411's UFC on FOX 2 Report 1.28.12

Posted by Wyatt Beougher on 01.28.2012

In the main event, Rashad Evans defeated Phil Davis via unanimous decision to earn a title shot at Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones! Elsewhere, Chael Sonnen defeated Michael Bisping via decision to earn a title shot at Anderson Silva’s Middleweight Title, Chris Weidman defeated Demian Maia via decision and much more! Check out 411’s complete UFC on FOX 2 report for all the details…



On tap for tonight is…

MAIN CARD (FOX, 8 pm EST)
Phil Davis (205) vs. Rashad Evans (205)
Michael Bisping (185) vs. Chael Sonnen (185)
Demian Maia (186) vs. Chris Weidman (185)

PRELIMINARY CARD (FuelTV, 5 pm EST)
Evan Dunham (155) vs. Nik Lentz (155)
John-Olav Einemo (253) vs. Mike Russow (251)
George Roop (145) vs. Cub Swanson (145)
Charles Oliveira (144) vs. Eric Wisely (145)
Michael Johnson (156) vs. Shane Roller (156)
Joey Beltran (228) vs. Lavar Johnson (252)
Chris Camozzi (185) vs. Dustin Jacoby (185)

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Hey 411 readers, welcome to 411's live coverage of the UFC's actual debut on FOX (since Dana said UFC on FOX 1 was more of a preview). Great night of fights on tap for tonight, and the fight I'm most looking forward to is the co-main event, although I'm hoping Phil Davis puts it on Rashad Evans for that Jerry Sandusky comment Evans made. If you're curious about the staff picks, you can find them here.

Also, 411 is now closing in on 11,000 total Twitter followers & Facebook Friends! Be sure to ADD US ON FACEBOOK and FOLLOW US ON TWITTER if you haven't done so already!

Also, the 411 MMA zone is embarking on a new adventure, Internet radio! Every Sunday at 11:00 AM EST Kuch, Jeff Harris, Pat Mullin, myself and the rest of the MMA zone will bring you all of the weekly highlights from the world of MMA. Now here's the fun part - WE WANT YOUR PARTICIPATION!

That's right, you are no longer confined to the 411 comments section to ask questions, insult the writers or vent your frustrations. We want YOU to call into the show with your questions and comments. However, if you are not the radio-caller-type then you can send your questions or comments to us in advanced and we will address them live on the show.

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INTRODUCTION:

We are live at the United Center, in Chicago, Illinois!

We get the fighting robots intro, followed by Michael Buffer yelling "It's Time!" Your preliminary hosts are Jay Glazer (ugh) and Kenny Florian, and we're sponsored by Bud Light (although this live coverage will be brought to you by Stoli Blueberi and Red Bull). And now we're to Mike and Joe (who will hopefully be joined by Randy "the Natural" Couture for the main card, so that I don't have to keep listening to these two alone all night).

FUEL TV PRELIMINARY FIGHTS

Heavyweight bout: Joey Beltran (13-6-0, 228 pounds) vs. Lavar Johnson (15-5-0, 252 pounds)

ROUND ONE: Johnson heavier than normal and Beltran lighter – be interesting to see how that factors into the outcome of this fight. Beltran won't touch hands and they jab, Johnson with a big body punch and Beltran down momentarily. They clinch against the cage, and Johnson lands two knees to Beltran's thighs. They trade some body shots and then separate, but Johnson presses Beltran against the cage momentarily before they break again. They're trading, and Johnson is landing some stiff jabs, but Beltran keeps coming forward. Johnson pushes Beltran against the cage again, lets him up, lands a kick to the thigh, and they trade on the feet again. Beltran is throwing punches, but Johnson is definitely landing more and better shots. Beltran keeps coming forward and throwing, but Johnson is landing almost at will. Johnson stuffs a shot and presses Beltran against the cage, only to let him go yet again. Johnson just keeps landing the jab, with Beltran winging the occasional overhand right. Beltran throwing jabs, but Johnson staying outside and using his reach. Johnson keeps dropping his hands, and he appears unconcerned with Beltran's power. They continue to trade on the feet, with Beltran swinging wildly and Johnson picking his shots. Johnson with a big right hand to the temple and a flurry of uppercuts to the jaw, and Beltran is out of his feet - the fight is stopped!

