UFC 141 ‘Lesnar vs. Overeem’ Results and Play-by-Play
Dec 30, 2011
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results of UFC
141, headlined by a heavyweight clash between former UFC
heavyweight champion Brock
Lesnar and former Strikeforce champion Alistair
Overeem.
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Round 1
Nunes circles and changes angles around the outside, slapping with outside kicks to the upper thigh and a turning kick to the body. Nunes easily sprawls a takedown and backs out of the way of an ill-intentioned overhand left. The Brazilian keeps the low kicks coming and Gamburyan shoots again. Nunes fends him off briefly, but Gamburyan keeps after it and drags “The Gun” down at the base of the fence. Gamburyan tries to pass to side control and Nunes sees an opportunity to scramble up. Gamburyan looks to be limping slightly on his lead leg as the thigh kicks pile up and another shot is stuffed. Nunes puts a spinning kick in Gamburyan’s breadbasket before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nunes
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Nunes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nunes
Round 2
Gamburyan grazes with an overhand and takes another thigh kick in return. Nunes keeps his distance until another big right hand finds its mark and wobbles him. The Brazilian stays vertical as Gamburyan closes the gap, but Nunes nearly gives his back as they grapple against the cage. Nunes gets his back to the fence and thwarts an ankle pick from Gamburyan, but referee Steve Mazzagatti warns the Nova Uniao fighter for grabbing the fence. Another turning kick to the gut has Gamburyan shooting, and this time the takedown comes with relative ease. Nunes establishes half-guard and tries to push off the fence with his feet, to no avail. Gamburyan lands a few short lefts and loops his left arm around Nunes’ neck for a loose guillotine. Nunes shrimps, gets to his feet and puts Gamburyan’s back to the cage with about a minute to go. Gamburyan takes a knee inside, covers up and circles out, negating a combo from Nunes. They finish the round back on the feet.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Gamburyan
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Gamburyan
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Gamburyan
Round 3
As the final frame begins, Gamburyan continues to look for big punches and Nunes keeps working his leg kicks. The taller Nunes’ strikes are more effective through the first 90 seconds, as the fighters are keeping a good space between them. Gamburyan shoots a high double-leg and Nunes sprawls against the fence, then breaks off with a hard knee to Gamburyan’s gut. Nunes ducks an overhand right, sprawls on another takedown try and punishes Gamburyan with more sharp inside thigh kicks. Gamburyan slips on a punch and blocks a head kick. The judoka sees an opening but can’t keep Nunes on the ground after a well-timed spinning back-fist counter. An inside thigh kick catches Gamburyan in the cup and he takes a minute to compose himself. When they resume, Gamburyan shoots again, but he can’t wrestle Nunes down before the final horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Official result: All three judges -- Douglas Crosby, Sal D'Amato and Junichiro Kamijo -- score the bout 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Diego Nunes.
Matt Riddle vs. Luis Ramos
According to a post on the UFC’s official Twitter account, Riddle “is too sick to fight” and this bout has been scratched.
Jacob Volkmann vs. Efrain Escudero
Round 1
Volkmann misses on some opening low kicks and the southpaw ducks low to try and hop inside on the larger Escudero. Volkmann shoots and gets snared in a guillotine, but he moves to side control on Escudero’s left side soon after they hit the mat. After extracting his head, Volkmann stands over the prone Escudero and barely dodges an upkick. Escudero grabs for a leg and Volkmann goes back down, flattening Escudero out from half-guard. Volkmann lands a few short left hands and grabs a headlock as he keeps heavy on top near the center of the cage. Referee Herb Dean tells “Christmas” to get busy as the round enters its final minute and Volkmann obliges with a flurry of left hands to Escudero’s ribs. Volkmann briefly tries a guillotine of his own before posturing up to finish with ground-and-pound.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Round 2
Volkmann shoots and has Escudero on his back again inside 30 seconds. The Minnesotan works from side control, gets stuffed back to half-guard and goes back to short left hands. Escudero offers some heels to Volkmann’s back and soon closes up his full guard. With little happening on the floor, referee Herb Dean stands the lightweights up. Volkmann quickly closes the gap and presses Escudero into the fence, where they dance for a moment before Volkmann drags his man down with a rear waistlock. Escudero tries to stand and winds up on his knees, allowing Volkmann to hop onto his back. Volkmann sinks both hooks in and twice comes close with rear-naked choke attempts, but Escudero defends well and sits up against the fence. Volkmann finishes the round sitting up in Escudero’s half-guard, with Escudero unable to escape.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Round 3
Same as the previous round, Volkmann wastes little time in getting inside and plowing Escudero to the canvas. Escudero grabs for a guillotine again and Volkmann goes straight to side control. Now it’s a mirror position from the end of round two, with Volkmann triangling Escudero’s left leg and peppering with left hands. Escudero seems to have no escape, but with 2:50 remaining, referee Dean stands them up. Escudero tries to strike, but Volkmann is soon glued to his back. Turning around, Escudero is able to defend a single-leg with his back on the fence, even landing a few solid elbows. Escudero whips on a modified guillotine choke from nowhere and they tumble to the ground. It’s a north-south choke for Escudero now, and it is a very deep one. Volkmann somehow defends, gets to his feet and is sent to his back with the choke still on. He walks up the fence and stays alive, breaking loose before the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Official result: All three judges -- Mark Smith, Glenn Trowbridge and Tony Weeks -- score the bout 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Jacob Volkmann.
