– Fandango and Damien Sandow over Stardust and Tyler Breeze via pinfall.
– R-Truth over Health Slater (w/ Bo Dallas) via pinfall. Double team on Truth which brings out Goldust for the save. Crowd chants “GOLDEN TRUTH” as Truth and Goldust hug and dance.
– Rusev w/Lana over Sin Cara via submission.
– Dolph Ziggler and Big Show over Luke Harper and Braun Strowman via pinfall.
– Alicia Foxx, Paige and Sasha Banks over Naomi, Cameron and Tamina via Sasha’s Bank Statement submission.
– Ryback over Viktor (w/Konner) via pinfall
– Kane over Bray Wyatt via pinfall in a Saginaw street fight. The end came when there was a run-in by Harper and Rowan as Kane was getting a table. Ziggler and Big Show ran in to chase off the Wyatt clan which led to Kane chokeslamming Bray thru a table for the pin and win.
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back today with tons to talk about! Dave was in LA and then Vegas for PWG and UFC so we’ll talk the epic upsets at 196, Conor McGregor and Holly Holm both going down, full results of the show, thoughts on the baffling scores in the Filthy Tom fight, WWE injuries, must-see matches, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is a much anticipated event headlined by UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor taking on Nate Diaz in a welterweight bout after Diaz replaced the injured Rafael Dos Anjos, who was scheduled to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship against McGregor on this card. In the co-main event, it will be UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm making her first title defense since defeating Ronda Rousey as she defends against Rousey’s long-time rival, top contender Miesha Tate. Also on the card is our very own “Filthy” Tom Lawlor as he takes on Corey Anderson. Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.
We are looking for your thoughts on tonight’s event, so send a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a thumbs in a middle along with a best fight and worst fight to dave@wrestlingobserver.com?subject=UFC%20196%20Feedback”>Dave Meltzer.
First round: Trading body kicks. Erosa front kick knocked Ishihara down. Nice high kick by Ishihara. Punch and knee by Ishihara and Erosa was down but quickly up. Low kick by Ishihara. Front kick by Erosa put Ishhara down. Now they are in a clinch against the fence. They were quickly separated. Left high kick and big punches by Ishiara. Ishihara hurt him with a left. Erosa took him down. Erosa’s left leg looks horrible. Close round. 10-9 Ishihara
Second round: Ishihara knocked him down and finished him with punches from the top right away. It was a left counter behind the ear that put Erosa down and good punches on the ground that finished him.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- JASON SAGGO (10-2, 1-1 UFC) VS. JUSTIN SALAS (12-6, 3-3 UFC)
First round: Salas took him down off a kick. Saggo reversed to the top. Salas has a cheering section. Saggo working for an armbar. Now he’s got Salas’ back. Saggo is punching. Saggo continued punching him from that position until it was stopped.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- DIEGO SANCHEZ (25-8, 14-8 UFC) VS. JIM MILLER (25-7 1 NC, 14-6 1 NC UFC)
First round: Sanchez ran across the ring in and grabbed Miller’s leg and threw him down. Miller back up. Mlller started to land. Miller with counter right. He land some more. Sanchez took him down. Short slam by Sanchez while in guard. Sanchez landing some punches from the top. Sanchez landing some elbows. 10-9 Sanchez.
Second round: Miller made him stumble with a low kick. Miller continues to land low kicks. Miller with a body punch. Body kick by Miller but Sanchez took him down off it. Miller back up. Sanchez bleeding from the left ear from elbows by by Miller. Head kick by Miller. Nice left by Miller. Spin kick by Sanchez didn’t land solid. Miller went for a takedown but Sanchez sprawled. Sanches went for a takedown, Miller grabbed a guillotine and threw a knees. More knees by Miller. Sanchez popped out. Sanchez went for a takedown and Miller spun behind him. Miller’s round so 19-19.
Third round: Sanchez grabbed his leg for a takedown but Miller blocked. Miller with a right. Fans chanting for Sanchez. Sanchez is more active. Sanchez went for a takedown but it was blocked. Miller went for a takedown but didn’t get it but land a body kick. Left landed by Sanchez. Sanchez got a quick takedown but Miller up Body kick by Miller. Both swinging wildly at the end. Close fight but I’ve got Sanchez 29-28.
Scores: All three had it 29-28 Sanchez
Sanchez cut a promo putting over Miller and Fight Pass, as well as Jesus Christ and Yoga.
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 7 PM ET/4 PM PT)
FEATHERWEIGHTS- (#11) DARREN ELKINS (19-5, 9-4 UFC) VS. CHAS SKELLY (15-1, 4-1 UFC)
First round: Elkins on top punching and Skelly going for heel hooks. Skelly continues going for a heel hook. Elkins throwing knees. Left by Elkins. Elkins landing a lot of uppercuts. Skelly with a right. Elkins with knees. Punches and knees by Elkins. Both swinging. Elkins 10-9.
Second round: Elkins landed punches. Elkins with a right and slammed him down. Elkins with knees to the body in the clinch on the fence. Elkins tripped him down and into side control. Skelly regained guard. Elkins landing punches from the top. Elkins 20-18.
Third round: Elkins took him down and got his back. Skelly back up. Takedown by Elkins. Elkins is working for a choke. Skelly out and back up. Both landing. Takedown by elkins and more punches on the ground Elkins connected on some good shots. Elkins 30-27.
