LAS VEGAS – MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC 155 event.
The event, which features UFC heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez, takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) for the preliminary card and 10 p.m. ET for the main card.
To discuss tonight’s show, be sure to check out our UFC 155 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters John Morgan (@MMAjunkieJohn) and Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
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CHRIS CARIASO VS. JOHN MORAGA
Round 1 – Chris Tognoni is the ref for our first fight of the night in front of a typically sparse opening-bout crowd here in Vegas. The flyweights circle each other to start, and Cariaso finally throws a leg kick. Then a high kick is blocked by Moraga, and he tries to counter with a left. Cariaso again misses up high with a left kick, then windmills with a right. A body kick lands, but Moraga catches it and uses it to push him briefly to the canvas. Moraga kicks over the top, just missing and slipping. But back up, he lands a takedown – but goes right back to the feet. Cariaso again comes up high with a kick, and it’s partially blocked halfway through the frame. Moraga tries a body punch, but it’s not there and Cariaso ties things up for a moment. But Moraga pushes him to the cage and the two trade knees on the fence. They break and get back to the center, and again Cariaso looks for those left kicks, going up high and then to the body a couple of times. He lands another body kick, then again – and each time it looks as if Moraga is trying to time them to land his own offense on the counter. Finally he lands a nice left hook. Cariaso lands a right, and then a pair of body kicks. The near constant barrage of kicks for Cariaso give him a 10-9 round on the MMAjunkie.com unofficial scorecard.
Round 2 – Moraga takes the center early, but Cariaso again comes with the kicks. He tries a combination, and Moraga looks to go to the body. Moraga tries a high kick that is blocked, and Cariaso returns fire. Cariaso ducks under a Moraga punch before the two tie up along the cage. Moraga pushes Cariaso to the cage, then comes over the top with an elbow, follows it with a knee, and the two briefly try to slug it out. Cariaso tries to get inside, but Moraga shoves him off for the moment. Another body kick for Cariaso lands, but Moraga hits a couple good counters. The two trade kicks in the middle, and Cariaso again moves forward and lands a leg kick. After a short flurry on the feet, Moraga takes Cariaso and literally throws him to the ground. He looks for a way to get in, but Cariaso gets back to his feet with a minute left in the frame. With 20 seconds left, Cariaso lands a takedown and looks for elbows from the top as the round closes out. It’s another 10-9 round for Cariaso on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 3 – High kick from Cariaso is partially blocked, but Moraga returns fire and lands some nice counters. He again has to block a kick up high, but he seems to show a lot of urgency here in the third round. He ties Cariaso up against the cage and looks for a front head lock. He’s got it, and he’s going to look for a choke. He bends Cariaso’s neck forward, and he’s got it. Tognoni looks in, and Cariaso has to tap from a guillotine. John Moraga def. Chris Cariaso via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 3, 1:11
Check out John Moraga vs. Chris Cariaso fight photos
LEONARD GARCIA VS. MAX HOLLOWAY
Round 1 – Kim Winslow officiates what is a big fight for Garcia. They touch gloves and get going. High kick from Garcia misses, and Holloway looks for a couple teeps. Good outside leg kick from Garcia. Garcia tries a 1-2, then a high kick is far enough off the mark. Garcia eats a body kick, but lands a nice punch. But Holloway clips Garcia and drops him to the ground. Garcia is up quickly, though, and might now be in the brawl that he’s so accustomed to after 90 seconds of staying composed. Nice leg kick to the outside from Holloway, but Garcia tries to come inside and clinch up, then he comes forward a little wildly. He lands a straight left. Garcia with a couple nice punches to the body, then the head, and he lands a big right hand that have Holloway a little wobbly. Nice combo from Garcia comes shortly after it, but Holloway lands a spinning back kick in the center of the cage. With 50 seconds left, the two trade a couple haymakers, then jabs. Another spinning back kick lands for Holloway. Garcia lands some good shots in the clinch down the stretch, and they may be enough to get him the round. He’ll get a very close one on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.
