411's UFC Fight Night 25 Report 09.17.11

Posted by Jonathan Solomon on 09.17.2011

In the main event, Jake Ellenberger defeated Jake Shields via RD1 TKO! Elsewhere, Court McGee defeated Dongi Yang via unanimous decision, Alan Belcher defeated Jason McDonald via RD1 TKO, Ken Stone defeated Donny Walker via RD1 submission and more. Check out 411’s complete UFC Fight Night 25 report for all the details!

UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger
09.17.11
Ernest N Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana





FACEBOOK PRELIMINARY FIGHTS

We are live in New Orleans for the Facebook portion of tonight's UFC action. Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan are cage side and checking their sound levels before the fights kick off. Now, we're ready for the first fight of the night.

Welterweight Bout: Justin Edwards (7-1) vs. Jorge Lopez (11-1)

Justin Edwards last fought in June at the TUF 13 finale where he lost a split decision to Clay Harvison. The loss halted a six-fight winning streak where he had finished each opponent in the first round. Jorge Lopez trains under Wanderlei Silva in Las Vegas and has an active 10-fight winning streak. He signed his UFC contract just over a month ago.

ROUND ONE: Edwards and Lopez touch gloves. They clinch as Edwards tries to throw him down but Lopez defends well. Lopez slams Edwards down but Edwards nearly has a guillotine choke locked in. Edwards is back on his feet and they separate. Lopez lands a leg kick, Edwards clinches against the cage. Edwards cannot get a takedown. Now he does with a double leg takedown, but Lopez gets back up. Lopez is taken down again, Edwards goes for the neck but Lopez gets back up and they trade strikes. Edwards has another takedown and lands a knee to the body. Lopez is back on his feet and they separate. Lopez with a jab. Lopez with a cross. Another jab from Jorge Lopez. Edwards lands a left hook. They clinch and Lopez lands a nice knee. Against the cage, Edwards lands a pair of knees to the body. Ref warns Lopez for holding the cage. Lopez tries to throw a knee but Edwards shoots in and cannot get the takedown. Back against the cage, they trade positioning. Edwards tries for a single leg takedown, but Lopez defends it

SCORECARD: Justin Edwards, 10-9 for pushing the pace throughout the round.

ROUND TWO: Lopez lands a big kick. Edwards lands a spinning back kick. Clinched against the cage, Edwards gets a takedown and has side control. Lopez tries to wall walk but fails. Edwards grabs hold of his neck and is working for a choke. Edwards pulls guard with a guillotine. Lopez gets out. Lopez is in Edwards' closed guard. They're standing. Lopez lands a left hand. They clinch, Edwards with a knee to the body. Back against the cage. Edwards with another takedown, Lopez is on one knee and Edwards takes his back. Edwards tries to stretch him out, has both hooks in. Lopez is simply staying on his knee. Edwards with punches from behind, trying to soften him up. Lopez trying to block the shots but failing. Now he spins out and ends up on top, Edwards is now taking a couple punches. Back standing, clinched against the cage. Referee breaks them up for some odd reason. Edwards lands a kick to the body. Lopez lands a knee to the body.

SCORECARD: Justin Edwards, 10-9

ROUND THREE: They trade shots, ending up in the clinch against the cage. Lopez lands a double leg takedown and ends up in half guard. Edwards tries for a Kimura. The submission is lost. Lopez is in the mount now. Edwards turns his back, Lopez flattens him out and lands big shots to the head. Edwards tries to move over and gets out. Lopez stays inside his half guard. Now, Lopez has side control. Edwards tries to defend against the mount, Lopez lands nice elbows from the side. Now, to north-south positioning with Lopez on top. Back to side control. Edwards tries to tie him up, Lopez lands another hammer fist. Back standing. Lopez takes him down, into Edwards' closed guard. Edwards tries for an arm bar. Omoplata attempt from Edwards. Round ends as he goes for a triangle.

