411's The Ultimate Fighter 9 Finale Report 6.20.09
Posted by Jeremy Lambert on 06.20.2009
Diego Sanchez won a split decision victory over Clay Guida in a fight of the year contender. Plus Ross Pearson defeated Andre Winner to be crowned the TUF9 Lightweight Champion and James Wilks submitted DaMarques Johnson to be crowned the TUF9 Welterweight Champion. Click for the full report.
The Ultimate Finale 9
From The Pearl in Las Vegas, Nevada
Live on SpikeTV
-Opening video.
-Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan are the hosts. Rogan talks about the main event and the two ultimate finale fights and then talks about how far the MMA scene has come in the UK.
-Video preview for Diaz vs. Stevenson
Lightweight Fight: Nate Diaz (10-3) vs. Joe Stevenson (34-10)
Round One: Single leg takedown by Stevenson. Diaz grabs a guillotine. Stevenson pops his head out. Stevenson standing above Diaz and passes to half guard. Diaz gives up turtle position and Stevenson lands some good punches. Stevenson has a crucifix on the back of Diaz. Diaz turns into it but Stevenson locks in a guillotine. Diaz rolls but ends up up mounted as Stevenson gives up on the choke. Diaz gets Stevenson in guard. Diaz gets to his feet but Stevenson puts him right back on the mat. Stevenson standing above Diaz. Diaz gets to his feet but Stevenson grabs a face lock and lands some good knees. The round ends. 10-9 Stevenson.
Round Two: Stevenson gets the takedown and Diaz goes for the guillotine. Diaz uses the position to sweep to mount. Stevenson scrambles out and up to his feet. Stevenson gets a face lock and Diaz drops to a knee to avoid taking a knee to the head. Stevenson gets the takedown. Diaz tries to use a kimura to sweep but Stevenson keeps top position. Diaz scrambles but Stevenson gets turtle position. Diaz stands and Stevenson has his back on the feet. Stevenson drops for a single but Diaz stays on his feet. Diaz tries to switch but Stevenson uses his strong hips to move into half guard as Diaz drops down. Diaz scrambles to his feet as the round ends. 10-9 Stevenson.
Round Three: Stevenson grabs a single and tries to get the takedown but Diaz stays on his feet. Stevenson has the back of Diaz on the feet. Diaz throws Stevenson and ends up in the guard. Diaz stands, tosses the legs aside, and passes to side control. Stevenson turns into him and almost gives up a guillotine but pulls out. Stevenson scrambles up to his feet and has a body lock on Diaz. Diaz drops to knee but eats knees to the body and thigh. Diaz and Stevenson are trash talking each other. Diaz gets to his feet but Stevenson grabs a single. Stevenson backs out and they square up. Diaz pressing forward on the feet. Stevenson tries multiple takedowns as the round ends but can't get one. The round ends. 10-9 Diaz.
Official Decision: Joe Stevenson by Unanimous Decision (29-28 across)
-Stevenson says Diaz is an awesome fighter and wishes everyone a Happy Fathers Day.
-Video preview for Pearson vs. Winner.
TUF 9 Lightweight Finals: Ross Pearson (10-3) vs. Andre Winner (10-2-1)
Round One: Pearson lands a good counter left. They clinch and trade knees to the thighs. They trade positions a couple of times. Winner gets the dominant position and grabs the plum clinch. Elbow in tight by Winner. Pearson drops for a takedown but Winner stuffs it. Still in the clinch. They both go for a knee at the same time and Winner catches Pearson with a low blow. Pearson takes a quick break and is ready to go again. Quick exchange won by Pearson. They clinch again. Dirty boxing by Pearson. Big flurry by Winner to close the round. 10-9 Winner.
Round Two: Leg kicks by Pearson. They clinch and trade knees. Pearson drops for a single but Winner shrugs him off and hits an uppercut. Back to the clinch. Winner has the dominant position. Both guys working some dirty boxing. They break. Pearson with a good right hook. Knee to the body by Pearson and he goes for the takedown by Winner stays on his feet. Back in the clinch. Winner has the dominant position again. Pearson reverses the position and throws a tight elbow. Quick flurry by Winner as the round ends. 10-9 Pearson.
Round Three: Winner grabs the clinch and lands a good knee. Winner has Pearson pressed on the cage. Pearson reverses the position. Good dirty boxing by Pearson. They break and Pearson lands a good elbow. They trade big right hooks. Another clinch and Winner has the dominant position. Dirty boxing by Pearson. They break for a short period and Pearson wins an exchange before they clinch again. Pearson grabs a single and drags Winner to one knee but Winner right back up. Dirty boxing by both men. Big left by Pearson. Another clinch and Pearson lands a knee to the body. Big knee by Pearson as the round ends. 10-9 Pearson.
