411's UFC 136 Report 10.08.11

Posted by Wyatt Beougher on 10.08.2011

Frankie Edgar defeated Gray Maynard by TKO to retain the UFC Lightweight Title in the main event, Jose Aldo outpointed Kenny Florian to hold onto the UFC Featherweight Title, Chael Sonnen choked out Brian Stann and more! Check out 411’s complete UFC 136 report for all the details!



MAIN PPV CARD - 9:00PM ET

Champ Frankie Edgar (13-1-1, 154.5 lbs) vs. Gray Maynard (10-0-1-1, 155 lbs) (for lightweight title)
Champ Jose Aldo (19-1, 145 lbs) vs. Kenny Florian (15-5, 145 lbs) (for featherweight title)
Chael Sonnen (26-11-1, 185.5 lbs) vs. Brian Stann (11-3, 186 lbs)
Melvin Guillard (29-8-2-1, 155.5 lbs) vs. Joe Lauzon (20-6, 155.5 lbs)
Leonard Garcia (19-7-1, 145 lbs) vs. Nam Phan (16-10, 145 lbs)



SPIKE TV PRELIMINARY CARD - 8:00PM ET

Demian Maia (14-3, 185 lbs) vs. Jorge Santiago (23-9, 185 lbs)
Anthony Pettis (13-2, 154.5 lbs) vs. Jeremy Stephens (20-6, 156 lbs)



PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook.com - 6:00PM ET)

Joey Beltran (13-5, 245 lbs) vs. Stipe Miocic (6-0, 236 lbs)
Darren Elkins (12-2, 145 lbs) vs. Tiequan Zhang (13-1, 146 lbs)
Eric Schafer (14-5-2, 185.5 lbs) vs. Aaron Simpson (9-2, 186 lbs)
Steve Cantwell (7-4, 186 lbs) vs. Mike Massenzio (12-5, 185 lbs)

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Hey 411 readers, thanks for joining 411's live MMA coverage tonight!

This will be my first attempt at covering a UFC event (as well as being the first time I've ever covered preliminary fights; please bear with me, as I'm hoping both my internet connection and typing skills can keep up. I was originally going to watch the PPV portion of the card from a local sports bar; however, they don't have WiFi, so that quickly ruled that option out. Instead, I'll be watching from my couch, with my trusty Boston Terrier by my side. So what I lose in gauging crowd reactions to fights (which is a personal favorite of mine, as I'm a people watcher by habit), you'll gain, as I'll have to deal with less distraction, likely less alcohol, and (hopefully) better coverage. While I normally enjoy a few adult beverages during a night of fights, I'm going to keep my consumption of all liquids to a minimum this evening, as the prospect of covering six straight hours of MMA leaves me mortified that the moment I decide to take a bathroom break, I'm going to miss something relevant to the coverage.

At any rate, you didn't come here to read about my drinking tendencies or my UFC-related restroom phobia, you came here for the fights, so let's get down to business!

INTRODUCTION:

We are live at the Toyota Center, in Houston, Texas!

Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan are of course on the mic tonight as we go to the octagon for our first fight.

FACEBOOK.COM PRELIMINARY MATCHES

Middleweight bout: Steve Cantwell (7-4, 186 lbs) vs. Mike Massenzio (12-5, 185 lbs)

ROUND ONE: No touch of the gloves and they start off exchanging jabs. Both guys look quick on their feet, with good movement – it'll be interesting to see if they can go the distance, if necessary. Nothing really landing, just a lot of feints. Massenzio with a leg kick, and now putting together a combo that glances Cantwell. Cantwell with a straight left and an outside leg kick. Cantwell fires back with a kick of his own, and another. Cantwell with quick front kicks, but Massenzio lands another good-looking combination. Massenzio looks for a body shot, ducks a hook and lands a counter. Cantwell looks for a combo, Massenzio changes levels, but Cantwell stuffs the takedown. Massenzio with a left hook and a double jab. Cantwell with a jab-inside leg kick combo. Massenzio gets aggressive but Cantwell blocks his punches. Cantwell stunned Massenzio with a big right hand. Massenzio looks to create distance, Cantwell keeps coming, Massenzio shoots again, but it's half-hearted and Cantwell stuffs it and lands more shots. Cantwell with a flying knee and Massenzio with an inadvertent kick to the groin on a knee attempt. Cantwell with the front kick-right-left head kick combination. Massenzio looks for a single, but Cantwell turns into crucifix before they scramble to their feet. Cantwell lands another kick to the body. Massenzio with a straight left, Cantwell with an inside leg kick. Great first round.

