It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.
Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! We’ll also spice things up with some predictions for week two about who could go all the way this season – two “Fighters to Watch” for each recap.
The Notorious Quote of the Week is Conor McGregor at the bar: “Is this the menu? That’s it? Just give me everything – thanks.”
Marcin Wrzosek handed the U.S. team their first loss last week with a two round decision. Team Europe is going to try to capitalize by having Saul Rogers face Billy Quarantillo. Rogers is more experienced so UFC is promoting it as an “upset” if Quarantillo wins.
McGregor on why he picked Rogers: “I paid attention to whose energy is right, whose body is right, who’s ready to go.” He felt Saul was showing all the signs of being ready. Meanwhile at the house Tom Gallicchio makes no excuses for losing his fight last week. He admits he was beaten by the better man.
Saul Rogers talks about his two kids, and he says the one thing he hopes to impart to them is “Whatever you love doing stick with it” because that’s his approach to fighting. He also says he doesn’t make a game plan for opponents – he just tries to be as sharp as he can be for each opponent.
McGregor shows his team some takedown techniques, and says the position of the head when you’re clinched up is the key. Everybody’s happy with the drilling but apparently after the commercial break he takes them all out for SAKE BOMBS.
Billy Quarantillo talks about how he got hooked the first time he learned a submission, and that he feels like Rogers won’t want to stand and trade with him. Faber: “Billy has a lot of tenacity and he tries really hard, but his technique is far behind.” Faber gives him some personal instruction on how to move off his back and get good positions.
Martin Svensson and Mehdi Baghdad are both thrilled to be learning from the best fighter in the world. Going out for drinks turned out to be a c–ktease – nobody gets crazy. I have to be honest that 20 minutes into the show this isn’t a great episode.
Rogers and Quarantillo are my “Fighters to Watch” this week just because nobody else is standing out or doing noteworthy. Svensson may have had more lines than anybody else this episode but all he says is McGregor is great and Rogers is great. Yawn.
McGregor is teaching Team Europe more techniques for staying balanced on your feet when someone has your leg high in the air. Saul weighs in at 156. Quarantillo weighs in at 155 even. Both teams are equally confident in their man.
Finally something interesting is happening – Chris Gruetzemacher is starting to crack under the pressure of being on the show. He says he misses his coaches, his lifestyle, his ability to take time away FROM training when he wants. He’s saying he wants out in the worst way.
Lightweight: Saul Rogers (Europe) vs. Billy Quarantillo (USA)
Rogers is in the gray trunks, Quarantillo the blue. There are 22 minutes left so we’re in for at least two full rounds. Quanantillo’s first takedown is stuffed and Rogers is on top in half guard as it goes to the ground. Rogers hammers away with unchecked lefts to the head as he tries to get up, and nearly throws him back to the ground. Quarantillo is warned not to grab the fence. Rogers is on top again in half guard with 2 minutes gone and stands up to drop bombs, then he’s the one warned not to grab the fence. Rogers takes the back as they scramble and McGregor warns him not to rush and keep his position – but he does and winds up on top of Quarantillo as he tries to keep distance with butterfly guard. Rogers finally pushes his way back into full guard and almost finishes R1 in side but Quarantillo gets back up right before the bell. 10-9 Rogers.
Rogers has a takedown 21 seconds into R2. Quarantillo is warned about fingers in his face. He tries to heel hook Rogers but Rogers just gets back on top in guard. I don’t feel like we’re going to a third round unless Quarantillo does something crazy… and soon. Rogers takes his back halfway through the round, Quarantillo stands up off it, and Rogers takes him right back down. He’s got side at 3:15. Rogers is really pouring it on with hammers and elbows against the fence with 30 seconds left. Quarantillo never did anything.
Dana White: “He manhandled Billy. He showed he’s one of the favorites to win this thing.”
20-16, 20-17 and 20-17 all for Saul Rogers. McGregor announces Mehdi Baghdad (Europe) vs. Julian Erosa (U.S.) as his pick. Join us next week!
Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 192: Cormier vs. Gustafsson from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. The event is headlined by UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier making his first title defense against Alexander Gustafsson. In the co-main event, it will be light heavyweight contenders Ryan Bader and Rashad Evans squaring off. The original co-main event, Johny Hendricks against Tyron Woodley, was removed from the card prior to weigh-ins due to Hendricks weight cut issues.
The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 6:30 PM eastern time on UFC Fight Pass. The action moves over to FOX Sports 1 at 8 PM eastern time with additional preliminary fights before the main card kicks off on PPV at 10 PM eastern time. We are looking for your thoughts on the show, so send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle as well as a best fight and worst fight to dave@wrestlingobserver.com.
Fight Pass Prelims —
HEAVYWEIGHTS- DERRICK LEWIS VS. VIKTOR PESTA
ROUND 1- Lewis is from Houston so he got a big reaction from the crowd. Lewis gets a quick takedown against the fence and they clinch against the fence. Big foot stomps by Pesta. Pesta gets a takedown and moves into side control. Pesta with punches from side control but not doing much otherwise. Lewis rolls out from bottom and they get to their feet. Lewis trips Pesta down but they get up and Pesta scores a takedown. Lewis looking for a kimura from the bottom. They get tp their feet and and tie up against the fence. Pesta gets a big takedown. Lewis rolls to his feet. Pesta with some knees to the body. Both men battling against the fence. Lewis tries a trip but Pesta stays on his feet as the round ends. 10-9 Pesta.
