UFC 132 Cruz vs Faber 2: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 132: Cruz vs. Faber 2
July 2, 2011
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Bouts (PPV):
Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz (17-1) vs. Urjiah Faber (25-4) [Rematch] A legitimate grudge rematch for a belt always gets the blood pumping. It doesn't hurt when you like one side and loathe the other. Cruz may be very hate able, but he has also rattled off 8 wins in a row after lasting a paltry 1:38 in a loss to Urijah for his then Featherweight title. Cruz worked the wrestling and dropped a weight class finding success and the gold with his patented knee tap takedowns. The "California Kid" looked to reinvigorate his career and decided to make the cut in weight as well defeating Takeya Mizugaki and Eddie Wineland to earn the title shot. Times have changed and Cruz sports a ridiculous size and reach advantage over Faber (though he has dealt with that his whole career) as well as a Lyoto Machida ability to not fight, I mean, not get hit in fights. Urijah and Dominick's wrestling will be closer to each other and Cruz just taps and runs looking and finding a decision while Faber looks for a fight.

WINNER-Dominick Cruz by Decision

Wanderlei Silva (33-10-1-1) vs. Chris Leben (25-7) I think we all know what is going to happen here. Two notorious grenadiers are going to war and someone is going to fall quickly and violently. I don't pick against my personal friend.

WINNER-The Axe Murderer Rd.1 KO

Ryan Bader (12-1) vs. Tito Ortiz (15-8-1) Seriously? Anyone think Tito's got a chance here? Times do change and Mr. Jameson has about as much of a shot as Ken Shamrock did in their last two meetings. Let's hope this gets real ugly.

WINNER-Ryan Bader by Rd.3 TKO

Carlos Condit (26-5) vs. Dong Hyun Kim (14-0-1) Now here we have an intriguing bout and a possible #1 Contenders match to face the winner of Georges St.Pierre and Nick Diaz. The "Donger" has stayed undefeated after a debatable Decision win over Nate Diaz but just as he is getting mentioned in the "title hunt," I feel the division is starting to catch up to him. "NBK" has gone 3-1 since graduating from the WEC against only the best fighters in the division. The "Stun Gun" will probably jump out to an early lead sticking to Carlos on the ground but he always fades in fights and that is when Condit begins to excel. Though Kim will be leading on points, the "Donger" is going to accumulate punishment as Carlos works the Thai clinch and tests his opponents heart.

WINNER-Carlos Condit by Decision

Dennis Siver (18-7) vs. Matt Wiman (13-5) I think Joe Silva scheduled this wrong. It should be Melvin Guillard vs Dennis Siver and Matt Wiman vs Shane Roller. It makes much more sense and they are both beside each other on the damn card! Anywho, I like Wiman's improvements with Gilbert Melendez' Skrap Pack, but Siver's power can mark up "Handsome's" face while ze fun spin-kick is on full display. I worry about Matt getting top control and forcing this into a slow methodical pace, but I hope not. Avoid the ground and ze German wins.

WINNER-Dennis Siver by Split-Decision

Prelims (Spike TV):
Melvin Guillard (27-8-2) vs. Shane Roller (10-3) The lispy Guillard has looked good running through his last 4 opponents but has voiced his displeasure at a "lack of a name" opponent which can easily spell trouble for this arrogant Greg Jackson student. The Roller is alright but he'll get lit up by the speed, power, and accuracy of Melvin. Expect some brutal knees as well as Guillard avoids the ground like the instant death it is to him and angrily smashes Shane.

WINNER-Melvin Guillard by Rd.3 TKO

George Sotiropoulos (14-3) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (14-5) I like George to pick his shots from the outside avoiding takedowns and maybe getting a few of his own though there is little reason to engage in a Jiu-Jitsu battle. 10th Planet baby!

WINNER-George Sotiropoulos by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Brian Bowles (9-1) vs. Takeya Mizugaki (14-5-2) I like Bowles to continue to be too fast for almost everyone in the division. We know how tough Takeya is, but his skills are not nearly as polished as the former champion's. Takeya likes to get hit and will be rocked by that brutal right hand all night long.

