UFC 87 'Seek and Destroy' Play by Play
Aug 9, 2008
Sherdog.com reports from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn.,
with live play-by-play of UFC 87 "Seek and Destroy." The event is
headlined by Georges
St. Pierre (Pictures) versus Jon Fitch
(Pictures).
Don't forget to check out the MMA Forums to discuss tonight's event.
Click here for quick results.
Hit F5 on your keyboard to refresh often, as play-by-play is updated in real time.
Round 1
Saunders starts with a jump knee right cross combo that lands. Thomas answers with a punch that grazes Ben. Thomas shoots and fails to get a takedown. The two men clinch against the cage. Saunders with his back to the cage, circles and puts Thomas in to the fencing. They separate. A few moments later Saunders drops Thomas. Ben goes for the finish and gets caught in a reverse triangle. Saunders escapes and takes side. Thomas gets back to half-guard. Thomas gives up his back with 50 seconds remaining. Saunders works for a choke but cannot get anything. Saunders finishes the round with a body triangle. 10-9 Saunders.
Round 2
Saunders starts with left low kick and Thomas tries a takedown. Saunders reverses and gets a takedown. The two man stand up. Saunders lands a right high kick and Thomas falls and shoots in. Back on the feet, Saunders lands a jumping knee. Thomas throws and lands a one-two. Saunders hurts Thomas to the body and the fight hits the floor. From there, Saunders takes his back and works a kimura that he changes to an armbar. The tap comes at 2:28 of the second round.
Chris Wilson (Pictures) vs. Steve Bruno (Pictures)
Round 1
The fighters circle each other. Bruno clinches and puts Wilson in to the fence. Wilson circles and puts Bruno in to the cage. They separate. Bruno shoots and secures a leg. Wilson makes him pay with elbows. They separate and stand. Wilson shoots and lands in half-guard. Back to the feet. Body kick by Wilson lands. Bruno answers with a right low kick. Wilson lands a knee that hurts Bruno to the body. On the floor Wilson secures the back. Bruno to his knees fights for hand control. Wilson works hard for the choke and gets a forearm in but it’s across the face. The round ends. 10-9 Chris Wilson.
Round 2
Bruno shoots and eats a knee. Wilson briefly takes the back and the two men get back to the feet. Back on the ground Bruno works for a takedown. Now on the feet Wilson lands another knee, this time to the head. They clinch until referee Nick Gamst separates them. Wilson lands a hard uppercut that drops Bruno. Steve hangs tough and manages to shoot for a leg. Wilson hooks his legs and for a second has an inverted triangle. Bruno escapes and the two men are stood up. Bruno shoots in again but Wilson sprawls. The round expires. 10-9 Wilson.
Round 3
Wilson throws a stiff jab to start the round. Wilson lands a vicious uppercut that staggers Bruno and a head kick that drops him. Wilson goes in for the kill but “Hollywood” Steve secures a leg again and works for a single. But like all night, Wilson manages to sprawl and stay on top. Finally with 2:35 left, Bruno gets Wilson on his back. But the SportFight vet stands up. Back on the feet Bruno shoots but again fails to takedown his opponent. The referee stands them up and again Bruno shoots. The failed shot attempt again allows Wilson to get on top. 35 seconds remain. Wilson stands up and Bruno again shoots. This time for the effort he eats a knee. Again Steve manages to keep his head in the game. The round ends. 10-9 Wilson. The judges all score the bout 30-27 for the winner, Chris Wilson.
Andre Gusmao (Pictures) vs. Jon Jones
Round 1
Jones shoots in and grabs a single but Gusmao shrugs him off. The fighters clinch and Gusmao works some knees. Gusmao pushes Jones to the cage and then the men separate. Gusmao feints a jab and throws a hard low kick. Back to the clinch. Jones then throws Gusmao and lands in side. Gusmao uses the cage to get some space and kicks Jones off of him. The two men stand and Jones lands a couple of punches before they separate. One minute left. Jones lands a few hard shots and a knee to the groin. Gusmao grimaces and grabs his pills. Jones then lands a few more shots before the referee separates them. Replays on the monitor looks like the knee barely hit his groin region. The Target Center crowd feels Gusmao is acting a bit. After a respite the fight continues. Jones throws a spinning elbow that misses. Gusmao answers with some punches. Jones again with a spinning elbow that lands. The round ends. 10-9 Jones.