Round 2 – The two slap hands to start the second after a fun first. Holloway looks for the spinning back kick again, but it’s not as on target as it was a couple times in the first. Holloway lands the majority of offense through the first minute, and he lands some nice combos of leg kicks followed by punches. The two trade kicks in the center, and after eating a jab, Garcia winds up for a big counter. Garcia moves in for a takedown and eats a knee, but Garcia gets the takedown along the cage. Holloway, though quickly is back to his feet and Garcia keeps him pressed against the wall. Holloway counters a Garcia leg kick with a couple punches and then a right elbow on the inside. Garcia is swinging a little more wildly like we’re used to now, and he eats a couple. He eats a jab, but lands a nice punch over the top. But Holloway answers back. Then a left hand lands for Garcia. It’s a back-and-forth second round, but MMAjunkie.com will give it to Holloway 10-9.
Round 3 – The fight could hang in the balance here, and the two start trading in the center. Good knee from Holloway lands right to the midsection. But Garcia keeps firing over the top. Holloway lands shots of his own, as he has been all fight, and a missed spinning back fist from Garcia is answered with a spinning back kick from Holloway. Garcia, though, lands a body punch and then another. It’s Garcia pushing forward and swinging for the fences. The crowd loves it as the two trade. Halfway through, Garcia tries a takedown attempt and gets it. Holloway tries for a kimura, but he can’t hold it. Garcia looks for some kind of offense from Holloway’s guard, but Holloway is back up with 1:45 left. The two trade leg kicks, and Holloway lands a nice left hand. But Garcia just walks through it and throws bombs. Holloway eventually bullies him to the cage, but it’s short-lived and with 30 seconds left we’ll stay swinging. Holloway throws a wild kick, but Garcia gets the fight to the ground and then lands a slam as the horn sounds. It’s a great fight and a great finish. MMAjunkie.com sees the third for Garcia 10-9, but close, and the fight for him 29-28. Max Holloway def. Leonard Garcia via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Check out Max Holloway vs. Leonard Garcia fight photos
PHILIP DE FRIES VS. TODD DUFFEE
Round 1 – Yves Lavigne is in the middle, and Duffee comes forward early. After some Duffee offense, De Fries drops down and gets Duffee to the ground. As Duffee tries to return to his feet, De Fries controls his leg and lands a bunch of right hands. Duffee survives it, but De Fries still controls things on the fence for the time being. When they break, Duffee goes back to swinging. And he’s landing combinations, and big ones. De Fries is stunned, then hurt badly, and he goes to the canvas. Duffee keeps pouring it on. It was a left, then a right and a left uppercut to do the big damage that ends the fight. Todd Duffee def. Philip De Fries via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:04
Check out Todd Duffee vs. Philip De Fries fight photos
MYLES JURY VS. MICHAEL JOHNSON
Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean in the cage for this lightweight fight as the action shifts to FX. Low kicks traded to start as Johnson takes the center. Jury circling on the outside and feeling the distance. Johnson quick early and working several low kicks. Crowd booing a bit as the pair looks for openings, but both look ready to explode. High kick from Jury blocked. He ducks in on a takedown and wraps the waist, taking the fight to the floor. Jury tries to move to mount as Johnson rolls. Jury nearly takes the back, but Johnson spins back in to keep his opponent on top. Jury looks to isolate the arm. As Johnson turns, Jury starts unleashing punches. Left hands land over and over. A few elbows come in, too, but Dean feels he’s fine and allows him to fight. Jury lets off the punches and looks to re-establish the position. He’s in a high half-guard, nearly side control, and Jury unleashes more punches. Final minute, and Jury looks to snatch the right arm for a kimura. It’s not there, but Jury moves into side control and postured for big elbows. Full mount and more punches. Jury latches on to a choke in the final seconds, but Johnson survives. Still, it’s Jury’s round, 10-9. Judges might even see a 10-8.
Round 2 – Johnson looks fresh despite losing the first. Southpaw Johnson looking to jab, but Jury staying away. Crowd again restless as they want instant action. Johnson delivers a left to the body, but he doesn’t look entirely comfortable. Jury circling again on the outside. Jury looks for a takedown, but Johnson sniffs it out and stops the shot. Jury slaps the leg from outside and then catches a kick and uses a single-leg to take the fight again to the floor. Jury postures and looks to strike, but Johnson does well tying things up underneath. Jury stands, but Johnson controls the wrist and prevents any offense. Jury controlling the positioning well, but he’s not doing much in terms of damage. Final minute. Johnson staying flat on his back and has not really threatened with a sweep. Elbows for Jury from top, and the round ends. MMAjunkie.com again gives it to Jury, 10-9.