Scores: 30-27, 29-27 and 30-26 for Elkins
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- VITOR MIRANDA (11-4, 2-1 UFC) VS. MARCELO GUIMARAES (9-1-1, 2-1 UFC)
First round: Guimaraes has him against the cage. They were separated. Both landing punches. Body kicks by Miranda. Guimaraes in with punches and going for a takedown. Los of elbows by Miranda as Guimaraes went for a takedown. Guimaraes fighting hard for a takedown but not getting it. The ref separated them again. Miranda starting to land and Guimaraes is tired. Guimaraes 10-9 but he’s the one tired at the end.’’
Second round: Guimaraes going for a takedown. Miranda landing a ton of elbows from that position and then separated, landed a head kick which stunned Guimaraes. After three solid punches standing it was called off. Good stoppage.
First round: Spin kick to the body by Silva. Silva with a low kick. Spin kick to the body and low kick by Silva. Silva missed a high kick. Takedown by Taleb and few punches. Silva wanted to touch gloves and then threw a hard right. He turned himself heel with that one. Taleb landed some punches. Low kick by Silva. Tale back with a calf kick. Silva shot in but the round ended. Close round 10-9 Silva.
Second round: Body kick by Slva. Taleb countered with a right that knocked Silva silly and it was immediately waved off. The place went bananas. That one should score 50G’s.
First round: Body kick by Thatch. Body kick by Thatch. Siyar moved in and landed punches. Body kick by Siyar. Siyar landing a lot of punches. Pretty wild action. Spinning elbow by Thatch and Siyar landing more punches. Siyar wth punches. Thatch with a knee and a takedown. Thatch went for a guillotine as Siyar reversed to the top. Thatch is working for a triangle but Siyar cleared it. Siyar landing punches on the ground. Good round 10-9 Siyar.
Second round: Thatch with a front kick and head kick. Siyar then took him down. Siyar landing punches. John McCarthy ordered a standup. Thatch landed punches. Siyar with knees and a takedown. Siyar landing punches. Siyar 20-18.
Third round: Siyar with punhes and took hij down again and hurtring him with punches on the ground. Siyar with more punches. McCarthy stood them up again. Takedown by Siyar. Siyar landing good punches on the ground. Siyar moved to side position and used a head and arm choke to finish.
First round: Body kick by Nunes while Shevchenko threw a punch. Nunes with a head kick. Shevchenko with punches. Body punch by Nunes. Shevchenko with more punches. Low kick by Nunes. Body kick by Nunes. Nunes with a takedown. She’s throwing weak body punches. Nunes 10-9.
Second round: Body kick by Nunes and Shevchenko went for a takedown and kick to the body but Nunes scrambled to the top. Nunes landing punches and elbows from the top. More elbows by Nunes. Nunes moved to side control. Shevchenko is bleeding. Nunes is working for a choke but doesn’t have it. Nunes with a body triangle. Shevchenko turned and got on top. Crowd loved this. Nunes 20-18.
Third round: Shevchenko took her down into side control. Shevchenko is working for a wristlock. Nunes out and up. Nunes is tired . Chevchenko with two hard knees. Left by Shevchenko. Nunes ent for a takedown, Shevchenko blocked it and threw some punches. Reality is Nunes could get a title shot but he way she fades in the third doesn’t bode well in a five round fight. Nunes 29-28.
Scores: 29-28, 29-27 and 29-27 for Nunes
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#12) COREY ANDERSON (7-1, 4-1 UFC) VS. TOM LAWLOR (10-5 1 NC, 6-4 UFC)
First round: Low kick by Anderson. Lawlor landed a lot of shots early. Andeson back with punches. Low kick by Anderson. Lefts by Lawlor Anderosn back with one. Low kick by Anderson. Anderson with another low kick. Action slowed midway through the round. Anderson with a right. Both landing. Right and left by Lawlow. Anderson with aleft. Both traded late. Very close round. 10-9 Lawlor.
Second round: Anderson slipped and went down but back up. Nice left by Lawlor. Both punched from close range. Right by Lawlor. Anderson back with a right. Low kick by Anderson. Anderson landing punches. Right by Anderson. Low kick by Anderson. Andeson with a low kick. Nice left by Lawlor. Front kick by Lawlor. Lawlor with a right. Lawlor with a good flurry late. Anderson tried a takedown and landed a knee late. Lawlor 20-18 but these rounds are close.
Third round: Body kick by Anderson. Right by Anderson. Anderson takedown into side control. Anderson landed a punch from the top. John McCarthy ordered a standup with 1:05 left. Right by Anderson and a low kick. Anderson’s round. Crowd lightly booed. 29-28 Lawlor but this could easily go either way.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 29-28 Anderson. Fans booed the decision a lot and through his promo.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- (#13) GIAN VILLANTE (14-6, 4-3 UFC) VS. ILIR LATIFI (11-4 1 NC, 4-2 UFC)
First round: Villante out with good body kicks. Latifi exploded for a takedown attempt that he didn’t get. Latifi landed a big left. Latifi landing several punches. Latifi on two had Villante hurt and then went for the takedown, which allowed Villante to recover. Latifi 10-9.
Second round: Villante landing kicks. Latifi with a German suplex. Left by Latifi. Latifi trying for a takedown. Villante was holding the fence bad and Yves Lavigne didn’t see it. He actually did use his body to shield it but it was really blatant. Crowd booing because they are just standing there. Latiifi with a spin kick. Left by Latifi. Latifi again has him against the fence going for a takedown. Latifi slammed him but Villante back up. Latifi 20-18.