Round 2
The two men clinch and Jones hits Gusmao low again. This time Gusmao is dropped to his knees. The fight continues and Jones attempts another big throw. Gusmao lands hard but gets up. Gusmao lands a few shots with Jones answering. Gumao clinches and puts Jones in to the fence. Referee Daryl Guthmiller separates the fighters. Jones throws another spinning elbow that grazes his opponent. Gusmao looks hesitant and then engages. Another spinning strike by Jones grazes the Brazilian. The round ends. 10-9 Jones.
Round 3
The fighters touch gloves to start the final round. Jones throws a low kick that his checked by the former IFL Pitbull from New York. Jones gets a takedown but Gusmao stands up and runs away. The two men clinch and the IFL veteran has his back to the cage. The two men separate and Jones throws a spinning back kick. Jones lands a hard right. Back to the clinch and Jones lands a good knee to the chin of Gusmao. The two men trade with neither getting an advantage. Gusmao tries for a takedown but fails. Jones secures a takedown and works from side. Jon goes for mount but Gusmao blocks him. Jones gets back to his feet and winds up in Gusmao's guard. Then the Brazilian frames up a loose triangle that has no hope. Then to an omaplata attempt. The round ends. Gusmao stands like he has won. He raises his arms and the Target Center boos. 10-9 Jones. Nelson Hamilton scores the bout 30-27, Jeff Mullen 29-28 and Cecil Peoples 30-27, all for the winner Jon Jones.
Cheick Kongo (Pictures) vs. Dan Evensen (Pictures)
Round 1
Kongo starts with a right low kick. The two men clinch and Kongo puts Evenson into the fence. From there, Kongo secures his opponent with a takedown. Kongo then stands and starts attacking the legs of the grounded Evenson. Referee Yves Lavigne stands them up. Back to the clinch the two men grapple with Evenson's back to the cage. Evenson looks for a guillotine but has nothing. Kong is working to grab the legs and Evenson frames up another guillotine choke. Kongo is unfazed and still works for the takedown. He finally gets it and moves to half-guard. The Frenchman then stands and kicks the legs of Evenson. The fight is then stood back up. Kongo lands a flurry of strikes that sends Evenson to the mat. With only 10 seconds left Kongo goes in for the kill. Lavigne stops the bout at 4:55 round one. Cheick Kongo wins by TKO.
Luke Cummo (Pictures) vs. Tamdan McCrory
Round 1
McCrory opens the round with a right that misses. He then clinches with Cummo. The two New Yorkers exchange knees and then clinch against the fence. Cummo gets underhooks and attempts to put Tamdan in to the cage. After they separate McCrory scores a takedown and takes his back. Both hooks are in and the forearm is under Cummo's chin. Luke manages to fight it off in a great battle of hand control. The men roll on the floor for a while and cummo manages to get guard. The Matt Serra product tries to work rubber guard but McCrory passes and then is back in Luke's butterfly guard. Tamdan passes and manages to catch Luke in an armbar. McCrory never exteneded the arm and Cummo got on top. The round ends. 10-9 McCrory.
Round 2
Cummo starts with a jab and is taken down. McCrory moves to side-control and Cummo gets back to guard. McCrory then wiggles his way to half-guard. In a scramble, McCrory takes TUF season 2 finalist’s back. Just like the round before, they battle for hand control and then McCrory looks for another armbar. This time McCrory extends the arm. Referee Dan Miragliotta is right on top of the action. Cummo survives again and gets on top. From the guard, McCrory looks for another armbar. He doesn't get the submission but uses it as a sweep. On top McCrory lands a few punches. 10-9 McCrory.
Round 3
The fighters start the final frame exchanging strikes. McCrory shoots and Cummo reverses, getting on top. From half-guard, Cummo attempts to work. Back to the feet, McCrory is looking for a takedown from the clinch; they separate and as Cummo throws a knee, McCrory gets a double leg takedown. McCrory stands while Cummo is on his back and then passes to side. MCrory steps over Cummo’s head and looks for a kimura, then transitions to an omaplata. Cummo escapes and the two men are back on their feet. McCrory gets a takedown and Cummo frames up a good looking triangle. McCrory stands and slams Cummo. 10-9 McCrory. Two judges see it the same with scores of 30-27. Another offers a score of 29-28, all for McCrory.