Round 3 – Johnson fires a big left to open. He needs something big, and he’s trying to deliver. Jury tries to time another kick and work for a takedown. Johnson defends well and backs up to the cage, but Jury scores a slick trip and the fight is again on the floor. Johnson holds half-guard below, but Jury quickly transitions out to side control. Jury is just dominating on the floor. Johnson regains half-guard, but he doesn’t seem to be working to return to his feet. Jury transitions to the opposite side of his opponent and sinks in one hook. Johnson tries to get flat to his back and prevent giving up a choke opportunity. Jury is fine with that and just rides things out from the top with superior positioning and the occasional punch to the face. Johnson not taking a ton of damage, but he is also being absolutely smothered on the floor. Final minute, and Jury adds in a few elbows to his punching routine. Johnson briefly sits up against the cage, but he won’t get back to his feet until the final seconds of the fight. Round ends, and MMAjunkie.com gives it again to Johnson, 10-9, giving him the fight 30-27. Myles Jury def. Michael Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Check out Myles Jury vs. Michael Johnson fight photos
MELVIN GUILLARD VS. JAMIE VARNER
Round 1 – Referee Chris Tognoni in the cage for what should be a fantastic lightweight prelim. Touch of gloves to open. Early low kick from Guillard, who looks fairly patient to start. More snapping low kicks. Varner moves in with a flurry that’s blocked, and he pulls away avoiding danger. Boos come in as Guillard ins’t rushing anything. Varner patient, too, and he does land a crisp right hand. Two minutes in. Guillard rushes in briefly, but Varner retreats. Guillard kicks have been the best work so far, and he lands another to the lead thigh. Another scores. Varner holding he center, but he can’t find his range early on. Guillard continues to chop the leg and circle on the outside. Varner drives in for a takedown, but Guillard stands him up. Final minute. Guillard continues to take the leg, but Varner is starting to answer back with his hands. Flurry sees Guillard hit the deck, but he pops back up. Varner stays on him and tries to sink in a choke in the final seconds. He can’t get it in time, but MMAjunkie.com thinks Varner stole it late, 10-9.
Round 2 – Guillard looks to get his hands going early, and he returns to the leg kick, as well. Varner drives through it and brings the fight to the floor. Guillard scrambles up and Varner leaps the back, but he’s too high and falls off. As he scrambles, Guillard lands a crisp knee, but Varner shakes it off and resets in the center. Low kick from Guillard followed by a high kick that scores. Jabs scores shortly after. Varner hanging in there, but those were some slick strikes from Guillard. Varner holding the center, but he eats an uppercut. Varner starting to really release his hands, but Guillard moving well. Halfway in, and Varner uses a takedown to change things up. Guillard trying to walk up the cage. He does, and Varner pulls away. Crisp left hook from Guillard on the restart. Another kick to the leg. Guillard looks extremely relaxed as time wins down. Varner leaps in with a right that scores. Traded kick, and Varner lands low. Guillard drops to his knees. He pops up quickly, and they restart. Guillard works the legs again. Varner pushing forward as the round ends, but MMAjunkie.com sees it for Guillard, 10-9.
Round 3 – Leaping knee to open from Guillard. Varner avoids damage and tries to shoot, but Guillard backs away. Varner lands two punches and moves in for another takedown. Guillard falls to his butt. Varner stay tight and lands a few punches. He tries to secure the neck and drops for a submission, but he slips off and Guillard takes top position. Varner scrambles up and takes a knee as he leaves, but he shoots in again quickly and brings the fight again to the floor. Guillard with an open guard underneath. Guillard spins and nearly gives up the back as he works up the feet. Once there, Varner slips a strike and again brings the fight to the floor with less than two minutes. Guillard in guard. He spins quickly for an armbar. Varner pulls away, but Guillard takes the top. Varner tries to scramble up. Guillard waiting to deliver a knee, but Varner is kneeling. In a super-slick transition, Varner ducks and slips away, pushing Guillard down. Nothing there, and Varnrer stands in the closing seconds. Incredible scramble to close as Guillard leaps to the back, but Varner power-bombs him to the floor. Still, an alert Guillard looks for an inverted triangle. Bell sounds. Fun, fun finish, but MMAjunkie.com leans toward Varner in the third, 10-9, giving him the fight 29-28. Jamie Varner def. Melvin Guillard via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27).