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Sean Pierson
Round 1
The welterweight southpaws graze one another with leg kicks to begin. Kim’s kicks get harder and Pierson comes inside behind a jab to clinch on the fence. Kim pushes him off and gets off a pair of solid right hands, and Pierson gives him one back. The South Korean wants to catch and counter a kick from his opponent, but Pierson lands a few and trips Kim up by catching a front kick. Kim stays up and begins to find his range, dipping in and out of the pocket with left hooks and right straights. Kim ducks low when Pierson rushes in and shoves him off. Pierson catches another front kick and misses by a fraction of an inch with a swiping hook. Kim grabs a guillotine and nearly wrestles Pierson down, but Pierson gets back up. Pierson is tossed to the ground but takes Kim’s back as they hit the mat and locks up a body triangle. Kim puts his head on the ground and tries to shake Pierson off for the last few seconds.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Kim
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kim
Round 2
Kim is looking to counter, using leg kicks to keep his range and dipping to his left to fire off straight punches when Pierson throws a combination. Pierson connects with some leg kicks, though Kim answers with stiffer ones. Pierson pushes Kim into the fence with an underhook, but they don’t stay there long. Kim keeps the leg kicks and left hands coming as they hit the fight’s halfway point. Pierson rushes forward with wide punches and gets socked with a combination which has him clinching soon after. Kim gives up his back standing, twists around and shoves Pierson off. Kim lands the jumping front kick he’s been looking for and puts a pair of follow-up punches on Pierson’s chin. Pierson stays up, though, and gets off a few leg kicks as the round ticks away. With 10 seconds to go, Kim lands the front kick again and Pierson is wobbling all over the place. Kim pounces but it’s too late and the horn sounds to save Pierson.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Kim
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kim
Round 3
Kim keeps control of the fight with distance, leg kicks and jabs until 90 seconds in, when he whips Pierson down with a single-leg. Pierson gets up quickly and they clinch on the cage until Kim drags him down again. The fight slows in Pierson’s tight, closed guard, so Kim stands to try a pass. The “Stun Gun” sits down in Pierson’s side guard briefly before ref Yves Lavigne stands them up. Kim goes for the jumping front kick again, misses and steps out of the way of a few combos from Pierson. They clinch on the cage again, Pierson on the outside, until Kim circles out with 30 seconds left. Kim lands a Superman punch, an inside thigh kick, a right hook. Pierson answers with his own Superman punch and they’re still throwing at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Official result: All three judges -- Adalaide Byrd, Sal D'Amato and Tony Weeks -- score the bout 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Dong Hyun Kim.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Danny Castillo
Round 1
Castillo shoots from way out and Njokuani sidesteps it with ease. Muay thai specialist Njokuani is throwing uppercut-hook combos but not finding his range. Castillo gets inside, bowls Njokuani to the floor, allows him up and ragdolls him back down again with a rear waistlock. Njokuani gets to his feet but can’t get his back free of Castillo, who drills knees into Njokuani’s thighs. Castillo ropes Njokuani’s legs and pulls him to the ground again, now at the base of the fence. Castillo is in a low mount with Njokuani’s legs triangled, but he can’t muster much offense from the position and Njokuani uses the fence to get up. Castillo sticks to Njokuani’s back and brings him down twice more. The second takedown nearly yields a rear-naked choke, but Njokuani twists out and slaps on a standing guillotine of his own. Castillo slams himself free and stays on top for a moment before Njokuani works his way back up to finish the round standing.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Castillo
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Castillo
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Castillo
Round 2
Njokuani sticks Castillo with a few stiff jabs from the orthodox stance, partially connects with a kick to the body and stuffs a shot. Castillo gets the next takedown but can’t keep Njokuani down this time. A right straight-left hook from Njokuani bounces off the Californian’s chin. Castillo tries a takedown and winds up with his head in Njokuani’s Thai plum. The rangy Njokuani punishes his man with hard knees to the body before releasing him. A right hook buckles Castillo’s legs with two minutes remaining and he keeps alive by driving forward and dragging Njokuani to the mat. Njokuani locks things down from his closed guard, though Castillo lands a few to the ribs and a nice hammerfist when he postures up. Njokuani turns his hips and gets back up with 20 seconds to go, but Castillo gets one final takedown and finishes on top.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Njokuani
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Njokuani
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Njokuani
Round 3
Both men are missing more punches than they’re landing in the opening minute of the final round, then Castillo charges in for a double-leg. He gets Njokuani down after a brief struggle and holds him against a cage post in half-guard. Njokuani gets up with 2:40 remaining, Castillo still locked to his waist. Njokuani avoids a slam and rolls through, shaking Castillo and getting active on the feet with kicks and jabs. He soon finds himself on the ground again after another Castillo takedown. Castillo keeps Njokuani down briefly, then clinches on the fence when Njokuani gets back to his feet. Njokuani blitzes with punches and knees in the final 30 seconds, looking again for the Thai clinch and narrowing the gap in what should be a close decision.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Castillo (29-28 Castillo)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Castillo (29-28 Castillo)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Castillo (29-28 Castillo)
Official result: The judges score the bout 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29, awarding a split decision victory to Danny Castillo.
