrambles to his feet and Almeida drives him into the fence and back down again. Grant is punching from the bottom of half guard, but Almeida stacks him into the fence an looks for a guillotine. Grant gets back to his feet and stuffs and Almeida double. Grant briefly takes the top position and lands hard punches, but it is too late to steal the round. 10-9 Almeida.
Round 3
Almeida looks winded as the final rind begins, but he still powers Grant to the mat with a double-leg takedown. Grant tries to scramble and briefly gives up his back, but is able to roll and push Almeida back into the guard. Right hook and a right elbow land for Almeida. Grant tries to snake his back up against the fence but he is exhausted and Almeida passes over his knees to full mount. Hard left from the Brazilian. Grant forces him back to half, but Almeida regains the mount. Grant bridges and rolls with 30 seconds left and he is back on the mat as soon as he gets up courtesy of another Almeida takedown. 10-9 Almeida and 30-27 overall.
Official scores: 30-27 across the board for Almeida, the winner by unanimous decision.
Matt Riddle vs. Sean Pierson
Round 1
Riddle takes best entrance track of the night thus far with Money For Nothing by Dire Straits. Yves Lavigne is the referee. Riddle launches haymakers at his fellow southpaw, but Pierson lands a sharp jab and follows up with knees. Riddle keeps swinging and gets raked with hooks. Pierson lands a hard two-punch combo against the fence. Riddle tries a flying knee and Pierson smashed him out of the air with a right hook. Riddle turtles and Pierson adds some hard rights before getting waist control. Pierson elevates him and slams him to the mat and takes his back with both hooks. Riddle stands and Pierson sucks him to the mat. Riddle pries himself free and gets to his feet. Riddle chases with winging punches and kicks but can't land. 10-9 Pierson.
Round 2
Pierson is smashing Riddle with his jab and follows with a hard left cross. Riddle shoots, but Pierson stonewalls him and shrugs him off. Riddle is flicking punches but can't land anything. Pierson sticks his jab in his face again. Big "Let's Go Pierson!" chant erupts. Jab and another left cross for Pierson. Riddle lands a winging shot that causes Pierson to slip, exposing his neck. Riddle goes for a quick guillotine and jumps, but Pierson escapes. Riddle gets a takedown and tiredly throws swimming punches until the bell. 10-9 Pierson.
Round 3
Riddle is looking for a home run with right hooks, but he's missing. He runs forward with a combo, but gets smacked with a left cross. Three jabs land for Pierson. Three more. Pierson's jab is the story of the fight. Jab and a left cross from Pierson. Riddle keep swinging and going for broke, but a tired Pierson keeps pumping his piston-like jab. Pierson is cut under his right eye. More jabs from Pierson and Riddle shoots and gets denied. Pierson is controlling the head and trying to take the back. The pair get to their feet and throw wild punches until the bell, earning a standing ovation from the Bell Center. 10-9 Pierson and 30-27 Pierson.
Official scores: All three judges have it 30-27 Pierson, who gets another standing ovation.
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Rafael Natal
Round 1
Dan Miragliotta is our referee. Natal catches a lazy Bongfeldt kick and drives him to the mat but Bongfeldt won't stay down. He chases Natal with a head kick as he gets to his feet, but gets taken down once again. Natal passes to side and nearly takes the back, but Bongfeldt fights back to his feet. Natal keeps head control and rams him into the fence. Natal gets him down again and gets his back with both hooks this time. Bongfeldt fights the hands and is able to escape one of the hooks, and roll into guard. They stand and Bongfeldt scores an outside trip and nearly takes Natal's back. Some sloppy grappling marks the end of the round. 10-9 Natal.
Round 2
The pair trade ugly hooks and an awkward right knocks Natal to the floor. Bongfeldt attacks with punches and briefly gets to the mount before Natal escapes. Bongfeldt tries to pull Natal back down and the Brazilian grabs the fence, prompting a warning from Miragliotta. On the restart, Natal slams Bongfeldt down and takes his back again. No defensive grappling here at all. Natal threatens the whole, barely keeping his hooks in as Bongfeldt rolls around. Bongfeldt gets free and to his feet. The Canadian shoots and Natal ends up with his back. Natal threatens with the rear-naked choke again. 10-9 Natal in a sloppy grappling match.