SCORECARD: Cantwell, 10-9

ROUND TWO: No glove touch and they feint a few jabs. Cantwell lands a big kick to the body, Massenzio counters with a head kick that Cantwell blocks. Massenzio looks for a double and gets his hands locked, but Cantwell's against the cage and starts PUNISHING Massenzio's ribs with brutal shots. Finally, Massenzio lets Cantwell up and they circle. Massenzio with a nice combination, Cantwell counters with a left of his own. Inside leg kick misses, Massenzio counters with a left that misses. Half-hearted shot from Massenzio, but Cantwell easily avoids it. Massenzio the aggressor but he's not landing any shots. Finally he lands a nice left and looks for the takedown, but Cantwell stuffs him. Massenzio lands a solid uppercut but Cantwell counters with a knee as Massenzio looks for the shot. Cantwell with a head kick that Massenzio checks but had to still feel. Massenzio ducks under Cantwell's combination and they look for openings. Massenzio landing the lead left almost at well, and he looks for another takedown, this time a single leg that Cantwell stuffs. Cantwell locks in an underhook and Massenzio lets go of the leg. Massenzio landing excellent shots on the feet and clinches against the cage. Cantwell's nose is bleeding pretty freely. Cantwell with a headkick that catches Massenzio in the armpit. Cantwell with a knee, countered with a punch to the head. Massenzio lands another left as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Massenzio, 10-9, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Massenzio with a nice uppercut and Cantwell is backpedalling. Massenzio ties Cantwell up against the cage and throws knees to the chest. Massenzio's back is still spotted with Cantwell's blood. Cantwell throws a kick-punch-kick combo that glances, Massenzio with another punch and looks for the takedown, only to get his ribs pounded by Cantwell. They break, Massenzio landing the far better shots on the feet and again looks for a takedown. Cantwell looks for a kimura but Cantwell falls to his back with Massenzio in his guard. Cantwell looks for an armbar, but Massenzio defends and they're back to the feet. Cantwell landing the right jab-left straight combo almost at will, and he stuns Cantwell, uppercut, and a kick. Massenzio swarms Cantwell against the cage, landing several punches, Cantwell with a knee, Massenzio looks for a takedown. Cantwell looks for the guillotine, but Massenzio backs off, allowing Cantwell to land a knee on the way out. Massenzio just landing nice combinations and Cantwell is bleeding heavily again. Cantwell throwing weak punches and feints a flying knee – his broken nose is killing his cardio. Cantwell throws a knee and a Massenzio ends up on top. They scramble, and Massenzio ends up in side control, but Cantwell locks in a leg lock in the final ten seconds. The round ends. Great fight.

SCORECARD: Massenzio, 10-9, overall 29-28

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Mike Massenzio, Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)

Middleweight bout: Eric Schafer (14-5-2, 185.5 lbs) vs. Aaron Simpson (9-2, 186 lbs)

Aaron Simpson is my new favorite fighter, based on the Tilted Kilt sponsorship (if you've never been, it's basically Hooters with tiny plaid skirts and white button-up t-shirts – I recommend the one in Green Bay, Wisconsin).

ROUND ONE: Touch of the gloves, and we're off! Good head movement from Simpson as they circle. Simpson lands an uppercut and knocks Schafer down. He swarms, but Schafer pushes him off and Simpson keeps dancing in as Schafer lays on his back. Schafer back to his feet, and they circle. Simpson landing combinations every time Schafer throws a punch. They trade, Schafer looks for the tie-up, but Simpson keeps landing punches to the head and body. They back up against the cage, but Schafer backs away. Schafer keeps throwing wildly and Simpson keeps making him pay. Simpson with a shot to the body and back out. Schafer isn't really landing anything, looks for a tie-up, and Simpson lands several more shots to the head. Schafer has a big mouse under his left eye. Schafer misses another right and Simpson lands three shots. Schafter misses again and Simpson lands four unanswered shots, landing uppercuts from a single-arm tie-up. Simpson tees off on Schafer with an uppercut-straight-uppercut combination. Ten seconds left and Simpson lands another nice combination.

SCORECARD: Aaron Simpson, 10-9 (I could actually see 10-8, as Schafer landed almost no punches

ROUND TWO: Simpson wings a big right that connects, Schafer backs off, and as he comes in with a punch, Simpson hits him with another combination. Simpson landing huge rights every time Schafer comes in, and he follows it up with a nice combination. Schafer finally lands a left hook, Simpson batters him again. Simpson circling and looking for openings, making Schafer come to him. Simpson with another combination and Schafer backs away, but Simpson BATTERS him back against the fence until Schafer slips out the side. Schafer with another left hook that doesn't even faze Simpson. Simpson leading with a right to the body and a left to the head and back to circling. Schafer looks for the tie-up, and Simpson tenderizes his body. Schafer with the left hook again, he comes back in and Simpson lands a shot that stuns Schafer. Simpson doesn't follow up, content to make Schafer come to him. Schafer leads the left, Simpson counters with a combination and Schafer looks for a knee that misses. Schafer again throws the left, but Simpson backs away. Simpson with a huge right that knocks Schafer down with ten seconds left, but Simpson doesn't pounce, and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Simpson, 10-9 and 20-18 overall

ROUND THREE: Simpson has done a number on Schafer's face, but Schafer keeps coming forward to start the third round. Simpson lands a wild combo and Schafer backs away. Simpson content to make Schafer come to him, backing away and looking for his opportunities. Simpson with an overhand right that glances Schafer. Simpson with a body shot and back out. Simpson with another combination that Schafer mostly avoids. Schafer keeps coming forward but he's not throwing any punches. Simpson with an overhand right that hits Schafer's shoulder. Simpson with a body-head combo that backs Schafer up. Schafer looking for the left hook again ,but finding little success, and even less luck with his jab. Simpson looks for the combination again, but with less success than previously. Overhand right by Simpson again hits Schafer's arm. Simpson with a glancing uppercut and Schafer backs out. Simpson's hands are down and he's dancing, throws a right body-left hook combination that backs Schafer up again. Simpson with another combination, but Schafer doesn't look fazed. Thirty seconds left and Simpson looks content to ride out the victory. Simpson with the overhand right and Schafer lands a right of his own. Simpson looks for a body combination, backs out, and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Simpson, 10-9 and 30-27 overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Aaron Simpson, Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)