Ross Pearson vs. Junior Assuncao
Round 1
The southpaw Assuncao circles away from Pearson, who keeps coming forward until he’s felled by a double-leg. Assuncao shoves Pearson into the fence, then hops on the Englishman’s back as he tries to stand. Assuncao can’t quite get his hooks in as they stand against the fence and Pearson circles away. Pearson’s just walking Assuncao down now, waiting for a chance, and one comes when Assuncao dips inside and eats a knee. The next takedown attempt comes against the cage and Pearson keeps his balance to defend this as well. Assuncao is playing defense, looking to counter as he circles in a wide open stance. Inside the final minute now and the featherweights exchange combinations. Pearson gets off a few good punches in the last seconds, but Assuncao’s constant movement is making it tough to land hard.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Assuncao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Round 2
Assuncao gets Pearson down with a single-leg in the center of the cage, but Pearson is soon back to his feet and striking. He manages only a couple shots before Assuncao charges in and grinds him into the fence again. Pearson exits with a hard shot and sprawls all over the next takedown attempt, then asks ref Mario Yamasaki for a standup when Assuncao pulls guard. Assuncao clinches up, can’t get the takedown and bolts before Pearson can throw from the Thai clinch. Pearson rips a hook to Assuncao’s body, doubles up on a jab and keeps the punches coming as Assuncao tries to circle out. It’s Pearson pressing the matter on the fence now, using a left underhook and short right hands inside. Pearson drills a knee, a hook and eats an elbow as Assuncao exits. They jockey for position on the fence, Pearson trips Assuncao down and lets him back up. Assuncao takes advantage and takes Pearson down, but it’s Pearson elbowing from his back as the round winds down.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Round 3
Pearson lands some low kicks before Assuncao comes inside for a takedown, eating a jab on his way. Nonetheless, the Brazilian ground specialist stays busy once they hit the floor, moving to Pearson’s back and looking for a choke. Assuncao doesn’t have it and loses his hooks as Pearson powers back to his feet, then loses waist control when they stand. Assuncao gets another waistlock on the fence, knees the leaning Pearson in the face and keeps digging for a double-leg. Pearson keeps a good stance on the fence, gets taken down and pops back up. Assuncao rushes back in to clinch, disengages with a level elbow and takes a chopping low kick from Pearson after they split. Assuncao, bleeding and swollen beneath his right eye, goes to a single-leg on the cage and Pearson, dripping blood from his nose, fends it off. The “Real Deal” scores with a solid head kick and a step-in knee before being clinched into the cage again. Assuncao gets reversed and takes a right hand on the chin. He misses with a sloppy punch and leaves Pearson an opening to rush with punches and knees. Assuncao finishes the fight doubled over, trying for a single-leg against the fence.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pearson (30-27 Pearson)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Pearson (29-28 Pearson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pearson (30-27 Pearson)
Official result: The three judges’ scorecards read 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27, all in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Ross Pearson.
Nam Phan vs. Jim Hettes
Round 1
Hettes goes high with a head kick, then low for a successful takedown in the center of the cage. Phan escapes to his feet and moves toward the fence, only to be dragged back down seconds later. The sequence repeats with Hettes slapping on a guillotine the next time Phan stands. They roll to the floor and Hettes goes wild, posturing up with nasty ground-and-pound in Phan’s full guard. Phan seems to be in real danger, turning over and giving up his back as ref Herb Dean hovers nearby. Phan survives and shoves Hettes away, then scrambles to his feet. Hettes has Phan against the fence and lands an uppercut, a knee. Phan drills his man with a lead uppercut of his own before being bullied into the cage again. A hip toss from Hettes puts Phan back on the floor with 90 seconds to go. Almost effortlessly, Hettes assumes full mount and falls off to Phan’s right side for an armbar. Phan locks up his hands as Hettes slugs with hammerfist rights and keeps trying for the submission. Down to the last 20 seconds, Phan seems to have weathered the worst of it, but Hettes gets to mount before the horn to blast away with more big punches.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Hettes
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-8 Hettes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Hettes
Round 2
Hettes tries a low single-leg, can’t get it and settles for pressing Phan against the cage. Forty seconds in, Hettes spins Phan down, then stands, allowing Phan to grab for a leglock. Hettes sits down and takes mount again, then tries for a rear-naked from the side. Phan guts it out and flips Hettes over, standing up to try and blast through the guard of “The Kid.” Hettes gets to his feet, digs a right underhook and shoves Phan into the cage, using his free left hand to punch in addition to shooting knees up the middle. Phan breaks away, but Hettes catches up and trips him straight back down. Phan stands again, and this time Hettes opts to strike, replying to a right hand from Phan with half a dozen punches of his own. Hettes ties up and hurls Phan down with ease. Phan is on his feet when the horn sounds, but it will certainly take a finish from him in the third to win this fight.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hettes
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Hettes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hettes
Round 3
Phan is beginning to string together strikes at the top of the third, but after a minute Hettes times an uppercut and floors the veteran again. The exhausted Phan, now sliced open on the outside of his right eyebrow, twice gets back to his feet, only to be met with a double-leg and knees to the face. Phan gets away on the second escape and digs a hook to Hettes’ body before Hettes brings the fight down again. Hettes is nearly on Phan’s back now, pounding away from half-guard with left hands. Hettes switches to an arm-triangle choke, defended well by Phan. Back to full mount for Hettes, where he drops elbows, hammerfists and punches to the last horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hettes (30-26 Hettes)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Hettes (30-26 Hettes)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hettes (30-26 Hettes)
Official result: The judges turn in lopsided scorecards of 30-25, 30-25 and 30-26, awarding Jim Hettes the clear-cut unanimous decision victory.