Round 3
Natal misses a lunging overhand right and Bongfeldt lands a knee to the guts. Bongfeldt chops into Natal's lead leg with a low kick. Natal is slipping all over the cage in exhaustion. Bongfeldt catches his leg and smashes him with a right that puts him on the floor. Bongfeldt easily gets to mount and rains punches on the fatigued Brazilian. Natal reclaims half, but can offer nothing on the bottom. He turtles and Bongfeldt punches away Natal rolls to his back and the Canadian takes mount again, punishing Natal to the bell. 10-9 Bongfeldt and 29-28 Natal overall.
Announcer Bruce Buffer says all three judges have it a 30-30 draw. Those scores are likely to be corrected in Montreal later, but the bout is officially scored a draw.
Update: Greg Savage reports that the actual Natal-Bongfeldt scores were 28-28 (twice) and 29-28 Natal, for a majority draw.
Dustin Hazelett vs. Mark Bocek
Round 1
Philippe Chartier reffing. Bocek scores a quick trip takedown against the fence. Hazelett moves quickly to rubber guard but Bocek breaks his posture. Bocek passes to mount and deftly locks up a topside triangle. Bocek rolls and elbows Hazeletts head. Hazelett tries to keep tall posture but Bocek gets control of his arm, torquing it back while pulling down on the head to get the tap at 2:33 of the first round.
Dan Miller vs. Joe Doerksen
Round 1
Marc-Andre Cote is the referee. Doerksen lands two overhand rights to start the proceedings, but Miller quickly drives him to the mat. Miller pushes his way to half guard. Doerksen elevates him and in the ensuing scramble Miller look for his patented guillotine. Doerksen rolls and escapes, but winds up back on his back. Doerksen feebly punches from his back. Miller responds with two hard rights. Miller trying to set up punches, but struggling to disentangle himself from Doerksen. Miller with hammerfists at the horn. 10-9 Miller.
Round 2
Doerksen double jabs and Miller immediately changes levels. When Miller puts Doerksen on the floor he is instantly swept and the Canadian assumes top control. Miller throws up his hips and Doerksen tries to pass under. Miller blocks it and forces a scramble in which he puts Doerksen on his back again. Doerksen locks up a kimura from the bottom and nearly sweeps miller to mount, but miller tanks his arm out and keeps top position. Miller lunges with punches and Doerksen lands an upkick. Miller struggles to find offense on top in the last 30 seconds. 10-9 Doerksen.
Round 3
Doerksen lands a right and follows with a head kick, which Miller blocks, and then drives Doerksen to the mat again. Doerksen nearly hits a pendulum sweep on Miller but can't turn him over. Miller with a volley of hammerfists that bloody up Doerksen's nose. Miller pushes Doerksen against the fence and tears into him with left elbows. Miller drives a series of rights into Doerksen's bloodied face. The Canadian regains full guard but looks spent. Miller idly pounds away for the last 60 seconds. 10-9 Miller, and 29-28 Miller overall.
Official scores: 29-28 Miller (twice) and 29-28 Doerksen. Dan Miller takes the split decision.
Thiago Alves vs. John Howard
Round 1
Yves Lavigne officiates the first match of the pay-per-view card. Alves lands a low kick and a sharp right hand over the top, then stuffs a takedown attempt from Howard. Another low kick-right hand combo from Alves, and another takedown attempt from Howard finds Alves on top in half-guard. Howard sits back for a leglock, but Alves slips out. Low kick from Howard is countered by a left hand from Alves. One-two lands from Alves lands flush, and then a few hard jabs for good measure. A chopping leg kick from Alves buckles the left leg of Howard and Alves pounces to deliver a few knees and punches. Howard with a low kick of his own, but Alves wins that contest. Howard catches a kick from Alves and pushes the Brazilian into the fence with a minute left. High kick from Alves slaps the face of Howard. Both men trading big leg kicks and winging punches in the last 30 seconds.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alves
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Alves
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Alves
Round 2
Alves immediately goes back to work on the left leg of Howard with a low kick inside. Another thigh kick glances Howard’s cup, but Howard shakes it off, and the fighters slap gloves and get back to work with no break. Howard counters another leg kick with a flurry of punches, a few of which get through. Alves continuing to work the leg of Howard, who’s now attempting to check the kicks. Alves rushes in and grabs a waistlock, pushing Howard into the fence before lifting him into the air and dumping “Doomsday” onto the canvas. Alves works from half-guard, both men keeping busy with short punches to the body. Stuffed back to full guard, Alves postures up and momentarily pounds away with hammerfists, landing a few elbows before the end of the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alves
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Alves
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Alves
Round 3
Alves is pacing in his corner before the final round. Overhand right from Alves sends Howard stumbling backward, but he stays up. Howard tries for a single-leg and holds Alves against the fence momentarily. They split and stand toe-to-toe again, where Howard lands a hard but singular leg kick. Alves connects with a combo, and then floors Howard with a big punch, but Howard pops right back up. More leg kicks and tight combinations from Alves. Howard just can’t find his range, whiffing on kicks and punches. Both men swinging away to the final horn, with Alves scoring on the last exchange.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alves (30-27 Alves)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Alves (30-27 Alves)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Alves (30-27 Alves)
Official scores: Three scorecards of 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Thiago Alves.