Third round: Latifi with a body shot. Latifi again going for the takedown. Tried a belly to belly but didn’t get it. Big left by Latifi. Another left by Latifi. Side kick by Latifi. Body kick by Villante. Another slam by Latifi with 20 seconds left. Latifi 30-27
Scores: All three judges have it 30-27 Latifi. Really he won all three rounds solidly.
They showed Jon Jones, Joanna, GSP, Diaz and Conor and GSP got by far the biggest reaction, even above Conor.
First round: Holm got a really big reaction. Tate was cheered a ton but not at the level of Holm. This has a very intense feel about it, very much like a world title fight. Crowd really psyched. Miesha chant. Left and a kick by Holm. Tate tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Holly chant. Much louder than Miesha chants. Now loud Miesha chants unti Holm shoved her backwards. Left by Holm. Very little happening and crowd is still into it. Holm forward with punches. Holm with a flurry ending with a side kick. Tate landed some punches. Head kick by Holm. Tate missed on a big kick. Side kick by Holm. Holm 10-9.
Second round: Tate took her down. She’s in side controil. Place popped huge for that. Holm got guard. Tate with a punch. Miesha chants super loud. Elbows to the body by Tate. Hard elbows by Tate. Another good elbow by Tate. Tate has her back She’s working for a choke. She gave it up. Tate working for it agan. Crowd going nuts. Holm survived the round. 10-8 round for Tate so 19-18 Tate. This crowd is going nuts like few fights I’ve seen.
Third round: Head kick by Holm. Big shots by Holm. Tate tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Side kick by Holm. Body kick by Holm. Kick and punch by Holm. Left by Holm. Right by Holm. Tate landed some punches and Holm with a body kick. Tate tried a takedown but couldn’t get it. Holm tried a head kick but it was blocked. Holm’s round so 28-28 after three.
Fourth round: Tate with a left. Holm with a combo. Tate again tried a takedown but couldn’t get it. Holm threw her off. Tate shot in but Holm blocked her. Holm with punches and threw an elbow when she let her up. A series of punches by Holm. Front kick by Holm and more punches. Holm 38-37 going into the final round.
Fifth round: Left by Holm. Holm with two side kicks. Holm with a left. Tate pushed her against the fence. Holm turned her. Holm threw an elbow to break the clinch. Holm with punches and a high kick. Tate is too slow to grab the leg when Holm is throwing her side kicks. Tate got her down and got her back again. Tate is working for a choke. Holm flipped her over but Tate held on and got the choke tighter. Holm went out without tapping. Unreal. This is one of the best finishes you’ll ever see. This match was so intense live. 3:30
WELTERWEIGHTS- (FTW C) CONOR MCGREGOR (19-2, 7-0 UFC) VS. (#5 LW) NATE DIAZ (18-10, 13-8 UFC)
First round: The place is still electric. Not nearly the Irish contingent as in the past but McGregor is still the big crowd favorite. Big left by McGregor. Diaz has him against the fence. McGregor out and landed a left and a right. McGregor landing punches. Good body punch by Diaz. Diaz starting to land. Spin kick missed by McGregor. Diaz is starting to land. Both are landing good shots. Diaz with a body kick. Diaz bleeding from the right eye. McGregor is targeting the eye. Diaz took him down but McGregor is on top. McGregor landing punches from the top. McGregor 10-9.
Second round: Spin kick by McGregor. Spin kick landed by McGregor. McGregor landing to the body. Left by McGregor. McGregor with a spin kick. Big fight by McGregor. Diaz is bleeding badly now. Big right by McGregor. Diaz tied him up against the fence. McGregor is really going to work on him now. Diaz’s face is a mess. Diaz slapped him in the face. Right by Diaz. Knee by McGregor. Uppercut by McGregor. McGregor landing a lot of shots and Diaz back with punches. Diaz actually missing most but now he’s landing. Diaz is starting to take over. Diaz has McGregor in trouble Diaz landing a ton of punches. Diaz with a ton of lefts. McGregor now coming back with punches. Diaz back with punches and has him hurt. McGregor went for a takedown and is on top. Diaz is punching the hell out of him and he’s got the choke and McGregor is not getting out of this. 4:20
St. Louis, Missouri: – Jim Londos beat Jim Clinstock – Joe “Toots” Mondt and Richard Shikat drew
1934
Tulsa, Oklahoma: – Leroy McGuirk defeated Hugh Nichols for the World Light Heavyweight Title
1942
Kansas City, Kansas: – Tom Zaharias defeated Orville Brown for the Midwest Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title
1949
Pomona, California: – Buddy Rogers defeated Shei Lawrence to win the Jack Pfeffer-promoted version of the World Heavyweight Title
1953
Cleveland, Ohio: – Antonino Rocca defeated Buddy Rogers to win the American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title
1959
Amarillo, Texas: – The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Roy Heffernan) defeated Mike DiBiase and Danny Plechas to win the Amarillo NWA International Tag Team Titles
– Chico Garcia and Chet Wallick defeated George and Sandy Scott for the Stampede International Tag Team Title
1962
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: – Mr. Kleen and Whipper Billy Watson defeated Gene Kiniski and Killer Kowalski for the Vancouver NWA Pacific Coast Tag Team Titles
1963
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – Bob Brown and Bill Kochen defeated Frenchy Champagne and George Eakin to win the Madison Wrestling Club Tag Team Titles