Featherweight bout: Darren Elkins (12-2, 145 lbs) vs. Tiequan Zhang (13-1, 146 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Touch of the gloves and they start circling. Zhang lands two quick combinations, Elkins looks for a double, but Zhang locks in a guillotine. Elkins tries to power out, and Zhang ends up with Elkins in his half-guard. Zhang gets back to full guard, but Elkins stands up and tees off on Zhang before dropping back into guard. Elkins lands a few more shots and then back up to drop more bombs. He attempts to throw the legs to the side, but Zhang keeps guard. Elkins again stands and tries to pass, but he is only able to get into half-guard. Elkins throwing elbows to Zhang's head. Zhang ties Elkins up and attempts to get back to full guard. He gets an underhook for a moment, but Elkins ends up in an unusual neck crank position. Elkins releases and tries to pass, but Zhang keeps him in half guard. Elkins passes into mount and Zhang gives up his back. Elkins looks to get the hooks in and does. Elkins lands a few shots, but Zhang sits out. Elkins rolls him back to his stomach and starts teeing off on Zhang's head. Zhang rolls again, but Elkins hangs on and looks for a rear naked choke, but Zhang looks for a footlock, but Elkins gets a body triangle with his legs and Elkins is just pounding away on Zhang's body and head. The round ends with Elkins landing punches.

SCORECARD: Elkins, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Elkins looks pretty gassed in the corner; it'll be interesting to see if he suffers. Elkins shoots for the single, but Zhang sprawls, back to their feet, and Elkins goes for another shot, Zhang sprawls again! Elkins looks for a third takedown and Zhang looks for the guillotine, but after a scramble, Elkins looks for a guillotine of his own. Another scramble, and Elkins takes Zhang's back and locks in the hooks. He's looking for the rear naked choke, but is settling for pounding on Zhang's head as Zhang keeps his chin tucked. Zhang rolls, Elkins moves into mount, Zhang rolls back, and gets Elkins back into half-guard. Elkins keeps Zhang flattened out and gets into side control. Zhang manages to roll free and get to his feet. Elkins looks for the single again and Zhang looks for the guillotine again, completely ineffectively, ending with Elkins on top in half guard. Zhang keeping Elkins pretty well tied up, but Elkins lands a few shots and he looks to pass again, unsuccessfully. Zhang rolls and ends up in Elkins' guard momentarily, only to have Elkins reverse into half-guard and Elkins lands a few huge knees to Zhang's body. Elkins landing shots again, Zhang tries to get back to his feet, Elkins adjusts and keeps the Mongolian down. Elkins with shoulder shots on his left side and body punches with his right hand.

SCORECARD: Elkins, 10-9, and 20-18 overall

ROUND THREE: Both guys look winded, Elkins throws, but Zhang counters nicely. Elkins goes for a shot, but Zhang locks in a DEEP guillotine, but Elkins is able to roll free of the guillotine, although Zhang is on top. Elkins grabs Zhang's feet and dumps him and he's into Zhang's guard. Elkins posturing up and landing repeated shots to Zhang's head, but Zhang keeps defending. Elkins working right body punches and short left elbows to the head from half-guard. Elkins mounts Zhang and keeps him flattened out to land a few shots, only to have Zhang transition back into half-guard. Elkins is quickly back into side control and Zhang rolls. Elkins looks to take his back and he's pounding on Zhang who is just turtling. Elkins gets one hook in, then the other and he rolls to his back. Elkins looks for the rear naked choke, but settles for teeing off on the side of Zhang's head. Elkins again looks for the rear naked choke, but Elkins again has to settle for pounding on Zhang's head. Elkins looks really good in this fight, but I think a big part of it is that Zhang is BADLY outmatched, especially on the ground. Elkins just keeps sporadically pounding on Zhang and finally the round ends.

SCORECARD: Elkins, 10-9, and 30-27 overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Darren Elkins, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Heavyweight bout: Joey Beltran (13-5, 245 lbs) vs. Stipe Miocic (6-0, 236 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Miocic is from less than an hour from me, and he's rocking the Cro Cop shorts tonight. Fans are loud for Beltran, obviously. Touch of the gloves and we're off. Beltran pumping the jab, but Miocic stays on the outside and lands an inside leg kick. Beltran looks for a left-right, but Miocic counters with a straight right. Miocic with another inside leg kick, and another. Beltran presses, but Miocic backs away and throws another inside leg kick. Beltran keeps pumping the jab, but Miocic landing the better punches before he drops for a single. Beltran tries to spin out and Miocic pounces on his back against the cage. Miocic attempts to finish the takedown, Beltran looks for a kimura, but Stipe stands him up and they tie-up against the cage. Both guys are throwing against the cage and they break. Beltran looks for a leg kick and Miocic with a jab that surprises Beltran. Miocic counters a jab attempt with a jab that misses and a right hook that doesn't. Miocic with another leg kick and they both look to work from the outside again. Miocic with another HARD leg kick. Beltran backs off whenever Miocic throws a punch. Miocic ducks a combination from Beltran, circles, and lands another leg kick and goes over the top with a right hand. Miocic lands another right and the round ends as Beltran presses forward.

