UFC Japan 144 Results: Henderson Crowned Lightweight Champion & 7 Upsets!

Issei Tamura Upset Tiequan Zhang by TKO in Rd 1. Its hard to call Zhang anything but a bust at this point. He came hyped from China and has gone 1-2 in the UFC and just got KO'd by a replacement fighter. Time to move along.

Chris Cariaso Upset Takeya Mizugaki by Unanimous Decision in controversial fashion. No home cooking here as Takeya gets jobbed in his own homeland.

Ricky Fukuda defeated Steven Cantwell by Unanimous Decision. Steve Cantwell has now set the UFC record 5 lost bouts in a row! Congratulations to the "Robot" who really earned it. How Steve has managed to get worse is beyond me but he has succeeded as Ricky prolongs his stint in Zuffa while Cantwell mercifully hits the bricks.

Vaughan Lee Upset Norifumi Yamamoto by Armbar in Rd 1. The "Kid" just cannot buy a win! Yamamoto was in full control having hurt Lee with a right hand that dropped Vaughan but he then survived a barrage of knees and strikes initiating a scramble. Norifumi landed on top but Lee threw up a crooked triangle attempt that "Kid" should have been able to escape from. Yamamoto waited too long and Lee switches to the armbar forcing "Kid" to tap and punch the canvas in frustration. Its another loss for Yamamoto who has lost all 3 of his UFC bouts after once being one of the most feared lighter fighters in the world. "Submission Of The Night"

* Norifumi is most likely to get cut following another loss and Lee sneaks in a win in Japan for England.

Takanori Gomi defeated Eiji Mitsuoka by TKO in Rd 2. There is no debating how just awful and rudimentary Gomi looked in the initial round. Throwing baseball punches from the waist completely off balance and being rocked continually by Eiji's jab. The 2nd saw the reemergence of the "Fireball Kid" who goes for broke throwing and kicking non-stop for the 1st 90 seconds. A Gomi knee crushes the ribs of Mitsuoka who goes down and Takanori dives onto his opponent unleashing a fury of strikes until the referee is forced to halt the bout and the "Fireball Kid" celebrates atop the Octagon cage with the boisterous crowd.

* I'm not gonna lie. Gomi looks awful even in victory. Some of that can be chalked up to his unorthodox style but he has regressed badly with his footwork and really needs a new camp to tighten his game. That won't happen and lets hope the UFC feeds Takanori more strikers.

Anthony Pettis defeated Joe Lauzon by KO (head kick) in Rd 1. "J-Lau" thought "Showtime" was going low with the lick but he went high and nearly took Joe's head off. Unconscious before he hit the mat, Lauzon was done and Pettis has another highlight reel head kick to his credit and a possible looming title shot. "KO Of The Night"

* With Ben Henderson winning the strap and Pettis being the last man to defeat him (for the WEC title) it just makes sense.

Hatsu Hioki defeated Bart Palaszewski by Unanimous Decision. Hioki finally showed that promised brilliance just dominating "Bartimus" in the 1st and 3rd rounds almost securing a few tapouts. Hatsu is right there in the conversation for a shot at Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.

Tim Boetsch Upset Yoshin Okami by TKO in Rd 3. Okami brought the "Thunder" for the 1st two rounds abusing the "Barbarian" who came out in the final round going for broke with his back against he wall.

Jake Shields defeated Yoshihiro Akiyami by Unanimous Decision. It was a close battle with "Sexyama" looking great at Welterweight stuffing almost all of Jake's takedown attempts until the final round. It was Shields aggression and never say die attitude on the takedown attempts that won him the day. Jake still looks bad striking and I cannot understand why the boys at Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu can't learn how to take someone down effectively! Anywho, Jake got it done by a narrow margin and gets the much needed win that still eludes Akiyama.

* I personally hope the UFC doesn't cut Yoshihiro as he seems to possess new life at 170. Give the guy a chance to make a true go of it. Somebody needs to teach Shields to strike but I would love a future fight with Josh Koscheck.

Mark Hunt Upset Cheick Kongo by KO in Rd 1! I just cannot predict Kongo's irrational behavior. When he has an advantage he doesn't use it (the ground game) instead opting to stand with a known powerhouse and getting rocked on a couple of occasions before being put out by the "Super Samoan." Hunt was near a forced retirement and has now rattled off 3 wins in a row and sees his record above .500 (8-7) for the 1st time in a long time.

* Great work for the beloved big man of Japan who could deliver fireworks against the likes of Travis Browne or Stefan Struve.