1964
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: – Johnny Valentine defeated The Beast to win the Toronto NWA United States Heavyweight Title
1965
Detroit, Michigan: – Johnny Barend and Magnificent Maurice defeated Chris and John Tolos to win the Detroit NWA World Tag Team Titles
1966
St. Paul, Minnesota: – Non Title Death Match: Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher beat AWA Tag Team Champions Larry Hennig & Harley Race – Mighty Igor Vodik beat Chris Markoff dq – Chris Tolos beat Larry Heiniemi – Ivan Kalmikoff beat Steve Druk – Eddie Sharkey beat Juan Zendajas
1969
Los Angeles, California: – Chris Markoff defeated George Cannon for the NWA Beat the Champ Television Title
1970
Panama City, Florida: – Randy and Rip Tyler won the NWA Gulf Coast Tag Team Titles defeating Dick Dunn and Ken Lucas
1971
Houston, Texas: – Wahoo McDaniel defeated Toru Tanaka to win the NWA American Heavyweight Title
1977
Akita, Japan: – Billy Robinson defeated Jumbo Tsuruta for the NWA United National Heavyweight Title
Indianapolis, Indiana: – Dick the Bruiser defeat The Masked Stranger (Guy Mitchell) to win the World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title
1978
Charlotte, North Carolina: – Johnny Weaver defeated Baron Von Raschke for the NWA Television Title
1980
Kuroiso, Japan: – Jumbo Tsuruta defeated Dick Murdoch to win the NWA United National Heavyweight Title
Honolulu, Hawaii: – Hans Schroder defeated Peter Maivia for the NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Title
Nashville, Tennessee: – Rocky Brewer and Pat Rose defeated The Blond Bombers (Wayne Farris and Larry Latham) to win the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Title
1981
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: – AWA Tag Team Champions Adrian Adonis & Jesse Ventura beat Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell – Baron Von Raschke beat Jerry Blackwell – Nick Bockwinkel beat the Crusher dq – Buck Zumhofe beat Bobby Heenan – Handicap match: Tito Santana & Brad Rheingans beat John Studd – Steve Regal drew Rick Hunter
1982
Omaha, Nebraska: – Ken Patera & Bobby Duncum beat Hulk Hogan & Tito Santana – Baron Von Raschke beat Rene Goulet (sub Jerry Blackwell) – Brad Rheingans drew Sheik Adnan – Weasel Suit match: Buck Zumhofe beat Bobby Heenan
1983
Bayamon, Puerto Rico: – Buddy Landel defeated Pierre Martel to win the WWC North American Heavyweight Title
1984
Birmingham, Alabama: – Rip Rogers defeated Larry Hamilton for the NWA Southeastern United States Junior Heavyweight Title
1985
Tampa, Florida: – Jay and Mark Youngblood defeated The PYT Express (Norvell Austin and Koko Ware) for the Florida NWA United States Tag Team Titles
1986
Tampa, Florida: – Kendall Windham defeated The Cuban Assassin to win the NWA Florida Heavyweight Title
1988
Boston, Massachusetts: – The Ultimate Warrior defeated Harley Race and in a steel cage match – Randy Savage and Strike Force, defeated the Hart Foundation and the Honky Tonk Man
Portland, Oregon: – The Assassin representing an injured Curt Hennig beat The Grappler to win held AWA Title for Hennig – Steve Doll & Scott Peterson drew Mike Golden & Avalanche (PN News) – Art Barr drew Billy Two Eagles
Dothan, Alabama: – The Southern Boys (Steve Armstrong and Tracy Smothers) defeated Robert Fuller and Jimmy Golden for the NWA Southeast Continental Tag Team Titles
1989
Augusta, Maine: – Phil Apollo and Eric Sbraccia defeated Joe Savoldi and Vic Steamboat for the International Championship Wrestling Tag Team Titles
1994
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – Kevin Sullivan and The Tazmaniac defeated The Bruise Brothers to win the held up ECW Tag Team Titles – Terry Funk defeated Shane Douglas in a Taped Fist match
2001
Monday Night Raw: Washington, DC: – The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff) defeated WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) to win the titles
2003
Louisville, Kentucky: – The Disciples of Synn, Seven (Kevin Thorn) and Travis Bane (Travis Tomko) defeated Lance Cade and René Duprée for the OVW Southern Tag Team Titles
2005
ROH: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: – Jay Lethal defeated ROH Pure Champion John Walters to win the title – The Rottwielers defeated Generation Next to win the Trios Tournament
Tokyo, Japan: – Takeshi Rikio defeated Kenta Kobashi to win the NOAH GHC Heavyweight Title
2010
Dragon Gate: Chicago, Illinois: – Davey Richards won the FIP Championship from Masaaki Mochizuki
– WWE has upgraded its live event entrance ramp since the last house in MPLS last spring. Two larger HD screens and a small ramp lined with LED lights.
– Before the show started, The fans voted on a Wrestlemania match to be shown on the big screen. Bret Hart vs Austin won. Taker vs HBK second, Rock vs Cena third.
– NXT ring announcers Greg Hamilton and Eden Stiles were our emcees.
A.J. Styles beat The Miz (12:50)
Loud A.J. Styles chants before the match. Miz got huge heat trying to take off his sunglasses after the bell rang. Miz did the Ric Flair fall-on-his-face bump at one point. Miz got the heat kicking the middle rope as A.J. was entering the ring. A.J. hit a nice pump handle into a gut buster for a near fall. Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale but A.J. kicked out of the believable near fall. A.J. Hit the springboard flying forearm for the win. Really fun match. Miz was a great heel.