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexander Gustafsson
Round 1
Gustafsson twitches and feints, threatening to jump in on the smaller Matyushenko as both men circle in the orthodox stance. Matyushenko slips while throwing a hard punch but Gustafsson can’t capitalize and they stay standing. Matyushenko grabs a kick and tries to box inside, only to be shoved away by his younger foe. Matyushenko charges forward with a punch and gets caught on the button by a short left jab. The “Janitor” falls to the ground Gustafsson finishes off the turtling veteran with punches, referee Yves Lavigne stepping in for the stop at 2:13 of round one.
Jon Fitch vs. Johny Hendricks
Round 1
Fitch crouches low and throws range-finding punches at Hendricks, missing. Hendricks steps forward and uncorks a massive overhand left right on Fitch’s jaw. Fitch falls backward like a tree and Hendricks only gets one follow-up shot in before ref Steve Mazzagatti dives in for the save. It’s a sensational knockout win for Johny Hendricks after just 12 seconds.
Nate Diaz vs. Donald Cerrone
Round 1
The lightweights refuse to touch gloves and get to slugging as soon as the bout begins. Diaz gets a waistlock and tries to drag Cerrone down, winds up dirty-boxing against the fence. Cerrone lands a knee inside and Diaz answers in turn. Cerrone shoves him away and Diaz lands a nice two-punch combo, countered quickly by Cerrone. Diaz is picking Cerrone apart now, landing long, straight punches at will as the “Cowboy” wobbles about. The shots keep coming, Diaz moving Cerrone into the fence and blasting away with punches, elbows, knees. Cerrone gets off an outside thigh kick but eats half a dozen clean punches in return. There’s still half a round to go and Diaz is simply lighting up Cerrone, who tries a head kick which Diaz partially ducks. Diaz sticks his right hand in Cerrone’s face and jacks his jaw with three quick punches. Cerrone is bleeding from the mouth, slips on a kick. With 30 seconds to go, another big combo snaps back Cerrone’s head. Five, ten more good shots land and Diaz finishes the round holding Cerrone on the cage.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Diaz
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Diaz
Round 2
Diaz goes straight back to stuffing his fists in Cerrone’s face until he’s chopped down by a Cerrone leg kick. He pops right back up and keeps the punches coming, only to be sent to the floor again with a low kick. Diaz stands up this time and takes Cerrone’s back standing, but he’s quickly shucked off. Diaz wades into close quarters to throw now, finding success with uppercuts and defending a sweep from Cerrone. The Cowboy falls backward after landing a head kick and can’t pounce on the downed Diaz. Another leg kick trips Diaz to the ground; he stands back up. Cerrone tries to sweep Diaz down again, leaving himself open for a three-piece to the face. With two minutes to go, Diaz seems to have slowed the momentum of Cerrone and is now moving forward on the tired Greg Jackson pupil. Diaz hits a standing elbow, misses with a step-in knee and connects with a two-punch combo. He’s swept down again, but when Diaz gets up, he sends Cerrone staggering backward with a left straight. Diaz gets the better of the last 30 seconds with hooks to the body and face.
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 flips double birds at Cerrone from across the Octagon as the final round begins, then gets back to putting those same two hands on Cowboy’s face. Diaz is getting his volume going, mixing up combinations to the body and head. Diaz lands a kick to Cerrone’s ribs, ducks in with a three-piece and zips away before Cerrone can counter. Cerrone connects with a solid knee to the solar plexus of Diaz, who’s keeping more space as the bout enters its final three minutes. Cerrone sweeps Diaz to the ground, lets him back up. Diaz, who’s showing damage on his left eye, is still throwing plenty of punches but they’re finally beginning to slow. Cerrone lands a knee and Diaz answers with a harder one and a pair of punches. Diaz goes down again from a leg kick, and again is allowed back up. Down to the final minute now, Diaz is still coming forward, ripping combos to the ribs and jaw of Cerrone, who’s looking for a big flying knee. Diaz rattles off another dozen punches, blocks a head kick and gets kicked down again. They finish throwing and shake hands after the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diaz (30-26 Diaz)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 9 Diaz (30-27 Diaz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 9 Diaz (30-26 Diaz)
Official result: The judges’ scorecards read 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28, all in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Nate Diaz.
Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem
Round 1
Referee Mario Yamasaki is the third man in the cage for tonight’s scheduled five-round main event and heavyweight title eliminator. Lesnar bounces on his toes to begin as Overeem crouches and approaches with caution. Lesnar wades inside and ducks under an overhand right. Overeem hops away from a Lesnar single leg but he’s cut above his right eye. Stepping in, Overeem lands a solid knee to the body, then shoves him into the fence. More knees up the gut land on Lesnar and the ex-UFC champ is composed but moving backward. Lesnar is throwing single left crosses and gets jacked with another big knee. A kick to the liver sends Lesnar to the floor, covering up. Overeem stands over his crouching, covering opponent, socking Lesnar with heavy right hands until ref Yamasaki steps in. The TKO finish comes officially at 2:26 of round one.