SCORECARD: Miocic, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Miocic lands a left to start and Beltran looks to be the agressors, but Miocic effortlessly gets the single leg and starts pounding on Beltran. Miocic drops down into half-guard and hits Beltran a few times before getting into side control. Miocic looks for an Americana, but Beltran gets up to his feet and looks to brawl with Miocic. Beltran puts Miocic down and pounces, looking for the finish, but Miocic keeps him away long enough to get back up. They tie-up against the cage, with Miocic pressing Beltran against the cage. Beltran lands a left as they back away, and they trade on the feet until Miocic gets another easy takedown into half-guard. Miocic lands a few shots, but Beltran controls the posture. Miocic looks to isolate the arm, but Beltran gets free and back to his feet. Both guys looking tired, hands down, and they're throwing pretty wildly now. Miocic ties Beltran up, but Beltran looks for the trip takedown. Miocic defends and looks content to hold Beltran against him against the cage and regain his wind. Beltran lands another good shot on the break and he hits Miocic with a straight again, but Miocic lands an uppercut and a straight of his own. They're just throwing on the feet, and Miocic ties up again. Beltran throws a couple of elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Beltran, 10-9, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Beltran smiling, both men winded. Throwing jabs, Miocic with an inside leg kick. Beltran presses, but Miocic lands a straight right and an uppercut, followed by another inside leg kick. Beltran counters with a weak leg kick of his own. Beltran throwing slow punches and he looks for a single, but Miocic counters and press Beltran against the cage. Beltran's nose is bleeding all over Miocic's shoulder. Miocic puts his head down and Beltran looks for a guillotine to no avail. Miocic drops down for a takedown, mounts Beltran against the cage, and then takes Beltran's back. Beltran gets back to his feet and Miocic presses him against the cage. Miocic lands a knee to the head, Beltran tries to turn into Miocic, and Miocic lets him go. Miocic using the jab and the leg kick to keep Beltran on the outside. Miocic landing the slightly better shots, between the jabs and the outside leg kicks. Beltran throwing wildly and Miocic avoids easily. Miocic looks for the takedown, Beltran sprawls, but Miocic ends up in half-guard and throwing short elbows at Beltran's head. Miocic looking for an arm triangle, but he loses it. Miocic in side control but doing little with it. Beltran spins and Miocic lands a knee to the ribs. Miocic gets the mount and then back mount. Miocic lands a flurry of punches to Beltran's head as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Miocic, 10-9, 29-28 overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Stipe Miocic, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

And that's it for the Facebook portion of the card. The big guys tired out at the end, but it was overall a good card. Switching over to SpikeTV for their portion of the prelims.

SPIKE TV PRELIMINARY CARD MATCHES

Mike and Joe start by pimping the PPV and then run down the SpikeTV fights.

Lightweight bout: Anthony Pettis (13-2, 154.5 lbs) vs. Jeremy Stephens (20-6, 156 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Circling to start, Pettis with an inside leg kick. Stephens pumps a jab and lands a right straight. Stephens feints a leg kick, then follows it up with an outside leg kick. Pettis throws a jab, but Stephens lands a combo. Stephens presses ahead again with another combination, and Stephens is in Pettis' guard. Pettis is looking for a triangle, but Stephens defends, so Pettis pushes him off and they get back to their feet. Pettis looks for an inside leg kick, but he connects with Pettis' groin. Stephens is ready, throws a kick, but eats a punch while he's off-balance and falls back, staying on his feet. Pettis throwing quick inside leg kicks and Stephens answers with a wild head kick that Pettis avoids. Stephens throws a right jab-left hook combination, but Pettis answers with a head kick that Stephens checks. Pettis fakes a spin and throws another head kick that catches Stephens' arm. Stephens presses Pettis against the cage and looks for a single leg, but Pettis defends well. Stephens transitions to a double and gets Pettis down, trapping Pettis' legs between his. Stephens attempts to pull Pettis away from the cage, but Pettis is able to get a leg free and get back to his feet. Pettis presses Stephens against the cage and looks to break with a big elbow, but Stephens prevents it and lands a big shot of his own. Pettis with a capoeira kick that misses.

SCORECARD: Stephens, 10-9, based on the second takedown

ROUND TWO: Pettis pumps the jab, Stephens wings an overhand right and then catches Pettis with a kick to the groin. Stephens with an outside leg kick and a wild punch that leads to a Pettis takedown. Stephens scoots back against the cage, but Pettis turns him and gets into side control. Stephens with a nice elbow to the side of the head and gets back into guard. Pettis stands up, throws Stephens legs to the side and lands a huge shot that if it had done more than glance would've ended the fight. Pettis takes Stephens' back momentarily, then into full mount for a moment before Stephens gets him back to guard. Pettis passes to half-guard and Stephens stands back up. Pettis looks for a knee, but Stephens catches it. Pettis picks Stephens up and slams him down into a seated position against the cage. Stephens hits Pettis repeatedly in the ribs and gets back to his feet. Stephens tries to get free, but Pettis takes him down again. Pettis into half guard and he lands a big punch before Stephens gets back to his feet. Stephens again tries to get free, but Pettis takes him down again. Stephens looks for a kimura, but Pettis gets the hooks in. Pettis locks in a body triangle and starts punching Stephens but Stephens answers with a few weak punches of his own. They roll, but Pettis remains in back mount. Stephens turns into Pettis, Pettis looks for an armbar, but Stephens is to his feet and lands a big but glancing shot to Pettis' face. He throws another one that misses as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Pettis, 10-9, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Stephens misses a kick and wings a right hand that catches Pettis in the shoulder. Stephens looks for the takedown and eventually gets it, working from Pettis' guard. Pettis looks for the triangle choke, but Stephens postures out and lets Pettis back to his feet. Pettis with a combination and an outside leg kick. Pettis with a head kick that Stephens checks. Stephens throws a wild right, Pettis tries for the takedown, Stephens defends, so Pettis looks for an armbar, but Stephens gets his arm out, and they scramble and end up against the cage. Pettis pushing Stephens to the cage and Stephens throws a punch and a knee, only to get tripped down by Pettis. Pettis trying to pull Stephens away from the cage, but Stephens gets back to his feet and scrambles free, blocking a kick from Pettis, but getting taken down again. Stephens gets back to his feet and punches Pettis in the face again. Pettis throws a knee and tries for another takedown, but Stephens just powers him down, pulling his arm free of an armbar before Pettis can really go for it. Pettis ends up in control again and then Stephens gets back to his feet. Stephens again punching Pettis in the face and now he's on the outside pushing Pettis against the cage. Stephens looks for the takedown and nearly gets it, but they break. Stephens feints a punch, Pettis fakes a spinning back kick as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Pettis, 10-9 and 29-28