Joe Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig
Round 1
Dan Miragliotta is in the cage to ref this clash of “Ultimate Fighter” winners. Danzig lands a left on Stevenson as “Joe Daddy” rushes in. Teep kick to the face of Stevenson, and another left hook from Danzig. Stevenson pumps a few nice jabs, then digs a right hand to the body. Overhand right from Stevenson stumbles Danzig. Stevenson pushes forward on Danzig, who steps back and simultaneously lands a perfectly-placed left hand. Stevenson falls to the canvas face-first, and Danzig makes sure he stays down with a few follow-up punches on the ground. Miragliotta steps in at 1:54 to rescue the helpless Stevenson. A serious highlight reel knockout for Mac Danzig.
Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira
Round 1
Referee Dan Miragliotta returns for this lightweight bout. Oliveira instantly throws a head kick, then shoots for a single-leg which Miller easily stuffs. Another head kick from Oliveira, then a clinch, and they wind up on the ground with Oliveira on his back. Oliveira throwing his legs up, hunting for a triangle with Miller in his full guard. Oliveira latches on to the right arm of Miller, tries for an armbar, but Miller busts free. Miller stands and stacks Oliveira up, and then drops back for a leglock. The New Jersey native stretches out Oliveira’s leg with a kneebar, and it’s a good one. Oliveira resists for a moment before tapping at the 1:59 mark, the first loss of his career.
Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle
Round 1
Yves Lavigne referees this evening’s lone heavyweight affair. The big men tentatively touch gloves to begin. Struve lobs a right hand over the top and McCorkle immediately doubles over, then plows Struve to the mat. McCorkle grabs hold of Struve’s left arm and wrenches it behind his back. Struve gets his back to the cage and defends the lock ably, but with the limb freed, McCorkle winds up in side position. Struve rolls and puts McCorkle back in his guard. McCorkle pins Struve’s head to the fence with his left hand and whacks away with his right. McCorkle postures up and Struve snares his left arm, looking for an armbar, but McCorkle defends. Some hard shots by Struve from his back before the Dutchman decides to control McCorkle’s wrists instead. Struve postures up, framing a kimura on McCorkle’s left arm, then sweeps beautifully right into mount. Struve unleashes a torrent of punches on McCorkle, who rolls onto his side. The punches keep coming, bloodying McCorkle’s nose, and Lavigne waves it off at 3:55 of the opening round, giving Struve the win by TKO.
Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck
Round 1
Referee Herb Dean has officiating duties for this welterweight title bout. St. Pierre pumps a left jab before taking Koscheck down against the base of the fence. Koscheck cage-walks to his feet. Double-jab and a right hand follow-up from St. Pierre. Another takedown attempt from St. Pierre is stuffed by Koscheck, who lands a grazing left hand on the exit. St. Pierre keeps the jabs coming, ducking under a big right from Koscheck, whose face is already showing damage. Left jab and a head kick by St. Pierre, who’s moving around the perimeter of the cage. Koscheck steps right into another stiff left jab before moving in for a takedown. St. Pierre stuffs the attempt and finds his back against the fence. Koscheck on his knees, working for a high double, and he’s finally able to bring St. Pierre down with 20 seconds left in the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 2
Koscheck’s right eye is already in rough shape, cut and swollen at the start of the second frame. St. Pierre gets back to work with left jabs and inside leg kicks. Koscheck’s overhand rights are missing for the most part, with GSP often ducking under them. St. Pierre lands another Superman left hand, then a hard kick to the body. GSP keeps going back to his double-left jab followed by a right hand, snapping Koscheck’s head back. Koscheck puts together a solid combo that finishes with an uppercut, but St. Pierre appears unfazed. GSP switch-kicks to Koscheck’s body and comes forward with a few punches to end the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 3
No surprise: more left jabs from GSP to begin the third. The champ tries for a single-leg after about a minute, but Koscheck puts his back to the cage and they clinch instead. Underhooks for Koscheck, who reverses GSP into the fence, only to be quickly reversed back. St. Pierre kneeing inside while Koscheck comes over the top with a few punches, neither terribly effectively. Referee Dean tells them to get busy and the fighters disengage. GSP continues snapping Koscheck’s head back with the left jab. They tie up and St. Pierre seems to say something to referee Dean about his glove. A moment later, Dean cautions Koscheck, “don’t hold the gloves,” as they clinch against the fence. Leg kicks and left hands by St. Pierre for the final minute of the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 4
The ringside doctor can be overheard telling Herb Dean that Koscheck can’t see out of his right eye in between rounds, but he allows the fight to continue after protest from Koscheck. St. Pierre scores a takedown early and takes Koscheck’s back, but Koscheck stands and shakes him. Koscheck drops for a leglock which GSP slips, and now St. Pierre has a waistlock, holding Koscheck against the fence. St. Pierre lands a knee to the damaged eye of the doubled-over Koscheck. Back in the center of the cage, Koscheck is throwing one-twos, only to have GSP sidestep every attempt. Koscheck now checking St. Pierre’s inside leg kicks. GSP with a cracking left hook, followed by a few more stiff jabs. According to CompuStrike, St. Pierre landed 24 strikes to Koscheck’s three in the fourth frame.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 5
St. Pierre starts the final round with more kicks to the inside of Koscheck’s left leg. Another jab snaps Koscheck’s head back before he completely misses a single-leg attempt. Left hook by St. Pierre, and then he’s back to pumping the jab. Three minutes left for Koscheck to pull something off, or GSP is keeping his title. St. Pierre ducks an overhand right and ties Koscheck up against the fence with two minutes left. It takes a moment and a few punches from Koscheck, but GSP brings his man to the mat. Koscheck stands up, only to be dragged back down. Koscheck stands again. Knees to the legs of Koscheck by GSP. Short punches to the body by Koscheck. Thirty seconds left. St. Pierre lands a body kick, another jab, and a one-two for good measure at the close of the bout.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (50-45 St. Pierre)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (50-45 St. Pierre)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (50-45 St. Pierre)
Official scores: Judges Nelson Hamilton, David Therien and John Woodburn all score the bout 50-45 in favor of Georges St. Pierre, the winner by unanimous decision and still UFC welterweight champion.
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John Makdessi vs. Pat Audinwood
Round 1
Makdessi gets a huge pop from the half-full Bell Centre. Hard boos for Audinwood. Big cheers for referee Herb Dean. Audinwood looks twice Makdessi's size. First action comes 45 seconds in when Makdessi lands a hard side kick. Audinwood punches back but misses. Each guy throwing kicks and missing. Audinwood has another one-two head kick blocked. Makdessi grazes with a spinning-back kick and the crowd roars. Makdessi lands short left hooks then drops Audinwood with a left cross. Audinwood gets back to his feet under fire, but he's outclassed standing. Spinning-back kick by Makdessi and Audinwood shoots. Makdessi throws him off. 10-9 Makdessi.
Round 2
Makdessi lands another side kick. And another. Audinwood is just circling. Audinwood's nose is bloodied. Makdessi lands a hook kick and is starting to show he's technically way beyond Audinwood standing. Spinning-back kick lands for Makdessi. Audinwood reaches lazily and Makdessi clocks him with a four-punch combo. Audinwood shoots and puts Makdessi down, but he shrimps and stands back up. Makdessi lands a left book to the body, and then follows it with one to the head. More left hooks pour in for Makdessi until the bell. 10-9 Makdessi.
Round 3
Spinning-back kick and a hook kick from Makdessi miss. Audinwood is circling still with no offense. Another weak one-two head kick from Audinwood is blocked. Another spinning-back kick misses. Left hook for the Canadian lands. Audinwood throws a "Superman" punch that is nowhere near close. Hard left counter from Makdessi when Audinwood throws a tame head kick. It is a point fighting match and Makdessi is winning it easily. Right cross and a double left for Makdessi in the last 10 seconds. All Makdessi. 10-9 and 30-27 overall on the Sherdog.com scorecard.