Jason MacDonald (Pictures) vs. Demian Maia (Pictures)
Round 1
MacDonald throws a one-two and clinches with Maia. MacDonald trips the Brazilian to the canvas and starts to work from full-guard. Maia switches to a half-butterfly and locks on a triangle. The hold is deep but Maia is unable to control the locked in amr. MacDonald escapes and transitions directly to Maia’s back with both hooks. The Canadian locks on a rear-naked choke that is easily defended. Maia escapes danger and goes back to guard. MacDonald stands over Maia and punches the head with his right hand. The shots open up cut above the left eye of Maia. MacDonald jumps into half-guard and attempts a guillotine. Maia clears the technique and hops on MacDonald’s back, where he works for a rear-naked choke until the round expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Maia
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Maia
Round 2
The fighters come out swinging and Maia cracks MacDonald with a left hook. Stunned from the punch, MacDonald shoots in for a single-leg that is stuffed. Maia scores a takedown of his own directly into half-guard. The Brazilian smoothly advances to mount in mere seconds. MacDonald attempts to give up his back, but he is trapped on his side, where he eats hard leather from both hands. MacDonald is cut on the bridge of his nose in the assault. Maia elbows with both arms and controls the head from mount. MacDonald is active, but the punishment is accumulating. MacDonald bucks and crawls his back across the canvas, but he can not escape Maia’s mount. Finally, MacDonald gets to half-guard, but it doesn’t take Maia long to get back into mount. The Brazilian works for an armbar that fails before the round closes.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Maia
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Maia
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Maia
Round 3
Maia quickly gets a single-leg but he loses position. With MacDonald in Maia’s guard, the action slows. The fighters scramble and Maia ends up taking the mount. Left elbows rain down. MacDonald turns his back to avoid the punishment. Maia locks in both hooks and secures a rear-naked choke. The technique is perfect and MacDonald taps out quickly. The official time is 2:44 of the third.
Kenny Florian (Pictures) vs. Roger Huerta (Pictures)
Round 1
Florian lands a left low kick on Huerta’s lead leg. He goes back to the leg as Huerta loads up on a right hook. Huerta has control of the center of the Octagon as Florian circles. Florian rushes in and scores a single-leg takedown against the fencing. Florian passes quickly to the mount. Florian lands two right hands that prompts Huerta to give up his back. Huerta escapes the dangerous position and gets to his feet. A wild superman punch and head kick from Florian falls short. Huerta charges forward and glances a right hand. Huerta goes to the clinch against the fencing and hits the body. Florian knees the midsection twice and gets his back off the cage. Now back in the center of the Octagon, Huerta lands a low kick and eats a right hook. Florian lands a straight left before the horn sounds.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Florian
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Florian
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Florian
Round 2
Florian finds his range from long distance with a jab and a left-hand lead. Huerta shoots a single but Florian has none of it. Huerta goes to the right leg of Florian with a low kick. Florian drops levels for a single that is defended. Huerta secures a standing kimura and elbows the head with his right arm. Florian finishes the takedown and briefly ends up on his on his opponent’s back. The fighters stand and Huerta checks a low kick but gets swept off his feet by a trip sweep. Huerta stands and has a low kick cracked off his lead leg. Huerta answers with a low kick and misses a “Superman” punch. Huerta lunges forward with a right hook than misses. A right hook and a body kick score for Florian as the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Florian
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Florian
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Florian
Round 3
Florian shows excellent footwork as he picks up the pace to start the final frame. He lands a punch followed by a jumping knee. Florian lands a kick and Huerta taunts him by spitting on the canvas. Florian gets a single-leg takedown, but tastes a grazing knee on the way in. Huerta gets to his feet and chases his opponent. Florian continues to show improved footwork as he circles from Huerta’s lunging punches. A left-footed front kick from Florian slaps Huerta on the kisser. Huerta lands a left straight. Florian lands a counter left. Huerta again spits on the mat. Huerta follows with his best strike of the fight, a right hook on the chin. Huerta connects with a body kick and slips. The fighters both land leather and Florian gets a takedown. Florian stands and puts the stamp on his victory with a well executed punching combination.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Florian
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Florian
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Florian
All three official judges see the bout 30-27 for Kenny Florian.
Manvel Gamburyan (Pictures) vs. Robert Emerson (Pictures)
Round 1
Gamburyan comes out swinging wild and gets hit with an Emerson counter right. Manny folds and is finished with a follow-up left hook. Referee Yves Lavigne steps in at just 0:12 of the opening period.