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Lavar Johnson, KO (Punches, 4:24, Rd 1)

Lightweight bout: Michael Johnson (10-6-0, 156 lbs) vs. Shane Roller (10-5-0, 156 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Touch of the gloves and we're off. Roller starts by feigning a left and throwing an overhand right, but Johnson avoids and counters with a straight right. Roller looks for a takedown, presses Johnson against the cage, but gets nowhere, so they break. Johnson throws two stiff lefts, but he doesn't land either one completely. Roller shoots, Johnson easily sprawls, and Johnson is the much faster fighter. Roller lands a couple of shots while avoiding Johnson's, and looks for another takedown, but Johnson again defends successfully. Knee to Johnson's midsection, Johnson turns Roller to the cage, and there's not a lot of action. Johnson hits Roller as they break and they trade wildly until Roller goes for a body lock and tries to drag Johnson down. Johnson ends up with Roller pressed against the fence, and Roller looks for a guillotine, but Johnson easily pops his head out. Thank you, Chicago mouthbreathers, for booing even the smallest lull in the action. Johnson with a double jab/kick combo, and he successfully avoids another shot and Johnson presses him against the fence again. Johnson throws an elbow to the body and they separate, and Johnson landing punches on the exit. Johnson with a left, and then another that misses, and they clinch. Roller lands a couple of punches as Johnson backs away and then he catches Johnson on the way in, only to eat a pair of punches and a knee a to the face from Johnson as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Johnson, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Johnson again backing Roller up early in the second, but Roller blocking everything Johnson throws. Johnson with a body lock and they're back against the cage again. Johnson throwing knees to the inside of Roller's thigh and an elbow to his face, and Roller pushes him off. Roller starting to find his timing, landing a nice left and a right. Johnson with the double underhooks and Roller catches him with a knee. Johnson pushes Roller against the cage again, and Roller looks for the guillotine, but Johnson gets free and breaks. Roller with another right, and Johnson with a glancing low leg kick. Roller shoots again, but Johnson sprawls and they end up against the cage again, with Roller again briefly looking for a guillotine, and we're back to the boos. Roller tried for a trip, but Johnson muscled him down, and now Johnson is in Roller's closed guard. Johnson throwing punches to the ribs and elbows to the head, and Roller is content to work from his back. Roller looking again for a half-hearted guillotine, and they get back to their feet and split. Johnson throws an uppercut and Roller counters with a right. Roller with a body lock and he looks for a takedown, but Johnson defends. Roller breathing heavily out of his mouth, and they separate. Roller keeps coming forward and they trade, with Johnson getting the better of it at the end of the exchange. Roller looking for a trip takedown, but Johnson defends, only for Roller to take his back standing. Johnson gets to the cage, and the round ends.

SCORECARD: Close round, but I'm going Johnson 10-9, 20-18 overall

ROUND THREE: Johnson wings a right, then a left and a kick. Johnson with a nice combination that was mostly blocked by Roller. Roller fakes a punch and looks for a takedown, and he finally gets Johnson to his knees and then takes his back. Shane is gets a leg body triangle, and he's teeing off on Johnson's head. Herb Dean warns him about punches to the back of the head, then restarts the fight in the same position. Roller throwing much slower so as not to hit the back of Johnson's head. Johnson tries to get up and Roller transitions into a choke attempt. Roller throwing punches to the side and looks for another choke, but Johnson defends well. Roller punching Johnson in his face now, and throwing to the ribs when Johnson covers up. Roller continuing to look for the choke, but Johnson keeps getting his arm in. Johnson showing tremendous composure and Roller lets go of the body lock and Johnson into his guard. Johnson throwing elbows as Roller looks for a triangle. Johnson lets him up and tries a flying front kick, but Johnson catches Roller in the groin and then follows it up with a shot to the face before Dean can halt the fight. Fight resumes and Roller misses an uppercut. They trade wildly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Roller, 10-9 (Johnson, 29-28 overall)

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Michael Johnson, Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)

Featherweight bout: Charles Oliveira (14-2-0, 1 nc, 144 lbs) vs. Eric Wisely (19-6-0, 145 lbs)

ROUND ONE: They look for range early, with Oliveira throwing leg kicks and Wisely throwing punches (and a kick). Wisely with a front kick to the side, then another kick attempt that Oliveira catches and he drags Wisely to his back on the canvas. Oliveira standing over Wisely and looking to pass his guard, only to drop down for a heel hook! Wisely turns it over and gets out, but Oliveira takes his back and Wisely has to tap! His leg was trapped in a very awkward angle, and Wisely was clearly in pain. One of the coolest submissions I've ever seen!

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Charles Oliveira, Submission (Calf Crusher, 1:43, Rd 1)

Apparently, that submission was a "Calf Crusher" (credit: Danny Downes). Excellent work in the scramble by Oliveira. Glazer and Florian recap the first hour's action – oh joy. Has Glazer never heard of a throat lozenge? Ariel Helwani interviews Lavar Johnson in the back. Johnson is the first Strikeforce heavyweight to debut in the UFC (Overeem was a free agent signee), but he doesn't think he's sending a message, just that the Strikeforce guys belong. Johnson credits Beltran for keeping going, and he'll fight anybody next. Florian explains the Calf Crusher (though they keep calling it a Calf Slicer, which is a different submission). They break down the Roop/Swanson fight, and we're back to the action.