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Anthony Pettis, Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Middleweight bout: Demian Maia (14-3, 185 lbs) vs. Jorge Santiago (23-9, 185 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Santiago in a crab stance, throws a wild kick, Maia moves in with an underhook and presses Santiago against the cage. Santiago avoids the takedown and they break, Santiago throws a head kick, countered by Maia, and Santiago throws an inside leg kick, and another. Maia throwing wildly, Santiago looking to land cleaner shots, but Maia gets a takedown into half-guard. Santiago into butterfly guard and manages to get back to his feet, catching Maia with a right hand and then pressing him against the cage. Santiago throwing knees to Maia's thigh and Maia looks for the takedown. Santiago defends, Maia lands a knee, and they break. Santiago with a straight right and Maia with a wild punch. Santiago with an inside leg kick and an outside body kick, but gets clipped by Maia. Maia with a head kick that's checked, Santiago with a flying knee that lands, but Maia catches him and gets the takedown. Maia looks to work ground and pound but Santiago pushes him away and Maia has to settle for guard. Santiago closes guard, but Maia stands up and looks to thrown a forearm down on Santiago's head, and Maia ends up in guard again. Maia stands again, eats some upkicks, and drops back into guard. Santiago controls Maia's posture, and the bell sounds.

SCORECARD: Very close round, but I'm going Maia, 10-9 for the takedowns

ROUND TWO: Santiago with a pair of head kicks and an inside leg kick. Maia throws a left from way out of range and they circle. Maia with another ineffectual punch and Santiago counters with an inside leg kick. Santiago looking to counterpunch and he does, landing a combination after Maia throws a telegraphed left. Maia again rushes with a left and eats a right straight for his troubles. Santiago landing the better punches, misses a head kick, and lands a couple more good shots to Maia's face. Santiago with a big overhand right and another, and they clinch against the cage. Maia looks for the takedown, Santiago underhooks, but Maia gets the takedown, into Santiago's butterfly guard. Maia moves to half-guard and lands some shots, but Santiago gets him back into butterfly guard. Maia stands up again and eats another pair of upkicks before dropping down with another forearm shot. Maia back up, Santiago looking for more upkicks, but Maia drops back into his butterfly guard. Santiago controlling Maia's posture and now he looks for a sweep, but Maia pulls and back and works rights to the head and body. Maia stands up and misses a punch as he drops back down into Santiago's open guard. Santiago gets butterfly guard and traps Maia's right arm. Fans boo as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Another close round, but I'm giving it to Santiago based on his striking, 10-9, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Santiago with an inside leg kick and he's looking aggressive early, but he misses a punch and Maia looks for the takedown, but Santiago is quickly back up to his feet. Maia looks for a single, Santiago pushes Maia's head down and gets away. Santiago with a glancing combination and he's head hunting a bit as Maia backpedals. Maia shoots again, Santiago turns, Maia throws a knee to the quadriceps, and another. Santiago looks to switch and Maia gets one hook in, but he drops back to his feet. Maia drags Santiago down but he's quickly back up and Maia finally gets him down, into Santiago's half-guard. Maia landing shots to the body and head, Santiago attempting to control Maia's posture. Maia landing short elbows and he looks for side control before standing up. Santiago with another upkick and he drops into half-guard as the crowd shows their displeasure. Maia into side control, although Santiago kept a knee against Maia's hip at first. Maia into north-south and then back into side control before stepping over into full mount, only to have Santiago push him off and into butterfly guard. Maia into half-guard again and he looks to land elbows and punches as the final ten seconds of the round expire.

SCORECARD: Maia, 10-9, 29-28 overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Demian Maia, Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)

And now it's time for Dana and Joe to yell and hype up the PPV!

PPV MAIN CARD MATCHES

Frankie Edgar looks like the punk little brother at the weigh-ins, and I look for the Bully to pick up the win tonight.

Lightweight bout: Melvin Guillard (29-8-2-1, 155.5 lbs) vs. Joe Lauzon (20-6, 155.5 lbs)

Guillard comes out to "H.A.M." Jay-Z and Kanye ftw.

ROUND ONE: Touch of the gloves and the PPV is underway! Guillard throwing, Lauzon counters with a right, Guillard with a flying knee, and Lauzon with a left hook that hurts Guillard. Lauzon pounces, takes Guillards back, sinks in the hooks, and the rear naked choke. Guillard fights it, but he has to tap!

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Joe Lauzon, Submission (Rear Naked Choke, Round 1, 0:47)

So much for Jay-Z and Kanye…Lauzon looked really good. In the audience, Rashad gets loud boos and Forrest gets deafening cheers.