Brock Lesnar (Pictures) vs. Heath Herring (Pictures)
Round 1
Lesnar drops Herring with a straight right. Herring gets to his feet and pushes the massive Lesnar against the fencing. Lesnar has control of Herring’s head in a headlock. Herring, bleeding from above his left eye, gets out of the headlock and is easily taken down with a single-leg. Herring gives up his back and is blasted with a right hand. Lesnar controls him from the back with a leg in and wrist control. Herring rolls but Lesnar stuffs it and takes the same position. Lesnar crushes Herring with a knee to the body. Lesnar is taking his time and controlling his more experienced opponent. Herring keeps working but he can’t shake Lesnar off his back. The former pro wrestler punches the body with both hands. More knees to the body land as time expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Greg Savage scores the round 10-8 Lesnar
Round 2
Lesnar kicks at Herring’s front leg and muscles him to the canvas. Lesnar goes to the same back position as round one, until Herring flops over and ends up in the bottom in side-control. Lesnar is mopping the floor with Herring with total control. Lesnar punches the head twice with his right hand and briefly takes the mount. Herring gives up his back and Lesnar ties up wrist control with one leg in from behind. Knees to the body from Lesnar find their target. Herring gets to his feet and Lesnar follows. Herring pushes Lesanr against the fencing and lands a right to the body. Lesnar answers with a knee to the body that shakes Herring’s frame. Herring returns knees to the mid section and is taken back down before the horn sounds.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Round 3
Lesnar snaps a kick to Herring’s body. Lesnar pushes Herring to the fence and works on the midsection with knees. An easy takedown from Lesnar follows. Through 11 minutes of action, this fight is hardly a contest. Lesnar mounts and patiently strikes. Herring gives up his back. More knees hit the body. Herring, now with his left eye swollen shut, stands and is effortlessly ripped back to the canvas with a textbook single-leg. Herring rolls for a kneebar that is defended perfectly. Lesnar hits the head with both hands and takes the mount with 10 seconds remaining. Complete domination.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
All three official judges see the bout 30-26 for Brock Lesnar.
Georges St. Pierre (Pictures) vs. Jon Fitch (Pictures)
Round 1
St. Pierre gets a quick double-leg takedown at the bell. Fitch, from guard, ties up both arms and lets go to elbow the head. Fitch is active with his hips, searching for an armbar. GSP goes to half-guard and Fitch stands as chants of “U-S-A” liter the crowd. St. Pierre knocks Fitch down with a straight right on the heels of a low kick. St. Pierre pounces with punches from Fitch’s guard. Fitch is hurt as he is taking lots of punishment from the hands of GSP. A wobbly Fitch stands and is hit with a straight right. He looks for a takedown but is stuffed. St. Pierre enters his guard and passes to side-control after landing some sharp elbows.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
Round 2
St. Pierre shows a good jab to start the second stage. Fitch lands a left hook to the midsection. GSP lands a switch kick to the lead leg of Fitch. The champion shows good legwork as he moves away from Fitch’s punches. The jab and lowkick continue to score for the champion. St. Pierre doubles up on the jab but doesn’t follow-up. St.Pierre lands a hard right and misses a spinning-back kick. Fitch lands a hard punch and starts to come on. St. Pierre is bleeding at the top of his forehead. The fighters trade jabs and Fitch stuffs a takedown attempt. Fitch lands a right hand and absorbs a counter right hook.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 3
Fitch lands a hard right, but is dropped by the champion’s right hook counter. Fitch’s mouthpiece goes flying into the stands but he recovers. Fitch is bleeding heavily. The challenger crawls away from GSP and takes the top position. Fitch is resting in St. Pierre’s guard. Fitch lands a hard right, but is dropped by the champion’s right hook counter. Fitch’s mouthpiece goes flying into the stands but he recovers. Fitch is bleeding heavily under his right eye. The challenger crawls away from GSP and takes the top position. Fitch is resting in St. Pierre’s guard. The Canadian sweeps and is now on top in Fitch’s guard against the fencing. St. Pierre allows Fitch to stand. The champion lands several hard low kicks before going to the clinch against the cage. St. Pierre rocks Fitch with a left knee to the chin and two right-legged head kicks. St. Pierre gets another takedown before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
Round 4
Fitch lands a right hand that opens a cut near the temple on St. Pierre’s left eye. The champion wipes blood from his face as he absorbs a body kick. St. Pierre defends a Fitch single attempt and kicks the groin. The fighters touch gloves after the incidental contact. Fitch finds range with his jab but the champion shows his own. St. Pierre balances on one leg and sprawls away from a Fitch shot. Fitch ends up in guard, where he takes a grazing elbow off the right side of his face. Fitch kicks the kidney with his right heel and gets to his feet before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 5
St. Pierre connects with a left hook to start the fifth. A right hook follows. St. Pierre jabs the battered challenger and grazes a spinning-back kick. Fitch smiles and is taken down effortlessly with a single. GSP punches from guard and postures as Fitch tries to go high with his hips. Fitch stands with two minutes remaining. Slick double-leg by the champion is executed as the frustrated challenger puts up little resistance. St. Pierre advances to side-control. Fitch gives up his back and nearly gets to his feet, but is dragged back down. GSP makes it look easy for 25 minutes.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
The official judges see the contest 50-43 and 50-44 (twice) for Georges St. Pierre
Don't forget to check out the MMA Forums to discuss tonight's event.