-All three rounds were relatively close. Decision could go either way.
Official Decision: Ross Pearson by Unanimous Decision (29-28 across)
-Dana White congratulates Ross on winning TUF 9 and hands him his trophy.
-Ross says it was easy to train for this fight even though Andre is his friend.
-Video promo for UFC 100.
-Video preview for Lytle vs. Burns
Welterweight Fight: Chris Lytle (36-17-4) vs. Kevin Burns (8-2)
Round One: Lytle is more aggressive on the feet. Lytle winging his punches and just missing. Lytle scoring with a lead left hook. Good quick right by Burns. Body shot by Lytle. Body kick by Burns. Burns catches Lytle with a low blow kick. Lytle takes a moment to rest and he's ready to go again. Stiff left by Burns. Right uppercut drops Lytle. Burns pounces on him but Lytle regains his composure. Lytle grabs a single and then works up to his feet and in a clinch. Big flurry by Burns. Knee to the body by Burns. The round ends. 10-9 Burns.
Round Two: Big right hand stumbles Burns. Burns fires back with a flurry of his own. Body shots by Lytle. Burns shoots for a takedown and Lytle grabs a guillotine. Burns escapes by getting to half guard. They scramble to the feet. More body shots by Lytle. Lytle scoring with a left hook, right to the body combo. Big right hands by Lytle. Knee to the body by Burns. Another low blow kick by Burns. Short rest by Lytle and he's ready to go again. They trade body kicks. Lytle punishing the body of Burns with the right hand. Another low blow kick by Burns. Quick break, Lytle ready to go. Big right by Lytle as the round ends. 10-9 Lytle.
Round Three: Lytle catches the leg kick and fires off a big straight right hand that cuts Burns above the eye. They trade body shots. Blood going down the cheek of Burns and not in the eye. Big right by Lytle. Lytle again with the left hook, right to the body combo. Big punch rocks Burns. Lytle doesn't really follow up though. Lytle tagging Burns with good punches. Lytle pushing forward with big punches but Burns takes everything Lytle has to offer. Big flurry by both men as the round ends. 10-9 Lytle.
Official Decision: Chris Lytle by Unanimous Decision (29-28 across)
-Lytle says he's hoping for another Fight of the Night bonus.
-During Inside The Octagon, Dana White announced that he's trying to sign Vitor Belfort to compete in the UFC Middleweight Division.
-Joe Rogan interviews Brock Lesnar via satellite. Lesnar says Frank Mir got lucky in their first fight. Lesnar gets presented with the award for "Worlds Most Dangerous Man."
-Video preview for Johnson vs. Wilks.
TUF 9 Welterweight Finals: DaMarques Johnson (14-6) vs. James Wilks (6-2)
Round One: Big right followed by a left by Wilks. Johnson clinches. They break. Wilks with another good right. Plum clinch by Wilks and he lands a series of knees to the body. Wilks gets the takedown and ends up in guard. Wilks drops back for a heel hook but can't get it. Johnson in the guard of Wilks now. Big punches. Wilks goes for another heel hook and uses the position to get the back. Wilks has Johnson's leg tied up in a weird position. Johnson pulls out and is in guard. Wilks locks in a triangle. Johnson pulls out but Wilks gets an omaplata. He uses that position to sweep and get the back of Johnson. Johnson stands but Wilks still has his back. Wilks drags him to the ground and still has his back. Wilks gets both hooks in and goes for the rear naked choke. Johnson defends but Wilks traps the arm and gets the choke. Johnson taps out.
Official Decision: James Wilks by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:54 in Round One
-Dana White congratulates Wilks and Johnson hands him the trophy.
-Wilks walks us through the fight and plugs his gym.
-Rogan and Goldberg talk about the main event. Rogan talks about the strategy of both men and says this is the perfect style fight for both guys.
-Video preview for Guida vs. Sanchez.
Lightweight Fight (Main Event): Clay Guida (25-6) vs. Diego Sanchez (22-2)
Round One: Big flurry to start the fight. Sanchez rocks Guida with the uppercut. Guida loses his mouthpiece. Flying knee by Sanchez. Sanchez all over Guida with strikes. Guida ducks under and gets the takedown. Sanchez controlling the posture of Guida. Sanchez pushes Guida off and gets his feet. The ref allows Guida to put his mouthpiece back in. It looks like Guida's nose is broken. Head kick by Sanchez knocks down Guida. Sanchez follows up but can't finish. Guida survives and they're back on the feet. Big uppercuts by Sanchez as Guida covers up. They clinch and Sanchez gets the body lock takedown. Sanchez in half guard. Guida scrambles to his feet. The round ends. 10-9 Sanchez.