Darren Young & Jack Swagger beat Adam Rose & Curtis Axel (7:20)
Match was sloppy and crowd was dead for most of it, even with the hometown guy Curtis Axel. Heels worked over Darren Young. Swagger with the comeback. Hit the Swagger Bomb, match broke down and Swagger made Rose tap to ankle lock.
– Bray Wyatt cut a spooky promo on the big screen. He said he was going to change the world, he wasn’t afraid of anyone and he was a god.
Ryback beat Neville (8:30)
Ryback got a stronger reaction than Neville. Not necessarily a face reaction but more of a shocked reaction that this was Neville’s opponent. Crowd was chanting Feed Me More and Goldberg during the match. Ryback took most of the match. Neville hit a standing enziguri, a few strikes and the asai moonsault and that was about it for his offense. Neither man worked like a heel. Good finish. Ryback caught Neville after a springboard. Neville escaped and rolled Ryback up for a near fall. Ryback then hit the meat hook, which flipped Neville, and a shell shock for the win.
WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day beat the Usos (8:50)
Both teams got a huge reaction. New Day cut a pre-match promo saying Minnesota was poorly educated and everyone was ugly. They sang We Are The Champions…really badly. New Day’s antics are outrageous but are extremely entertaining. Let’s Go Usos/New Day Rocks dueling chants. Crowd really into the match. Kofi missed Trouble in Paradise and Jey Uso hit two superkicks. However, Xavier distracted the ref as the crowd counted to three. Kofi then hit Trouble In Paradise for the win. Really fun match with a hot finish.
Dean Ambrose beat Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens (c) via DQ (9:30)
Ambrose easily received the biggest pop of the night. Owens attacked Ambrose before the match started. Owens brought a chair into the ring and Ambrose rolled up Owens for what the crowd believed was the finish. Owens was trying to walk out for the count out finish but Ambrose brought him back. Owens had Ambrose in the tree of woe and wouldn’t break the five count for the disqualification. Crowd hated the finish. Owens announced himself as the champion and said “The Kevin Owens Show has just begun.” He went to pick up Ambrose but Ambrose hit Dirty Deeds for the huge pop.
Divas Champion Charlotte vs Becky Lynch went to a no-contest (5:32)
Charlotte did some Ric Flair spots such as the flip over the ropes in the corner, and Becky mocked the Ric Flair strut a time or two. Becky rolled Charlotte into the ring and hen everything stopped. The ref checked on Charlotte, Becky sat aside and doctors came to the ring. They stopped the match when Charlotte was busted open hard way. It looked like it was either when Becky charged Charlotte down the aisle and hit her or when Becky rolled her into the ring.
United States Champion Kalisto (c) beat Sheamus (roughly 13 minutes)
Sheamus stood on the middle rope in the corner for nearly a minute before the match to aggravate the crowd. They stalled a lot pre-match. Sheamus was bumping everywhere for Kalisto. Sheamus rammed Kalisto back first into the post for the heat. Kalisto hit a big moonsault during his comeback and kicked Sheamus square in the face. Ref put the gloves on. Sheamus hit White Noise from the middle rope for a near fall. Sheamus missed a Brogue Kick, Kalisto rolled to the apron, hung Sheamus on the top rope and hit the Salina del Sol for the CLEAN PIN. Crowd popped for the finish and I forgot to stop my timer because I was shocked Sheamus was pinned clean.
Kane beat Bray Wyatt in a street fight (13:10)
Kane received a solid pop and many fans stood for his entrance. 90 seconds into the match they brawled in the aisle. Kendo stick was introduced by Wyatt when Kane tried bringing him into the ring. Wyatt beat the hell out of Kane with the kendo stick but Kane whipped Wyatt pretty good when he took it away. Wyatt then brought a chair into the match DDTd Kane on the chair.
Kane went for a chokeslam, Wyatt hit a low blow and a slightly botched Sister Abigail but Kane kicked out. Wyatt kicked out of a chokeslam. Crowd chanted “Table Table Table” and Kane got one. Kane set up a table and choke slammed Wyatt for the clean pin. Crowd popped huge for the spot and most instantly hit the exits. Show ended about 10:15 pm local.
Kane cut a promo afterward. “I’ve been in WWE for a long time. Minneapolis is still one of the greatest cities that we come to. Thanks for being such an awesome audience.”
Both Emma and Charlotte were banged up at WWE live events on Friday night.
Emma was wrestling Asuka in the opener of the NXT show in Cleveland, OH. They did a ref stoppage finish, with the referee holding up the dreaded X sign and stopping the match after Asuka delivered a hard kick to the head and neck. Emma was down in the ring for a long time afterwards and there was concern that she had been legitimately knocked out. We are told that she was hurt by the kick but not badly, probably could have finished the match, but the refs are cautious and the idea was better safe than sorry.
Charlotte was also injured during a match with Becky Lynch at the WWE house show in Minneapolis, MN. During the match Becky hit her with something and Charlotte went down hard and began bleeding everywhere. They stopped the match and ruled it a no contest. Becky was said to have been very concerned. Charlotte was helped to the back while bleeding from the nose. The only update we have so far is that she is said to be OK.
We will have better information over the next few days as they are further checked out, but the belief Saturday was that neither was likely to miss significant time. In fact, Charlotte on Twitter indicated that she would be back in the ring for tonight’s house show in Cedar Rapids.
The first big show of the year is upon us as Ireland has taken over Las Vegas and Stockton is there to fight. Since this fight was signed last week, Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz have managed to cram three months of trash talk into 11 days and captured the imagination of fight fans everywhere.