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Ben Saunders vs.
Ryan Thomas
Round 1
Saunders starts with a jump knee right cross combo that lands. Thomas answers with a punch that grazes Ben. Thomas shoots and fails to get a takedown. The two men clinch against the cage. Saunders with his back to the cage, circles and puts Thomas in to the fencing. They separate. A few moments later Saunders drops Thomas. Ben goes for the finish and gets caught in a reverse triangle. Saunders escapes and takes side. Thomas gets back to half-guard. Thomas gives up his back with 50 seconds remaining. Saunders works for a choke but cannot get anything. Saunders finishes the round with a body triangle. 10-9 Saunders.
Round 2
Saunders starts with left low kick and Thomas tries a takedown. Saunders reverses and gets a takedown. The two man stand up. Saunders lands a right high kick and Thomas falls and shoots in. Back on the feet, Saunders lands a jumping knee. Thomas throws and lands a one-two. Saunders hurts Thomas to the body and the fight hits the floor. From there, Saunders takes his back and works a kimura that he changes to an armbar. The tap comes at 2:28 of the second round.
Chris Wilson (Pictures) vs. Steve Bruno (Pictures)
Round 1
The fighters circle each other. Bruno clinches and puts Wilson in to the fence. Wilson circles and puts Bruno in to the cage. They separate. Bruno shoots and secures a leg. Wilson makes him pay with elbows. They separate and stand. Wilson shoots and lands in half-guard. Back to the feet. Body kick by Wilson lands. Bruno answers with a right low kick. Wilson lands a knee that hurts Bruno to the body. On the floor Wilson secures the back. Bruno to his knees fights for hand control. Wilson works hard for the choke and gets a forearm in but it’s across the face. The round ends. 10-9 Chris Wilson.
Round 2
Bruno shoots and eats a knee. Wilson briefly takes the back and the two men get back to the feet. Back on the ground Bruno works for a takedown. Now on the feet Wilson lands another knee, this time to the head. They clinch until referee Nick Gamst separates them. Wilson lands a hard uppercut that drops Bruno. Steve hangs tough and manages to shoot for a leg. Wilson hooks his legs and for a second has an inverted triangle. Bruno escapes and the two men are stood up. Bruno shoots in again but Wilson sprawls. The round expires. 10-9 Wilson.
Round 3
Wilson throws a stiff jab to start the round. Wilson lands a vicious uppercut that staggers Bruno and a head kick that drops him. Wilson goes in for the kill but “Hollywood” Steve secures a leg again and works for a single. But like all night, Wilson manages to sprawl and stay on top. Finally with 2:35 left, Bruno gets Wilson on his back. But the SportFight vet stands up. Back on the feet Bruno shoots but again fails to takedown his opponent. The referee stands them up and again Bruno shoots. The failed shot attempt again allows Wilson to get on top. 35 seconds remain. Wilson stands up and Bruno again shoots. This time for the effort he eats a knee. Again Steve manages to keep his head in the game. The round ends. 10-9 Wilson. The judges all score the bout 30-27 for the winner, Chris Wilson.
Andre Gusmao (Pictures) vs. Jon Jones
Round 1
Jones shoots in and grabs a single but Gusmao shrugs him off. The fighters clinch and Gusmao works some knees. Gusmao pushes Jones to the cage and then the men separate. Gusmao feints a jab and throws a hard low kick. Back to the clinch. Jones then throws Gusmao and lands in side. Gusmao uses the cage to get some space and kicks Jones off of him. The two men stand and Jones lands a couple of punches before they separate. One minute left. Jones lands a few hard shots and a knee to the groin. Gusmao grimaces and grabs his pills. Jones then lands a few more shots before the referee separates them. Replays on the monitor looks like the knee barely hit his groin region. The Target Center crowd feels Gusmao is acting a bit. After a respite the fight continues. Jones throws a spinning elbow that misses. Gusmao answers with some punches. Jones again with a spinning elbow that lands. The round ends. 10-9 Jones.
Round 2
The two men clinch and Jones hits Gusmao low again. This time Gusmao is dropped to his knees. The fight continues and Jones attempts another big throw. Gusmao lands hard but gets up. Gusmao lands a few shots with Jones answering. Gumao clinches and puts Jones in to the fence. Referee Daryl Guthmiller separates the fighters. Jones throws another spinning elbow that grazes his opponent. Gusmao looks hesitant and then engages. Another spinning strike by Jones grazes the Brazilian. The round ends. 10-9 Jones.