Featherweight bout: George Roop (12-9-1, 145 lbs) vs. Cub Swanson (15-5-0, 145 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Swanson with an inside leg kick, but Roop keeps Swanson on the outside with his huge reach advantage. Swanson keeps pressing the action, but Roop looks to be hesitant, until Swanson attacks. Roop looking to catch Swanson as he comes in, landing an uppercut. Swanson with a nice leg kick, and Roop answers. Roop showing some aggression, missing a kick but then following it up with a punch-punch-kick combo that lands. Swanson keeps stocking Roop, tries a wheel kick, and he landing on Roop repeatedly. Roop counters nicely and they tie up against the fence. Roop spins and presses Swanson against the cage and Roop kicks him in the body and then throws a handful of punches that are blocked by Swanson. Roop with a combo that finishes with a leg kick and Swanson comes forward again, landing a nice straight right. Roop misses a leg kick and Swanson with another straight right. Roop tries for the takedown, but Swanson lands a nice throw and ends up in Roop's guard. Roop is missing his mouth piece, and after Swanson lets him up, McCarthy stops the action long enough to get Roop's mouthpiece back in (although he thought it was Swanson's, like Rogan and Goldie did). They exchange on the feet, and Swanson catches a kick and puts Roop on his back, but Roop throwing some nice leg kicks. Swanson lets Roop up as the first round ends.

SCORECARD: Swanson, 10-9 (based on the takedown and mostly equal striking)

ROUND TWO: Roop misses with the leg kick, and then lands a left. Roop with a three-punch combo that Swanson blocks, but Roop follows with a nice leg kick. Roop with a knee to the stomach that Swanson almost catches, and Swanson throws a punch as Roop gets away. Swanson keeps coming forward, landing a leg kick. Swanson covers up to get in close and looks for a trip, but Roop defends, so Swanson throws two knees to Roop's body, which Roop counters with a knee of his own. They break and Swanson throws a straight right to the body. Swanson continues to block the majority of Roop's offense. Roop with a kick to the hip. Swanson tries to slip a punch from Roop and land a pair of his own, but Roop avoids them. Swanson LEVELS Roop with a right hand (that again takes out Roop's mouthpiece) and stops, but the fight doesn't, so Swanson pounces and lands a flurry of punches on the ground and the fight is stopped!

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Cub Swanson, TKO (Punches, 2:22, Rd 2)

Heavyweight bout: John-Olav Einemo (6-2-0, 253 lbs) vs. Mike Russow (14-1-0, 1 nc, 251 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Einemo has a NASTY reach advantage (8"), but it'll be interesting to see if that has any effect on this fight, as it didn't help Roop much in the last fight. Russow getting the hero's welcome here in his hometown, and Herb Dean starts them off! Touch of the gloves, and Russow shoves him back against the cage and down to the canvas. They scramble a bit, and Russow ends up in Einemo's guard. Einemo works for a submission, but Russow stands up and lets him up. Russow immediately looks for another takedown, but Einemo avoids it and they break. Russow lands a few strikes and then looks for another takedown, but Einemo gets against the cage and stops the shot. They back to the center of the cage and break and Russow throws a punch and looks for a shot, but he's too far away and it goes nowhere. Russow keeps backing Einemo up, and Russow gets an underhook, only to eat a knee from Einemo, and then another. Russow answers with a knee of his own, and they break. Russow throwing leaping punches at the taller Einemo and he looks for another single, which works, but Russow is left standing over Einemo, who throws an upkick. Russow drops into half-guard, but Einemo goes into full guard. Russow looks to pass guard, but Einemo keeps him in full guard and throws some punches from the bottom. Einemo looks for a kimura, but Russow gets his arm free. Russow not going a lot, while Einemo keeps working, so Russow stands up. Einemo tries to kick his leg out, but Russow tries to dive back down, only to again get caught in Einemo's guard. Einemo controlling the posture of Russow well, but Russow still getting a few small punches in. Einemo sweeps into full mount, but before he can do any damage, the round ends.

SCORECARD: Russow, 10-9 (barely)