Lost in the shuffle is a highly anticipated title fight in the marquee division in women’s MMA. Our very own Tom Lawlor is also on the main card along with the guy he knocked out in his last fight. And in the Fight Pass main event, two battle-tested UFC veterans will throw down as Diego Sanchez moves back to 155 to take on Jim Miller.
Our panel is here to weigh in on their opinions on the top fights on the card and as you can see from the results below, our panel (for the most part) picks at a higher clip than the people who set the betting odds.
Here’s our panel with the 2016 records in parenthesis with a running tally of the records of the favorites going into the fights and the panel consensus picks
John Pollock (18-7; .720) – Fight Network analyst, Live Audio Wrestling co-host, MMA Report co-host
Mike Sawyer (17-8; .680) – Tough Talk MMA
Josh Nason (17-8; .680) – Host of Josh Nason’s Punch Out; Assistant Web Editor of WrestlingObserver.com; WON Twitter guy
Mike Sempervive (17-8; .680) – Wrestling Observer Live and Big Audio Nightmare co-host
Ryan Frederick (16-9; .640) – WrestlingObserver.com UFC reporter, WON Twitter guy
Consensus picks (14-9; .609)
Dave Meltzer (15-10; .600)– Wrestling Observer founder
Steve Juon (14-11; .560) – MMA Mania/Wrestling Observer writer. Angry Marks founder
Favorites (14-11; .560)
David Bixenspan (14-11; .560) – Figure Four Weekly writer, podcast host
Front Row Brian (13-12; .520) – MMA newsbreaker, Beloved internet personality, Podcast host
Paul Fontaine (10-15; .400) – MMADraws.com founder, WrestlingObserver.com writer
Conor McGregor (19-2) vs Nate Diaz (18-10) Welterweights
The World Featherweight Champion takes on the #5 ranked Lightweight contender in a Welterweight fight. Despite how ridiculous that sounds, this show is going to do huge business and it’s because of this fight. And it should be a great one. McGregor has outstanding power and with the extra weight could be even more powerful. If it goes to the ground, Diaz should have the huge advantage. The odds are heavily in Conor’s favor and the fight seems a lot closer than they would suggest but our panel is picking straight up and without having to think about the odds, it’s a clear consensus.
Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm (10-0) vs Miesha Tate (17-5)
Holm makes her first title defence after the biggest upset in UFC history when she knocked out Ronda Rousey. Rousey’s previous biggest rival Tate gets the title shot she’s been working toward for two years. This should be a very different fight for Holm but so far she’s passed every test in the UFC even if it was with a solid C in her first two fights. Again the panel seems pretty unified on this one and the odds, while not quite as lopsided as the main event, favor the champion. The winner will likely get the biggest money fight of her career against Ronda later on this year.
Ilir Latifi (11-4) vs Gian Villante (14-6) Light Heavyweights
Latifi has stormed the UFC with 4 first round stoppages in his first 6 fights. He has had a few stumbles with 2 losses and while one was against someone who now fights at Middlweight in Gegard Mousasi, he was knocked out in the first round by non-contender Jan Blachowicz. Villante is also susceptible to the KO but has managed to win 3 of the last 4. This and the next fight is almost a mini-tournament of sorts to get into that next level of contenders once Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier settle their differences. It would seem natural to have the winners of these two fights face off down the road.
Tom Lawlor (10-5) vs Corey Anderson (7-1) Light Heavyweights
The co-host of Filthy Four Daily on this very website steps back into the Octagon in an attempt to finally break into that elusive top 15. He really should be there already considering he’s coming off of a KO win of Villante, who already is. He’s got a tough opponent in former TUF Champion Anderson. Anderson has won 4 of 5 in the UFC with the last 3 coming by decision. The two most likely outcomes seem to be a finish for Lawlor or a grinding decision for Anderson. With the way my selections have been going so far, you can look at my pick in this fight as support for a fellow website contributor….
Diego Sanchez (25-8) vs Jim Miller (25-7) Lightweights
Another TUF winner on the card here as Diego Sanchez is back in the Octagon. If not for a gift win against Ross Pearson that only the two judges who voted for him think he won, Sanchez would be on a four fight win streak. After dropping to 145 for a fight with Ricardo Lamas, he’s back at his familiar 155 for this one. Jim Miller is a perennial contender who almost always has exciting fights and this one could steal the show. Miller has also lost 3 of his last 4 with two of those uncharacteristically coming by stoppage. It seems unlikely that either of these two would ever be cut by UFC but it’s tough to stick around in UFC with a 1-4 record in your last 5 fights so this is important for both of them.
Tonight’s show features a match from May 3, 2015 in the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, our first look at the NJPW Dominon event.
This is Jim Ross’ first show and he obviously has a different style than Mauro Ranallo in that he focuses on the match and does that very well. It also changes Josh Barnett’s role as he goes into more into the history and storylines since he is more well versed in the product, calling these shows from the beginning. It adds a new dynamic to the show and makes it feel fresh, while at the same time they both compliment each other very well in what they do and they excel at it.
Yoshi-Hashi and Kazuchika Okada vs. IWGP Champion AJ Styles & Yujiro Takahashi
The match itself was fine. It’s goal is to set up a future match between AJ and Okada for the IWGP title at Dominon on July 5. They have terrific chemistry with one another, and Yoshi-Hashi is still pretty underrated by New Japan standards. Yujiro’s going to be Yujiro no matter what. He’s okay, but a step below a lot of what New Japan has to offer. Okada got the win with the rainmaker over Yujiro.