Featherweight bout: Leonard Garcia (19-7-1, 145 lbs) vs. Nam Phan (16-10, 145 lbs)

ROUND ONE: They trade punches to start, Phan with a head kick, Garcia with a combination and a wild right. Garcia with an odd front kick and a double jab. Garcia with an outside leg kick and keeps working the jab. Phan lands a pair of jabs of his own and they're trading against the cage. Garcia slips (Rogan says he gets knocked down, but I didn't see it) and Phan jumps into guard. Garcia controlling the posture and closes his guard. Phan moves to the side, spreading Garcia's legs, but they get stood up. Garcia with an outside leg kick, follows it up with an inside leg kick, but Phan lands a left hook and a head kick. They trade punches and Garcia follows it up with a kick to the thigh. Phan with an outside leg kick and Garcia throws a spinning back kick. Garcia tries a takedown, but Phan counters with the whizzer and they're back to their feet. Phan throwing leather and landing, and Garcia winging wild overhand shots. Garcia with a nice body kick and they trade combinations against the fence. Phan landing the better shots as they exchange on the feet, landing a body-uppercut combination and Garcia's hands are down and his punches are getting sloppy. Phan slipping Garcia's punches and lands a few of his own, but he catches Garcia with an poke to the eye. Garcia appears to slip again, Phan pounces and stacks him up, but doesn't do much with it as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Phan, 10-9 for the more effective striking

Whoa, Rogan just admitted he was wrong about the "knockdown".

ROUND TWO: Garcia with a straight right, Phan looking for body shots, and Garcia throws a head kick that barely misses. Phan with a nice combincation and he looks to have dislodged Garcia's mouthpiece. Garcia throwing wildly, Phan slipping his punches and countering. Garcia jabs every time Phan comes in, but Phan landing on the body almost every time. Phan with another combination and he dodges a head kick from Garcia on the way out. Garcia covering his face but Phan landing body and head shots pretty much when he wants. Phan dodges a jab and lands a short uppercut. Garcia breathing out of his mouth, and Phan lands a quick four-punch combination, then avoids two haymakers from Garcia. Phan landing body shots and an overhand left. Garcai half-assed shoots twice, but Phan avoids him easily. Garcia throws a wild head kick and Phan jabs him back against the fence, connecting with a body shot as Garcia comes off the cage. Phan landing punch after punch and Garcia is not even defending due to fatigue. Phan opens a cut under Garcia's right eye. Phan baits Garcian and then lands another set of punches. Phan landing at will and Garcia is clearly tired.

SCORECARD: Phan, 10-9, 20-18 overall

ROUND THREE: Touch of the gloves and Garcia throws a punch-kick combo and they're jawing at each other. Garcia using more technique and landing leg kicks, but Phan just has him on a rope with the jabs. Garcia eats three or four punches for every leg kick he lands and he knocks Phan down with a left hand. Phan backed against the cage and Garcia landing combinations, but he starts swinging for the fences. He's battering Phan, but Phan ties him up and I think Garcia has punched himself out again. Garcia with an elbow and they break. Garcia throwing wildly and Phan countering with nice jabs with and hooks to the head and body. Phan with an overhead right after a half-hearted knee from Garcia. Garcia with another leg kick and Phan counters with three jabs. Phan with the takedown into Garcia's closed guard. Garcia controlling Phan's posture well and the fans are booing, and the ref stands them up. They touch gloves again and Garcia lands a nice combination. Swinging backfist misses, and Phan waiting for Garcia to punch himself out again. Phan lands three jabs when Garcia misses a punch. Phan with a combination as Garcia hits nothing but air. Garcia goes for the takedown but Phan hits the whizzer again and pushes him off. Garcia swings for the fences, but Phan lands some measured shots as the round ends. Fight of the night so far, no question.

SCORECARD: Garcia, 10-9 for the knockdown, although I could see Phan getting the round for far more effective striking

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Nam Phan, Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)

Good decision there. Garcia-Phan III is almost guaranteed to happen right now, no matter what Phan says. Silva's reception DWARVES everyone else's to this point.

Middleweight bout: Chael Sonnen (26-11-1, 185.5 lbs) vs. Brian Stann (11-3, 186 lbs)

Be forewarned – I absolutely LOVE Chael Sonnen. That may come through here, but I'll try to be unbiased. It'll also be interesting to see who has more red, white, and blue gear here. Stann wins that contest, handily. Possibly a show of respect from Sonnen?

ROUND ONE: Stann with a jab, Chael looks for the takedown, presses Stann against the fence. Sonnen with a knee to the body but Stann forces him against the fence. Stann landing hooks to the body and Chael looking for the underhooks. Sonnen turns him again and lands short lefts to Stann's head, following it up with a knee to the body. Sonnen using foot stomps as Stann throws a knee to the body. Sonnen with a takedown into side control. Sonnen landing some wild punches to the face and more effective knees to the ribs. Sonnen looked for the mount, Stann tried to roll, but Sonnen put him back down. Sonnen looks for mount, but Stann gets him into guard. Sonnen takes his back, Stann sits out, and Sonnen follows him down, takes his back, and gets the hooks in. Sonnen pulls him down to the canvas and mounts. Sonnen pushes Stann down and gets a punch, but Stann pushes him off and gets to his feet, but Sonnen piggybacks him. Stann looking to shake Sonnen off, but gets slammed back to the mat and Sonnen gets back into a dominant half-guard, only to end up back in full guard. Sonnen stands up and delivers a big punch before dropping back into half-guard. Sonnen looks for a guillotine but Stann defends and gets him back into full guard. Stann trying for a triangle, but Sonnen teeing off on him. Sonnen content to ride out the final 15 seconds or so as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Sonnen, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Stann throws a leg kick, Sonnen swarms him and takes him down. Sonnen landing punches to the body and he steps into half-guard. Sonnen landing punches and he cradles Stann to pass into side control. Sonnen ties up Stann's legs, delivers and elbow to the side of Stann's head and gets into full mount. Sonnen content to let Stann hold him down and pound away on Stann's head. Sonnen ties up Stann's head and lands some good shots. Stann tries to hip escape, but Sonnen stops him. Stann hip escapes successfully and gets half-guard and then into full guard. Stann again working for the triangle, but referee stands them up to a loud chorus of boos. Sonnen shoots, but Stann lands a big right. Chael shoots again, Stann sprawls, and they're against the cage. Sonnen picks Stann up and slams him, getting side control and hitting knees to the body. Sonnen looking for an arm triangle, he steps over, and Stann taps! CHAEL SONNEN WINS!