Round Two: Guida gets a quick takedown and is in the guard of Sanchez. Elbows from the bottom by Sanchez. Sanchez taking limited punishment on the bottom. Guida finally explodes with good ground and pound. More elbows from the bottom by Sanchez. Rubberguard by Sanchez. Wild exchange with Guida throwing on top and Sanchez throwing from the bottom. Round ends. 10-9 Guida.
Round Three: Right hook by Guida. Guida avoids the head kick by Sanchez. Uppercut by Sanchez. Sanchez shoves off a weak single attempt. Big right hand by Guida. Two more big right hand by Guida. Guida shoots but Sanchez avoids and gets his back. Guida rolls into Sanchez and is in the guard. Sanchez working for a kimura from the bottom. Guida avoids it and lands a big flurry as the round ends. 10-9 Guida.
-First round was all Sanchez and a possible 10-8. Rounds 2 and 3 were close and could go either way. Really tough to score.
Official Decision: Diego Sanchez by Split Decision (29-28, 29-27, 28-29)
-Sanchez says that Guida is an animal and that he loves having wars.
-Guida is bouncing around like he could go at least another 3 rounds.
Posted By: Justin. (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 12:08 AM
shit clay won that one.
Posted By: dildolunch (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 12:12 AM
OMFG .. what a way to close the show
guarenteed Guida would of won if it was an extended fight .. what guys cardio is nuts .. hes a fucking freak .. and i am instantly in love with the guy after seeing him for the first time
Posted By: Baxter (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 12:17 AM
NO!
Posted By: Justin (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Fuckbeans! I love Clay Guida. Wish he'd have won. He's almost the only guy I see who fights for the thrill, and has the right attitude. I'd buy a ppv just to see him fight.
Posted By: Guest#3192 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 12:56 AM
Disgraceful scoring by the judges in Sanchez/Guida. That was a draw. 10-8 Diego, 10-9 Guida, 10-9 Guida.
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:13 AM
Wilks dominated Johnson
Posted By: Guest#5611 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:22 AM
Really doesnt get better than this with Diaz and Neanderthal Guida taking L's. Domination by Sanchez. The judge with Guida winning should have his license revoked.
Wilks showed he is for real. Really enjoyed Demarques being shut up for once.
Posted By: Common Sense (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:37 AM
Anyone else want to smack the shit outta Diego when he does his "mean" face? BS decision, Guida at least earned a draw.
Posted By: Diegoblows (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 02:31 AM
Really doesnt get better than this with Diaz and Neanderthal Guida taking L's. Domination by Sanchez. The judge with Guida winning should have his license revoked.
Wilks showed he is for real. Really enjoyed Demarques being shut up for once.
Posted By: Common Sense (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:37 AM
You should ask for some brand new eyes to see the same fight as anyone, if someone should get his internet licence revoked, it's you
Posted By: Real Sense (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 02:32 AM
Disgraceful scoring by the judges in Sanchez/Guida. That was a draw. 10-8 Diego, 10-9 Guida, 10-9 Guida.
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:13 AM
Wrong, the judge with 29-27 had it right. Diego 10-8, Clay 10-9, Diego 10-9.
Posted By: zwarrior2 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 03:13 AM
Diego did more off his back (with the macho man elbows) in the second which is why he won that round. Clay had the third. Close fight could have gone either way. I had it...
R1 10-8 Diego
R2 10-9 Diego
R3 10-9 Guida
The second round could have easily gone to Guida.
Posted By: SYC (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 03:20 AM
Disgraceful scoring by the judges in Sanchez/Guida. That was a draw. 10-8 Diego, 10-9 Guida, 10-9 Guida.
Posted By: Brad (Guest
you are as fucking stupid as the crazy chic that gave it to guido. when sanchez was on the bottom was throwing elbow bombs nearly knocked out the stringy haired bitch from there.
10-8 10-9 10-9 30- 26 go show your love for a lol guy that looks like he squats to piss.
Posted By: guida sux brad swallows (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 03:24 AM
QUOTE - Really doesnt get better than this with Diaz and Neanderthal Guida taking L's. Domination by Sanchez. The judge with Guida winning should have his license revoked.
Wilks showed he is for real. Really enjoyed Demarques being shut up for once.
//
On the criteria the UFC uses to judge fights, its actually true d-bag. Nobody is trying to say Guida dominated the fight or caused a lot more damage on nightmare.
But the fact of the matter, "octagon control" and all the other criteria the judges need to take account. Guida has room for a complaint, could have definitely seen the 10-8,10-9,10-9 also.