Round 3
The fighters touch gloves to start the final round. Jones throws a low kick that his checked by the former IFL Pitbull from New York. Jones gets a takedown but Gusmao stands up and runs away. The two men clinch and the IFL veteran has his back to the cage. The two men separate and Jones throws a spinning back kick. Jones lands a hard right. Back to the clinch and Jones lands a good knee to the chin of Gusmao. The two men trade with neither getting an advantage. Gusmao tries for a takedown but fails. Jones secures a takedown and works from side. Jon goes for mount but Gusmao blocks him. Jones gets back to his feet and winds up in Gusmao's guard. Then the Brazilian frames up a loose triangle that has no hope. Then to an omaplata attempt. The round ends. Gusmao stands like he has won. He raises his arms and the Target Center boos. 10-9 Jones. Nelson Hamilton scores the bout 30-27, Jeff Mullen 29-28 and Cecil Peoples 30-27, all for the winner Jon Jones.
Cheick Kongo (Pictures) vs. Dan Evensen (Pictures)
Round 1
Kongo starts with a right low kick. The two men clinch and Kongo puts Evenson into the fence. From there, Kongo secures his opponent with a takedown. Kongo then stands and starts attacking the legs of the grounded Evenson. Referee Yves Lavigne stands them up. Back to the clinch the two men grapple with Evenson's back to the cage. Evenson looks for a guillotine but has nothing. Kong is working to grab the legs and Evenson frames up another guillotine choke. Kongo is unfazed and still works for the takedown. He finally gets it and moves to half-guard. The Frenchman then stands and kicks the legs of Evenson. The fight is then stood back up. Kongo lands a flurry of strikes that sends Evenson to the mat. With only 10 seconds left Kongo goes in for the kill. Lavigne stops the bout at 4:55 round one. Cheick Kongo wins by TKO.
Luke Cummo (Pictures) vs. Tamdan McCrory
Round 1
McCrory opens the round with a right that misses. He then clinches with Cummo. The two New Yorkers exchange knees and then clinch against the fence. Cummo gets underhooks and attempts to put Tamdan in to the cage. After they separate McCrory scores a takedown and takes his back. Both hooks are in and the forearm is under Cummo's chin. Luke manages to fight it off in a great battle of hand control. The men roll on the floor for a while and cummo manages to get guard. The Matt Serra product tries to work rubber guard but McCrory passes and then is back in Luke's butterfly guard. Tamdan passes and manages to catch Luke in an armbar. McCrory never exteneded the arm and Cummo got on top. The round ends. 10-9 McCrory.
Round 2
Cummo starts with a jab and is taken down. McCrory moves to side-control and Cummo gets back to guard. McCrory then wiggles his way to half-guard. In a scramble, McCrory takes TUF season 2 finalist’s back. Just like the round before, they battle for hand control and then McCrory looks for another armbar. This time McCrory extends the arm. Referee Dan Miragliotta is right on top of the action. Cummo survives again and gets on top. From the guard, McCrory looks for another armbar. He doesn't get the submission but uses it as a sweep. On top McCrory lands a few punches. 10-9 McCrory.
Round 3
The fighters start the final frame exchanging strikes. McCrory shoots and Cummo reverses, getting on top. From half-guard, Cummo attempts to work. Back to the feet, McCrory is looking for a takedown from the clinch; they separate and as Cummo throws a knee, McCrory gets a double leg takedown. McCrory stands while Cummo is on his back and then passes to side. MCrory steps over Cummo’s head and looks for a kimura, then transitions to an omaplata. Cummo escapes and the two men are back on their feet. McCrory gets a takedown and Cummo frames up a good looking triangle. McCrory stands and slams Cummo. 10-9 McCrory. Two judges see it the same with scores of 30-27. Another offers a score of 29-28, all for McCrory.