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Manny
Gamburyan vs. Diego
Nunes
Round 1
Nunes circles and changes angles around the outside, slapping with outside kicks to the upper thigh and a turning kick to the body. Nunes easily sprawls a takedown and backs out of the way of an ill-intentioned overhand left. The Brazilian keeps the low kicks coming and Gamburyan shoots again. Nunes fends him off briefly, but Gamburyan keeps after it and drags “The Gun” down at the base of the fence. Gamburyan tries to pass to side control and Nunes sees an opportunity to scramble up. Gamburyan looks to be limping slightly on his lead leg as the thigh kicks pile up and another shot is stuffed. Nunes puts a spinning kick in Gamburyan’s breadbasket before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nunes
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Nunes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nunes
Round 2
Gamburyan grazes with an overhand and takes another thigh kick in return. Nunes keeps his distance until another big right hand finds its mark and wobbles him. The Brazilian stays vertical as Gamburyan closes the gap, but Nunes nearly gives his back as they grapple against the cage. Nunes gets his back to the fence and thwarts an ankle pick from Gamburyan, but referee Steve Mazzagatti warns the Nova Uniao fighter for grabbing the fence. Another turning kick to the gut has Gamburyan shooting, and this time the takedown comes with relative ease. Nunes establishes half-guard and tries to push off the fence with his feet, to no avail. Gamburyan lands a few short lefts and loops his left arm around Nunes’ neck for a loose guillotine. Nunes shrimps, gets to his feet and puts Gamburyan’s back to the cage with about a minute to go. Gamburyan takes a knee inside, covers up and circles out, negating a combo from Nunes. They finish the round back on the feet.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Gamburyan
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Gamburyan
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Gamburyan
Round 3
As the final frame begins, Gamburyan continues to look for big punches and Nunes keeps working his leg kicks. The taller Nunes’ strikes are more effective through the first 90 seconds, as the fighters are keeping a good space between them. Gamburyan shoots a high double-leg and Nunes sprawls against the fence, then breaks off with a hard knee to Gamburyan’s gut. Nunes ducks an overhand right, sprawls on another takedown try and punishes Gamburyan with more sharp inside thigh kicks. Gamburyan slips on a punch and blocks a head kick. The judoka sees an opening but can’t keep Nunes on the ground after a well-timed spinning back-fist counter. An inside thigh kick catches Gamburyan in the cup and he takes a minute to compose himself. When they resume, Gamburyan shoots again, but he can’t wrestle Nunes down before the final horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Official result: All three judges -- Douglas Crosby, Sal D'Amato and Junichiro Kamijo -- score the bout 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Diego Nunes.
Matt Riddle vs. Luis Ramos
According to a post on the UFC’s official Twitter account, Riddle “is too sick to fight” and this bout has been scratched.
Jacob Volkmann vs. Efrain Escudero
Round 1
Volkmann misses on some opening low kicks and the southpaw ducks low to try and hop inside on the larger Escudero. Volkmann shoots and gets snared in a guillotine, but he moves to side control on Escudero’s left side soon after they hit the mat. After extracting his head, Volkmann stands over the prone Escudero and barely dodges an upkick. Escudero grabs for a leg and Volkmann goes back down, flattening Escudero out from half-guard. Volkmann lands a few short left hands and grabs a headlock as he keeps heavy on top near the center of the cage. Referee Herb Dean tells “Christmas” to get busy as the round enters its final minute and Volkmann obliges with a flurry of left hands to Escudero’s ribs. Volkmann briefly tries a guillotine of his own before posturing up to finish with ground-and-pound.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Round 2
Volkmann shoots and has Escudero on his back again inside 30 seconds. The Minnesotan works from side control, gets stuffed back to half-guard and goes back to short left hands. Escudero offers some heels to Volkmann’s back and soon closes up his full guard. With little happening on the floor, referee Herb Dean stands the lightweights up. Volkmann quickly closes the gap and presses Escudero into the fence, where they dance for a moment before Volkmann drags his man down with a rear waistlock. Escudero tries to stand and winds up on his knees, allowing Volkmann to hop onto his back. Volkmann sinks both hooks in and twice comes close with rear-naked choke attempts, but Escudero defends well and sits up against the fence. Volkmann finishes the round sitting up in Escudero’s half-guard, with Escudero unable to escape.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Volkmann
Round 3
Same as the previous round, Volkmann wastes little time in getting inside and plowing Escudero to the canvas. Escudero grabs for a guillotine again and Volkmann goes straight to side control. Now it’s a mirror position from the end of round two, with Volkmann triangling Escudero’s left leg and peppering with left hands. Escudero seems to have no escape, but with 2:50 remaining, referee Dean stands them up. Escudero tries to strike, but Volkmann is soon glued to his back. Turning around, Escudero is able to defend a single-leg with his back on the fence, even landing a few solid elbows. Escudero whips on a modified guillotine choke from nowhere and they tumble to the ground. It’s a north-south choke for Escudero now, and it is a very deep one. Volkmann somehow defends, gets to his feet and is sent to his back with the choke still on. He walks up the fence and stays alive, breaking loose before the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Escudero
Official result: All three judges -- Mark Smith, Glenn Trowbridge and Tony Weeks -- score the bout 29-28 for the winner by unanimous decision, Jacob Volkmann.