SCORECARD: Jorge Lopez, 10-9

OFFICIAL RESULT: Justin Edwards, Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)


Featherweight Bout: Mike Lullo (8-2) vs. Robert Peralta (14-3)

Mike Lullo made his UFC debut in November on an 8-fight winning streak. Unfortunately for him, he lost by technical knockout to Edson Barboza after a three-round war. Robert Peralta has experience fighting throughout South America (Mexico, Dominican Republic and Honduras) as well as California. He has won 7 fights in a row and is best known for defeating reigning DREAM champion Hiroyuki Takaya at the Strikeforce show in April (in a non-title fight).

ROUND ONE: They exchange leg kicks. Another leg kick from Peralta, and another. Lullo shoots for a takedown but it's stuffed. In the clinch, Peralta land a couple knees. Peralta takes him down. Back standing. Lullo's left thigh is red. Lullo throws jabs but they do not land. Peralta throws more leg kicks. Rogan mentions that Lullo is so white that the impact of the kicks is so evident. Peralta throws a nice combination but doesn't land. Lullo lands a leg kick of his own. Peralta is picking about Lullo's left leg. A nice combo from Peralta ends with a body kick. Lullo throws a front kick, then a leg kick. Peralta lands a right hand, followed by a nasty leg kick. Another right by Peralta lands. A sidekick from Peralta knocks Lullo backwards. Lullo lands a leg kick.

SCORECARD: Robert Peralta, 10-9 (although I hope Cecil Peoples isn't judging)

ROUND TWO: Peralta resumes throwing effective leg kicks. There's swelling on the left side of Lullo's head. Between rounds, Lullo's corner told him to shoot for takedowns but nothing yet. More sick leg kicks by Peralta but Lullo finally shoots and cannot get the takedown. Clinched against the cage, Peralta lands a knee to the body. Lullo still cannot get a takedown. Position battle against the cage, they finally break free. Lullo with a leg kick. Rogan gives respect to Pedro Rizzo as the master of leg kicks. They trade strikes. Lullo lands a right hand and a leg kick. Peralta lands a kick, then defends a takedown attempt. Peralta lands a right hand.

SCORECARD: Robert Peralta, 10-9

ROUND THREE: Between rounds, Melvin Guillard tells Lullo he needs to go for the kill. Melvin would be correct. Leg kick by Peralta. Leg kick by Lullo, Peralta answers with a combination. Lullo shoots and still cannot get the takedown. Lullo has spent over 90 seconds trying to get a takedown against the cage. Peralta breaks free. Lullo lands a leg kick (say that five times fast). Peralta looks tired. Lullo lands a pair of leg kicks. Another shot by Lullo, another stuff from Peralta. 120 seconds left. From the clinch, they trade knees. FINALLY Lullo gets the takedown with under 90 seconds left. Peralta gets up, Lullo takes his back with one hook. Peralta uses the cage to defend it and breaks free. Lullo lands a leg kick, then a body kick. Lullo shoots in and gets a takedown.

SCORECARD: Mike Lullo, 10-9

OFFICIAL RESULT: Robert Peralta, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)


Welterweight Bout: TJ Waldburger (13-6) vs. Mike Stumpf (11-2)

TJ Waldburger debuted in the UFC last year as the Shark Fights champion and won a decision over David Mitchell. This past March, he was knocked out by Johny Hendricks, losing his first fight since 2008 (where he was knocked out by Ricardo Funch). Mike Stumpf agreed to take this fight on just five days notice after an injury suffered by Daniel Roberts. Stumpf will make his UFC debut tonight where the Team Curran fighter will look to post his first winning streak in over three years. He last fought in May and won, although it had been nearly three years since he competed prior to that.

ROUND ONE: Waldburger lands a leg kick that immediately rocks Stumpf. He takes his back and lands a few punches. Stumpf defends against the rear naked choke. Waldburger loses his hooks, gets one back and gets the second hook. He has the back mount again. Waldburger rolls into an armbar but Stumpf gets out and they're clinched against the cage. Waldburger takes Stumpf down, into half guard. Waldburger into side control but they separate. Stumpf throws a flying knee. Stumpf pulls guard with a guillotine attempt but Waldburger moves to side control. Waldburger pulls an armbar, Strumpf defends, he switches to a triangle and Stumpf taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: TJ Waldburger, Submission via triangle choke, Round 1 (3:52)

- TJ talks with Rogan. He thanks his trainers, and the usual suspects. NEW ORLEANS!!!!!!!!