ROUND 2- Lewis lands a big right hand that stumbles Pesta. Pesta goes for a takedown but Lewis sprawls up against the fence. Petsa trips Lewis down to the mat and goes into the half-guard. Pesta moves into full guard and landing punches as the crowd boos. Pesta doing enough to keep the fight from being stood up but not a lot of damage. They are stood up by Kerry Hatley. Pesta goes right back for the takedown and gets it. Lewis works it back to the feet as both men are visibly tired. They break and Lewis lands a big punch. Pesta goes for a takedown but eats some punches from Lewis. Lewis gets Pesta down and is landing from the top but eating upkick. Lewis with some hammerfists and looking for the finish. Lewis lands a big punch and close to finishing. The round ends just before he can get it done though. Pesta may be done as he is slow to get up. 10-9 Lewis, 19-19.
ROUND 3- The crowd comes alive as Lewis came close to finishing. Lewis with a big leg kick. Lewis with a head kick and a punch and he defends a takedown. Lewis landing some fists from the sprawl. Lewis gets in the guard and lands big punches. Lewis gets into mount and is landing big punches and looking to finish. He gets it. Lewis with the big TKO win and the crowd gets loud.
Official Result- Derrick Lewis def. Viktor Pesta by TKO (punches) at 1:15 of Round 3
> FLYWEIGHTS- CHRIS CARIASO VS. SERGIO PETTIS
ROUND 1- Big fight for the younger Pettis against a ranked former title challenger. Cariaso with a body kick and Pettis catches the leg and trips him to the mat. Pettis goes into the guard. Cariaso looking for the neck. Pettis remains in the guard of Cariaso. They get to their feet against the fence. They break. Each land some punches. Cariaso with a body kick and they clinch but break. Cariaso with a body kick and another two. Pettis with a body kick and a jab. They trade strikes. Cariaso with a solid kick-punch combo. Pettis with a body kick and then drops Cariaso with a right hand. Pettis with a series of punches looking for the finish but Cariaso survives. Pettis goes into half-guard and lands a big elbow. Back into full guard for Pettis. Pettis with more punches from the top but Cariaso kicks him away. Pettis ends the round with more punches from the top. 10-9 Pettis.
ROUND 2- Cariaso with a body kick as Pettis pushes him towards the fence. Cariaso with a solid combo. They tie up and Pettis gets a nice trip takedown and into the half-guard. Pettis with some body punches from the top as he looks to pass guard. We have our first round of Ric Flair “Woooo”‘s from the crowd. They are stood up as not much happened on the mat. Cariaso with a leg kick. Solid combo from Cariaso. Pettis lands a leg kick after blocking a head kick. Pettis scores a takedown after ducking a punch. Pettis in side control. Pettis stands on his feet and lands a big butt kick. 10-9 Pettis, 20-18 Pettis.
ROUND 3- Pettis looking very sharp in the first two rounds. Pettis gets a takedown They get to their feet but go back to the mat as Cariaso tries to pull guard. They reverse and Cariaso is in the half-guard and lands a big punch. Cariaso with some punches from the top. Cariaso remains in the half-guard as he tries to pass. Cariaso goes into the guard and lands some punches. Cariaso taking over the final round. Pettis looks for the neck. Cariaso postures up but eats an upkick. Pettis looks like he’s just trying to hold on for the decision. Each man going for a leg lock. Cariaso going for an armbar with ten seconds left but can’t get it. 10-9 Cariaso, 29-28 Pettis.
Official Result: Sergio Pettis def. Chris Cariaso by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
LIGHTWEIGHTS- FRANCISCO TREVINO VS. SAGE NORTHCUTT
ROUND 1- Northcutt is 19-years-old, making his UFC debut, and got a huge reaction. You know, I’m fairly good-looking, but as Dave tweeted, Northcutt is proof life isn’t fair sometimes. Northcutt got an even bigger reaction when introduced, a lot of hype around him. Northcutt with a side kick. Trevino trips on a spin kcik and Northcutt is going for the finish against the fence. Northcutt gets the takedown and a ton of punches and it is over! Big finish for Northcutt, who backs up the hype in this fight. Trevino protested the stop but it just justified.
Official Result: Sage Northcutt def. Francisco Trevino by TKO (strikes) at :57 of Round 1
Fox Sports One Prelims —
Rose Namajunas def. Angela Hill by first round submission (2:47)
This was over quickly as Namajunas stood with Hill for a while and then took advantage of a Hill mistake, clamping on a rear naked choke on the ground. Hill stood up and Namajunas was her backpack, sinking in the choke as Hill tried to fight her off. Hill was tapping at air and Namajunas got the victory, her first after a very long time on the sidelines.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- ADRIANO MARTINS VS. ISLAM MAKHACHEV
Paul Fontaine here, taking over for RFred, who’s having IC issues in Houston.
Makhachev with early Octagon control. Martins with a nice punch combo at 1:15. Martins dropped him and Makhachev was out cold.
WINNER – ADRIANO MARTINS (28-7) by KO (punch) at 1:46
They showed the Northcutt fight in between fights. The guy could be the biggest star in the sport in a few years. I saw him fight on an AXS.TV show about four months back and it was quite obvious he had serious star potential and he did not disappoint in his UFC debut. Already talk that he could be back in a month or two as he took no damage here.
WELTERWEIGHTS- ALAN JOUBAN VS. ALBERT TUMENOV
Tumenov with a throwdown right away to start but lets Jouban back up. Tumenov staggers him with punches 30 seconds in. Jouban controlling the Octagon but Tumenov landing hard counter punches. Loud USA chants from the crowd at 1:30. Tumenov with a nice punch/kick combo. Jouban lands a series of jabs at 1:45. They exchange head kicks at 2:00 and Tumenov hit with a low blow. Tumenov drops him with a series of punches tothe head. Jouban protesting but he’s about to fall over.