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Sean Pierson
Round 1
The welterweight southpaws graze one another with leg kicks to begin. Kim’s kicks get harder and Pierson comes inside behind a jab to clinch on the fence. Kim pushes him off and gets off a pair of solid right hands, and Pierson gives him one back. The South Korean wants to catch and counter a kick from his opponent, but Pierson lands a few and trips Kim up by catching a front kick. Kim stays up and begins to find his range, dipping in and out of the pocket with left hooks and right straights. Kim ducks low when Pierson rushes in and shoves him off. Pierson catches another front kick and misses by a fraction of an inch with a swiping hook. Kim grabs a guillotine and nearly wrestles Pierson down, but Pierson gets back up. Pierson is tossed to the ground but takes Kim’s back as they hit the mat and locks up a body triangle. Kim puts his head on the ground and tries to shake Pierson off for the last few seconds.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Kim
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kim
Round 2
Kim is looking to counter, using leg kicks to keep his range and dipping to his left to fire off straight punches when Pierson throws a combination. Pierson connects with some leg kicks, though Kim answers with stiffer ones. Pierson pushes Kim into the fence with an underhook, but they don’t stay there long. Kim keeps the leg kicks and left hands coming as they hit the fight’s halfway point. Pierson rushes forward with wide punches and gets socked with a combination which has him clinching soon after. Kim gives up his back standing, twists around and shoves Pierson off. Kim lands the jumping front kick he’s been looking for and puts a pair of follow-up punches on Pierson’s chin. Pierson stays up, though, and gets off a few leg kicks as the round ticks away. With 10 seconds to go, Kim lands the front kick again and Pierson is wobbling all over the place. Kim pounces but it’s too late and the horn sounds to save Pierson.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Kim
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kim
Round 3
Kim keeps control of the fight with distance, leg kicks and jabs until 90 seconds in, when he whips Pierson down with a single-leg. Pierson gets up quickly and they clinch on the cage until Kim drags him down again. The fight slows in Pierson’s tight, closed guard, so Kim stands to try a pass. The “Stun Gun” sits down in Pierson’s side guard briefly before ref Yves Lavigne stands them up. Kim goes for the jumping front kick again, misses and steps out of the way of a few combos from Pierson. They clinch on the cage again, Pierson on the outside, until Kim circles out with 30 seconds left. Kim lands a Superman punch, an inside thigh kick, a right hook. Pierson answers with his own Superman punch and they’re still throwing at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Kim (30-27 Kim)
Official result: All three judges -- Adalaide Byrd, Sal D'Amato and Tony Weeks -- score the bout 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Dong Hyun Kim.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Danny Castillo
Round 1
Castillo shoots from way out and Njokuani sidesteps it with ease. Muay thai specialist Njokuani is throwing uppercut-hook combos but not finding his range. Castillo gets inside, bowls Njokuani to the floor, allows him up and ragdolls him back down again with a rear waistlock. Njokuani gets to his feet but can’t get his back free of Castillo, who drills knees into Njokuani’s thighs. Castillo ropes Njokuani’s legs and pulls him to the ground again, now at the base of the fence. Castillo is in a low mount with Njokuani’s legs triangled, but he can’t muster much offense from the position and Njokuani uses the fence to get up. Castillo sticks to Njokuani’s back and brings him down twice more. The second takedown nearly yields a rear-naked choke, but Njokuani twists out and slaps on a standing guillotine of his own. Castillo slams himself free and stays on top for a moment before Njokuani works his way back up to finish the round standing.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Castillo
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Castillo
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Castillo
Round 2
Njokuani sticks Castillo with a few stiff jabs from the orthodox stance, partially connects with a kick to the body and stuffs a shot. Castillo gets the next takedown but can’t keep Njokuani down this time. A right straight-left hook from Njokuani bounces off the Californian’s chin. Castillo tries a takedown and winds up with his head in Njokuani’s Thai plum. The rangy Njokuani punishes his man with hard knees to the body before releasing him. A right hook buckles Castillo’s legs with two minutes remaining and he keeps alive by driving forward and dragging Njokuani to the mat. Njokuani locks things down from his closed guard, though Castillo lands a few to the ribs and a nice hammerfist when he postures up. Njokuani turns his hips and gets back up with 20 seconds to go, but Castillo gets one final takedown and finishes on top.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Njokuani
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Njokuani
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Njokuani
Round 3
Both men are missing more punches than they’re landing in the opening minute of the final round, then Castillo charges in for a double-leg. He gets Njokuani down after a brief struggle and holds him against a cage post in half-guard. Njokuani gets up with 2:40 remaining, Castillo still locked to his waist. Njokuani avoids a slam and rolls through, shaking Castillo and getting active on the feet with kicks and jabs. He soon finds himself on the ground again after another Castillo takedown. Castillo keeps Njokuani down briefly, then clinches on the fence when Njokuani gets back to his feet. Njokuani blitzes with punches and knees in the final 30 seconds, looking again for the Thai clinch and narrowing the gap in what should be a close decision.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Castillo (29-28 Castillo)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Castillo (29-28 Castillo)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Castillo (29-28 Castillo)
Official result: The judges score the bout 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29, awarding a split decision victory to Danny Castillo.