- Waldburger put on a hell of a submission display with the transfer from the armbar to a triangle.


Welterweight Bout: Clay Harvison (9-3) vs. Seth Baczynski (13-6)

Clay Harvison participated in season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter and although he did not win the tournament, he did win his fight at the finale in June. Seth Baczynski was a member of season 11 of TUF but lost to Brad Tavares in his UFC debut at the finale, and was abruptly cut. He has since won two fights on regional cards and hopes to stick in the UFC in his second go around.

- Baczynski sings along to Lil Wayne's "Drop The World" during his entrance, which just so happens to be my favorite Weezy song. Harvison wears an Atlanta Braves hat, so boo!

ROUND ONE: A pair of leg kicks from Harvison. Baczynski lands a right hand. Seth lands a few punches to the body and head. They clinch. Baczynski with a knee to the body and then he throws a flying knee. Another flying knee followed by a body kick by Baczynski. Harvison takes an elbow to the cranium. Baczynski lands a pair of punches as they separate. Harvison lands a leg kick. Baczynski lands a left cross. Baczynski tries for a takedown but Harvison threatens with a guillotine and he lets go. Harvison eats a pair of punches to the face and a kick to the body. Baczynski lands an elbow and they trade shots to the end the round.

SCORECARD: Seth Baczynski, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Ryan Bader is in Baczynski's corner while John Hackleman is behind Harvison. OH MY, Baczynski lands an uppercut that drops Harvison. Baczynski is in his guard and landing punches. Harvison covers up. Baczynski lands an elbow. Harvison gives up his back and taps out from a rear naked choke.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Seth Baczynski, Submission via rear naked choke, Round 2 (1:12)

- Seth is talking with Joe. He was excited to show his improvements since TUF.


Bantamweight Bout: Ken Stone (9-3) vs. Donny Walker (14-7)

Ken Stone fights out American Top Team and is still looking for his first win since signing to fight in WEC and then the UFC. In December, he was knocked out by Eddie Wineland at the final WEC show. Then, he was knocked out in June by Scott Jorgensen. It took Donny Walker nearly 7-years to make it to the UFC and now the 31-year old is looking to stay. He made his bantamweight debut at UFC 132 where he lost a decision to Jeff Houghland. It ended a run of 7 consecutive wins (all at featherweight).

- Stone comes out to "Smack My Bitch Up" by The Prodigy. That's always a welcome listen.

ROUND ONE: Stone throws big leg kicks. They trade shots, clinch and go against the cage. Stone takes him down and is in half guard. Walker turns into him but Stone bullies him to the cage and takes his back. Back standing, Stone then pulls him down and tries to take his back. Stone is fighting for the rear naked choke. He locks it in!!! Walker is trying to fight it off, he will not tap out. Holy shit! Stone has it tight and finally the ref stops the fight. He passed out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Ken Stone, Submission via rear naked choke, Round 1 (2:40)

- Stone speaks with Joe.

- It's going to be a tough decision to decide who gets the submission of the night bonus.

- Goldberg plugs next week's UFC 135 PPV. RAMPAGE WANTS HIS BELT BAAAAAAAAACK!


Welterweight Bout: Matthew Riddle (5-2) vs. Lance Benoist (5-0)
Matt Riddle famously made his professional MMA debut after his participation in season 7 of The Ultimate Fighter. Since moving to welterweight, he is 3-2. He was expected to fight in 2011 two previous times but suffered injuries while training and is finally set to fight. Lance Benoist only made his pro debut last year and has won each of his fights inside the first round. This will mark his UFC debut.

- Benoist comes out to "House of the Rising Sun," because you know, there's a house in New Orleans.

- Riddle walks out wearing a tie-die tank top. He looks like a mini Superstar Billy Graham. A very mini Superstar Graham.

ROUND ONE: Benoist is a southpaw. He lands a straight left. Riddle eats another punch as he defends a takedown. WOW, Benoist attempts a hook kick but misses. Cung who? Riddle ties him up against the cage but referee Dan Mirigliotta calls a break because Riddle took a knee to the groin. He has 5 minutes for the accidental strike. FIGHT! Riddle with a head kick. Benoist with a front kick but Riddle catches it and takes him down. Benoist pulls rubber guard, but lets it go. Riddle is not doing any damage. Now Riddle lands an elbow. Benoist is attempting a Kimura, but sweeps right into mount. Wow. He's in half guard now. Benoist lands a punch. Benoist lands more punches. Riddle sticks in half guard but has no other defense.