Jason MacDonald (Pictures) vs. Demian Maia (Pictures)
Round 1
MacDonald throws a one-two and clinches with Maia. MacDonald trips the Brazilian to the canvas and starts to work from full-guard. Maia switches to a half-butterfly and locks on a triangle. The hold is deep but Maia is unable to control the locked in amr. MacDonald escapes and transitions directly to Maia’s back with both hooks. The Canadian locks on a rear-naked choke that is easily defended. Maia escapes danger and goes back to guard. MacDonald stands over Maia and punches the head with his right hand. The shots open up cut above the left eye of Maia. MacDonald jumps into half-guard and attempts a guillotine. Maia clears the technique and hops on MacDonald’s back, where he works for a rear-naked choke until the round expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Maia
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 MacDonald
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Maia
Round 2
The fighters come out swinging and Maia cracks MacDonald with a left hook. Stunned from the punch, MacDonald shoots in for a single-leg that is stuffed. Maia scores a takedown of his own directly into half-guard. The Brazilian smoothly advances to mount in mere seconds. MacDonald attempts to give up his back, but he is trapped on his side, where he eats hard leather from both hands. MacDonald is cut on the bridge of his nose in the assault. Maia elbows with both arms and controls the head from mount. MacDonald is active, but the punishment is accumulating. MacDonald bucks and crawls his back across the canvas, but he can not escape Maia’s mount. Finally, MacDonald gets to half-guard, but it doesn’t take Maia long to get back into mount. The Brazilian works for an armbar that fails before the round closes.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 Maia
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Maia
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Maia
Round 3
Maia quickly gets a single-leg but he loses position. With MacDonald in Maia’s guard, the action slows. The fighters scramble and Maia ends up taking the mount. Left elbows rain down. MacDonald turns his back to avoid the punishment. Maia locks in both hooks and secures a rear-naked choke. The technique is perfect and MacDonald taps out quickly. The official time is 2:44 of the third.
Kenny Florian (Pictures) vs. Roger Huerta (Pictures)
Round 1
Florian lands a left low kick on Huerta’s lead leg. He goes back to the leg as Huerta loads up on a right hook. Huerta has control of the center of the Octagon as Florian circles. Florian rushes in and scores a single-leg takedown against the fencing. Florian passes quickly to the mount. Florian lands two right hands that prompts Huerta to give up his back. Huerta escapes the dangerous position and gets to his feet. A wild superman punch and head kick from Florian falls short. Huerta charges forward and glances a right hand. Huerta goes to the clinch against the fencing and hits the body. Florian knees the midsection twice and gets his back off the cage. Now back in the center of the Octagon, Huerta lands a low kick and eats a right hook. Florian lands a straight left before the horn sounds.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Florian
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Florian
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Florian
Round 2
Florian finds his range from long distance with a jab and a left-hand lead. Huerta shoots a single but Florian has none of it. Huerta goes to the right leg of Florian with a low kick. Florian drops levels for a single that is defended. Huerta secures a standing kimura and elbows the head with his right arm. Florian finishes the takedown and briefly ends up on his on his opponent’s back. The fighters stand and Huerta checks a low kick but gets swept off his feet by a trip sweep. Huerta stands and has a low kick cracked off his lead leg. Huerta answers with a low kick and misses a “Superman” punch. Huerta lunges forward with a right hook than misses. A right hook and a body kick score for Florian as the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Florian
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Florian
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Florian
Round 3
Florian shows excellent footwork as he picks up the pace to start the final frame. He lands a punch followed by a jumping knee. Florian lands a kick and Huerta taunts him by spitting on the canvas. Florian gets a single-leg takedown, but tastes a grazing knee on the way in. Huerta gets to his feet and chases his opponent. Florian continues to show improved footwork as he circles from Huerta’s lunging punches. A left-footed front kick from Florian slaps Huerta on the kisser. Huerta lands a left straight. Florian lands a counter left. Huerta again spits on the mat. Huerta follows with his best strike of the fight, a right hook on the chin. Huerta connects with a body kick and slips. The fighters both land leather and Florian gets a takedown. Florian stands and puts the stamp on his victory with a well executed punching combination.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Florian
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Florian
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Florian
All three official judges see the bout 30-27 for Kenny Florian.
Manvel Gamburyan (Pictures) vs. Robert Emerson (Pictures)
Round 1
Gamburyan comes out swinging wild and gets hit with an Emerson counter right. Manny folds and is finished with a follow-up left hook. Referee Yves Lavigne steps in at just 0:12 of the opening period.