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 30-26 for Makdessi, who takes the unanimous decision.
Judging note: Sherdog.com's Greg Savage reports that John Woodburn gave Makdessi the second frame with a 10-8 score. Sal D'Amato and David Therien went 10-9 in all rounds.
Ricardo Almeida vs. T.J. Grant
Round 1
Philippe Chartier is the referee. They trade low kicks before Almeida finishes a single-leg takedown. Almeida gets to half, but can't advance past Grant's active butterfly guard. Grant is punching and hammerfisting from the bottom. Almeida stands and eats an upkick. He dives into Grant's guard with two hooks. Grant scoots to the fence and gets up, but Almeida sucks him back down. Almeida looks for his guillotine, but grant fights off his wrists and escapes to guard. Good clean punches from the Brazilian, who passes to half as the horn sounds. 10-9 Almeida.
Round 2
Grant stalks Almeida down to the fence, but when he attacks, Almeida changes levels and slams him to the mat. Grant tries to work double butterfly guard, and Almeida smoothly passes to side mount. Grant regains half guard but Almeida is relentless on top. Grant scrambles to his feet and Almeida drives him into the fence and back down again. Grant is punching from the bottom of half guard, but Almeida stacks him into the fence an looks for a guillotine. Grant gets back to his feet and stuffs and Almeida double. Grant briefly takes the top position and lands hard punches, but it is too late to steal the round. 10-9 Almeida.
Round 3
Almeida looks winded as the final rind begins, but he still powers Grant to the mat with a double-leg takedown. Grant tries to scramble and briefly gives up his back, but is able to roll and push Almeida back into the guard. Right hook and a right elbow land for Almeida. Grant tries to snake his back up against the fence but he is exhausted and Almeida passes over his knees to full mount. Hard left from the Brazilian. Grant forces him back to half, but Almeida regains the mount. Grant bridges and rolls with 30 seconds left and he is back on the mat as soon as he gets up courtesy of another Almeida takedown. 10-9 Almeida and 30-27 overall.
Official scores: 30-27 across the board for Almeida, the winner by unanimous decision.
Matt Riddle vs. Sean Pierson
Round 1
Riddle takes best entrance track of the night thus far with Money For Nothing by Dire Straits. Yves Lavigne is the referee. Riddle launches haymakers at his fellow southpaw, but Pierson lands a sharp jab and follows up with knees. Riddle keeps swinging and gets raked with hooks. Pierson lands a hard two-punch combo against the fence. Riddle tries a flying knee and Pierson smashed him out of the air with a right hook. Riddle turtles and Pierson adds some hard rights before getting waist control. Pierson elevates him and slams him to the mat and takes his back with both hooks. Riddle stands and Pierson sucks him to the mat. Riddle pries himself free and gets to his feet. Riddle chases with winging punches and kicks but can't land. 10-9 Pierson.
Round 2
Pierson is smashing Riddle with his jab and follows with a hard left cross. Riddle shoots, but Pierson stonewalls him and shrugs him off. Riddle is flicking punches but can't land anything. Pierson sticks his jab in his face again. Big "Let's Go Pierson!" chant erupts. Jab and another left cross for Pierson. Riddle lands a winging shot that causes Pierson to slip, exposing his neck. Riddle goes for a quick guillotine and jumps, but Pierson escapes. Riddle gets a takedown and tiredly throws swimming punches until the bell. 10-9 Pierson.
Round 3
Riddle is looking for a home run with right hooks, but he's missing. He runs forward with a combo, but gets smacked with a left cross. Three jabs land for Pierson. Three more. Pierson's jab is the story of the fight. Jab and a left cross from Pierson. Riddle keep swinging and going for broke, but a tired Pierson keeps pumping his piston-like jab. Pierson is cut under his right eye. More jabs from Pierson and Riddle shoots and gets denied. Pierson is controlling the head and trying to take the back. The pair get to their feet and throw wild punches until the bell, earning a standing ovation from the Bell Center. 10-9 Pierson and 30-27 Pierson.
Official scores: All three judges have it 30-27 Pierson, who gets another standing ovation.