SCORECARD: Lance Benoist, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Benoist throws a head kick but Riddle blocks it. Goldberg clues us in that Benoist has a 17-0 amateur record. From the clinch, Riddle gets the double leg takedown. Riddle loses top control, back on their feet and Benoist takes him down. Benoist's nose is leaking blood, thanks to a knee. In Riddle's guard, Benoist is trying to stay busy. Riddle throws up the triangle but gets nothing. Rogan says Benoist's nose is broken. Nasty. Pool of blood on Riddle's stomach. Riddle throws shots from the bottom and Benoist throws punches from the top. Riddle goes for the armbar but Benoist defends it. Riddle with elbows from the bottom. Blood is everywhere. The doctor will check out the nose with the round over.

SCORECARD: Lance Benoist, 10-9

ROUND THREE: Benoist lands a big left hand. Riddle defends the takedown attempt and they slug it out. Benoist throws a knee but gets taken down. Riddle has side control. Knees to the body by Riddle. Benoist moves to half guard, then to closed guard. Riddle lands elbows to Benoist's face. He moves to rubber guard. Riddle pulls out and throws a bomb. Back into closed guard. The nose is bleeding profusely. Ew! Riddle with a big punch to the face. Riddle is back to throwing knees to the body. 90 seconds left. Riddle is using his elbow to do some more damage to Benoist's face. He's back in rubber guard, limiting Riddle's offense. 60 seconds. Riddle powers through and lands a big elbow. 30 seconds, more shots by Riddle. Punches to Benoist's ribs. Riddle stands up and throws a big punch. Back in Benoist's guard, Riddle throws more shots at the end of the round.

SCORECARD: Matthew Riddle, 10-9

OFFICIAL RESULT: Lance Benoist, Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

- Lance speaks with Joe as the crowd boo's him. Joe gets pissed at the crowd and sticks in a shot at the judges. Benoist thanks Riddle and the UFC for the opportunity. Why the crowd is pissed, I have no clue. Perhaps they actually remember him from TUF?


Lightweight Bout: Evan Dunham (11-2) vs. Shamar Bailey (12-3)
At this time last year, Evan Dunham was considered one of the best rising lightweight prospects in the world. Right now, he may be fighting for his job. Over the past 12 months, Dunham has lost to Sean Sherk and Melvin Guillard. Shamar Bailey was a cast member of season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter and was one of the favorites to go all the way, but he fell short. However, at the finale this past June, he defeated Ryan McGillivray.

ROUND ONE: Dunham lands a left, right combination. Dunham with another combination plus a high kick. Bailey gets clipped with a shot and slipped, but stays on his feet. He lands a big left hand. Dunham not as aggressively after taking that shot. Trading shots. Head kick from Dunham. Bailey pushes forward but doesn't land the left this time. Dunham lands another one, two combo. Dunham stuff's a takedown attempt. Bailey lands a body punch. Dunham lands a left hand of his own. Bailey eating a lot of punches now. Bailey moves forward and lands a punch. Bailey jumps but eats a kick. Dunham lands another head kick. Bailey takes him down at the end. Dunham accidentally lands a knee after the bell sounds and apologizes.

SCORECARD: Evan Dunham, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Bailey lands another left. Bailey slips, Dunham tries to take advantage but they end up standing again. Dunham pushes him back with a left, right combo. Dunham lands a front kick to Bailey's face. Bailey's only big offense is when he pushes forward, otherwise, he's eating combinations. Dunham stands right in the pocket and lands punch after punch, and a head kick. Bailey lands a leg kick. Bailey shoots in again but cannot get the takedown. Dunham continues picking him apart. Bailey lands a body kick.