WINNER – ALBERT TUMENOV (16-2) by TKO (punches) at 2:55
FEATHERWEIGHTS- YAIR RODRIGUEZ VS. DANIEL HOOKER
Kerry Hatley is the ref, this could be trouble. Lots of stalling at the start and the crowd booing 1:30 in. Rodriguez with a knockdown but lets Hooker back up. Cage clinch at 2:45 with Hooker in control. Rodriguez with a takedown and right into mount. Hooker escapes and to his feet fairly quickly. Rodriguez with knees from the clinch but Hooker maintains control. Hooker with a takedown at 4:30 but Rodriguez right up and they separate. 10-9 Rodriguez
Rodriguez with a throwdown early but lets Hooker up. Clinch on the cage at 1:15 with Hooker in control. Rodriguez pulled guard, going for a leglock. Hooker escapes and they’re to their feet at 2:00. Rodriguez lands a rolling upkick at 2:30. He had tried that at the end of the last round. Hooker controlling the Octagon but the standup is fairly weak from both guys in the middle part of the round. Rodriguez with a knockdown but lets Hooker up at 3:45. Rodriguez is starting to look tired at the end of the round. Rodriguez with a takedown with 15 seconds left. 10-9 Rodriguez
So if you’re wondering what I mean by a rolling upkick, it’s basically RVD’s Rolling Thunder. Rodriguez hit with a low blow early in the round, which will give him more time to recover. Hooker pressing the action on the restart. Hooker takes his back standing and takes him down at 1:00. Rodriguez takes the leg and working for a leglock. Rodriguez lets that go but takes an arm. Hooker escapes that but Rodriguez has his legs all tied up. Rodriguez landing elbows from the bottom and opens up a cut that starts bleeding heavily. Hooker landing weka punches form the top. Both guys landing a ton of punches at 2:30 but nothing terribly hard. Signficant strikes are 36-15 for Rodriguez. That must be a 3rd round stat, not the whole fight. Rodriguez really landing a ton of strikes to the head from his back heading into the last minute. This may be the rare case where Hooker has been on top the whole time but losing the round. Crowd booing heavily but explode when the ref stands them up at 4:30. Ref stops the action to look at Hooker’s cut. Doctor lets it go. I would hope so, with 30 seconds left. Hooker chases him around the Octagon for the last 3o seconds but Rodriguez should have this one easily. Rodriguez tried another Rolling Thunder at the end.
WINNER – YAIR RODRIGUEZ (6-1) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 30-26)
Rodriguez’ foot was in terrible shape after the fight and she said in his post-fight promo that he may have broken it in the first round. Hell of a performance considering that.
MAIN CARD (PPV-10 PM ET/7 PM PT)
WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS- JESSICA EYE VS. JULIANNA PENA
Both ladies throwing bombs early. Clinch in the centre early and Pena pulled guard 30 seconds in. Both ladies up 1:00 in and Eye with a standing guillotine. Pena pops out and in control of a clinch. Pena landing foot stomps from the clinch. Pena with a trip takedown at 2:30. Pena landing punches to the head but Eye up quickly. Another cage clinch with Eye in control at 3:00. Pena with a takedown at 3:45 and right into side control. Pena lands a series of hard elbows to the head. Pena takes her back at the end of the round. 10-9 Pena
Pena with some swelling around her right eye from the elbows at the end of the round. Eye goes right to a cage clinch early. Quick separation. Pena with a head kick and follows up with punches but Eye gets a takedown 45 seconds in. Eye not doing much from the top and Pena landing light body punches from the bottom. Crowd getting restless. Eye takes her back at 2:15. Pena works her to front position but Eye with a triangle choke. It’s in tight but Pena defending well. Pena out at 3:30. Pena landing elbows to the head from the bottom at 3:45. Pena tries to get to her feet but gets caught in another triangle choke but she’s on top. Eye gives up the choke and Pena on top in side control. Ref breaks it up due to an illegal knee from Eye. Eye loses a point but the ref starts them on their feet, which is bad for Pena. They trade punches to close the round. 9-9 round with the penatly deduction to Eye.
Pena with an early takedown. Eye looking for a sub from the bottom. Eye with a triangle choke at 2:00 but Pena escapes quickly. Pena takes her back at 2:30 and gets a rear naked choke. Eye escapes but that was close. Pena lands some hard shots to the head at 3:30. Pena with a neck crank at 4:30 but it’s a weird angle. Eye looked almost out but she was saved by the bell. Nearly a 10-8 but I’ll go 10-9 Pena
WINNER – JULIANNA PENA (7-2) by unanimous decision (29-27 x 3)
FLYWEIGHTS- JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ VS. ALI BAGAUTINOV
Bagautinov with early Octagon control. Very tentative standup. Benavidez is landing solid counter strikes while backing up and one of them caused some swelling on Ali’s cheek. Bagautinov with a nice punch combo at 3:15. Benavidez cut around his left eye in that exchange and it’s bleeding heavily. Benavidez falls while throwing a punch but gets up before Bagautinov can take advantage. Benavidez controlling the Octagon in the last minute. 10-9 Bagautinov but close
Corner did a good job stopping the bleeding on Benavidez’ cut. Benavidez pressing the action 1:00 in. Total strikes are 18-14 for Benavidez and both under 40% landed. Crowd starting to boo as neither guy is throwing much of anything and they’re just keeping their distance from each other. Benavidez slightly more aggressive so probably ahead with 1:00 left. Bagautinov tried for a takedown but stuffed by Benavidez at 4:15. Bagautinov with a knockdown, lets Benavidez up and then a takedown right before the round ends. Nothing else happened that round really so I think that steals it for him. 10-9 Bagautinov
Looking at people’s scores on Twitter and it’s all over the place so this is likely heading to a split decision if no one finishes. Neither guy looks good at all though. Bagautinov controlling things early in the third. Crowd booing heavily 1:45 in as it’s a repeat of the second round so far. Benavidez starting to control the Octagon 2:00 in. This fight is terrible. Bagautinov with a takedown at 4:15 but can’t hold him down. I’ve got it 30-27 Bagautinov but wouldn’t be surprised by any score, including 30-27 the other way.