Check out Jamie Varner vs. Melvin Guillard fight photos
BYRON BLOODWORTH VS. ERIK PEREZ
Round 1 – Referee Kim Winslow in the cage for this bantamweight fight. Perez takes the center but eats an early overhand right. Both fighters punching quickly. Perez moves into a clinch and pushes Bloodworth to the cage. Chants of “Mexico” fill the building as Perez knees inside. Bloodworth spins off, but Perez quickly returns the favor and fires punches inside to the body. Bloodworth tries to reach over the head, but Perez is controlling the action against the fence. Knee to the body drops Bloodworth, ad Perez pounces with punches. Bloodworth recovers quickly and pulls guard. Two minutes in. Perez postures up and lands several punches. Nothing heavy landing, but he’s staying bust. Left hands from Perez, as well as elbows. Bloodworth seems trapped n the floor, ad elbow cuts him open. Perez continues to punch away, and that’s it. Bloodowrth just covering up, and Winslow steps in to halt the fight. Erik Perez def. Byron Bloodworth via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:50.
Check out Erik Perez vs. Byron Bloodworth fight photos
BRAD PICKETT VS. EDDIE WINELAND
Round 1 – Referee Yves Lavigne oversees the evening’s final preliminary bout. Wineland rushes froward and takes the center. Pickett opens with a low kick. Both punching early, but nothing connects flush. Wineland lands a nice right hand. His hands are low, but he’s moving well and lands another stiff right. Pickett looking to answer, but he’s a little to far outside in the early going. Pickett finally does lands a stiff right, but Wineland answers back with a crisp straight and drops his opponent. Pickett pops right back up, but Wineland tags him with several more punches. Good work from Wineland. He backs away and doesn’t overcommit. Halfway mark. Pickett still pushing forward, but he eats further punches and drops to a knee again. Pickett shoots in for a takedown to slow things down, but Wineland hits the deck and pops back up. Wineland looks incredibly controlled and confident. Final minute. Pickett trying to press in, but Wineland patiently picking him apart. Two more right hands score. Wineland works to the body. Great round from Wineland, who takes the round on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.
Round 2 – Pickett still looks clear, and he open with a low kick. He’s pushing forward, and he lands a nice left hook. Wineland moving well, and he lands another right hand. However, Pickett answers back. Both fighters content to punch again. Pickett does mix in another low kick. Pickett controlling the center, but Wineland’s footwork quick and his head movement ample. Pickett still mixing in low kicks, but he’s unable to get inside and land with his hands. Two minutes remain. Wineland hasn’t landed as frequently as in the first, but he’s still very much in control. Crowd booing a bit, which is ridiculous. Still, Wineland continues his boxing clinic. Pickett moves in with a left hook, and Wineland is cut under the right eye. Won’t be a problem for the fight. Pickett moves in again at the bell, but MMAjunkie.com gives it again to Wineland, 10-9.
Round 3 – Pickett trying to be busy to open, and he’s going to need something special. Wineland is bleeding again quickly, but it’s not an issue right now. Wineland looks fresh enough to continue his busy tactics. Pickett does land a right hand. He’s doing whatever he can, but Wineland looks comfortable. Wineland’s nose now bleeding, too. Crisp jab from Pickett. Wineland is retreating and cruising. Fans want Wineland to get busy, and Pickett is coming to him. But when Pickett misses, he’s paying a price. Pickett returns to the low kick, but Wineland is keen with the counters over the top. Final minute. Pickett is the one pressing in, but he’s going to need a homerun in the final seconds. It doesn’t come. Best round for Pickett, but MMAjunkie.com gives the final round again to Wineland, 10-9, giving him the fight 30-27. Eddie Wineland def. Brad Pickett via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27).