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Rafael Natal
Round 1
Dan Miragliotta is our referee. Natal catches a lazy Bongfeldt kick and drives him to the mat but Bongfeldt won't stay down. He chases Natal with a head kick as he gets to his feet, but gets taken down once again. Natal passes to side and nearly takes the back, but Bongfeldt fights back to his feet. Natal keeps head control and rams him into the fence. Natal gets him down again and gets his back with both hooks this time. Bongfeldt fights the hands and is able to escape one of the hooks, and roll into guard. They stand and Bongfeldt scores an outside trip and nearly takes Natal's back. Some sloppy grappling marks the end of the round. 10-9 Natal.
Round 2
The pair trade ugly hooks and an awkward right knocks Natal to the floor. Bongfeldt attacks with punches and briefly gets to the mount before Natal escapes. Bongfeldt tries to pull Natal back down and the Brazilian grabs the fence, prompting a warning from Miragliotta. On the restart, Natal slams Bongfeldt down and takes his back again. No defensive grappling here at all. Natal threatens the whole, barely keeping his hooks in as Bongfeldt rolls around. Bongfeldt gets free and to his feet. The Canadian shoots and Natal ends up with his back. Natal threatens with the rear-naked choke again. 10-9 Natal in a sloppy grappling match.
Round 3
Natal misses a lunging overhand right and Bongfeldt lands a knee to the guts. Bongfeldt chops into Natal's lead leg with a low kick. Natal is slipping all over the cage in exhaustion. Bongfeldt catches his leg and smashes him with a right that puts him on the floor. Bongfeldt easily gets to mount and rains punches on the fatigued Brazilian. Natal reclaims half, but can offer nothing on the bottom. He turtles and Bongfeldt punches away Natal rolls to his back and the Canadian takes mount again, punishing Natal to the bell. 10-9 Bongfeldt and 29-28 Natal overall.
Announcer Bruce Buffer says all three judges have it a 30-30 draw. Those scores are likely to be corrected in Montreal later, but the bout is officially scored a draw.
Update: Greg Savage reports that the actual Natal-Bongfeldt scores were 28-28 (twice) and 29-28 Natal, for a majority draw.
Dustin Hazelett vs. Mark Bocek
Round 1
Philippe Chartier reffing. Bocek scores a quick trip takedown against the fence. Hazelett moves quickly to rubber guard but Bocek breaks his posture. Bocek passes to mount and deftly locks up a topside triangle. Bocek rolls and elbows Hazeletts head. Hazelett tries to keep tall posture but Bocek gets control of his arm, torquing it back while pulling down on the head to get the tap at 2:33 of the first round.
Dan Miller vs. Joe Doerksen
Round 1
Marc-Andre Cote is the referee. Doerksen lands two overhand rights to start the proceedings, but Miller quickly drives him to the mat. Miller pushes his way to half guard. Doerksen elevates him and in the ensuing scramble Miller look for his patented guillotine. Doerksen rolls and escapes, but winds up back on his back. Doerksen feebly punches from his back. Miller responds with two hard rights. Miller trying to set up punches, but struggling to disentangle himself from Doerksen. Miller with hammerfists at the horn. 10-9 Miller.
Round 2
Doerksen double jabs and Miller immediately changes levels. When Miller puts Doerksen on the floor he is instantly swept and the Canadian assumes top control. Miller throws up his hips and Doerksen tries to pass under. Miller blocks it and forces a scramble in which he puts Doerksen on his back again. Doerksen locks up a kimura from the bottom and nearly sweeps miller to mount, but miller tanks his arm out and keeps top position. Miller lunges with punches and Doerksen lands an upkick. Miller struggles to find offense on top in the last 30 seconds. 10-9 Doerksen.
Round 3
Doerksen lands a right and follows with a head kick, which Miller blocks, and then drives Doerksen to the mat again. Doerksen nearly hits a pendulum sweep on Miller but can't turn him over. Miller with a volley of hammerfists that bloody up Doerksen's nose. Miller pushes Doerksen against the fence and tears into him with left elbows. Miller drives a series of rights into Doerksen's bloodied face. The Canadian regains full guard but looks spent. Miller idly pounds away for the last 60 seconds. 10-9 Miller, and 29-28 Miller overall.
Official scores: 29-28 Miller (twice) and 29-28 Doerksen. Dan Miller takes the split decision.