Brock Lesnar (Pictures) vs. Heath Herring (Pictures)
Round 1
Lesnar drops Herring with a straight right. Herring gets to his feet and pushes the massive Lesnar against the fencing. Lesnar has control of Herring’s head in a headlock. Herring, bleeding from above his left eye, gets out of the headlock and is easily taken down with a single-leg. Herring gives up his back and is blasted with a right hand. Lesnar controls him from the back with a leg in and wrist control. Herring rolls but Lesnar stuffs it and takes the same position. Lesnar crushes Herring with a knee to the body. Lesnar is taking his time and controlling his more experienced opponent. Herring keeps working but he can’t shake Lesnar off his back. The former pro wrestler punches the body with both hands. More knees to the body land as time expires.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Greg Savage scores the round 10-8 Lesnar
Round 2
Lesnar kicks at Herring’s front leg and muscles him to the canvas. Lesnar goes to the same back position as round one, until Herring flops over and ends up in the bottom in side-control. Lesnar is mopping the floor with Herring with total control. Lesnar punches the head twice with his right hand and briefly takes the mount. Herring gives up his back and Lesnar ties up wrist control with one leg in from behind. Knees to the body from Lesnar find their target. Herring gets to his feet and Lesnar follows. Herring pushes Lesanr against the fencing and lands a right to the body. Lesnar answers with a knee to the body that shakes Herring’s frame. Herring returns knees to the mid section and is taken back down before the horn sounds.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Round 3
Lesnar snaps a kick to Herring’s body. Lesnar pushes Herring to the fence and works on the midsection with knees. An easy takedown from Lesnar follows. Through 11 minutes of action, this fight is hardly a contest. Lesnar mounts and patiently strikes. Herring gives up his back. More knees hit the body. Herring, now with his left eye swollen shut, stands and is effortlessly ripped back to the canvas with a textbook single-leg. Herring rolls for a kneebar that is defended perfectly. Lesnar hits the head with both hands and takes the mount with 10 seconds remaining. Complete domination.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 Lesnar
All three official judges see the bout 30-26 for Brock Lesnar.
Georges St. Pierre (Pictures) vs. Jon Fitch (Pictures)
Round 1
St. Pierre gets a quick double-leg takedown at the bell. Fitch, from guard, ties up both arms and lets go to elbow the head. Fitch is active with his hips, searching for an armbar. GSP goes to half-guard and Fitch stands as chants of “U-S-A” liter the crowd. St. Pierre knocks Fitch down with a straight right on the heels of a low kick. St. Pierre pounces with punches from Fitch’s guard. Fitch is hurt as he is taking lots of punishment from the hands of GSP. A wobbly Fitch stands and is hit with a straight right. He looks for a takedown but is stuffed. St. Pierre enters his guard and passes to side-control after landing some sharp elbows.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
Round 2
St. Pierre shows a good jab to start the second stage. Fitch lands a left hook to the midsection. GSP lands a switch kick to the lead leg of Fitch. The champion shows good legwork as he moves away from Fitch’s punches. The jab and lowkick continue to score for the champion. St. Pierre doubles up on the jab but doesn’t follow-up. St.Pierre lands a hard right and misses a spinning-back kick. Fitch lands a hard punch and starts to come on. St. Pierre is bleeding at the top of his forehead. The fighters trade jabs and Fitch stuffs a takedown attempt. Fitch lands a right hand and absorbs a counter right hook.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 3
Fitch lands a hard right, but is dropped by the champion’s right hook counter. Fitch’s mouthpiece goes flying into the stands but he recovers. Fitch is bleeding heavily. The challenger crawls away from GSP and takes the top position. Fitch is resting in St. Pierre’s guard. Fitch lands a hard right, but is dropped by the champion’s right hook counter. Fitch’s mouthpiece goes flying into the stands but he recovers. Fitch is bleeding heavily under his right eye. The challenger crawls away from GSP and takes the top position. Fitch is resting in St. Pierre’s guard. The Canadian sweeps and is now on top in Fitch’s guard against the fencing. St. Pierre allows Fitch to stand. The champion lands several hard low kicks before going to the clinch against the cage. St. Pierre rocks Fitch with a left knee to the chin and two right-legged head kicks. St. Pierre gets another takedown before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-8 St. Pierre
Round 4
Fitch lands a right hand that opens a cut near the temple on St. Pierre’s left eye. The champion wipes blood from his face as he absorbs a body kick. St. Pierre defends a Fitch single attempt and kicks the groin. The fighters touch gloves after the incidental contact. Fitch finds range with his jab but the champion shows his own. St. Pierre balances on one leg and sprawls away from a Fitch shot. Fitch ends up in guard, where he takes a grazing elbow off the right side of his face. Fitch kicks the kidney with his right heel and gets to his feet before the round ends.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Round 5
St. Pierre connects with a left hook to start the fifth. A right hook follows. St. Pierre jabs the battered challenger and grazes a spinning-back kick. Fitch smiles and is taken down effortlessly with a single. GSP punches from guard and postures as Fitch tries to go high with his hips. Fitch stands with two minutes remaining. Slick double-leg by the champion is executed as the frustrated challenger puts up little resistance. St. Pierre advances to side-control. Fitch gives up his back and nearly gets to his feet, but is dragged back down. GSP makes it look easy for 25 minutes.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
Greg Savage scores the round 10-9 St. Pierre
The official judges see the contest 50-43 and 50-44 (twice) for Georges St. Pierre