Check out Eddie Wineland vs. Brad Pickett fight photos
DEREK BRUNSON VS. CHRIS LEBEN
Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean in the cage for the night’s first main-card matchup. Brunson moving side to side and opens with a kick that’s blocked. He charges in with a left. Leben catches a kick but can’t get the trip. Instead, Brunson locks the body and pushes Leben to the deck. Leben shifting underneath and looking for options. Brunson trying to punch, and Leben looks for an armbar. Brunson spins out of it. Leben settles back into full guard. Brunson not doing a ton of damage, but he’s controlling the positioning. Leben agains pushes his legs high for a submission, but Brunson escapes it and scrambles to side control. Brunson sets up and arm-triangle briefly bit lets it go as he settles into mount. Brunson in control. Leben trying to hip out, and he eats a few big elbows. Leben regains half-guard position. Less than two minutes remain. Brunson with a few big hammerfists. Leben regains guard and looks again for a submission that won’t come. Leben sits up against the fence. He finally gets space and crawls to his feet. Brunson wraps the body and keeps the action against the cage. He breaks away in finals seconds, and Brunson takes the opening round, 10-9.
Round 2 – Leben takes the center and looks to strike early. Brunson retreating, and he dives in for a takedown. This time, Leben is ready, but Brunson snatches underhooks and pushes Leben to the cage. Brunson looks for a trip that own’t come, and he takes a deep breath as he resets. Leben wants to capitalize, but Brunson ducks under again and score another takedown. Brunson on top, but he’s not doing much, and Leben crawls up to his feet. Halfway mark, and Leben is stalking. Brunson shoots in, but he looks tired, and he comes up short. Leben kicks the leg, and he’s moving forward. Crowd chants his name. Leben jabbing, but he doesn’t have much zip on his punches. Leben might be exhausted, too. Final minute. Leben punching and moving forward, but nothing is really landing flush. Brunson has another takedown blocked. Final round could get interesting with two tired fighters. MMAjunkie.com gives the second to Leben, 10-9, but it wasn’t by much.
Round 3 – Leben moving forward to open. Brunson kicks low and lands a left straight. Brunson seems to have a little second wind, but this fight seems there for the taking. Brunson moves inside and scores a slick trip and settles into his opponent’s guard. Leben’s corner begging for him to get up. Brunson wrapping the body and lets go as Leben works to a knee and then his feet. Two minutes in. Boos come in. Leben is stalking, but Brunson is there to answer. Low kicks from Leben, and a crisp left lands. Brunson shakes it off, but he needs to get busy in a close fight. Brunson appears quicker, but Leben is stalking and moving forward. This is not a pretty fight, to be honest. Leben with another left, but he doesn’t seem to be packing any power at all. He scores again in the final minute, but Brunson ducks under and drives in with another takedown. Leben trying to stay busy underneath. Brunson backs away, and they reset. Leben appeared to land an illegal upkick, but nothing is called. Bell sounds, and Brunson falls to his back in celebration. MMAjunkie.com gives him the final round, 10-9, and awards him the fight 29-28. Derek Brunson def. Chris Leben via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Check out Derek Brunson vs. Chris Leben fight photos
ALAN BELCHER VS. YUSHIN OKAMI
Round 1 – Referee Chris Tognoni in the cage for this middleweight fight. Belcher light on his feet to open. He’s jabbing and fires off a few high kicks. Okami patient in the center as he looks to answer with jabs. Belcher slips on a high kick but climbs up before Okami can capitalize. Still, Okami rushes forward and drives into a clinch. Belcher defends against the cage as Okami drives in and wraps the body. It’s Belcher who scores the trip, and he snatches a guillotine as Okami scrambles. Belcher falls to his back to finish, but he doesn’t have the choke in tight. He lets go and then looks to bring his legs high. Okami easily avoids and sets up on top. Half-guard for Belcher, and Okami slips out and moves to side control. Belcher tries to buck up and roll, but Okami rides out with top control. Belcher gets to a kneeling position, but no further. MMajunkie.com gives the firs to Okami, 10-9.
Round 2 – Belcher opens with another kick, but Okami is quickly inside and into a clinch. He looks for a takedown, but Belcher scrambles to top. He latches on to another guillotine choke, but he doesn’t have it this time, either, and Okami is now on top. Belcher has now given up top position in both rounds, and Okami looks ready to grind away yet again. Half-mount for Okami, and he moves into side control. Not enough going on for Tognoni, who calls for a stand-up despite the dominant position. Belcher lands a right hand on the restart and throws another kick. Yet again, Okami is inside and into a clinch. Okami wraps the body and tries to move around to the back. He can’t, but he is able to get Belcher off-balance and again onto the floor. Final minute. Belcher tying things up underneath, and Tognoni calls for another stand-up with Okami not landing from the top. Round ends on the feet, and it’s again for Okami, 10-9.