Posted By: RampageP4PGod (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 03:31 AM
Like many people, I wanted to see Guida win, but I find the criticism here against the the judges a bit unfair for a few reasons:
1) That first round was arguably 10-8. Guida just got owned that first round. It was bad, bloody, and brutal.
2) Round 2 could go to Diego pretty easily. Guida controlled the positioning, but his GnP was pretty wild and not precise at all. Many times, he reminded me of the fighting style in the 2001 Planet of the Apes. It seemed more like hitting just to hit than actual damage. Meanwhile, Diego was a complete beast from the bottom. The endless stream of elbow strikes to the head, constantly looking for a submission, and staring at the big screen to see his position because Guida just wasn't bothering him.
3) Saying that it should be a draw just isn't fair to Diego. Guida's loveable and fought his heart out, but it just wasn't enough. Diego's stand up wasn't so much as super improved as Guida's defense in that area was just TERRIBLE. Virtually everything Diego attempted landed without much opposition or retaliation for it. And in general, he permitted himself to take too much damage. Diego's body was literally covered with his blood.
Posted By: WilliamMorgan (Registered) on June 21, 2009 at 06:13 AM
This is why the 10 point must system sucks. It would have been a travesty if Diego lost the fight, even though Guida "could've" won the 2 last rounds.
I don't get the Guida love. He's the definition of boring-ass wrestler. He did nothing the last 2 rounds aside from a few elbows. Sanchez was busier with elbows and submission attempts and Guida never attempted to pass guard. Judges have to realize that being on top doesn't always mean winning. And if that first round is not a 10-8 than WTF is.
Posted By: Diavo (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Sorry, folks. Guida did NOT win that fight. Dry humping someone for part of 2 rounds does not win you a fight. Diego busted him open from the bottom with wicked elbows in round 2 and did far more from his position than Guida did on top that round. Round 3 could have gone either way, but if history has shown us anything, unless you prevent the second guy from doing anything when he's laying and praying, you're not necessarily going to win the fight. Like him or not, Diego walked away from that fight with far less damage than Clay did, and that's why he won. I'm personally surprised Clay even convinced one judge
Posted By: Jeff (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 07:20 AM
Guida gets robbed once again. At worst that's a draw and Guida should have won 29-28. He got screwed in the T. Griffin decision and now this one.
Posted By: tim (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 07:39 AM
I fucking loved that Diaz lost...can't stand that retard prick. Cut out the bullshit that Guida won...he's lucky it went to split...finally MMA judges have learned not to score as much when fighters just lie on top without doing any damage...cause he didn't...
Posted By: Durden (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 09:20 AM
You people think Guida won?
All he did was get take downs, sit in guard and take like 40 elbows to the dome. I could have seen a draw, but Diego definitely won the fight outside of the 10-9 system garbage.
Posted By: you betta believe it! (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I wanted to see Guida win, but I think the judges got it right. I wish Johnson wouldn't have tapped out, did he know there was only 8 seconds left in the round?
Posted By: Scott (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Anyone thinking Guida won that fight doesn't know a damn thing about MMA. Sanchez won it by a million miles. 10-8 in the first round and from there on, Guida didn't look a threat at all. Even when he was on top of Diego, it was Diego who looked more dangerous, some sick elbows from the bottom. Guida got destroyed on standup and did basically nothing on the ground, yet you can claim he deserves a draw or a win? You people haven't got a clue about the sport.
Posted By: JDS07 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 11:20 AM
boring event but some ok fights
Posted By: Guest#8073 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 01:59 PM
UK Domination!!! As Sanchez would say...YES!!!
Posted By: Guest#0404 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 02:06 PM
you people are crazy diego won every round sitting on top of someone and getting your skull smashed by elbows doesn't get you points your all gay....sanches is the future of that division
Posted By: 411 manias enemy (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 02:26 PM
the only reason Guida Lost was Sanches Busted him up with that Elbo you get mad points for cutting the fighter open i new diego had wone the fight as soon as I saw that.
Posted By: hmmm (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 03:01 PM
lambert please explain how when you are on top but are getting you skull smashed in with elbows you win 10-9. if ufc is supposed to be scored this way its a bigger joke than boxing.
Posted By: Guest#3045 (Guest) on June 21, 2009 at 05:57 PM
It's funny, I bet all you guys picking Sanchez because Guida didn't do much work from the top position had a massive hissy fit when Matt Hammil lost to Bisping, despite his tactics being *Take down, do nothing*
Posted By: Luke S (Guest) on June 22, 2009 at 08:15 AM
lol. even though guida got some takedowns diego was pounding him from the ground with elbows. guida was a bloody mess. diego won. they both fuckin rule regardless.
Posted By: Guest#2033 (Guest) on June 22, 2009 at 03:23 PM