WINNER – JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ (23-4) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)
Crowd booing so hard you could barely hear Benavidez’ promo. “He’s a really tough guy, you try fighting him”, Benavidez says to the crowd, clearly rattled. Not surprisingly, that did not make the booing go away. In fact, quite the opposite.
HEAVYWEIGHTS- SHAWN JORDAN VS. RUSLAN MAGOMEDOV
Kerry Hatley is the ref again and he’s had a good night so I’m expecting a late stoppage here. Jordan initiates a cage clinch 1:00 in. Jordan with a takedown at 1:45. No one throwing any strikes. Magomedov to his feet at 3:00. Magomedov working for a standing Kimura but Jordan breaks free. Jordan bleeding around his nose. No idea how. Jordan controlling the Octagon at 3:45, stalking Magomedov. Magomedov with a nice kick/punch combo at 4:15. Magomedov with a punch combo at 4:30. 10-9 Jordan
Not sure what happened to my second round writeup but I had Magomedov taking the round rather easily. 10-9 Magomedov
Jordan backs up Magomedov with punches early and goes for a takedown but stuffed by Magomedov. Magomedov working for a choke and gets separation. Magomedov with a head kick and a spinning back kick to the head. Jordan bleeding around both eyes and in very rough shape but still pressing forward. Magomedov lands another head kick, followed by a kick to the body at 2:15. Magomedov up 51-13 in significant strikes. Jordan initiates a cage clinch at 3:00. Magomedov gets separation at 3:45 with a head kick. Magomedov with a takedown attempt but stuffed by Jordan. Magomedov with a nice jab combo at 4:30. 10-9 Magomedov, 29-28 overall
WINNER – RUSLAN MAGOMEDOV (14-1) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2; 29-28)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS- RYAN BADER VS. RASHAD EVANS
Bader looks 2 weight classes bigger than Rashad. Like, I’ve seen welterweights that look bigger than Rashad does right now (Hendricks, for instance). Bader controlling the pace early. Bader badly misses a takedown attempt at 1:45. Neither guy landing much but Bader slightly more. Rashad controlling the pace in the second half of the round but Bader landing jabs while retreating. Bader with a kind of half-knockdown at 3:45 but lets Evans up. Evans backs him up with a punch combo and tries for a takedown but stuffed by Bader. Nice punch exchange at 4:45. Close round, 10-9 Bader
Rashad with early Octagon control. Bader with a takedown at 1:30. Bader takes his back but Evans to his feet right away. Bader with another takedown but Evans right back up. Evans’ eyes are both swollen. Evans pushing the pace but Bader again landing punches while retreating. Evans is landing punches of his own though and they’re definitely hurting Bader. Evans with a hard leg kick at 3:45. Head strikes are 19-13 for Bader. Evans rocks Bader with a punch combo at 4:30. Evans with a takedown attempt stuffed at the end of the round. Another very close round. 10-9 Evans
I’ve seen scores of 20-18 either way and some have it tied up. No way either guy can feel they’re comfortably up two rounds. Evans the aggressor early in the round. Evans backs up Bader with a punch combo at 2:15. Evans with another punch combo at 3:15 and tries for a takedown but Bader stuffs it. Bader lands a hard elbows as they break up. 1:00 to go and the round and fight are still up for grabs. Evans still pushing forward. Bader with a takedown at 4:30 but Evans right back up. Evans with a punch combo against the cage at 4:45. Another very close round, 10-9 Evans
WINNER – RYAN BADER (20-4) by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
UFC LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- DANIEL CORMIER(C) VS. ALEXANDER GUSTAFSSON
Cormier pushing the action early and landing leg kicks. Cormier with a slam takedown 45 seconds in and right into side control. Cormier landing rapid-fire punches to the head. Gustafsson works him back to guard. Gus briefly to his feet but brought right back down. Cormier landing body punches at 2:45. Total strikes 43-9 through 3:15. Gustafsson trying for a sub but Cormier fights it off easily and back into side control at 3:45. Gustafsson scrambles to his feet. Gustafsson’s face is all cut up. Gustaffson with a leg kick/body kick combo at 4:15. Cormier slips while defending a takedown at the end of the round. 10-9 Cormier
Cormier with Octagon control to start the round. Gustafsson bleeding under his left eye. Cormier cut as well and chasing Gustafsson around the Octagon. Cormier’s cut is bleeding heavily. Gustafsson with a takedown at 1:30 but Cormier right back up. Both guys siwnging wildly at 1:45 and Gus is hurt. Cormier trying for a takedown but eats a hard elbows to the head. Cormier’s right eye looks terrible. Clinch in the centre and Cormier landing hard uppercuts at 3:00. Nice punch exchange at 3:45. Total strikes in round 2 are 32-29 for Cormier. Gustafsson with a takedown at 4:30 and takes Cormier’s back. Cormier right to his feet but Gus still on his back. Very close round. 10-9 Gustafsson
Again, somehow my third round writeup disappeared but I had it 10-9 Cormier.
Cormier asked his corner “who won that round” and they said “I don’t know”. I’m seeing 29-28 either way on Twitter. Gustafsson shoots for a takedown early but stuffed by Cormier. Gus wants no part of a clinch and backs away. Gustafsson lands a hard body kick at 1:15. Cormier chasing Gustafsson around at 1:30. Cormier bleeding from under his right eye and also from his nose now. Custafsson with a significant cut on the bridge of his nose. Loud DC chants from the crowd. Cormier stalking him at 3:!5. Gus with a hard body kick at 3:30. Gustafsson lands a hard knee to the head at 4:00. This round is really close. Clinch in the centre and Cormier lands more uppecuts. Gustafsson with a trip takedown but lets Cormier right back up at 4:45. Cormier with a punch combo right before the buzzer. 10-9 Gustafsson so all tied up going into the fifth.