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Chael Sonnen, Submission (Arm Triangle, Round 2 3:51)

Joe Lauzon just lost his Submission of the Night bonus. And Sonnen goes right after Silva. I LOVE THIS MAN! He calls out Silva for Super Bowl weekend! Sonnen challenges Silva to a LOSER LEAVES TOWN FIGHT AND WALKS OUT OF THE CAGE!

What? Silva won cover athlete? Should've been Bones.

Co-Main Event Featherweight Championship bout: Jose Aldo (19-1, 145 lbs) vs. Kenny Florian (15-5, 145 lbs)

Uh-oh, Aldo's coming out to Jay-Z and Kanye (with Rihanna) and they're 0-1 tonight. I wonder if he'll do better than Melvin Guillard?

ROUND ONE: Touch of the gloves and our first five-rounder is underway. Florian with a head kick. Florian with an inside leg kick and another. Aldo with charging punches, and again. Florian evades most of them, but Aldo keeps coming. Florian with an outside leg kick. Aldo knocks Florian down and pounds on him, but Kenny shoves him off and they resume. Florian with a takedown, but Aldo immediately back to his feet and Florian presses him against the cage. Florian with a knee to Aldo's knee. Florian looking for the single leg and he lands a big punch to Aldo's face. Florian punches Aldo in the face again and he tosses Aldo down. Aldo pops back up and Florian continues to grind him against the fence. Florian takes Aldo back standing but Aldo looks for a kimura, only to let it go to defend the takedown. Florian lets Aldo go and throws an jab-overhand right combo. Aldo with an uppercut to the body, Florian ducks a punch and looks for the takedown, only to back off. Florian presses Aldo against the cage again and looks for the single leg again. Aldo gets free, but Florian again goes after the leg. Florian with a nice elbow to Aldo's head against the fence. Florian with a knee to the thigh and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Florian, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Aldo breathing more heavily as the second round starts but still looks light on his feet. Florian misses the takedown but lands a right. Aldo misses a flying knee and Florian throws a kick of his own. Florian with a jab, changes levels, and he ducks under Aldo's punches. Florian dancing a bit, and he throws a nice cross. Florian changing his circling, looks for the takedown, stuffed, and back out before Aldo can land. Florian misses a jab and avoids Aldo's counter. Leg kick by Florian, and another. Fans getting restless. Florian with an inside leg kick, countered by a pair of stiff outside leg kicks by Aldo. Aldo throws a combo but Florian avoids and answers with two punches of his own. Florian with a lead hook to keep Aldo outside and another jab. Aldo with an inside leg kick, and Florian answers with one of his own and another. Florian throws a head kick that's checked. Aldo throws a head kick that Kenny mostly checks. Aldo ragdolls Florian to the canvas, but Florian avoids his follow-up strike as he gets to his feet. Florian with another half-hearted takedown and an inside leg kick from Aldo. Florian kicks Aldo with a wicked outside leg kick as Aldo attempted to throw a kick of his own. Florian backs Aldo against the cage and looks for the single leg. Aldo defends, so Florian throws a short right to the head and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Very close round, but I have Aldo 10-9 and 19-19

ROUND THREE: They circle and Aldo lands a right. Aldo with a front head kick that barely misses and Florian with a leg kick. Florian throws a Superman jab and another. Both guys miss punches and Aldo lands an inside leg kick. Florian with a lead hook and he keeps circling away from Aldo's power kicks. Aldo with a right, Florian tries for the takedown, but Aldo mounts him. Florian spins and gets Aldo into his half-guard. Aldo into side control, but Florian gets him back into half-guard. Aldo tries to pass, but Florian narrowly prevents it. They're trading weak punches and Florian tries a hip escape. Florian punches Aldo's body. Aldo pushes down on Florian's head and they throw wildly again. Florian turns and pushes Aldo away. Aldo stands and Florian throws some nice upkicks. Aldo drops back down and Florian escapes to his feet. Florian goes for the single leg and pushes Aldo against the cage. Florian drops again with ten seconds left and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Aldo, 10-9 and 29-28 overall

ROUND FOUR: Florian moves in, misses a punch, moves in again and misses a kick. Florian checking Aldo's leg kicks finally and looking to throw punches. Aldo with a nice straight right. Florian with a straight left to counter and Aldo with an inside leg kick that hurts Florian. Florian steps in and locks Aldo up, but they break. Aldo lands a nice left, and Florian looks for a double leg but he gets stuffed and gives Florian a knee for his troubles. Florian keeps pressing Aldo against the cage and looking for the takedown. Florian with knees to the inside of Aldo's thigh. Florian looking for the single leg, but Aldo escapes. Florian into another underhook tie-up, but Aldo gets free again. Florian feints the Superman punch and looks for another takedown. Florian with an overhook tie-up and he presses Aldo against the cage. Knee by Florian, but Aldo turns it around, Florian with another knee as Aldo grabs the fence and gets a warning. Florian looking for the high-crotch single but Aldo gets free. Aldo looks to work the body and head as Florian is against the cage, but Florian ties him up and presses Aldo against the cage. Florian drops for the takedown again, but again Aldo gets free. Florian lands a right and Aldo misses with a flying knee and glances Florian with the follow-up punch.