ROUND TWO: Einemo with a nice lead left, and they trade a few punches before Russow takes him down with a single leg. Einemo looks for a guillotine, but Russow gets free and ends up again in Einemo's guard. Russow stands up, but Einemo is controlling him, and he drops back into guard. Russow landing a few punches to the ribs and elbows to the chest and head. Einemo looks for a triangle, but Russow easily escapes and he's standing back over Einemo again. Einemo kicking Russow's leg to keep Russow at a distance, and Russow drops into half guard again. Russow trying to pass, but Einemo defends well. Russow stands back up and kicks Einemo, then avoids an upkick and drops back into guard. Russow steps into half-guard, but he ends up back in full guard. Russow again stands, but Einemo ties up Russow's hands. Russow drops an elbow as he drops back into guard, and he follows up with a couple of punches to the face. Russow trying to posture up, but Einemo keeps him tied up. Dean warns Russow to work and Russow throws a couple of punches. Einemo throws a punch, and Herb Dean stands them up. Russow is clearly winded and he shoots again. Einemo looks for an arm, but Russow gets free and back into guard. Einemo's nose is bleeding and Russow helps him up as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Touch of the gloves, and both guys look pretty winded. Russow throws a punch and eats one in return. Russow checks a high kick, but eats a knee to the body. Russow tries for the takedown, but Einemo keeps it standing. They clinch and break, with Einemo landing a nice punch and two nice knees as Russow tries to put him down again. He does, but Einemo has Russow in position for a triangle, but as he actively goes for it, Russow stands up. Russow drops back down and now Einemo falls to his back. Russow stands over him and kicks him, then drops in half-guard. Einemo gets Russow back into full guard and has Russow in a compromising position, but he's too tired to capitalize. Russow is just smothering Einemo now, and it's clearly showing. Einemo throwing weak punches, but Russow counters with some punches of his own. Herb Dean stands them up and the crowd boos. Einemo comes forward with a punch and a knee, but Russow keeps coming, catches a knee, and takes Einemo down again. Einemo is punching Russow repeatedly in the head, but Russow stands up again. Russow drops back down into full guard and looks content to smother Einemo again. He does try to pass, but Einemo defends, so Russow stands back up. Russow tries to throw Einemo's legs aside, but he ends up back on his feet over Einemo as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Russow, 10-9, 30-27 overall

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

I can see that first round going to Einemo, definitely. I gave it Russow based on the nearly-even striking and the takedown. Einemo did have the sweep at the end of the round, which probably "stole" him the round.

Lightweight bout: Evan Dunham (12-2-0, 155 lbs) vs. Nik Lentz (23-4-2, 1 nc, 155 lbs)

ROUND ONE: Dunham with a kick, Lentz with a punch, and then Dunham with a one-two of his own. Lentz with a high kick but he eats a right hook. Lentz with an inside leg kick and he throws Dunham to the ground and locks in a front head lock. Back to their feet and they separate, with Lentz throwing a leg kick and eating a punch as Dunham counters. Lentz ducks a punch and counters and looks for a tie-up, but they separate and Dunham throws a punch and a kick to the Lentz' shoulder. Lentz with a kick of his own, and they trade, with Lentz getting another takedown. Dunham gets back to his feet in a front headlock, and he tries to separate Lentz' hands. Dunham gets his head free and eats a knee to the process and they trade as they break. Lentz with a nice body kick and he chases Dunham away from the cage. Dunham blocks a head kick and then defends a shot, locking in a guillotine. Lentz gets the fight to the ground and looks for a guillotine, but Dunham reverses and they get back to their feet. Dunham with a pair of elbows in close, and Dunham looks for, and gets, a takedown of his own. Lentz is pulling his left leg up for an omoplata, but Dunham frees himself, punches Lentz, and then Lentz regains posture control, throwing an elbow to the side of Dunham's head to boot. Dunham gets to his feet and lands a pair of punches as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Lentz, 10-9, but it could've gone either way

ROUND TWO: Dunham comes charging out, tags Lentz, slips a punch, and takes Lentz down. Lentz looks for the omoplata again, but again Dunham frees himself and gets to side control. Lentz gets Dunham back into half-guard, and Dunham stands up and drops back down into full guard with a punch. They scramble, and Dunham ends up in full guard again before they stand up. Lentz with some dirty boxing, but Dunham throwing punches of his own. Lentz throws a nice leg kick, and Dunham keeps pawing at him with punches. They trade, and Lentz looks for a takedown. Dunham locks in a front headlock, lets it go, and they trade punches. Both guys landed several shots, but I think Dunham came out ahead. He takes Lentz back down and lands a few punches as Lentz works for a submission. Dunham continues to land ground and pound, and then he looks for a choke, only to let it go and drop a wicked elbow. Dunham is in side control but Lentz gets him back to half-guard, although he was eating punches in the process. Lentz bleeding from the nose and below his eye, and Dunham tees off some more as Lentz gets to his feet. Lentz looks for a takedown, but eats a big knee for his troubles, and they're trading on the feet again. Lentz looks for another takedown, but Dunham defends and they end up against the cage as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Dunham, 10-9 (19-19 overall)

The cageside doctors stop the fight on account of the NASTY cut under Lentz' eye, so Dunham picks up the win. It's a shame too, as this was definitely an awesome fight.