Thiago Alves vs. John Howard
Round 1
Yves Lavigne officiates the first match of the pay-per-view card. Alves lands a low kick and a sharp right hand over the top, then stuffs a takedown attempt from Howard. Another low kick-right hand combo from Alves, and another takedown attempt from Howard finds Alves on top in half-guard. Howard sits back for a leglock, but Alves slips out. Low kick from Howard is countered by a left hand from Alves. One-two lands from Alves lands flush, and then a few hard jabs for good measure. A chopping leg kick from Alves buckles the left leg of Howard and Alves pounces to deliver a few knees and punches. Howard with a low kick of his own, but Alves wins that contest. Howard catches a kick from Alves and pushes the Brazilian into the fence with a minute left. High kick from Alves slaps the face of Howard. Both men trading big leg kicks and winging punches in the last 30 seconds.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alves
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Alves
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Alves
Round 2
Alves immediately goes back to work on the left leg of Howard with a low kick inside. Another thigh kick glances Howard’s cup, but Howard shakes it off, and the fighters slap gloves and get back to work with no break. Howard counters another leg kick with a flurry of punches, a few of which get through. Alves continuing to work the leg of Howard, who’s now attempting to check the kicks. Alves rushes in and grabs a waistlock, pushing Howard into the fence before lifting him into the air and dumping “Doomsday” onto the canvas. Alves works from half-guard, both men keeping busy with short punches to the body. Stuffed back to full guard, Alves postures up and momentarily pounds away with hammerfists, landing a few elbows before the end of the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alves
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Alves
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Alves
Round 3
Alves is pacing in his corner before the final round. Overhand right from Alves sends Howard stumbling backward, but he stays up. Howard tries for a single-leg and holds Alves against the fence momentarily. They split and stand toe-to-toe again, where Howard lands a hard but singular leg kick. Alves connects with a combo, and then floors Howard with a big punch, but Howard pops right back up. More leg kicks and tight combinations from Alves. Howard just can’t find his range, whiffing on kicks and punches. Both men swinging away to the final horn, with Alves scoring on the last exchange.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Alves (30-27 Alves)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Alves (30-27 Alves)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 Alves (30-27 Alves)
Official scores: Three scorecards of 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Thiago Alves.
Joe Stevenson vs. Mac Danzig
Round 1
Dan Miragliotta is in the cage to ref this clash of “Ultimate Fighter” winners. Danzig lands a left on Stevenson as “Joe Daddy” rushes in. Teep kick to the face of Stevenson, and another left hook from Danzig. Stevenson pumps a few nice jabs, then digs a right hand to the body. Overhand right from Stevenson stumbles Danzig. Stevenson pushes forward on Danzig, who steps back and simultaneously lands a perfectly-placed left hand. Stevenson falls to the canvas face-first, and Danzig makes sure he stays down with a few follow-up punches on the ground. Miragliotta steps in at 1:54 to rescue the helpless Stevenson. A serious highlight reel knockout for Mac Danzig.
Jim Miller vs. Charles Oliveira
Round 1
Referee Dan Miragliotta returns for this lightweight bout. Oliveira instantly throws a head kick, then shoots for a single-leg which Miller easily stuffs. Another head kick from Oliveira, then a clinch, and they wind up on the ground with Oliveira on his back. Oliveira throwing his legs up, hunting for a triangle with Miller in his full guard. Oliveira latches on to the right arm of Miller, tries for an armbar, but Miller busts free. Miller stands and stacks Oliveira up, and then drops back for a leglock. The New Jersey native stretches out Oliveira’s leg with a kneebar, and it’s a good one. Oliveira resists for a moment before tapping at the 1:59 mark, the first loss of his career.
Stefan Struve vs. Sean McCorkle
Round 1
Yves Lavigne referees this evening’s lone heavyweight affair. The big men tentatively touch gloves to begin. Struve lobs a right hand over the top and McCorkle immediately doubles over, then plows Struve to the mat. McCorkle grabs hold of Struve’s left arm and wrenches it behind his back. Struve gets his back to the cage and defends the lock ably, but with the limb freed, McCorkle winds up in side position. Struve rolls and puts McCorkle back in his guard. McCorkle pins Struve’s head to the fence with his left hand and whacks away with his right. McCorkle postures up and Struve snares his left arm, looking for an armbar, but McCorkle defends. Some hard shots by Struve from his back before the Dutchman decides to control McCorkle’s wrists instead. Struve postures up, framing a kimura on McCorkle’s left arm, then sweeps beautifully right into mount. Struve unleashes a torrent of punches on McCorkle, who rolls onto his side. The punches keep coming, bloodying McCorkle’s nose, and Lavigne waves it off at 3:55 of the opening round, giving Struve the win by TKO.