SCORECARD: Evan Dunham, 10-9

ROUND THREE: Bailey takes the center cage and is throwing combinations of his own. He knows he needs a knockout. Dunham is now on the defensive. Evan lands a left hand. Big leather flying from both men. Joe Rogan refers to Dunham as a top 5 or top 6 guy "as far as contenders go." I call bullshit. Dunham is back in his groove now, picking Bailey apart with punches. Bailey keeps coming forward despite having been punched into oblivion through three rounds. Dunham throws in a head kick for good measure. 60 seconds left and Bailey is eating a ton of punches and kicks. Dunham turns up the pace as the crowd goes wild. Dunham slips after a kick, Bailey pounces on him but they get back up and the ref calls time so Bailey can get his mouthguard back. Dunham throws a knee, Bailey catches him but Dunham grabs his neck. Bailey doesn't tap as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Evan Dunham, 10-9

OFFICIAL RESULT: Evan Dunham, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

- Shamar Bailey took a beating here but deserves credit for having a great chin and iron will. He never quit and continued fighting through the very end.

- Evan Dunham speaks with Joe. Gives credit to Bailey for being a tough guy. He expected a wrestling match and was surprised it turned into a kickboxing match.


Lightweight bout: Cody McKenzie (12-1) vs. Vagner Rocha (6-2)

Cody McKenzie lost for the first time in January when he was choked out by Yves Edwards. The loss brought an end to a 12-fight winning streak (11 by submission, 10 of them by guillotine choke). Vagner Rocha debuted in the UFC in June, losing a decision to Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone.

- Rocha rolls out to that overplayed Diddy song about coming home. Since he's from Brazil and lives in Florida, I'll assume the UFC assigned him this music. Meanwhile, McKenzie sings along to "Stuck In The Middle With You" by Stealers Wheel. Sweet.

- 27 minutes until the Spike broadcast begins.

ROUND ONE: McKenzie lands a head kick. Cody jokes around, drawing a line on the mat with his foot. Rocha comes forward with strikes and they clinch. McKenzie tried for a guillotine but they broke away. McKenzie ate a shot to the groin and the ref calls time. He didn't take much time before restarting. Rocha with a body kick. McKenzie gets him in a guillotine but Rocha gets out of it. McKenzie is fighting from the bottom, has Rocha in half guard. Vagner is attempting a Kimura and McKenzie tries to defend it. They stand up but Rocha still has his arm. Rocha rolls over and is trying for an arm bar and loses it. He takes McKenzie's back and has a rear naked choke locked on. McKenzie's hands are tied behind his back and Rocha is throwing punches. McKenzie turns over and is now on top! They're both up. McKenzie lands a right hand. A head kick by Cody. Rocha gets tagged one more time before the round ends. It's a close round.

SCORECARD: Vagner Rocha, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Loud 'CODY' chant from the New Orleans crowd as the round begins. Rocha pushes forward and takes McKenzie down. Rocha is back to attempting a Kimura but he gives it up. Now, Rocha tries for a D'Arce choke. It's deep. McKenzie is in a rough spot. HE GETS OUT! Rocha takes his back but McKenzie spins out of it and now Rocha is in Cody's half guard. Cody is working for a guillotine but Rocha is out of it and is still trying for a Kimura. McKenzie gives up his back and Rocha ends up in the mount. Cody tries to buck him off and is eats a lot of punches. McKenzie is trying to wall walk. Rocha takes his back again. He has a rear naked choke and Cody taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Vagner Rocha, Submission via rear naked choke, Round 2 (3:49)

- Vagner speaks with Joe. Feels he made some mistakes but he relied on his Jiu-Jitsu. Said McKenzie got out of the submission twice, and it would have been tough to do it three times.

- The prelims are over and I'll be back at the top of the hour with the Spike TV portion of the action. Thanks for reading!

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SPIKE TV MAIN CARD FIGHTS

INTRO: Cue UFC music for intro package. Jake Ellenberger says he will knock out Jake Shields. Shields insists many strikers have said that in the past and none have succeeded. *Bring the pain....bring the pain...bring the pain...bring the pain.....bring the pain.....bring the pain....bring the pain....into pieces....IN TO PIECES!*

Goldberg and Rogan welcome us to Spike. Shields went 7-years without losing until he met Georges St. Pierre. However, he lost his father just weeks ago and now he will return to the cage. Rogan says he will take all that emotion and channel it into the fight. He brings up the famous fight between Buster Douglas and Mike Tyson where Douglas just lost his mother and went on to score one of the biggest upsets in combat sports history.