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Evan Dunham, TKO (Doctor's stoppage, 5:00, Rd 2)

For those interested, before the FuelTV broadcast started, Chris Camozzi submitted Dustin Jacoby with a guillotine 68 seconds into the third round of their fight. All the more impressive, considering Camozzi revealed after the fight that he had dislocated his finger in the second round of the fight. So heading into the main card, I'm 5-2 in my predictions…not too bad of a night thus far. And now it's time for Dana and Joe to yell and hype up the PPV…wait, what? Kenny and Glazer recapping? I WANT MY DANA/JOE YELLING! Oh, c'mon – Ariel and Urijah? "Everybody wants to see that fight with Anderson…" Nobody wants to see you fight Cruz again, though, Faber. Get off my television. Oh, hooray, we're pimping TUF. I'm actually looking forward to it, but Faber isn't one of the reasons why.

Bisping comes to the arena in a suit, because his sports shrink recommended it...Sonnen took a nap. Ariel says Chael took a nap…because he's nervous? Okay…Can we get Samer Kadi to do the breakdowns instead of Ariel? Evans in his championship singlet to make a point to Rashad, who was never a collegiate champion. I have to admit, Glazer wasn't as annoying as I expected he would be, as he didn't offer any stupid opinions and let Kenny do the breakdowns and recaps. I'd watch those guys again, something I never thought I'd say about Jay Glazer.

FOX MAIN CARD MATCHES

Actual FOX disclaimer – "Warning: the following might be the most exciting live event you'll ever see, so it's our duty to say: viewer discretion advised". Awesome. Nice little intro too, hyping up just how good all six main card guys are. Same intro as the prelims, only with the FOX logo instead. Aw, man, Randy's just hosting with Bones and McMenafee? I was hoping he'd do commentary with Goldie and Rogan. They confirm that if Rashad wins, he'll fight Bones at UFC 145 in Atlanta in April. Bones says he hopes Rashad wins so that he can end that chapter of his life. Bones clearly reading from his notes as he puts Davis over. They show the official UFC middleweight rankings, with Sonnen at #2, Bisping at #5, Maia at #7, and Weidman at #10. The winner of Bisping/Sonnen will fight Anderson Silva in Brazil in the summer. Discussion turns to Sonnen fighting Bisping with seven days' notice after Munoz' injury, and how that could either benefit Sonnen or cost him, and also about Weidman stepping up to fight Maia on a week's notice. We head to commercial, and it's time for the fights!

Middleweight bout: Demian Maia (15-3-0, 186 pounds) vs. Chris Weidman (7-0-0, 185 pounds)

ROUND ONE: Weidman extremely confident, but if he's overconfident about his submission game, it'll cost him. Sure, he's competed in ADCC, but Maia is a BAD dude when it comes to BJJ. Weidman with a big reach advantage, I'd look for him to use that. If he wants to win, he needs to employ the Munoz strategy and hit Maia whenever he looks to take it to the ground. Touch of the gloves, and we're off! Maia swings and misses, but Weidman keeping his distance to start. Weidman with a kick that misses badly, and he rushes Maia, hits him, and Maia slips. Back to the feet, and Weidman is staying in the pocket with short punches while Maia swings wildly. Maia with a knee, and Weidman landing punches. Maia with a nice punch and they trade, with Maia coming out of the exchange with a knee. Weidman with an inside leg kick, and Maia answers with a kick to the body. Weidman whiffs on a Superman punch and Maia answers with a good left hand. Weidman alternating with jabs and straight rights, and he presses Maia and eats a punch for his troubles. Weidman with a waistlock, but Maia escapes. They continue to trade on the fight, with Weidman landing the better strikes. Weidman catches a kick and counters with his own. Weidman with good head movement and he throws a combination. Weidman throws a combo and lands a double-leg takedown, but Maia gets back to his feet and Maia throws a head kick, but slips, and Weidman pounces. Back to the feet, and Weidman with a big left. They trade knees in the clinch and Weidman with another nice combination. Weidman's hands are down, and he paws at Maia a couple of times as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Weidman, 10-9