WINNER-Brian Bowles by Rd.3 TKO

Brad Tavares (7-0) vs. Aaron Simpson (8-2) I'm not impressed with this TUF kid and think the "A-Train" puts, and keeps him on his ass for 15 minutes of fun.

WINNER-Aaron Simpson by Decision

Andre Winner (11-5-1) vs. Anthnoy Njokuani (13-5) This is a tough fight to call with successful strikers going head to head. Tony has a few more tools in the stand-up though he probably falls a bit short on the ground. Andre can even land the KO punch but Njokuani needs to use the front kicks like jabs, keeping Winner at bay before scoring with his hands.

WINNER-Anthony Njokuani by Decision

Jeff Hougland (9-4) vs. Donny Walker (12-6) I like "Eagle Eye" over "Minor League-Bound."

WINNER-Donny Walker Rd.3 TKO

Best Bets:

This is a very close card on odds but Andre Winner @ +120, Condit & Kim even, but Matt Wiman @ +102 could pan out though I didn't bet on any of these as the card is just full of dangerous fights.

UFC On Versus 4 Results: A Wild Night Of TKO's, KO's, a Submission, and Controversy!

Dana White stated on the pre-fight show on Versus, that he is "disgusted" with Nate and he, "won't fight in the UFC ever again."

Michael Johnson TKO's Edward Faaloloto just before the end of the very 1st round. Mike secured some takedowns early but was opened up by Faaloloto who was bringing the elbows and punches. Johnson finally locks up the Thai clinch and blasts Ed who is dropped by a punch and turtles up as the referee steps in to save him.

Ricardo Lamas TKO's Matt Grice with a head kick and punches also ending the fight in the 1st. A right staggered Grice a bit early but he quickly recovered as Lamas pressured and got the 1st takedown. Grice then grabbed the cage to get leverage the and referee was out of position and missed it. Back to the feet and Ricardo misses a capoeira kick but soon lands a left hand and a left head kick that has Matt reeling. A final big right hand and its over folks.

Charles Oliveira defeats Nik Lentz by RNC in a controversial bout. "Do Bronx" came out attacking early from his back. Once back to the feet it was wild scrambles and Oliveira mixing up his fast attack with standing elbows and jumping knees. Charles dropped Nik and landed two bombs but Lentz survived only to almost get caught in a guillotine. Then Lentz escapes and locks in a guillotine of his own! Charles escapes and drops some elbows as the round ends to the cheers of the crowd. In the 2nd, Oliveira got busy quick only to get caught in a guillotine again. Escaping to his feet, Oliveira throws a knee to the face of Nik who clearly had a knee on the mat. Lentz is hurt bad as Charles swarms. Nik then ate a legal knee and was a bloody mess Charles takes his back securing the RNC and the referee Chip Snider apparently didn't see a damn thing. The crowd boo's the mistake while chanting "Bullshit" and the commission is seen chastising the referee for missing the illegal knee. Lentz face is destroyed!

* Joe Rogan announces the commission is possibly going to rescind the victory. Charles apologizes for the illegal knee and a great fight ends in a mess.

Rich Attonito defeats Daniel Roberts by Unanimous Decision. I don't know what to say about this but "Ninja" doesn't belong in the UFC and that hurts me.

Joe Lauzon defeats Curt Warburton with a Kimura sub in the 1st stanza. You wanna talk impressive? "J-Lau" came in throwing against the striker, dropping him with a big left hand. "War" was in trouble eating some vicious elbows and a brutal knee to the body when Lauzon grabbed and arm he intended on taking home. Joe locked on the Kimura so tight and threw his legs over the top of Curt's body for more torque. No chance of escape Curt taps out and begins examining his former shoulder. Very nice win and..."Submission Of The Night"

Javier Vazquez trounces Joe Stevenson by Unanimous Decision. I disagreed with everyone who said the years and 45 professional bouts had caught up to "Daddy." Turns out they may be correct. Joe just had nothing for this guy I just think he should be able to beat. The Featherweight trial fails and after losing 4 in a row Joe "Daddy" is probably done in the UFC. Solid win for "Showtime" who was winded in the end, but held on for the victory.