Cormier controlling the Octagon early in the round. Cormier with a punch/kick combo at 1:15. They put up a distance travelled stat and Gustafsson had travelled about 30% more than Cormier because he has been retreating most of the fight. Crowd booing at 2:00. No idea why, this fight is great. Cormier chasing him around the Octagon and catches him in a clinch in the centre at 2:30 and lands a few shots before Gus breaks away. Cormier catches him again at 2:45 and lands more uppercuts and knees to the body. Gus breaks away at 3:00. Another clinch in the centre at 3:30 and both guys landing uppercuts. Gus bleeding very heavily. With a minute left, Cormier is winning this round and the fight. 30 seconds left and Cormier peppering him with uppercuts. Gustafsson lands a hard knee to the head with 15 seconds left. 10-9 Cormier, 48-47 overall
WINNER – DANIEL CORMIER (17-1) by split decision (47-48, 48-47 and 49-46)
Scorecards for Cormier vs Gustafsson
This is how the judges saw tonight’s Daniel Cormier vs. AlexanderGustafsson light heavyweight title fight.
Judge Sal D’Amato gave rounds one, three and five to Daniel Cormier.
Judge Kerry Hately gave rounds one, three, four and five to Cormier.
Judge Derek Cleary, the lone judge for Gustafsson, gave Gustafsson rounds two, three and four.
Cormier put over Gustafsson in his post fight promo. Said Gus made him a better fighter and a better man. Said he couldn’t see out of his right eye in the second round but once his vision cleared, he was okay. No call out or mention of Jon Jones.
Gustafsson was interviewed as well. Gustafsson said Cormier can box, he can wrestle and he’s the real champion. He walked out of the cage with his head down.
Thanks for joining Ryan and I tonight. Hope you enjoyed the coverage!
So, after the main event, they aired a promo for UFC 193. This may be the best promo I’ve ever seen. “Every revolution starts with a fight” has got to be a dig at WWE and anyone who sees this will want to watch the fight. Go out of your way to see this promo video.
It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.
Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! We’ll also spice things up with some predictions for week two about who could go all the way this season – two “Fighters to Watch” for each recap.
The Notorious Quote of the Week: “You either have it or you don’t. If you don’t well then I don’t give a f— about you. That’s it.”
Last week the U.S. racked up another win as Chris Gruetzemacher was able to ground out a three round decision over Sascha Sharma, one which saw McGregor lose his cool about Sharma’s repeated decision to pull guard and/or not block takedowns.
McGregor: “He p—ied out. He’s not a bad fighter but he just doesn’t have that fire in him. You don’t want to see kids t’row it away like that y’knahmean?”
Faber was not shy about saying it was McGregor’s own fault. “You do need to show up for morning practice though. You didn’t help him out showing up for half of the practices.”
McGregor: “You can’t teach (heart). You either have it or you don’t. If you don’t well then I don’t give a f— about you. That’s it. He gave your boy the fight.”
Back at the house Team Faber celebrates by shaking up a bunch of energy drinks and hosing down Gruetzemacher. He takes it with a “Just wait ’til I get to do it to you” grin. Meanwhile Team McGregor tries to figure out how to regroup for Tom Gallicchio vs. Marcin Wrzosek and see the latter get their first win.
Gallicchio says he thought he’d be in the UFC at 21… or 25… and now he’s 28 and still not there. He’s in The Ultimate Fighter though, so that’s a start. WSOF Featherweight champion Lance ‘The Party’ Palmer says their strategy for the fight is to pressure pressure pressure Wrzosek and break him down. Faber: “Feel good, look good, do good.”
Wrzosek is all smiles and friendly sitting across the table from Gallicchio for breakfast. He talks about how he got the nickname ‘The Polish Zombie’ after a fight where he busted his opponent’s face open and got covered in blood. He said martial arts turned him from a chubby little kid into a big strong man – physically and mentally.
McGregor quietly admits he overdid it with yelling at Sharma after last week’s fight, and does his best to help Team Europe by showing sparring techniques, ground reversals and takedown defense. “Even if he tries to sweep, scoot your hips back and wind up on top.”
Wrzosek: “I’m as ready as I could be.”
Back at the house, Johnny Nunez is staying with Tom Gallicchio to help him cut weight. Faber is not thrilled given that’s the very guy he brought back to get a second chance. You see Nunez and Gallicchio goofing around at the house skinny-dipping in the pool.
Despite that I consider Johnny Boy a “Fighter to Watch” based on performances I’ve seen from him OUTSIDE of The Ultimate Fighter. He DOES have heart despite the editing hatchet job done on him this week. The same “Fighter to Watch” also goes to Lance Palmer. I know he’s not fighting on this show or in UFC, but he didn’t become a champ in WSOF by accident. He’s arguably as good as Dillashaw or Mendes.
Faber: “Missing a team practice doesn’t send the best message to myself or the coaches when you’re deciding who you want to focus on.”
Gallicchio is 155.5. Wrzosek is 156 even.
Dana White: “With three straight losses, we could have a HUGE Team Europe meltdown.” Gallicchio vows to be “a tank” and not to let Wrzosek take his dream away.
Lightweight: Tom Gallicchio (USA) vs. Marcin Wrzosek (Europe)
Gallicchio is in the blue trunks and Wrzosek the gray. Gallicchio jumps on Wrzosek’s back standing 1:05 into the first round and tries to get the body lock with his legs, but Wrzosek is trying really hard to shake him loose and also has wrist control of one arm as he’s riding way too high, holding it and punching Gallicchio with rights to the face. Gallicchio’s kind of stuck because it’s a bad mount, but if he abandons it he’s giving Wrzosek a dominant position on the ground, so he can’t let go. The ref tells them both to improve at 3:25 and they end up back on the feet 13 seconds later. Wrzosek tries to stuff the takedown attempts but Gallicchio is like a dog with a bone and is on top for a while, getting all the way to full mount although Wrzosek sweeps to top in the last 10 seconds.