Ross Pearson vs. Junior Assuncao
Round 1
The southpaw Assuncao circles away from Pearson, who keeps coming forward until he’s felled by a double-leg. Assuncao shoves Pearson into the fence, then hops on the Englishman’s back as he tries to stand. Assuncao can’t quite get his hooks in as they stand against the fence and Pearson circles away. Pearson’s just walking Assuncao down now, waiting for a chance, and one comes when Assuncao dips inside and eats a knee. The next takedown attempt comes against the cage and Pearson keeps his balance to defend this as well. Assuncao is playing defense, looking to counter as he circles in a wide open stance. Inside the final minute now and the featherweights exchange combinations. Pearson gets off a few good punches in the last seconds, but Assuncao’s constant movement is making it tough to land hard.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Assuncao
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Round 2
Assuncao gets Pearson down with a single-leg in the center of the cage, but Pearson is soon back to his feet and striking. He manages only a couple shots before Assuncao charges in and grinds him into the fence again. Pearson exits with a hard shot and sprawls all over the next takedown attempt, then asks ref Mario Yamasaki for a standup when Assuncao pulls guard. Assuncao clinches up, can’t get the takedown and bolts before Pearson can throw from the Thai clinch. Pearson rips a hook to Assuncao’s body, doubles up on a jab and keeps the punches coming as Assuncao tries to circle out. It’s Pearson pressing the matter on the fence now, using a left underhook and short right hands inside. Pearson drills a knee, a hook and eats an elbow as Assuncao exits. They jockey for position on the fence, Pearson trips Assuncao down and lets him back up. Assuncao takes advantage and takes Pearson down, but it’s Pearson elbowing from his back as the round winds down.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pearson
Round 3
Pearson lands some low kicks before Assuncao comes inside for a takedown, eating a jab on his way. Nonetheless, the Brazilian ground specialist stays busy once they hit the floor, moving to Pearson’s back and looking for a choke. Assuncao doesn’t have it and loses his hooks as Pearson powers back to his feet, then loses waist control when they stand. Assuncao gets another waistlock on the fence, knees the leaning Pearson in the face and keeps digging for a double-leg. Pearson keeps a good stance on the fence, gets taken down and pops back up. Assuncao rushes back in to clinch, disengages with a level elbow and takes a chopping low kick from Pearson after they split. Assuncao, bleeding and swollen beneath his right eye, goes to a single-leg on the cage and Pearson, dripping blood from his nose, fends it off. The “Real Deal” scores with a solid head kick and a step-in knee before being clinched into the cage again. Assuncao gets reversed and takes a right hand on the chin. He misses with a sloppy punch and leaves Pearson an opening to rush with punches and knees. Assuncao finishes the fight doubled over, trying for a single-leg against the fence.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pearson (30-27 Pearson)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Pearson (29-28 Pearson)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Pearson (30-27 Pearson)
Official result: The three judges’ scorecards read 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27, all in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Ross Pearson.
Nam Phan vs. Jim Hettes
Round 1
Hettes goes high with a head kick, then low for a successful takedown in the center of the cage. Phan escapes to his feet and moves toward the fence, only to be dragged back down seconds later. The sequence repeats with Hettes slapping on a guillotine the next time Phan stands. They roll to the floor and Hettes goes wild, posturing up with nasty ground-and-pound in Phan’s full guard. Phan seems to be in real danger, turning over and giving up his back as ref Herb Dean hovers nearby. Phan survives and shoves Hettes away, then scrambles to his feet. Hettes has Phan against the fence and lands an uppercut, a knee. Phan drills his man with a lead uppercut of his own before being bullied into the cage again. A hip toss from Hettes puts Phan back on the floor with 90 seconds to go. Almost effortlessly, Hettes assumes full mount and falls off to Phan’s right side for an armbar. Phan locks up his hands as Hettes slugs with hammerfist rights and keeps trying for the submission. Down to the last 20 seconds, Phan seems to have weathered the worst of it, but Hettes gets to mount before the horn to blast away with more big punches.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Hettes
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-8 Hettes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Hettes
Round 2
Hettes tries a low single-leg, can’t get it and settles for pressing Phan against the cage. Forty seconds in, Hettes spins Phan down, then stands, allowing Phan to grab for a leglock. Hettes sits down and takes mount again, then tries for a rear-naked from the side. Phan guts it out and flips Hettes over, standing up to try and blast through the guard of “The Kid.” Hettes gets to his feet, digs a right underhook and shoves Phan into the cage, using his free left hand to punch in addition to shooting knees up the middle. Phan breaks away, but Hettes catches up and trips him straight back down. Phan stands again, and this time Hettes opts to strike, replying to a right hand from Phan with half a dozen punches of his own. Hettes ties up and hurls Phan down with ease. Phan is on his feet when the horn sounds, but it will certainly take a finish from him in the third to win this fight.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hettes
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Hettes
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hettes
Round 3
Phan is beginning to string together strikes at the top of the third, but after a minute Hettes times an uppercut and floors the veteran again. The exhausted Phan, now sliced open on the outside of his right eyebrow, twice gets back to his feet, only to be met with a double-leg and knees to the face. Phan gets away on the second escape and digs a hook to Hettes’ body before Hettes brings the fight down again. Hettes is nearly on Phan’s back now, pounding away from half-guard with left hands. Hettes switches to an arm-triangle choke, defended well by Phan. Back to full mount for Hettes, where he drops elbows, hammerfists and punches to the last horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Hettes (30-26 Hettes)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Hettes (30-26 Hettes)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 Hettes (30-26 Hettes)
Official result: The judges turn in lopsided scorecards of 30-25, 30-25 and 30-26, awarding Jim Hettes the clear-cut unanimous decision victory.