Tyson Griffin defeats a very game Manny Gamburyan by Unanimous Decision. Haven't got to see it yet but it sounds like it went as expected.

Matt Mitrione KO's Christian Morecraft in the 2nd and just walked away. A couple of minutes into the bout "Meathead" dropped Christian early but allowed him right back up. Matt felt comfortable enough to attack "World Of Morecraft" with his hands down but continued to get the better of the exchanges and was throwing hard! The combinations are flowing like wine when Christian is staggered again with a right and two crushing left hands that drop Morecraft again. Matt followed him to the ground but ended up on bottom recovering and stalling till the end of the round. In the 2nd, Matt is just dancing, smiling and having a good time when Morecraft finally got his takedown. Stood back up due to inactivity and Mitrione lands one then two straight left hands. The final combination comes right left right and Matt just walks away as Christian hits the canvas! That is a badass people. Impressive performance by the ever improving author of the "Mitrione Minute." "KO Of The Night"

* The referee was very vocal and annoying asking the men for action when they were fighting in the 2nd. I mean really vocal. And loud.

Matt Brown defeats John Howard by Unanimous Decision in a head shaking bout. I have no idea what the hell is wrong with "Doomsday." Gassed out, didn't work the stand up, and had weak G&P. Brown just worked more in a disappointing to say the least bout. Howard can expect his pink slip Monday.

Charlie Brenneman Upsets Rick Story by Unanimous Decision. The "Spaniard" may be a one trick pony, but he's got that single leg down. Charlie came into his hometown taking the bout on 24 hours notice after his opponent dropped out due to injury. The Nate Marquardt debacle gave the opening Brenneman needed to jump start his career. It was single leg, takedown, repeat all night long with Charles just out working Story. Kinda disappointing but Rick has won fights with similar tactics so all's fair.

Cheick Kongo comes back from the dead to KO Pat Barry in a wild one round fight! "HD" came out hesitant to throw while Kongo took over the leg kicks. It was back a forth a bit when Barry landed a bomb that had Cheick on skates sliding all over the Octagon. Pat brought a barrage of strikes and it looked as though Kongo was out one of the three times he fell! Referee Dan Miragliotta even jumped in between the two men for a second and then leapt back out. The scramble got back to the feet and Pat came charging in as Kongo positioned his wobbly legs against the cage for support. Cheick landed a right hook on the charging Barry and followed it with a beautiful right uppercut that put "HD" out cold on his back with his eyes open! Wow what a crazy fight! "Fight Of The Night"

* I'm not so sure why referee Dan Miragliotta didn't stop the bout as I and commentator Joe Rogan screamed for the bout to be stopped before Kongo was seriously hurt. Still, this was the call and Pat should know better than to charge in on a wounded opponent with his hands down.

** The camera even panned over Pat who was waking and said, "I got knocked out right?"

An absolutely great card with amazing action and no less than 5 spectacular stoppages. I fully expect Daniel Roberts, John Howard, Matt Grice, and Joe Stevenson to be cut from the Zuffa joining Nate Marquardt in the unemployment line this coming week. 7-4 on the picks.

Bellator 46 & Strikeforce Challengers 16 Results

Ronnie Mann KO's Adam Schindler in the very 1st round. Hello, you are destroyed. That was emphatic. A right left G&P and call it a night. "KO Of The Night"

Nazareno Malegarie defeats Jacob Devree by Guillotine Choke tapout. I was quite impressed with the vastly improved wrestling and just solid strong technique of "Nazar." Malegarie's also impressed was his gas tank and ability to lock on the guillotine 3 times and not burn out his arms! Devree was tough, but he was a step behind everywhere the fight went and Nazareno controlled the entire bout. I love seeing improvement in deficiencies addressed in MMA. It doesn't happen as often as you would expect and Malegarie looks good going to the semi-finals.