- Commercial for the return of The Ultimate Fighter this Wednesday night.

Middleweight bout: Alan Belcher (15-5) vs. Jason MacDonald (26-14)

Alan Belcher has spent the past year recovering from a detached retina, suffered while training. At one point, there was even some concern it could have been career threatening. Luckily, his body healed and he's ready to get back to kicking ass and showing off his Johnny Cash tattoo. As a matter of fact, when we last saw Belcher, he was calling out Anderson Silva following his win over Patrick Cote at UFC 113. You can stop laughing now. With Jason MacDonald, you know you're set for an athletic performance (*pats self on back*). The 12-year MMA veteran returned from his own, nearly one-year, layoff from the sport in the spring following a leg injury. In that return, at UFC 129, he choked out Ryan Jensen.

ROUND ONE: MacDonald shoots in but Belcher stuffs the takedown attempt. They clinch against the cage. Jason is still working towards a takedown. He falls backwards and pulls guard. Belcher lands a pair of elbows. Belcher lands a variety of big punches. MacDonald is covering up. Belcher moves to side control. Belcher lands more punches and MacDonald is eating a lot of shots. Belcher lands more and finally the referee stops it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Alan Belcher, TKO by strikes, Round 1 (3:48)

- Belcher joins Joe Rogan. Belcher says he wants to pursue the belt and he's back! Bellator champion Ben Askren is in his corner and everyone's happy.

- They show Melvin Guillard and his wife sitting in the crowd.

- Commercial for UFC 135: Bones vs. Rampage.


Featherweight bout: Jonathan Brookins (13-3) vs. Erik Koch (12-1)

Jonathan Brookins last fought in December when he became The Ultimate Fighter season 12 champion. He has since returned to featherweight and we shall see whether he has continued success inside the octagon. Erik Koch will turn 23-years old in just over two weeks so he's looking for a self-imposed birthday gift tonight. He made his UFC debut in March with a knockout win over Raphael Assuncao.

- In his pre-fight promo, Koch says he wants a title shot against either Jose Aldo or Kenny Florian. He's coming to knock out Brookins and make a statement. Meanwhile, Brookins says he'd prefer to win by submission.

ROUND ONE: Brookins lands a few punches then shoots for a takedown. Koch defends it well. Brookins delivers knees to the body from the clinch. Brookins lands a pair of sharp elbows to Koch's face. Away from the cage now. Koch lands a nice straight punch. Brookins shoots again and Koch continues to defend those attempts like a champ. Koch lands elbows and punches against the cage. Just after the bell sounds, Brookins pulls guard. Insanely close round to call.

SCORECARD: Erik Koch, 10-9

ROUND TWO: They stand in the center of the cage exchanging punches. Brookins lands a combination and shoots for a takedown. Like round one, Koch defends it exceptionally well on the fence. Brookins rag dolls him but Koch ends up on top. Back to their feet. The crowd boo's the lack of action. Koch spins around and delivers a pair of knees. They separate. Koch throws a combination and Brookins shoots in again. FINALLY, Brookins takes him down and ends up in his guard. Koch fights his way up to his feet. Koch lands a pair of elbows as Brookins continues fighting for a takedown.

SCORECARD: Jonathan Brookins, 10-9

ROUND THREE: Koch lands a long jab. Brookins tries for a single leg but Koch gets away. Erik lands a leg kick. Brookins shoots in and Koch stuffs it as they end up against the cage. Brookins lands a right elbow. This crowd is pissed with both men staying on the cage. Koch comes forward with a combination and a leg kick. Brookins throws a superman punch but it does not land. They fight in the clinch, breaking away briefly to exchange punches. Brookins continues holding him against the cage. They exchange punches as the round ends. How do you score inaction against the cage?

SCORECARD: Erik Koch, 10-9

OFFICIAL RESULT: Erik Koch, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

- Joe Rogan guesses the judges considered Koch's striking more than Brookins' grappling.

- Donkeys, a Mariachi band, threatening remarks, brothers and a naked dude running through a house are reasons Spike wants us to tune in this season to TUF.