Round 3 – Belcher out quick to start, and he lands a right hand that brings the crowd to life. He needs to reverse his fortunes. Okami moves in again, but as he looks for a trip, Belcher settles into mount. Could be the break he needed on a slick move. Okami turns to his knees, and Belcher takes his back. Okami stands and uses the cage to peel off his opponent. Belcher again returns to the guillotine and again falls short, allowing Okami to take the superior position yet again. Halfway mark. Okami steps over into mount. Crowd is booing Okami’s grinding effort, but it’s completely effective. Belcher trying to tie it up underneath, but Okami punching the ribs. Belcher trying to move and create space going into the final minute, but Okami is just grinding away with short punches and elbows. Belcher turns to his knees, and Okami takes the back. Time winding down. Okami finished on top, and he takes the final round, 10-9, and wins the bout 30-27 on the MMAjunkie.com card.Yushin Okami def. Alan Belcher via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Check out Yushin Okami vs. Alan Belcher fight photos
TIM BOETSCH VS. CONSTANTINOS PHILIPPOU
Round 1 – Referee Kim Winslow oversees this middleweight bout. Boetsch moves forward to open and starts with a front kick. He moves in quickly for a takedown. Philippou defends against the cage, and Boetsch fires in knees to the gut. Boetsch wraps up Philippou’s left leg and drags him to the floor. Philippou climbs quickly back up. Boetsch gets a warning for holding the fence, but he contends he isn’t as he drivs in against the cage. Crowd again boos. Philippou drives in a knee to the body and he escapes to the center.Halfway mark. Boetsch kicks inside as Philippou tries to counter over the top. Philippou looks quicker, but he’s being pressured and not finding much room. Philippou’s corner calls for the uppercut, and he lands it. Philippou tries to push in, but Boetsch ducks under and scores another takedown. Final minute. Philippou holding tight with a guard, and Winslow calls for a restart. They open up on the restart, and Philippou lands, but Boetsch walks through it. Front kick lands to the jaw for Boetsch, but the bell sounds before he can attack a stunned Philippou. MMAjunkie.com gives the first to Boetsch, 10-9.
Round 2 – Lead left for Boetsch. Philippou answers with a surprising kick up the middle. Quick clinch and some dirty boxing. Perhaps a head butt there, as Boetsch is now bleeding on the forehead. Boetsch shoots in with no success. He appears to have a broken hand, but he’s firing both hands. Boetsch is stalking and moving forward, and Philippou still unable to find a rhythm. Boetsch moves in gets poked in the eye. Winslow rules it accidental, but doctors come in to check him out. Philippou also lost his mouthpiece during the exchange. Odd happenings, but we carry on. Philippou aggressive on the restart, but he walks into a front kick. Boetsch shoots twice, but Philippou sprawls well. Boetsch very slow to stand up, and he winds up pulling guard. Boetsch in half-guard, ad he’s trying to shift out to the side. Philippou blocks, and Boetsch settles for guard. Philippou lands a few right hands. Elbows come in as well. Boetsch’s eye seems to be bothering him. Been a tough round. More punches from top in the final seconds, and MMAjunkie.com gives Philippou the second, 10-9.
Round 3 – Philippou takes the center, but Boetsch pushes forward. He dives in for a takedown. It’s not there, and leaps in again to pull guard. Boetsch tries to stall, but Philippou pulls away. Blood from forehead now flowing freely. Boetsch looks to butt scoot. Philippou tells him to get up. Boetsch is very slow to rise. He is dealing with several issues. He shoots again, and Philippou defends and starts to fire punches. Winslow doesn’t let many of them land before waving it off. Not a ton of damage, but the right call as Boetsch was hurting and didn’t appear in any shape to fight. Constantinos Philippou def. Tim Boetsch via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 2:11.