Styles calls himself the man in a post match interview and says if you want to beat him, try. He’s better than the rest of the world. You want some, come get some. Okada promises he’ll take his title and become a fantastic champion. Gedo says he has two months to live.
Goto interview time. He says it’s not really about the belt, but rather the provocation from Nakamura that has him clamoring for a chance to face Nakamura (throughout their feud Nakamura imitated looking through binoculars looking for Goto as he pretended not to see hi). They mentioned that Nakamura had beaten Goto for the title back in 2012. Goto says that he completely redesigned the title and has made it as his own.
Hirooki Goto vs. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
This is one of those feuds from last year that really dragged on to the point of overkill. I believe they faced off at least four times in 2015, and I’m not sure which one we’re on. Actually this is probably their first or second match, as this is the one where Goto regains the Intercontinental title. Again, this is not to say they had a bad match. They didn’t. They struck hard, had a great back and forth contest, and the last few minutes were pretty exciting.
Goto was due for a big win for a while and they paid it off here, which is good as Goto is booked as someone who is always near the top, but doesn’t score the big win. He did here, and the crowd was into him regaining the title. Again, both Ross and Barnett were great here in calling the match and you can tell they gel well pretty much instantly.
Both Nakamura and Goto made comments after the match. Goto drank beers, Nakamura obviously didn’t like the fact that he lost. Goto, in his reflective interview, says that he was always behind Nakamura, but is now glad he has not only caught up to him, but now with the win, surpassed him.
Welcome to our live coverage of the UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz weigh-ins from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fighters will hit the scale at 7 PM eastern time. The card airs Saturday night, with the main card taking place on pay-per-view at 10 PM eastern time. Preliminary card action kicks off on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 PM eastern time before shifting over to FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM eastern time.
The biggest event thus far in the year 2016 is headlined by UFC Featherweight Champion Conor McGregor moving up two weight classes to take on Nate Diaz, who takes the fight on short notice and also moves up a weight class, when they square off in a five-round bout at welterweight. Diaz is a short-notice replacement for Rafael Dos Anjos, who was scheduled to defend the UFC Lightweight Championship against McGregor before breaking his foot two weeks ago.
In the co-main event, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm defends the championship she won when she shocked the world and knocked out Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in November as she takes on long-time top contender Miesha Tate. Also on the card is our very own “Filthy” Tom Lawlor as he takes on Corey Anderson.
MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT): Conor McGregor (168) vs. Nate Diaz (169) Holly Holm (134.5) vs. Miesha Tate (135) – UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship Gian Villante (205) vs. Ilir Latifi (205) Corey Anderson (204) vs. Tom Lawlor (204.5) Amanda Nunes (136) vs. Valentina Shevchenko (134)
PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT): Brandon Thatch (170) vs. Siyar Bahadurzada (170) Erick Silva (170) vs. Nordine Taleb (170) Vitor Miranda (185.5) vs. Marcelo Guimaraes (185.5) Darren Elkins (145.5) vs. Chas Skelly (145.5)
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT): Diego Sanchez (156) vs. Jim Miller (155.5) Jason Saggo (155.5) vs. Justin Salas (156) Julian Erosa (144.5) vs. Teruto Ishihara (146)
Welcome to our live coverage of Bellator 151: Warren vs. Caldwell from Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The event is headlined by a bantamweight bout as former Bellator Featherweight and Bantamweight Champion Joe Warren takes on undefeated rising prospect Darrion Caldwell. The event airs on Spike TV at 9 PM eastern time and prelims will air on Spike.com at 7 PM eastern time. Join us for full coverage of the main card.
Coverage provided by Ryan Frederick
PRELIM RESULTS: Ray Wood def. Chris Jones by TKO (punches) at 3:10 of Round 1 Justin Patterson def. Chance Rencountre by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28) Ricky Turcios def. Steve Garcia by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 30-27) Neiman Gracie def. Roger Carroll by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) Jermayne Barnes def. Derek Palmer by TKO (punches) at 1:17 of Round 2 Treston Thomison def. Aaron Roberson by submission (guillotine choke) at 2:20 of Round 2
BANTAMWEIGHTS- JOE TAIMANGLO (21-6-1, 4-2 BFC) VS. SIRWAN KAKAI (12-3, 0-0 BFC)
ROUND 1- Taimanglo starts with a leg kick. Right hand from Taimanglo lands. Taimanglo lands a big flying knee and they start trading punches. Kakai lands a right hand. They trade punches. Taimanglo lands some right hands. Kakai lands a solid right hand in return. Taimanglo drops Kakai for a moment with a right hand. Kakai goes for a takedown and pushes against the fence. Taimanglo has the neck looking for a choke. Kakai is trying to scrmable out but Taimanglo turns it into a D’arce choke. Kakai escapes that but finds himself in a guillotine. Kakai gets out of that and starts landing from the top in the guard. Kakai moves to half-guard but they scramble to their feet. Back to the mat and Kakai lands from the top as the round ends. 10-9 Taimanglo.
ROUND 2- Taimanglo looks to set up a flying knee but Kakai sees it coming. Taimanglo with some leg kicks. They clinch against the fence but break quickly. Kakai misses some punches but then they each land inside the pocket. Taimanglo lands a leg kick but eats a big punch from Kakai. Kakai with a high kick. Taimanglo fakes a takedown attempt and lands a right hand. They trade punches. Taimanglo keeping his hands low but landing more. Kakai with a leg kick. They trade punches. Kakai has a takedown attempt blocked. Taimanglo stuffs a takedown attempt and lands a nice punch. They clinch against the fence as the round ends. 10-9 Taimanglo, 20-18 Taimanglo.