ROUND TWO: Touch of the gloves and Weidman avoids a left from Maia and lands a couple of punches of his own, then trips Maia down from a waistlock. They get back to their feet, and Weidman looks for another takedown, but Maia defends and we're back to the feet. They separate and Weidman throws a couple of jabs. Weidman catches another kick and counters with his own again. Maia appears to have some swelling under his right eye from Weidman's jab. Weidman with a punch to the body and then a couple of shots to the head. Weidman misses a jab, but Maia barely throwing, and when he does, Weidman blocks it. Weidman leading with the jabs and throws a big right. Weidman using head movement to avoid the worst of Maia's offense and countering with his own. Weidman with a clinch and they trade knees, then break. Maia looks for an overhand left that goes nowhere and he follows it up with a glancing left straight. Weidman looking now like he took the fight on 11 days' notice, as he's breathing out of his mouth and not doing a lot. Kicks by Weidman, first to the leg and then to the head. Right hand by Weidman and he looks for a takedown. Maia fights it, but Weidman keeps driving until they're back to the fence, but Maia gets free. Maia with a knee and a kick, then another knee. Weidman moving his head and he checks a head kick, but eats another knee. Weidman with another nice takedown, and Maia throws some weak punches to the head. Maia tries to get up and Weidman tries to take his back. Weidman looks for a guillotine as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Both men hesitant to start, Weidman looks for a body lock, but it goes nowhere, and Maia kicks his thigh. Weidman suffering from his weight cut, as I mentioned in the last round, but he still gets Maia down again. Maia with posture and wrist control, but Weidman throwing punches to the Maia's ribs. Weidman passes to half-guard and almost to mount, but Maia pushes him off and we're back to the feet. Weidman looks for the takedown, Maia stuffs it and goes for his own, but Weidman defends, so Maia makes him eat a couple of nice punches. Maia looks for another takedown, but Weidman grabs a front headlock. Maia with a knee and Weidman manages to stuff another takedown and looks to take Maia's back, but opts to let him up instead. Weidman is DRAINED here, and it could cost him. Maia pawing with the jab, and the fans are starting to boo as this fight is looking ugly. They're throwing half-speed strikes now, and it's hard to believe that this is the same fight as what went down in the first round. They're basically holding one another up at this point, and they're throwing wildly but neither man is really effectively striking. Maia lands a couple of nice knees and they're back to weak striking from the outside. Maia with a right hand/knee combination and they separate again. Weidman with a sloppy jab and Maia's right eye is now bleeding. They're still throwing punches, but there's no way there's going to be a knockout in this fight. Weidman with a knee and a head kick that will probably win him the round as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Weidman, 10-9, 30-27 overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Chris Weidman, by Split Decision (29-28x2, 28-29)

I can see Maia winning that third round, but both guys were so lethargic I had a hard time scoring it. Not Weidman's best fight, but hopefully he gets a full camp for his next weight cut so that he isn't so drained. And now for my main event. Sonnen: "I'm like a disclaimer on a pack of cigarettes – fighting Chael Sonnen may be hazardous to your health." Dude is GOLD, Jerry, GOLD.

Middleweight Title Eliminator bout: Chael Sonnen (27-11-1, 185 pounds) vs. Michael Bisping (23-3-0, 185 pounds)


ROUND ONE: Sonnen comes out to "I Ain't Never Had Too Much Fun". Tremendous stuff. As always, I'll do my best to keep my Sonnen bias to a minimum. Bisping getting some serious boos here, and Chael with cheers that rivaled hometown boy Russow's. I can only imagine how crazy the crowd would've been if he'd been able to have CM Punk in his corner. Big John is the referee and they touch gloves and we're underway. Sonnen takes the center of the Octagon, avoids a punch from Bisping and puts Bisping on his butt against the cage. Sonnen with a couple of strikes but Bisping gets back to his feet. He appears to get poked in the eye, but Sonnen stays on him and Sonnen is the aggressor, keeping the distance close to minimize Bisping's striking. Sonnen with a trip takedown and Bisping creates space, but Sonnen grabs his leg and keeps him from getting up. Bisping to his feet, but Sonnen keeps him pressed against the cage. Bisping turns Sonnen against the cage and throws a knee and eats one in return. Bisping looks for a takedown and gets nothing and Sonnen presses him against the fence again. They trade pretty wildly, but Sonnen presses him against the cage again. Bisping turns it again and knees Sonnen in the ribs. Bisping with a punch to the face and one to the ribs. Sonnen with a knee and they separate. Sonnen throws and backs off, avoiding a kick from Bisping. Chael looks for the takedown but Bisping defends and he's grabbing Chael's trunks and gets a warning. Bisping presses Chael against the fence again and they trade knees. Bisping with another knee and Chael presses him off and throws a few wild punches. They trade, and Bisping lands the better strikes. Bisping ends up with Sonnen against the fence again and he throws another knee and a couple of punches to the body. They separate again and trade as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Bisping, 10-9

ROUND TWO: They show Brittany Palmer even after the round has started. Sigh. They trade on the feet, with Sonnen as the aggressor but Bisping landing better shots. Sonnen presses Bisping against the fence, but Bisping reverses again. Sonnen landing punches to Bisping's head and knees to his body, while Bisping looks content to hold Chael against the cage. Bisping throwing a couple of strikes, including a nice uppercut. McCarthy breaks them up and Chael throwing some leather. Chael looks for the takedown and he gets it. Chael into Bisping's guard and he's opened a cut under Bisping's eye. Sonnen keeps pulling Bisping's leg off of his hip and punching him in the face, but Sonnen lets him up and knees him in the face. They trade on the feet and Bisping presses Chael against the cage. Bisping with a knee to the body and they trade punches against the cage. Bisping looks for a takedown that goes nowhere, and they end up back against the cage. They again trade punches and knees, but Bisping is landing the better punches. They separate and Chael lands a nice uppercut, only to eat a knee. They trade wildly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Close round, and as much as it pains me, I have to give it to Bisping, 10-9 (20-18 overall)