Check out Constantinos Philippou vs. Tim Boetsch fight photos
JOE LAUZON VS. JIM MILLER
Round 1 – Referee Yves Lavigne in the cage for the night’s co-main event. Miller opens quickly with a jab. Lauzon answers with a flurry. Miller with a sharp inside leg kick and a few punches up top. Quick start for Miller. Lauzon moving forward, but Miller curs him down with another low kick. Big left for Miller, who looks very sharp early. Three punches land, and Lauzon looks hurt. Miller drives inside, but Lauzon shakes off the cobwebs and fires back. Miller kicks the leg again, and Lauzon slips to a knee. Miller in charge two minutes in. Two punches from Miller, and Lauzon is in trouble. He’s cut up and wobbled. Miller moves inside for a standing arm-triangle. Both guys bleeding, and they break apart. Lavigne calls to check Lauzon, but they carry on. Knees score for Miller on the restart. Punches follow, as well. Lauzon hurt, but he’s firing back. Blood flowing from both fighters’ faces. Miller takes a deep breath. Incredible start to this fight. Elbows inside from Miller. Final minute. Blood pouring down Lauzon’s face. Low kick from Miller and several shots to the body. Warriors going at it. Round ends to huge cheers. Miller takes it on the MMAjunkie.com card, 10-9.
Round 2 – Cut over Lauzon’s right eye looks like it will open quickly. Crowd cheers wildly as they return to action. Miller continues to flurry with combinations. Miller ducks Lauzon’s advance and scores a takedown. Lauzon immediately bleeding again. Miller in half-mount and looking to grind away. He advances to mount. Lauzon’s face covered in blood. He’s trying to tie up underneath. The canvas is stained badly. Miller looks for a choke, but Lauzon slips out and reverses the position with two minutes left. Lavigne calls time and needs scissors to cut a long strand of tape from Lauzon’s right wrist. They restart in the same position. Miller brings his left leg up high in rubber guard. Lauzon elevates and tries to slam out of the position. Final minute. Miller tries to scramble free, but Lauzon latches on to his leg. It looks tense, but Lauzon has to let it go. Round ends again to a huge ovation. MMAjunkie.com thinks Lauzon did enough to take the second, 10-9. Very close. Incredible fight.
Round 3 – Both fighters still engaging. Lauzon actually looks a little fresher. Miller kicks the leg, and Lauzon hits the deck. Miller doesn’t want to follow, and he backs away. Lauzon walking forward on the restart. Miller takes a few deep breaths. His punches are missing some zip, but his leg kicks are still sharp. Lauzon lands a hard knee to the body, and he looks hurt. More punches traded. Lauzon now bleeding from both eyes. Final two minutes. Absolute bloodbath ad an incredible fight. Lauzon has tape loose again, but they fight on. Lauzon is the aggressor. Miller has slowed, but he is landing. Crowd comes to life again in the final minute. Both fighters understandably exhausted. Miller landing the crisper punches to close. Lauzon drops for Miller right leg. It’s not there, but he transitions to a choke in the final seconds. He won’t get it. Round ends, and crowd is on their feet. “Fight of the Night” and a late entry to “Fight of the Year” lists everywhere. Amazing. MMAjunkie.com gives the final round to Miller, 10-9, and the fight 29-28. Close rounds in two and three. One could have been 10-8. Could be interesting scores. Jim Miller def. Joe Lauzon via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Check out Jim Miller vs. Joe Lauzon fight photos
CHAMP JUNIOR DOS SANTOS VS. CAIN VELASQUEZ
Round 1 – Referee Herb Dean in the cage for the main event, a heavyweight title fight. Building is electric. Velasquez quickly forward, and he slips a left and scores a takedown. Dos Santos rolls right through it and gets back to his feet. Velasquez dives for a leg and comes up sort. Quick pace to open. Dos Santos very quick as he avoids Velasquez’s takedown attempts. Dos Santos lands a right and pulls away again from a takedown. Velasquez kicks the leg and lands a right hand over the top. He dives again for a leg, but Dos Santos just pulls away. Velasquez misses a high kicks. He’s finding some early success with his hands, though Dos Santos looks fine. Velasquez kicks to the body and misses again on a takedown. Dos Santos avoiding he takedown, but he is eating a few punches. Crowd chanting for both fighters. Velasquez really pushing the pace. Dos Santos looks to be slowing, and he’s dropped with a right to the chin. He climbs to his feet, but Velasquez drags him to the floor and is punching away. He wants the back, but Dos Santos blocking with the cage. Dean on top of the action. Dos Santos on a knee, and Dean tells him to move. He does, but Velasquez is absolutely relentless. Time ticking away, and Dos Santos trying to survive. He rolls to his knees. He’s going to make it, but Velasquez in clear control. MMAjunkie.com gives him the round, 10-9.