ROUND 3- Taimanglo comes out with a body kick. Kakai getting aggressive with his kicks and lands a nice left hook. Taiamnglo lands a solid combo. Kakai buckles him with a leg kick. They trade punches. Kakai with a leg kick. Kakai with a big takedown against the cage but they bounce right back to their feet. They break. Taimanglo looks ehausted. Kakai gets the body lock against the fence and lands some knees. They battle in the clinch against the fence. They break. They each land some punches as the fight goes the distance. 10-9 Kakai, 29-28 Taimanglo.
Official Result- Joe Taimanglo def. Sirwan Kakai by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ROUND 1- They trade leg kicks to start. Jenkins with another. Jenkins with a body kick and Yamauchi lands one himself. They are tangled against the fence and Yamauchi jumps on the back of Jenkins. Yamauchi looking for a standing choke. Yamauchi has it nearly locked in but lets go. Jenkins with some back punches. Yamauchi still working for the choke but takes some elbows from Jenkins. Yamauchi goes back for the choke. He’s not quite getting it under the neck and he’s had three minutes in this position. Jenkins keeps fighting it off. Yamauchi gives it one last big attempt but Jenkins gets out as the round ends. 10-9 Yamauchi.
ROUND 2- They trade kicks to start off the round. Jenkins shoots in and gets a big takedown. They are against the fence with Jenkins in the guard. Yamauchi looking for the arm from the bottom but fence is in the way. Jenkins with some body punches from the top. Yamauchi lets go of the arm and Jenkins is in the full guard. Jenkins passes to half-guard and is smothering from top but not doing a lot. Jenkins then starts to land a little. Jenkins gets to his feet but goes right back into the guard after missing a big right hand. Round ends with not a lot of action going on during that five minutes. 10-9 Jenkins, 19-19.
ROUND 3- They trade kicks and Jenkins goes high. Yamauchi lands a big leg kick and misses a spin kick. Jenkins shoots in and scores the takedown. They are against the fence. Jenkins looking to pass guard. Not much happening here. Jenkins doing just enough to keep it from being stood up as Yamauchi looks for the arm. Yamauchi has the arm looking to extend but Jenkins defends it. Jenkins gets back into full guard. Jenkins with some punches from the top but he looks more like he is stalling. Yamauchi looks for one last armbar attempt as the fight ends. Boring fight. 10-9 Jenkins, 29-28 Jenkins.
Official Result- Bubba Jenkins def. Goiti Yamauchi by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-27)
WELTERWEIGHTS- FERNANDO GONZALEZ (24-13, 4-0 BFC) VS. GILBERT SMITH (12-4, 0-0 BFC)
ROUND 1- Smith comes out with a combo. Smith ducks under a punch from Gonzalez and scores a big takedown. Gonzalez reverses position and gets on top but Smith has his neck. They scramble up for a moment but go back to the mat. Gonzalez is in side control against the fence and landing punches. They get to their feet but go back down against as Smith looks for the takedown. Gonzalez lands some elbows as Smith works to the top. They get back to their feet. Smith works for another takedwn but Gonzalez sprawls and lands punches and ends up on top in side control. Gonzalez with body punches. Gonzalez gets the neck and looks for a guillotine choke. He had it in but Smith escaped. They get back to their feet and hit the mat again. 10-9 Gonzalez.
ROUND 2- They come out trading punches. Smith scores a takedown and is on top. Smith landing punches against the fence on top. Gonzalez is able to reverse position by sweeping. They scramble to their feet and Smith drags the fight back down. Smith landing soft punches from the top and Gonzalez is not doing much in return. Gonzalez has the neck but looks like he is just holding on with nothing. They are stood up. They trade shots as the round ends. 10-9 Smith, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Gonzalez with a combo as Smith shoots for a takedown but is stuffed. Smith lands a big left hand and has Gonzalez hurt and turns it into a takedown. Smith has him againsyt the fence. Gonzalez landing elbows from the bottom. Smith tries to posture up but loses the position. They scramble back to their feet. Smith lands punches and goes for a takedown and Gonzalez falls to the mat before Smith can even land it. Smith smothering from top and lands a knee as they get to their feet. They scramble and Gonzalez ends on top in half-guard as is landing elbows. Gonzalez in full guard now and landing from top. They get up to their feet.Smith lands some big punches. Smith with a nice combo but Gonzalez lands a solid body kick as the fight ends. 10-9 Smith, 29-28 Smith.
Official Result- Fernando Gonzalez def. Gilbert Smith by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
BANTAMWEIGHTS- JOE WARREN (13-4, 11-3, BFC) VS. DARRION CALDWELL (8-0, 5-0 BFC)
ROUND 1- Caldwell with a head kick and he gets Warren to the mat. Caldwell takes the back and looks for a choke. He has the back against the fence. Caldwell with punches from the back as he has Warren pinned against the fence. Caldwell still has the back and is landing some punches. They get to their feet and Caldwell with a huge German suplec and he has the back of Warren again on the mat. Caldwell looking for the choke and he has it in. It is deep and Warren is out cold! Caldwell stays undefeated as he choke Warren out cold and gets the submission win.
Official Result- Darrion Caldwell def. Joe Warren by submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:23 of Round 1