ROUND THREE: Chael needs a finish here. Touch of the gloves and Sonnen with a nice left. He slips Bisping's punch and puts the Brit on the canvas. Sonnen working from guard, using ground and pound to the face and ribs. Sonnen content to stay in guard, but then he looks for half-guard and has to stand. Sonnen drops back into full guard and works the ground and pound again. Bisping tries to buck him into an armbar, but Sonnen stands up and Sonnen takes his back standing. Bisping throws a punch over his shoulder and Sonnen gets one hook in and then another. Bisping defending well, and Sonnen tapping him in the face. Sonnen to mount! Sonnen teeing off on Bisping's ribs and Bisping countering with some weak punches to Sonnen's head. Sonnen with the shoulder shots also. Bisping hip escapes into full guard, but Sonnen quickly back into half-guard. Sonnen looking to isolate Bisping's right arm, and Bisping throwing from the bottom. Sonnen with the ground and pound but Bisping controlling his arm well. Bisping scoots to the cage and tries to get up, but Sonnen hangs on and keeps him on the canvas. Sonnen pressing Bisping against the cage as they get to their feet, but Bisping turns it around and gets a takedown. Bisping throws elbows as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Sonnen, 10-9, (Bisping, 29-28 overall)

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Chael Sonnen, Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

I have never been more glad to be wrong about a decision. And now it's time for the best part of the show. Sonnen is GOLD. I'm not even going to recap it – if you're not watching it, FIND IT. NOW. You owe it to yourself. Nice video package for Condit/Diaz, which should be an awesome fight. As always, I'll be rooting against a Diaz, because they're classless tools, but it should be a good fight nonetheless. Did Rogan really just say "they're at the top of the pound-for-pound list, as far as the 170-pounders go"? Yes, he did. Ladies and gentleman, this guy gets paid to commentate on MMA. And, for the record, although it has no outcome on the fight, Penn State wrestling easily > Michigan State wrestling. Look at record books if you don't believe me.

Going into the main event, I'm 7-2 in my predictions (although the methods of victory have been mostly wrong) - will my prediction of Phil Davis in the upset come back to bite me in the butt? Nice video package here about Rashad's motivation, about being away from his family and his brother leaving for Afghanistan, but I don't think guys are "gunning for him" - they're gunning for Bones. Bones and Randy giving their respect for former TUF competitor Lance Evans, who is serving our country. Davis comes out to "All of the Lights", giving him both my Penn State and Kanye biases for this fight.

Light heavyweight bout: Rashad Evans (21-1-1, 205 pounds) vs. Phil Davis (9-0-0, 205 pounds)

ROUND ONE: UFC's got some overrun allowed, as we've got 15 minutes of time left and potentially 29 minutes until the fight itself is over. Davis throwing, looking to find range, but Rashad keeps his distance. Rashad rushes in but Davis avoids. Davis with a leg kick, then a punch that misses and a head kick that glances. Rashad looks for a punch, but he doesn't do much damage, as Davis is using his length to keep Rashad on the outside. Davis with a Superman punch and a kick, but he slips and Rashad with a body lock. They break and Rashad looks for a punch, only to have Davis duck it and look for the takedown. Rashad defends and gets a front headlock, but Davis gets up and eats a glancing punch as he escapes. Davis with an inside leg kick and they circle again. Rashad with a nice combination to counter a punch from Davis, but Davis blocks most of them. Davis with a Superman punch and a shot, but Evans defends well again. Davis presses Rashad against the cage, they separate, and Davis throws a head kick and follows it up with punches. Evans catches a kick and puts Davis on the mat. Evans into half-guard and he wants to move into crucifix but Davis defends well and controls Evans' posture. Davis controlling Evans' posture, but Evans gets to side control and then into mounted crucifix. Rashad teeing off, but Davis bucking and he gets Evans back into side control. Davis turns and Evans holds him down until the round ends.

SCORECARD: Evans, 10-9 (close round, though)

ROUND TWO: Davis throwing to start, but Evans avoids, including another head kick. Evans with a nice combination that glances Davis. Davis lands a shot, slips Evans' counter punch, and lands a knee to the body. Davis eats a punch as he kicks Rashad's thigh. Davis with some nice combinations, but Rashad is checking most of them. Davis with a kick to the body. Davis with an over-under after slipping a punch and he presses Evans against the cage. Evans pushes back, they separate, and Davis throws another kick. Evans looks for a waistlock and presses Davis against the cage, but Davis counters with a knee to the body. Evans punches Davis' arms, and Davis with a kick. They trade, with Davis landing more punches (albeit wild ones), and Rashad choosing his shots. Davis keeps slipping slightly, and they trade punches, with Rashad landing a nice combination. They knee each other's knees, and Davis comes forward throwing, only to get pressed against the cage by Evans. They separate and Evans catches another body kick. Evans moves into side control again and again into the mounted crucifix with around 15 seconds left. Evans punches Davis in the face as the round ends.