There are 12 minutes of TV time left as R2 gets underway, so we’re not going to a sudden death round this week. Gallicchio gets a takedown 30 seconds in and quickly moves to half guard, then side control at 48 seconds, then full mount 7 seconds later. Wrzosek seems vulnerable to a submission at any time, but surprises me by rolling through it and winding up on top in full guard. Faber calls for Gallicchio to use the cage to get up and he does at 2:10. Wrzosek knocks him down and ends up in guard again dropping heavy right hands. He lets Gallicchio stand at 2:45. Gallicchio shoots at3:09 but can’t get it. He’s stuffed again at 3:42. Wrzosek is peppering him standing and Gallicchio is visibly slowing down. McGregor: “Again! 3’s and 5’s! Jab right uppercut!” Wrzosek’s actually bouncing around on his feet in the last minute and gets a takedown with 15 seconds left.
All three judges score it 20-18 for Marcin Wrzosek – giving Team Europe their first win. Wrzosek calls out “Gritz” after the fight, which he says is really strange given there’s a whole season of the show left to go. McGregor announces Saul Rogers (Europe) vs. Billy Quarantillo (U.S.) as his pick. Join us next week!
Welcome to WrestlingObserver.com’s live coverage of UFC Fight Night 75: Barnett vs. Nelson from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The event is headlined by former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett returning from a long layoff to take on Roy Nelson. In the co-main event slot, it will be Gegard Mousasi taking on Uriah Hall in middleweight action. The action kicks off with preliminary card fights at 8 PM eastern time on FOX Sports 2. The action moves over to FOX Sports 1 at 10 PM eastern time for the main card. Enjoy the fights all.
First round: Zapata tried a kick to the head. Anzai working for a takedown. Now throwing punches as he borke. He went for another takedown. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai got him down. Anzai keeping him down but doing no damage. Anzai tried a takedown, Zapata held the cage to block but the ref missed it. Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai 10-9.
Second round: Zapata kicked the body. Zapata with punches but Anzai again working for a takedown. Anzai landed a punch, Zapata landed several back and Anzai took him down but Zapata right back up. Anzai took him down again even with Zapata grabbing the cage. Anzai got his back now. Zapata got back up and trying for a takedown himself. Anzai 20-18.
Third round: Anzai with a nice right. They called a time out. Zapata hurt his finger. He didn’t want the doctor to look at it. You’re not supposed to stop the fight due to an injury for a time out. The ref realized it and he had to stop the fight since he can’t call a time out.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NAOYUKI KOTANI VS. KAJAN JOHNSON
First round: Johnson landed a right. Johnson landed a left. High kick by Johnson. Johnson hurt him with a right and a high kick. Kotani went for a takedown but couldn’t get it. Spin kick by Johnson. Johnson 10-9.
Second round: Kotani with a body kick. Body kick by Johnson. Johnson dropped him with a right. Johnson landing punches from the top. He’s landing several good shots from the top. Kotani got back to his feet. Crowd popped for that. Knee by Johnson dropped Kotani. Johnson on top landing punches and elbows. Kotani in real trouble. Kotani back up. Johnson staggered him again. Johnson, I’d go 10-8, because he had him in trouble twice, so 20-17.
Third round: Left by Johnson. Kotani took him down. Johnson went for the leg from the bottom. Kotani on top but doing no damage. Kotani with punches and working for a leglock but Johnson out of it. Kotani shooting for a takedown but didn’t get it. Hard right by Johnson at the horn. Kotani’s round, but Johnson should win 29-27.
Scores: Johnson 29-28, 29-28 and 30-27. No 10-8s in round two.
Johnson said that he wanted to fight later this year on the South Korea debut.
LIGHTWEIGHTS- NICK HEIN VS. YUSUKE KASUYA
First round: Kasuya threw him down and landed a high kick when Hein got up. Hein kneed him hard in the groin. Kasuya is hurt. Kazuya is laying on his back while it was stopped. He looks really hurt. Kasuya finally got up after three plus minutes. Hein only got a warning. Left by Hein. High kick by Kasuya. Hein landing punches. Hard left by Kasuya. Kasuya shot for a takedown but didn’t get it. Close round, Hein 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing punches. Left by Hein. Hein landed another left. Kasuya with a left and a high kick. Left by Hein. Right by Hein. Kasuya is the one moving forward by Hein is landing more. Hein 20-18.
Third round: Left by Hein. Right by Kasuya. Left and right by Hein. Hein with a low kick. Takedown by Kasuya and Hein reversed and got back up. Hein got his eye poked. Rigth by Hein but a body kick by Kasuya. Hein 30-27 but I actually could see a home town decision with a close first and third round.
Scores: 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 for Hein
WELTERWEIGHTS- KEITA NAKAMURA VS. LI JINGLIANG
First round: Both throwing punches. Nakamura dropped him with a left. Jingliang working for a triangle from the bottom. Nakamura landing hammer fists on the ground. Totally boring round. If we weren’t in Japan people would be booing like crazy. A stand-up was ordered. Nakamura landed a right and a knee. Jingliang back with punches. Nakamura 10-9.
Second round: Both throwing. Left by Jingliang. Hard right by Jingliang. Jingliang landing more. Jingliang landing a lot more. Nakamura just standing there. Right by Jingliang. Nakamura with a bloody nose. Jingliang hurting himn with punches and dropped him. Jigliant working to finish him. Jingliang with punches on the ground. Trading punches. Jingliang’s round so 19-19 going into the third.
Third round: Jingliang still landing. Nakamura went for a takedown and not even close. Left by Nakamura. Jingliang took him down. Nakamura working for a takedown and didn’t get it. Nakamura got his back. Crowd going nuts and finished him with a choke. Great come from behind win for Nakamura.