Marlon Sandro defeats Genair da Silva by Split-Decision. The two Brazilians go into it immediately throwing epic combinations. Sandro began to pull a bit ahead and then rocked and dropped Genair with a right perfectly on the chin. Marlon followed him to the ground and unloaded though he made a mistake switching to a guillotine. Sandro promptly lost it and da Silva got on top. Sandro would escape and build on his striking. In the 2nd, De Silva got wild and was all over the cage. Silva began to use his long legs causing Sandro to wing his punches a bit. Things began to slow as Silva began retreating unable to find the mark. * A funny note, the commentators pointed out that the referee was asking the men for "action," but neither speak English. For the final round, Sandro took brutal shot to the pills to begin and then we went back to action. The men trade big right hands as Silva begins looking for takedowns and the warning halts action for Silva holding the fence. Sandro gets the takedown late landing some G&P before the end. Its a clear cut 30-27 across the board for Marlon Sandro. But wait, the cards are read and its an inexplicable Split-Decision as idiot judge Ric Bays scored the bout 29-28 for Silva!? Moron judges just won't go away but justice is served in the end.

Bellator announces Ricco Rodriguez vs Seth Petruzelli for their 48th event.

Pat Curran defeats Luis Palomino with a beautiful Peruvian Necktie submission! Pat looked awesome and came out landing a right hand on the button the rocked Palomino. Pat then attacked but could not put Luis away. The scramble went to the floor with Curran going for a Darce Choke and then deftly switching to the Peruvian Necktie forcing the tapout. We just have to point out Palomino is from Peru and got tapped by the Peruvian Necktie! That's pretty funny. "Submission Of The Night"

Strikeforce Challengers 16

Jason High defeated Quinn Mulhern by Unanimous Decision.

Lorenz Larkin defeats Gian Villante by Unanimous Decision.

Matt Ricehouse defeats daddy's boy Ryan Couture by Unanimous Decision.

Caros Fodor defeats James Terry by Unanimous Decision. "Fight Of The Night"

Got my ass handed to me in Strikeforce but positive overall at 5-3 on the picks.

Dana White Fires Nate Marquardt Video

Uh oh, Dana be pissed!

UFC On Versus 4: Barry vs Kongo Picks & Prognostications

UFC on Versus 4
June 26, 2011
Consol Energy Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Nate Narquardt, who was in the "Main Event" with Mr. Story, has been "Fired" from the UFC after failing his medicals. News is still forthcoming but rumors of a failed pee test (which would be his 2nd) and being far overweight are circling. More as this shocking story develops.

Main Bouts (Versus):

Pat Barry (6-2) vs. Cheick Kongo (15-6-2) Things being the way they are, this Heavyweight battle has been promoted to the "Main Event." To be honest, for these Heavyweight "strikers," just aren't that good. This is the battle of the two overrated highly touted prospects that just have not panned out. Kongo has crazy reach on "HD" which he uses to win in a 15 minute brawl.

WINNER-Cheick Kongo by Decision

Rick Story (13-3) vs. Charlie Brenneman (13-2) Well, this is a win win for these boys. With Nate Marquardt getting fired before the bout, the "Spaniard" stepped in to aid the UFC and guarantee he is beloved by Joe Silva for saving this bout (Charlie was to fight TJ Grant on this card but he pulled out injured setting up this replacement). This is an intriguing bout with two very gifted Welterweights. I've been high on both for a while but with Brenneman coming in on 10 minutes notice, just doesn't bode well. The "Horror" is a beast anyway and let's not forget who said this is a kid to watch way back when he fought Brian Foster in 2009. Rick is gonna bring the Wanderlei Silva aggression en route to the judges nod.

WINNER-Rick Story by Decision

John Howard (14-6) vs. Matt Brown (11-10) Really? I mean really? 3 losses in a row and we still have to watch the "Immortal?" Not for long. "Doomsday" has come for Brown who is going to get curb stomped Boston style.

WINNER-John Howard by Rd.3 TKO

Matt Mitrione (4-0) vs. Christian Morecraft (7-1) I dunno "Meathead," this bout worries me. Yet, we shall have revenge for Corky! World of Morecraft defeated "our" buddy Sean McCorkle last time out but he won't be able to catch Matt for the L&P. Watch as the dancing Mitrione runs circles around Christian tearing him up with the jab and brutal leg kicks.