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

ROUND THREE: Davis with a Superman punch that misses and he avoids Evan's counter. Davis continuing to throw kicks, even though Evans took him down twice by catching them, which likely cost him the first two rounds. Davis looks for the single, but Evans sprawls, punches, and locks in a front headlock. Davis looks for another single, but Evans defends, eventually sitting down on Davis. Davis pops his head loose and he punches Evans in the body. Evans tries to get up, but Davis holds his foot and won't let him up. Davis looks to take Evans' back, but Rashad counters into Davis' guard and tees off on Davis' face. Evans gets both hooks in when Davis tries to turn, but Davis gets back to his feet. Evans presses Davis against the cage, but eats a knee for his trouble. Davis with another knee, but Evans lands a nice punch and an uppercut. Davis drops down for another punch, but Evans easily avoids it and punches Davis in the face. Evans presses Davis against the fence and lands a nice combination. They separate and trade, with Davis landing a knee and then taking Evans down. Davis into full guard, but Rashad scrambles to his feet, albeit in a waistlock by Davis. Davis kneeing Evans' thigh repeatedly as Evans turns to the fence, but Evans lands a few short punches to Davis' face. Davis continues to knee Evans, but Evans turns Davis to the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Davis, 10-9 (narrowly, 29-28 overall)

ROUND FOUR: Both guys look a little flat-footed as the round starts, but they trade some punches nonetheless. Davis with a kick, and neither man looks committed as they strike. Davis with another kick to the body. Davis swinging wildly, but Evans countering nicely with jabs. Davis with a nice combination, and Rashad counters. Evans with a jab and then jumps in with another one. Evans with a combination, and he's pretty much jabbing Davis at will. Davis finally starts moving his head, but Evans catches another kick and Rashad ends up with a front headlock. Davis drops a hand to avoid knees, but Rashad gets behind him. They scramble and end up in the clinch. Davis throws some knees, but Evans mostly blocks him. They separate and Davis avoids a jab. Davis with a jab of his own and he looks for a shot. Evans defends, but Davis gives a second effort, only to get stuffed again. Evans gets behind Davis and lands a nice uppercut. Rashad takes Davis' back standing and throws another uppercut as Davis turns. Davis with an uppercut of his own. Evans with a knee that is blocked and Davis sprawls and they separate. Davis throws a kick that is blocked, and Evans lands a counter punch. Davis throws another jab and a nice right hand counter. Evans throws wildly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Hard to call, but I'm going 10-9 Evans (39-37 overall)

ROUND FIVE: Davis breathing out of his mouth here, and Evans looks winded, but Evans is still avoiding or checking the worst of Davis' strikes and landing some nice counters of his own. Davis landing leg kicks, but not much else. Kick to the ribs, but Evans again catches it and lands some nice punches to put Davis on the mat. Davis has a bloody cut on his shin, and Rashad is just smothering him right now, trying to flatten him out. Evans looks to pass Davis' guard, but Evans is defending. Evans now has mounted crucifix again, and Davis gives up his back, although Davis manages to get a leg in again. Davis gets back to his feet and Rashad holds on, but they separate, with Evans landing a nice right as Davis backs away. Davis throwing without a lot of commitment, and Evans makes him pay with some nice punches. Davis shoots, Rashad defends, and they end up pressed against the cage. They separate again, and Davis throws a head kick that misses, and follows it up with a Superman punch that also misses. Evans throwing some combinations that glance or miss, and Davis lands a nice right hand. Davis with another head kick but Evans with another nice combination. They clinch and break and Evans continues to punch away at Davis as the round ends.

SCORECARD: Evans, 10-9 (49-46 overall)

Jones has said he wouldn't get into the cage post-fight – let's see if he's a man of his word…

OFFICIAL RESULT: WINNER – Rashad Evans, Unanimous Decision (50-45x3)

And that's it for tonight! The prelims were pretty good (minus the third round of the Russow/Einemo fight), but the main card (minus the main event) left a lot to be desired, likely due to Weidman's and Sonnen's weight cuts. At any rate, Sonnen will face Silva and Evans will face Jones. Randy says Davis looked intimidated, and Bones says he's excited to fight Evans. Anyway, thanks for joining me for tonight and let us know what you thought of the show (and my coverage) in the comments, I'll see you on Tuesday for Five Quick Rounds, and remember 411MMA for all your MMA needs!