- Joe Rogan interviews champion Jon Jones and challenger Rampage Jackson "live, via satellite" a week before their main event fight. Bones says he has memorized Quinton's fights. Jackson jokes Jones has watched his training camp, but next week, Jones will be watching the lights on his back. Rogan asks Jones about the accusations that his people have spied on Jackson's camp. Bones responds about his theory it's Rampage's tricks and games to get inside his head. "Do what you gotta do Rampage, you're setting yourself up for failure." Jones sounds like a kid, getting defensive over this non-story. They argue over each other. This garbage makes me less interested in seeing them fight.

Rogan asks them what will happen on the 24th. Rampage says he will destroy Jones. Bones says he will try his best and enjoy playing the game he loves. (Seriously...)


Middleweight bout: Court McGee (12-1) vs. Dongi Yang (10-1)

Speaking of TUF champions, McGee was the season 11 winner and is 2-0 in the UFC. This is his first fight of 2011 after suffering a knee injury in the spring. South Korea's Dongi Yang suffered the first loss of his career in his UFC debut last fall but rebounded back in March with a knockout of Rob Kimmons. All 10 of his victories have come by submission or knockout while McGee has never been finished.

ROUND ONE: Yang lands some nice quick jabs. Yang lands a leg kick. McGee nails a big right hand. McGee throws a head kick. Both men throwing a lot of shots but not doing much damage. McGee lands a low kick that forces Yang to slip but he gets back up quickly. An even first round with each man controlling about equal time.

SCORECARD: Dongi Yang, 10-9

ROUND TWO: McGee nails a leg kick. He shoots forward and they clinch. Yang, a Judoka, throws him off. Yang lands a sweeping right hook. McGee throws a head kick. McGee shoots in but Yang stuffs the takedown attempt. They exchange punches. McGee throws a combination, followed by a leg kick. McGee shoots in but Yang stuffs it.

SCORECARD: Court McGee, 10-9 (simply because everything else being equal, McGee pushed the pace)

ROUND THREE: Yang lands a quick pair of jabs. Yang's nose is bloodied. McGee is having difficulty landing his strikes. Yang lands a left hand that ROCKS McGee. They end up in a clinch along the cage. Yang takes him down and takes his back but McGee sneaks out the back door. Back standing, McGee is a bit loopy. Yang lands a head kick. McGee lands a body kick and has his legs back underneath him. Yang's face is marked up. McGee misses a head kick. Court shoots in but Dongi defends it. Wow, McGee takes him down with sheer power. McGee is in mount, then side control and they're back standing. Court shoots in and takes him down again. Yang is gassed. McGee lands elbows, steps over and grabs a guillotine. The bell sounds and it's over.

SCORECARD: Court McGee, 10-9

- Joe Rogan: "Somewhere in the third round, a fight broke out!" A damn good description.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Court McGee, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-28)

- Trying to figure out the 30-28 score, unless it was a typo.

- They show a smiling Royce Gracie in the New Orleans crowd.


Welterweight Bout: Jake Shields (26-5-1) vs. Jake Ellenberger (25-5)

Less than three weeks after his father Jack passed away, Jake Shields will step inside the cage to compete. Shields' last fight was in April in Toronto where he lost a decision to Georges St. Pierre in a championship fight. Since 2005, Shields is 15-1 with 7 wins by decision, 2 wins by knockout and 6 wins by submission. Jake Ellenberger is on a four-fight win streak in the UFC, having knocked out three of those four opponents. Ellenberger made his professional MMA debut in 2005.

ROUND ONE: Ellenberger comes out swinging, backing up Shields. Ellenberger throws Shields to the ground but lets him up. Shields shoots in but Ellenberger defends it and backs away. They exchange kicks. Ellenberger knocks Shields down with a big knee and unleashes a barrage of punches and the referee stops it! Well I'll be damned.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Jake Ellenberger, TKO (strikes), Round 1 (0:53)

- Jake Ellenberger joins Joe Rogan. The biggest win of his career. Ellenberger says it's unbelievable to beat Jake Shields.

- Jake Shields now speaks. He wanted to keep fighting but it was the ref's decision. "It is what it is." It's the first time he has been stopped since 2000. Wow.