SCORECARD: Another close round, but I'm giving it to Aldo, 10-9 and 39-37 overall

ROUND FIVE: Florian pawing at Aldo and an inside leg kick. Florian avoids Aldo's punches and ties him up and presses Aldo against the fence. Knee to the body by Florian. Florian with a shoulder shrug to Aldo's chin and a punch. They move away from the cage, Florian looks for a knee and slips. Aldo doesn't pounce and Florian kicks him right in the knee. Florian keeps kicking Aldo and Aldo with a soccer kick the quads. Florian looks to lock up the leg, but Aldo drops into half-guard. Aldo mounts Florian and Florian tries to hip escape. Florian rolls and scoots out the back down, but Aldo jumps back into half-guard and is holding Florian down. Aldo looks to pass and Florian gets back to his feet. Florian with the underhook and he throws a knee to the body. Another knee to the body and the ref breaks them. Florian with an overhook but Aldo defends the takedown and presses Florian against the fence as the crowd boos. Florian throws another knee and presses Aldo against the fence. Florian with a knee, lets Aldo go and punches him. Florian throws another knee and presses Aldo against the cage. Ten seconds left and they're both looking or the finish. Aldo misses a head kick and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Aldo, 10-9, for the 49-46 victory

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Jose Aldo, Unanimous Decision (49-46x3)

Main Event Lightweight Championship bout: Frankie Edgar (13-1-1, 154.5 lbs) vs. Gray Maynard (10-0-1-1, 155 lbs)

Maynard with the run out to Pearl Jam. Yet another reason to like him. Plus, he's not from Jersey.

ROUND ONE: Maynard pawing at the air, Edgar misses an uppercut, Maynard with a kick, caught by Edgar but he does nothing with it. Edgar with a combination and they continue to feel each other out. Maynard with a straight right and they circle some more. Edgar with a heel trip takedown, but Maynard stays up and they go to the cage. Edgar looks for another takedown but Maynard gets free and they circle again. Maynard with a head kick that misses, but hits an uppercut that rocks Edgar. Maynard lands some shots, Edgar looks for the takedown, but Maynard connects with a big knee. Maynard with another right and Frankie answers. Maynard with a left jab and he looks for the uppercut again but doesn't commit. Maynard knocks Edgar down and Edgar grabs a leg but Maynard punches him a few times. Maynard with another uppercut and a head kick. Maynard with a knee that puts Edgar down. Edgar's nose is broken and Maynard with a Superman punch that misses. Big hook by Maynard that rocks Edgar, and another! Maynard isn't punching himself out and he waits out the first round.

SCORECARD: Maynard, 10-8

ROUND TWO: Maynard in a low stance with his hands down, almost inviting Edgar to come after him. Maynard avoiding Edgar's offense and they circle and circle. Maynard continues to avoid all of Edgar's offense. Edgar finally lands a combination and a body kick. Maynard gets wild with a combination that misses Edgar badly, but he comes back with a solid left jab. Edgar whiffs on the head kick and Maynard misses a straight right. Edgar with an inside leg kick. Maynard misses a head kick. Maynard with a kick to Edgar's ribs. Maynard slips but Edgar is out of position to capitalize. Maynard with the underhook and he connects as Edgar backs away. Maynard pawing at Edgar who backs away. Maynard with another head kick that misses and Edgar with an inside leg kick. Edgar with an uppercut and they circle. Edgar with a nice combination and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Edgar, 10-9, 19-18 Maynard overall

ROUND THREE: Edgar with an inside leg kick and Maynard looks more aggressive than in round 2. Edgar misses a kick to the ribs and Maynard connects with a knee to the body. Maynard with a body shot, and Edgar whiffs on a knee. Edgar with a leg kick and he looks for the single leg, but Maynard defends. Leg kick by Edgar, answered by Maynard. Edgar looks for the takedown again from too far away and Maynard shoves him away. Maynard with a right hook and they circle. Edgar throws but his punches don't land. Uppercut by Maynard and Edgar backs off. Edgar with a nice right and he gets out. Maynard looking for the uppercut again. Edgar with a combination and Maynard lands a glancing blow. Edgar looks for a takedown, whiffs, and kicks Maynard in the ribs.

SCORECARD: Edgar, 10-9, 28-28 overall

ROUND FOUR: Edgar with leg kicks to start, Maynard staying low. Edgar looks for the hook but Maynard blocks. Maynard wings a right and Edgar looks for the Superman punch. Edgar with a nice combination and a terrible takedown attempt. Inside leg kick by Maynard. Maynard with a knee, takedown attempt stuffed by Edgar. They trade and Maynard with a nice right that snaps Edgar's head back. Edgar looking for the combinations and he lands a pair of leg kicks. Maynard with a head kick. Maynard with the jab to keep Edgar at bay and Maynard goes for the takedown, but Edgar easily avoids it. Outside leg kick by Edgar and Maynard is looking to head hunt but Edgar is too quick. Edgar with a combination and a pawing left. Edgar catches Maynard with a right that stuns him, Maynard back to his feet, but Edgar capitalizes, lands another shot that puts Maynard down, and Edgar swarms with the ground and pound until the fight is stopped!

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Frankie Edgar by TKO (Punches, Round 4 3:54)

Next up for live coverage is Mark Radulich with M-1 Global on Showtime this coming Friday, 10/14. I won't be doing live coverage again until December 30th, when I'll be covering UFC 141: Lesnar vs Overeem, so until then, take care and remember 411 MMA for all your MMA news and coverage needs!