Vladimir Matyushenko vs. Alexander Gustafsson
Round 1
Gustafsson twitches and feints, threatening to jump in on the smaller Matyushenko as both men circle in the orthodox stance. Matyushenko slips while throwing a hard punch but Gustafsson can’t capitalize and they stay standing. Matyushenko grabs a kick and tries to box inside, only to be shoved away by his younger foe. Matyushenko charges forward with a punch and gets caught on the button by a short left jab. The “Janitor” falls to the ground Gustafsson finishes off the turtling veteran with punches, referee Yves Lavigne stepping in for the stop at 2:13 of round one.
Jon Fitch vs. Johny Hendricks
Round 1
Fitch crouches low and throws range-finding punches at Hendricks, missing. Hendricks steps forward and uncorks a massive overhand left right on Fitch’s jaw. Fitch falls backward like a tree and Hendricks only gets one follow-up shot in before ref Steve Mazzagatti dives in for the save. It’s a sensational knockout win for Johny Hendricks after just 12 seconds.
Nate Diaz vs. Donald Cerrone
Round 1
The lightweights refuse to touch gloves and get to slugging as soon as the bout begins. Diaz gets a waistlock and tries to drag Cerrone down, winds up dirty-boxing against the fence. Cerrone lands a knee inside and Diaz answers in turn. Cerrone shoves him away and Diaz lands a nice two-punch combo, countered quickly by Cerrone. Diaz is picking Cerrone apart now, landing long, straight punches at will as the “Cowboy” wobbles about. The shots keep coming, Diaz moving Cerrone into the fence and blasting away with punches, elbows, knees. Cerrone gets off an outside thigh kick but eats half a dozen clean punches in return. There’s still half a round to go and Diaz is simply lighting up Cerrone, who tries a head kick which Diaz partially ducks. Diaz sticks his right hand in Cerrone’s face and jacks his jaw with three quick punches. Cerrone is bleeding from the mouth, slips on a kick. With 30 seconds to go, another big combo snaps back Cerrone’s head. Five, ten more good shots land and Diaz finishes the round holding Cerrone on the cage.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Diaz
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 Diaz
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-8 Diaz
Round 2
Diaz goes straight back to stuffing his fists in Cerrone’s face until he’s chopped down by a Cerrone leg kick. He pops right back up and keeps the punches coming, only to be sent to the floor again with a low kick. Diaz stands up this time and takes Cerrone’s back standing, but he’s quickly shucked off. Diaz wades into close quarters to throw now, finding success with uppercuts and defending a sweep from Cerrone. The Cowboy falls backward after landing a head kick and can’t pounce on the downed Diaz. Another leg kick trips Diaz to the ground; he stands back up. Cerrone tries to sweep Diaz down again, leaving himself open for a three-piece to the face. With two minutes to go, Diaz seems to have slowed the momentum of Cerrone and is now moving forward on the tired Greg Jackson pupil. Diaz hits a standing elbow, misses with a step-in knee and connects with a two-punch combo. He’s swept down again, but when Diaz gets up, he sends Cerrone staggering backward with a left straight. Diaz gets the better of the last 30 seconds with hooks to the body and face.
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 flips double birds at Cerrone from across the Octagon as the final round begins, then gets back to putting those same two hands on Cowboy’s face. Diaz is getting his volume going, mixing up combinations to the body and head. Diaz lands a kick to Cerrone’s ribs, ducks in with a three-piece and zips away before Cerrone can counter. Cerrone connects with a solid knee to the solar plexus of Diaz, who’s keeping more space as the bout enters its final three minutes. Cerrone sweeps Diaz to the ground, lets him back up. Diaz, who’s showing damage on his left eye, is still throwing plenty of punches but they’re finally beginning to slow. Cerrone lands a knee and Diaz answers with a harder one and a pair of punches. Diaz goes down again from a leg kick, and again is allowed back up. Down to the final minute now, Diaz is still coming forward, ripping combos to the ribs and jaw of Cerrone, who’s looking for a big flying knee. Diaz rattles off another dozen punches, blocks a head kick and gets kicked down again. They finish throwing and shake hands after the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Diaz (30-26 Diaz)
Freddie DeFreitas scores the round 10-9 9 Diaz (30-27 Diaz)
Chris Nelson scores the round 10-9 9 Diaz (30-26 Diaz)
Official result: The judges’ scorecards read 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28, all in favor of the winner by unanimous decision, Nate Diaz.
Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem
Round 1
Referee Mario Yamasaki is the third man in the cage for tonight’s scheduled five-round main event and heavyweight title eliminator. Lesnar bounces on his toes to begin as Overeem crouches and approaches with caution. Lesnar wades inside and ducks under an overhand right. Overeem hops away from a Lesnar single leg but he’s cut above his right eye. Stepping in, Overeem lands a solid knee to the body, then shoves him into the fence. More knees up the gut land on Lesnar and the ex-UFC champ is composed but moving backward. Lesnar is throwing single left crosses and gets jacked with another big knee. A kick to the liver sends Lesnar to the floor, covering up. Overeem stands over his crouching, covering opponent, socking Lesnar with heavy right hands until ref Yamasaki steps in. The TKO finish comes officially at 2:26 of round one.
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