WINNER-Matt Mitrione by Decision

Prelims (Facebook):
Tyson Griffin (14-5) vs. Manny Gamburyan (11-5) The talent pool is deep when Tyson Griffin isn't on the main card as he makes his debut at Featherweight. This is where Tyson belongs and used to fight at. Now returning to his roots he faces the tough if not injury prone "Manvel" who will hang with him but not score enough points for it to matter.

WINNER-Tyson Griffin by Decision

Joe Stevenson (31-13) vs. Javier Vazquez (15-5) "Daddy" is also making the move down to Featherweight to save his career as he has dropped 3 in a row. Sherdog's buddy makes his UFC debut and though a tough guy, he'll lose exactly as he did last time out against Chad Mendes to superior wrestling.

WINNER-Joe Stevenson by Rd.3 TKO

Joe Lauzon (20-6) vs. Curt Warburton (7-2) "J-Lau" has been underwhelming while the "War" has surprised me with how well he has done repping the Wolfslair. Still, this is a "get right" fight for Joe who out slicks the wrestler aggressively en route to getting the hand raised.

WINNER-Joe Lauzon by Decision

Rich Attonito (11-4) vs. Daniel Roberts (12-2) "Ninja" just looked terrible in his last outing as if he had a huge adrenaline dump or just didn't train. I fully expect the Cesar Gracie camp fixed this problem and if "Ninja" can't beat the "Bull," he doesn't belong in the UFC.

WINNER-Daniel Roberts by Rd.3 Submission

Nik Lentz (21-3-2) vs. Charles Oliveira (14-1) "Do Bronx" has vowed to "end the boring style of Lentz in the UFC." Funny trash talk and it is the criticism of Nik that he is as fun to watch as the new pudgy faced Cameron Diaz feature "Bad Teacher." Just awful and she is not pretty. Anywho, Oliveira has to avoid the ground at all costs and then he will destroy Lentz with his inventive offense.

WINNER-Charles Oliveira by Rd.2 TKO

Matt Grice (13-3) vs. Ricardo Lamas (9-2) Barring another fluke KO, I'll take Lamas to rebound in this wrestling clash. I believe Lamas has more offense to sneak through.

WINNER-Ricardo Lamas by Decision

Michael Johnson (8-5) vs. Edward Faaloloto (2-1) "Springfield" comes in looking to rebound from the TUF finale loss against..............who the hell is this guy? Anywho, its wrestling 101 en route to a stoppage.

WINNER-Michael Johnson by Rd.2 TKO

Bellator 46 & Strikeforce Challengers 16 Picks & Prognostications

Bellator 46
June 25, 2011
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hollywood, Florida

Bellator "Summer Series" Featherweight Tournament
Marlon Sandro vs. Genair da Silva I have been waiting for the Nova Uniao standout to get a full time gig in American and it finally happened. Sandro comes in after losing his Sengoku title to Hatsu Hioki last year which allowed him the ability to come stateside. Sandro brings a hammer hand reminiscent of Dan Henderson's "H-Bomb" and trains at one of the best gyms in Brazil with fellow Featherweight Jose Aldo. Genair has rattled off four wins (this year!) but there is a massive gap in experience and level of competition. Sandro is going to find this fight tougher than expected before winning and we look to Silva another day.

WINNER-Marlon Sandro by Rd.2 TKO

Ronnie Mann vs. Adam Schindler "Kid Ninja" will take this little lamb to slaughter and hopefully get a much needed finish.

WINNER-Ronnie Mann by Decision

Pat Curran vs. Luis Palomino Probably the #2 behind Sandro, Pat impressed by hanging with Champion Eddie Alvarez in their title bout showing toughness and improved stand-up. Pat is very well rounded though he cannot teach Jens Pulver how to escape a choke to save his fucking life, but I digress. "Baboon" (he picked the nickname not me) is a tough if not amazing fighter/journeyman. Don't expect too much.

WINNER-Pat Curran by Decision

Nazareno Malegarie vs. Jacob Devree "Naza" was riding a 19 fight winning streak into Bellator where he promptly lost to Daniel Straus. I think a fighter becomes so much better after their 1st loss and Malegarie will look to impose his slick submission game. Jacob trains at Power MMA with the likes of CB Dolloway, Ryan Bader, and Jesse Forbes all people I dislike. Normally, I always take the wrestler over the Jiu-Jitsu fighter, but screw those Arizona frat boys.