MAIN CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT):
UFC: ROAD TO JAPAN FEATHERWEIGHT FINALS- MIZUTO HIROTA VS. TERUTO ISHIHARA
First round: This is the final of the Road to UFC Japan tournament on Japanese television. Winner gets a six figure contract, which doesn’t really mean that much these days. Hard body kick by Ishihara which was a cheap shot since he went to shake hands it seemed. Left by Ishihara. Ishihara landed low kicks. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. High kick by Hirota. Right by Hirota. Hirota has him pinned against the fence. Good left by Ishihara. Left by Hirota. Nice right by Hirota. Hard left by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him at the end of the round. 10-9 Ishihara.
Second round: Ishihara with a left. Now low kicks by Ishihara. Ishihara dropped him with a left. Good left by Ishihara. Hirota landing. Hirota connected with a right. Left by Ishihara. Hirota took him down. Ishihara back up with no damage. Spinning punch to the stomach by Ishihara. Left by Ishihara. Hirota landed several punches. This is the best fight so far tonight. Both landing punches now. Ishihara 20-18.
Third round: Ishihara dropped him again with a left. Knee by Hirota. Hirota landing punches now. Hirota hurt him with a right. Knee by Hirota. Punches by Hirota and took him down. Hirota has his back. Ishihara back up. Hirota took him down but Ishihara back up. Knee by Hirota. Both throwing and Hirota landed a solid punch. Hirota is working for a takedown. He gave it up. Crowd really hot right now as both are swinging. Hirota’s round, 29-28 for Ishihara.
FEATHERWEIGHTS- KATSUNORI KIKUNO VS. DIEGO BRANDAO
First round: Brandao dropped him with a right and pounding on him. He threw him down and a few more punches and it was over. :28
BANTAMWEIGHTS- TAKEYA MIZUGAKI VS. GEORGE ROOP
First round: Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a knee from close range. Body shot and right cross. Roop back with punches. Both trading punches. Mizugaki with a right. Mizugaki starting to land. Good round. 10-9 Mizugaki.
Second round: Mizugaki landing two solid punches. Roop pressing him against the fence. Roop with knees. Mizugaki with punches and a knee and Roop pushed him against the fence. Roop bleeding from the nose. 20-18 Mizugaki.
Third round: Roop landed a right. Roop took him down but Mizugaki immediately back to his feet. Mizugaki landed a left. Knee by Mizugaki. Close round. Mizugaki 29-28.
Scores: All three have it 29-28 for Mizugaki.
They have just announced that both Hirota and Ishihara have gotten six figure contracts so they are co-winners of the Road to Japan.
FLYWEIGHTS- KYOJI HORIGUCHI VS. CHICO CAMUS
First round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Punches and a kick by Horiguchi. Camus got behind him on a missed spin kick. Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi with a body kick. Horiguchi 10-9.
Second round: Horiguchi came out fast landing a lot of punches and tried to get his back but Camus out of trouble. Camus cut under the right eye. Horiguchi continues to land. Another flurry by Horiguchi. Both landing and a body kick by Horiguchi. Camus landed and Horiguchi bleeding from the nose. Right by Horiguchi. Horiguchi 20-18.
Third round: Body kick by Horiguchi. Horiguchi landed a series of punches. Horiguchi got his back standing for a second. Body kick by Horiguchi. Knee by Horiguchi. Body kick by Horiguchi. Head kick by Horiguchi Horiguchi trying to finish but Camus back with several punches that landed. 30-27 Horiguchi
Scores: All three have it 30-27 for Horiguchi.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS- GEGARD MOUSASI VS. URIAH HALL
First round: Takedown by Mousasi. Crowd is into Mousasi. Mousasi working from the top. He’s working for an arm triangle. He’s got full mount. Hall trying or a leglock but has nothing. Mousasi moved to side control. Hall has a Kimura. Mousasi pulled out of it. Mousasi has his back and throwing punches. Mousasi working for a choke but doesn’t have it. Crowd liked this round. 10-9 Mousasi.
Second round: Great spin kick landed right to the face on Mousasi and a hard knee. He’s landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall landing punches and Mousasi is in a lot of trouble. Hall with a ton of punches and it was stopped. Big upset. Crowd going nuts.
HEAVYWEIGHTS- JOSH BARNETT VS. ROY NELSON
First round: Barnett got a big pop. Barnett landed a kick. Nelson took Barnett down. Ref Steve Perceval ordered a standup. Barnett with a knee. Barnett with more knees. Nelson landed to the body. Anohter knee by Barnett. Nelson didn’t get a takedown. Barnett landing to the body. Barnet landing from the clinch. Nelson got a second takedown. Nelson landed a few punches from the top. 10-9 Nelson.
Second round: Nelson landed the right. Nelson started to land. Low kick by Barnett but two uppercuts by Nelson. Barnett landed a right and an uppercut. Both traded punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing big punches and a knee. Barnett landed several punches and a knee. Elbows by Barnett. Barnett with several knees. Hard knee by Barnett. Uppercut and knees by Barnett. Elbow and knee by Barnett. Great head kick by Nelson. Barnett back with punches. More punches by Barnett. Knees and uppercuts by Barnett. Barnett stomping on his foot. Barnett’s round 19-19.
Round three: Uppercut by Barnett. Nelson trying for a bodylock takedown. Nelson throwing knees to the thigh. Ref ordered a break. Barnett moved in and landed but both ended up by the fence. Barnett with uppercuts,. Barnett with knees. Barnett landing. Nelson landed and trying for a takedown and Barnett defending it. Nelson tried for a takedown but Barnett blocked it. The ref broke them up again. Body kick and knee by Barnett, Nelson with a body shot. Very close round. Barnett 29-28.
Round four: Elbow by Barnett. Knees by Barnett and a punch. Nelson got him down but Barnett right up. Elbow by Barnett. Knee and punches by Barnett. Barnett with a lot of punches, knees and elbows. Nelson seems in trouble. Nelson is taking them. Hard elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Hard elbow by Barnett. Elbow and backfist by Nelson with a takedown and Nelson has his back. Barnett back up. Another break called. Barnett landing punches and knees. These two aer exhausted. Knee to the body by Barnett. Barnett 39-37.