Round 2 – Dos Santos loads up a big punch, but Velasquez slips it and takes the fight immediately to the floor. Velasquez on top and punching away. Dos Santos trying to scramble and escape. He gets to a knee. Velasquez could take the back but elects not to in favor of punching and again pushing Dos Santos to the canvas. Dos Santos crawls up. Back there again, but Velasquez seems to want this with his hands. Dos Santos wobbly as he stands. Velasquez grabs a single leg and takes him again to the floor. Two minutes in, and Dos Santos is in real trouble and has been for some time. Velasquez keeps the body tight as Dos Santos crawls up again. Crisp left for Velasquez on the feet. Back to the floor. Dos Santos isn’t giving up, but he doesn’t have anything for Velasquez right now. Velasquez transitions to an armbar. The right arm is in trouble, but Dos Santos pulls it free and scrambles up. Velasquez relentless and refuses to let him breathe. Final minute. Velasquez grinding against the cage. He backs away to punch. Round ends there. MMAjunkie.com gives the round to Velasquez, 10-8.
Round 3 – Dos Santos’ right eye swollen badly. He looks again for an uppercut to open. Velasquez walking forward with no fear. Dos Santos does land to the body, but Velasquez in with another takedown. Dos Santos crawls up yet again, but Velasquez gives him no space. Dos Santos pulls away and lands a left, but Velasquez immediately closes the distance. Dos Santos digs again to the body. Velasquez answers with a right hand up top. Dos Santos answers and pulls away from the clinch. Dos Santos showing heart, but Velasquez isn’t stopping. Body shots traded. Dos Santos trying to retreat and strike, but Velasquez keeping tight. Dos Santos ands a knee, but Velasquez right there with a flurry of punches. Dos Santos defends a takedown ad lands a nice short elbow. Final minute. Dos Santos finding some late success, but it’s another round on the MMAjunkie.com card for Velasquez, 10-9.
Round 4 – Dos Santos’ face swelling badly as we enter the championship rounds. He lands a nice right hand to start, but Velasquez walks through it. Dos Santos has a second wind, and he lands several crisp punches. Velasquez walks through it. Dos Santos digs to the body and tries to defend a takedown. He hits the deck but crawls back up. Dos Santos again to the body, but Velasquez answers with a right to the face. Dos Santos looks briefly for a takedown. He lands an elbow inside. Velasquez gets the fight down, but Dos Santos gets immediately back up. Halfway mark of the fourth, and Velasquez comes alive. Dos Santos looks wobbled again as Velasquez lets his hands go. Dos Santos’ face badly beaten, and the crowd tries to bring him to life. Final minute. Velasquez into the clinch and punches. Dos Santos’ hands by his waist, but he punches as Velasquez moves in. Dos Santos defends a takedown and punches to the body. Velasquez pushes in at the bell, and he takes another round, 10-9.
Round 5 – Crowd cheers the start of the final round. Incredible effort by both men.Velasquez moves forward, and Dean offers a few warning or fence grabbing. Dos Santos is going to need something special. He’s retreating well, but he has to be exhausted. His punches are mostly arm. Velasquez moving in again for a takedown, but Dos Santos defends well and lands a right hand. Velasquez short on another takedown, and Dos Santos misses a big left. Velasquez pushes again into a clinch. Dos Santos defending well in the final round, but he needs serious counters. Takedown at the halfway mark. Velasquez looks for the back, but Dos Santos flattens himself to avoid that. Dos Santos trying to crawl up yet again. He does, but Velasquez stays tight to his body. Hematoma over Dos Santos’ right eye. Velasquez is just in incredible form. The cardio is fine with one minute left. Crowd comes to life. High kick from Velasquez scores. Dos Santos somehow still standing. He’s all heart, but Velasquez has turned in an incredible performance. MMAunkie.com gives Velasquez the final round, 10-9, and awards him the fight 50-44. Velasquez celebrates by falling to his back in the center of the cage. Cain Velasquez def. Junior Dos Santos via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-43, 50-44) – to regain UFC heavyweight title.