WINNER-Nazareno Malegarie by Rd.3 Submission

Strikeforce Challengers 16
June 24, 2010
ShoWare Center
Kent, Washington

Main Bouts (Showtime):
Caros Fodor (8-2) vs. James Terry (10-2) Fodor "The Last Commoner" faces a student of Cung Le (guess he's an awful actor too). Its opposites attract and again I'm picking against the wrestler against my better judgement. I just have a feeling that Caros is going to be far faster at throwing fists that Terry is ready for.

WINNER-Caros Fodor by Decision

Ryan Couture (2-0) vs. Matt Ricehouse (4-0) The "O" must go as two rising............aw screw it. Couture is going to win with his Daddy's vast empire behind him all the way.

WINNER-Ryan Couture Rd.2 Submission

Lorenz Larkin (10-0) vs. Gian Villante (7-2) It was a pretty big upset last time out with the highly touted Gian lost to some guy named Chad Griggs. Now Villante is back to make things right but he will have to survive the undefeated "Monsoon." Larkin hits and hits hard. Both of these guys are going to stand and trade and could be the "Fight Of The Weekend." I'm a fan of Villante but have heard too many good things about this Lorenz kid.

WINNER-Lorenz Larkin Rd.1 TKO

Jason High (14-3) vs. Quinn Mulhern (15-1) The only reason I'm "picking" this event is because I want to show some love to the "Kansas City Bandit." This cat deserves to be in the big show (again) and is coming off impressive wins over the sturdy Rudy Bears and legend Hayato Sakurai using his frustrating ground attack. I have very little information on Quinn save he is a Jiu-Jitsu fighter from King Of The Cage. By the by, High is a great dude and one of the most interesting and engaging of athletes on Twitter.

WINNER-Jason High by the "Kansas City Gut Buster"

Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Round 1 Results: Overeem & Barnett Advance

Isaac Vallie-Flagg defeats Brian Melancon by Split-Decision.

Nah-Shon Burrell defeats Joe Ray by Unanimous Decision.

Conor Heun robbed Magno Almeida by mysterious Unanimous Decision.

Good to see Gus Johnson decided not to paint himself up like a whore tonight and Frank Shamrock's braces will be the 4th man in the booth.

Justin Wilcox and Gesias Cavalcante battle to a No Decision as the "Silverback" was inadvertently poked in the eye and the doctors would not let him continue.

Can we stop sucking off Hershel Walker for the sake of MMA’s mainstream popularity already? He claims he is not retiring and wants a “name” fighter in his next outing.

Chad Griggs defeats Valentijn Overeem by Tapout due to strikes. The “Gravedigger” gains a throw on Valentijn followed by some G&P and the kid straight taps out like a bitch. At 1st everyone thought it was an early stoppage and then the arena saw the replay and began to boo Overeem (ha!). Talk about zero heart and just collecting a check.

Miesha Tate is beautiful.

Much love to the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks!

Daniel Cormier defeats Jeff Monson by Unanimous Decision.
Rd.1 The bulbous "Snowman" claims win or lose he is moving down to Light Heavyweight after this bout. I do not see how that is possible with his muscle mass. Jeff has trouble getting any work done early as Daniel uses speedy combinations to tenderize Monson. 10-9 Cormier

Rd.2 The two time Olympian goes to work quickly but the bulls battle a bit for position. Things slow way down and we begin to waltz. Some solid body shots land for Cormier but a monotonous round. 10-9 Cormier

Rd.3 For the final round Daniel goes to work and begins to stagger the "Snowman" who fails at a takedown and is bleeding from the mouth. Daniel takes advantage by leaning aggressively on his opponent before ending in cruise control. 10-9 Cormier

MMAFO and the official judges all score this bout 30-27 to Daniel Cormier.

Jorge Masvidal defeats KJ Noons by Unanimous Decision.