Fifth round: Barnett with spinning back kick. Body kick by Nelson. Barnett moved and landed more punches. Knee by Barnett. Barnett landing all kinds of punches. Elbow by Barnett. Knee by Barnett. Elbow by Barnett. Elbow by Nelson. Knee by Barnett. Taekdown by Nelson. Nelson punching the body. Barnett back up. Uppercut by Barnett. The ref ordered a break. Nelson with a body shot and punch. Barnett kicked the body. Nelson landed punches. Barnett with a body kick. Very close round. Nelson’s round so I’ve got 48-47 Barnett. Could go the other way easily.
Scores: 48-47, 48-47 and 50-45 Barnett.
Barnett said it proves pro wrestling is strong. He said his clinch work wasn’t good enough, nothing he did was good enough but it was a good staring point. Barnett did his interview in Japanese. He said he loves this country. He called Nelson over. He put over Roy Nelson. He said Roy fights like a warrior and he gave Roy everything he had and Roy took it.
It’s a whole new season and Conor McGregor is the reason, as he and Urijah Faber go toe to toe as coaching foes on The Ultimate Fighter. They won’t duke it out after the season is done, but there’s still pride on the line, not to mention Conor’s reputation as the newest badass on the block.
Join us each episode for “The Notorious Quote of the Week” as Conor puts his mouth where UFC’s money is! We’ll also spice things up with some predictions for week two about who could go all the way this season – two “Fighters to Watch” for each recap.
The Notorious Quote of the Week this time shows Conor’s disdain for Urijah’s casual attire. “Flip flops and jeans? You need to dress your age, honestly.”
The teams as determined last week:
Team McGregor (Europe): Abner Lloveras, David Teymur, Marcin Wrzosek, Frantz Siloa, Martin Svensson, Mehdi Baghdad, Sascha Sharma, Saul Rogers
Team Faber (United States): Brandon Ricetti, Chris Gruetzemacher, James Jenkins, Jason Gonzalez, Julian Erosa, Ryan Hall, Thanh Le, Tom Gallicchio
Conor McGregor summons Team Europe to the changing room for a chat. He says they’ll get to work with the same coaches he does for his own fights. Then he gets down to brass tacks and says that the Europeans have had a much tougher road to get into MMA, so they’ll have more heart than the US team already, but at the end of the day there’s no such thing as a team because everybody has to individually try to win their shot to be in the UFC.
There’s the usual amount of smack talk at the TUF house on both sides, so I’m not going to waste your time with that. Instead let’s go right to Conor McGregor’s first session. He wants them to have sparring without taking damage, to give them the feel of what a real fight situation will be like. “That’s upgrading your software without damaging your hardware.” Commercial.
BEHOLD THE DANA WHITE SWERVE~!
Dana gives the coaches an opportunity to bring back one eliminated fighter on each team. McGregor picked Artem Lobov and Faber picked Johnny Nunez. On top of that now that there is one extra fighter for each team, Dana White will pick one guy from each to NOT go to the quarterfinals. It’s not enough to win – he wants everybody to PERFORM.
Thanh Le says this won’t hurt him one bit – he delivers excitement in his performances. In fact based on last week’s show he’s on my “Fighters to Watch” list. I can’t say that he’s my FINAL pick though because flashy spinning kicks and big knockouts are important, but we need to see what happens to Le when those things DON’T work out.
McGregor and Faber talk s–t to each other as both teams are waiting in the hallway to go in and film the first fight pick announcement. Since Faber won the coin toss last week he announces the fight: Ryan Hall (USA) vs. Frantz Siloa (Europe).
Reminder – Hall tapped out Johnny Nunez via heel hook, while Siloa got a technical submission via rear naked choke on Martin Delaney. If this one goes to the ground it could be a WILD scramble. Ryan Hall is my other pick for “Fighters to Watch” this week, especially after hearing his explanation of mastering the 50/50 position and how he’s so comfortable in it he can disarm his opponents (“taking the knife out of their hand”) on the ground, leaving him an easier path to victory. Urijah Faber refers to him “The Wizard.”
Siloa talks about how he’s actually Iraqi by heritage, but was born in Sweden when his parents fled during a war (he doesn’t specify which one). He vows to finish the fight whether standing or on the ground. McGregor says they picked Hall to face Siloa because “they fear the exchange” and want to go to the ground, and believes Siloa can break Hall down with shots to the body and the head.
At the weigh-ins Siloa steps on the scale first. 155 pounds even. Ryan Hall takes the scale and he’s also 155 even. Hall’s decades of jiu-jitsu competition experience are praised as we go to a commercial break, but the show is padded out with more tough talk on both sides when we come back, followed by ANOTHER commercial break. With less than ten minutes of TV time remaining you know it’ll be a one round fight.
* Lightweight: Ryan Hall (USA) vs. Frantz Siloa (Europe)
Hall’s in the blue trunks and Siloa the gray. Neither man is afraid to stand and trade in the first minute. Hall dives for a leg and Siloa tries to roll out of trouble but he can’t roll through the fence so he’s in trouble once he hits the chain link. Siloa taps at 1:53. Faber: “THE WIZARD!” And that’s all she wrote. Hall is making a statement with two great performances two weeks in a row.
Meanwhile Siloa is getting iced down backstage and gets a pep talk from McGregor, saying it was just a bad break. “There’s a different between being caught and losing.” Faber and McGregor continue to talk smack. McGregor: “Flip flops and jeans? You need to dress your age, honestly.” Faber: “When I can grow a beard I’ll dress my age.” Faber announces Chris Gruetzemacher (USA) vs. Sascha Sharma (Europe). Join us next week!