Georges St. Pierre vs. Josh Koscheck
Round 1
Referee Herb Dean has officiating duties for this welterweight title bout. St. Pierre pumps a left jab before taking Koscheck down against the base of the fence. Koscheck cage-walks to his feet. Double-jab and a right hand follow-up from St. Pierre. Another takedown attempt from St. Pierre is stuffed by Koscheck, who lands a grazing left hand on the exit. St. Pierre keeps the jabs coming, ducking under a big right from Koscheck, whose face is already showing damage. Left jab and a head kick by St. Pierre, who’s moving around the perimeter of the cage. Koscheck steps right into another stiff left jab before moving in for a takedown. St. Pierre stuffs the attempt and finds his back against the fence. Koscheck on his knees, working for a high double, and he’s finally able to bring St. Pierre down with 20 seconds left in the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 2
Koscheck’s right eye is already in rough shape, cut and swollen at the start of the second frame. St. Pierre gets back to work with left jabs and inside leg kicks. Koscheck’s overhand rights are missing for the most part, with GSP often ducking under them. St. Pierre lands another Superman left hand, then a hard kick to the body. GSP keeps going back to his double-left jab followed by a right hand, snapping Koscheck’s head back. Koscheck puts together a solid combo that finishes with an uppercut, but St. Pierre appears unfazed. GSP switch-kicks to Koscheck’s body and comes forward with a few punches to end the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 3
No surprise: more left jabs from GSP to begin the third. The champ tries for a single-leg after about a minute, but Koscheck puts his back to the cage and they clinch instead. Underhooks for Koscheck, who reverses GSP into the fence, only to be quickly reversed back. St. Pierre kneeing inside while Koscheck comes over the top with a few punches, neither terribly effectively. Referee Dean tells them to get busy and the fighters disengage. GSP continues snapping Koscheck’s head back with the left jab. They tie up and St. Pierre seems to say something to referee Dean about his glove. A moment later, Dean cautions Koscheck, “don’t hold the gloves,” as they clinch against the fence. Leg kicks and left hands by St. Pierre for the final minute of the round.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 4
The ringside doctor can be overheard telling Herb Dean that Koscheck can’t see out of his right eye in between rounds, but he allows the fight to continue after protest from Koscheck. St. Pierre scores a takedown early and takes Koscheck’s back, but Koscheck stands and shakes him. Koscheck drops for a leglock which GSP slips, and now St. Pierre has a waistlock, holding Koscheck against the fence. St. Pierre lands a knee to the damaged eye of the doubled-over Koscheck. Back in the center of the cage, Koscheck is throwing one-twos, only to have GSP sidestep every attempt. Koscheck now checking St. Pierre’s inside leg kicks. GSP with a cracking left hook, followed by a few more stiff jabs. According to CompuStrike, St. Pierre landed 24 strikes to Koscheck’s three in the fourth frame.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 5
St. Pierre starts the final round with more kicks to the inside of Koscheck’s left leg. Another jab snaps Koscheck’s head back before he completely misses a single-leg attempt. Left hook by St. Pierre, and then he’s back to pumping the jab. Three minutes left for Koscheck to pull something off, or GSP is keeping his title. St. Pierre ducks an overhand right and ties Koscheck up against the fence with two minutes left. It takes a moment and a few punches from Koscheck, but GSP brings his man to the mat. Koscheck stands up, only to be dragged back down. Koscheck stands again. Knees to the legs of Koscheck by GSP. Short punches to the body by Koscheck. Thirty seconds left. St. Pierre lands a body kick, another jab, and a one-two for good measure at the close of the bout.
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (50-45 St. Pierre)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (50-45 St. Pierre)
Mike Whitman scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre (50-45 St. Pierre)
Official scores: Judges Nelson Hamilton, David Therien and John Woodburn all score the bout 50-45 in favor of Georges St. Pierre, the winner by unanimous decision and still UFC welterweight champion.
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