Rd.1 Get out your mousse, the guy who actually believes he beat Nick Diaz in their rematch, is here. They trade a bit early then a nice knee lands for Jorge and then gets a takedown though he does nothing with it. More knees land for Masvidal and KJ begins to bleed quite a bit from his forehead. Jorge lands another huge knee that drops KJ and then Masvidal unloads G&P punishment as Noons is pouring blood. Time saves Noons who looks dazed in the corner. 10-9 Masvidal

Rd.2 We trade and grade as Noons begins to bleed again. Masvidal gains top position again and out works KJ for the round. Noons is a bloody mess. 10-9 Masvidal

Rd.3 I switched to the England stream and I shit you not the announcer saw Michael Irvin on the monitor and said, "look at the reaction on Hershel Walker's face." Masvidal keeps looking for the takedown and finally gets it as KJ misses with his punches. Jorge can't keep Noons down but then gains some control and just bullies the Hawaiian. 10-9 Masvidal

Everyone sees it 30-27 for Jorge Masvidal. "Fight Of The Night"

* Its was a clear cut clean sweep and now Jorge Masvidal is the new #1 Contender to get his ass handed to him by Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez.

Josh Barnett defeats Brett Rogers by Rd.2 Arm-Triangle Submission.

Rd.1 The "Chubby Assassin" slams Rogers down and wallows on top of him for the full 5 minutes. 10-9 Barnett

Rd.2 Josh opens up the striking and Rogers goes for the takedown though Barnett ends up in top control. Barnett works for the arm-triangle submission and the crowd is booing for some reason. Josh locks it in and the "Grim" taps out leading to the victorious Barnett throat slash!

* Its the win Josh needed and Brett cannot handle any ground game. Barnett just takes the mic from Johnson and cuts a perfect pro wrestling promo. "Submission Of The Night"

** Funny to hear Mauro Ranallo accidentally refer to Frank Shamrock as "Ken." Frank's braces were not amused.

Alistair Overeem defeats Fabricio Werdum by Unanimous Decision.

I love the "Reem's" casual trash talk. "We can fight on the feet or it can take a bit longer. If he comes to fight I will destroy him in one round." The "Demolition Man" comes in wearing a Dallas Mavericks NBA Champions flag around his shoulders and the Texas crowd erupts. Overeem weighed in at 417 lbs. tonight.

Rd.1 Overeem is working low and avoids five quick takedown attempts which he shrugged off with ease. Fabricio tries pulling guard twice and Alistair holds his hands out calling on his opponent to the delight of the crowd. Overeem is being too cautious and Fabricio is landing more often. A left hook hurts Werdum who pulls guard. Overeem avoids him and then slams Werdum down though Fabricio stays there and taunts the multi-champion. Pulling guard Alistair ends the round on top but didn't amount an offense and Werdum did. 10-9 Werdum

Rd.2 The uber-knee lands early but Werdum trips Alistair who escapes. Fabricio really landing some strikes now but then is gassed out! Overeem begins to land heavy blows and Fabricio takes a ton of time getting back to his feet now. A right hand hurts Werdum who pulls guard. He continues to pull guard after eating a shot and getting up as lazily as possible while Overeem stalks around the outside. Alistair contently stays in Werdum's guard until the round ends. 10-9 Overeem

Rd.3 Werdum opens the final round with some good clinch work a right hand hurts him and yet again he pulls guard as the chorus of boos rains down. Fabricio is clutching to the "Demolition Man" for dear life and taunts him from his back. Stuck in Werdum's guard the clock ticks away as the crowd begins to chant "Stand them up. Stand them up." Overeem lands here and there but its not impressive. Werdum looks for a kneebar that isn't close as time ends and the crowd voices their displeasure. 10-9 Overeem

MMAFO scored the bout 29-28 for Alistair Overeem as did one of the official judges.

* Both men looked very slow and Werdum is embracing the "bad guy" role these days. Overeem tries to pretend he isn't exhausted in his interview and Antonio Silva has just become a live pick for the next round with Alistair looking very mortal.

7-2 on the picks with the ND and if you listened to me you made $$$$ on Mr. Chad Griggs. A lackluster night of fights with Daniel Cormier doing well but really only Jorge Masvidal impressing. For the tournament we had a vastly outmatched man on the ground and one who would not stop retreating there.