Ryan Bader Upsets Quinton Jackson by Unanimous Decision. I think Quinton is a fraud. There I said it. He doesn't train and was simply there for his Japan moment of glory that didn't come. Ryan out worked Jackson in the 1st as the men got comfortable. In the 2nd, "Rampage" body slammed Bader onto his neck and smashed his right arm but but he quickly got back to the feet showing no ill effects. "Darth" then hits a solid double leg taking Jackson to the mat for some work. In the final round, Bader again got the takedown and rubbed on Jackson until the bell for a big decision win.

* I hope you got your moneys worth from "Rampage" because he is going to keep taking it. Time for the swan song match with Jackson versus Stephan Bonnar or Phil Davis and we call it a career. A big boost for Bader who stays alive as it were in the Light Heavyweight division and perhaps a bout against Mauricio Rua would provide a proper test though Bader has gone about as far as he is going to in his career.

Benson Henderson Upset Frankie Edgar by Unanimous Decision to become the new UFC Lightweight Champion! I gave "Bendo" rounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 while scoring only the 3rd for Edgar. Fightmetric scored 100 total strikes to Ben while 81 to Frankie. Ben would out strike Frank in all categories save leg kicks which he won 18 to 13. Henderson out landed 87 to 68 in significant strikes, 59 to 40 head shots, and 28 to 23 in body shots. It was another back and forth tilt but "Bendo" landed more and hurt Frankie with an upkick in what I found a clear win for the new Champion. "Fight Of The Night"

* Ben Henderson vs Anthony Pettis II is coming and going to be amazing. Frankie Edgar is now allowed some time to recoup from all his wars before facing top talent like Melvin Guillard or Donald Cerrone for guaranteed excitement.

Thoughts:

• Impressive that MMAFO was the lone picker of our newly thorny crowned Champion.
• Funny that the post fight press conference's sound was a step behind the video looking like an old dubbed Kung Fu film.
• A rough 7-5 on the picks but with all the Upsets tonight not too bad.

UFC 144: Edgar vs Henderson Picks & Prognostications

UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson
February 26, 2012
(Airs on Feb. 25 in the U.S. due to time difference)
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan

Main Bouts (PPV):
Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar (14-1-1) vs. Benson Henderson (15-2) One of the most exciting fights scheduled this year comes to fruition. Edgar has been running game over his subordinates defending his strap twice. "Bendo" lost his WEC title to the "Showtime Kick" but has rocketed back into the scene besting Mark Boceck, Jim Miller, and Clay Guida to earn his shot. Both men posses amazing scrambling ability though the striking must favor the "Answer," Henderson is the more celebrated submission artist. Call me crazy, but I like Henderson to ground Edgar at key moments allowing him to add up points en route to an Upset Win! I am honestly not an Edgar believer and think he has met an opponent who can match his strengths while also bringing in the submission element that has eluded the Jersey native. We all expect fireworks but I'm calling for a new Champion.

Upset Pick WINNER-Ben Henderson by Decision

Quinton Jackson (32-9) vs. Ryan Bader (13-2) * "Rampage" missed weight by 6 pounds, didn't train at Wolfslair or his stateside gym, and is cocky as ever. "Darth" Bader is the hungry young fighter getting back on a one fight winning streak and can bang as well as wrestle. Soon some young buck is going to expose "Rampage" for his lack of interest and Bader may have the salt to do it. Once you don't believe a guy cares for the sport anymore and is collecting a paycheck, how can you credibly pick them?

Upset Pick WINNER-Ryan Bader by Decision

Mark Hunt (7-7) vs. Cheick Kongo (17-6-2) Hunt is a feel good story for Japan but the writing is on the wall. Hunt has only KO power to offer and will need a small ladder to reach Kongo. Cheick will not stand before the Samoan instead opting for his oft used take down for L&P. It will be ugly and boring and one sided. Thanks for the memories Mark.

WINNER-Cheick Kongo by Decision

Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-4) vs. Jake Shields (26-6-1) Jake needs a rebound after losing the title fight to GSP and then getting KO'd by Jake Ellenberger after his father passed away. "Sexyama" is making his long awaited 170 lb. debut after losing 3 competitive bouts in a row. The hated "Tito Ortiz of Japan" can strike better than Shields but I fully expect a motivated Shields, who also dislikes his opponent for past cheating, to make a statement putting Akiyama away with prejudice and returning to the Welterweight elite conversation.

WINNER-Jake Shields by Rd.2 Submission

Yushin Okami (26-6) vs. Tim Boetsch (14-4) People seem geniuinely impressed with the "Barbarian's" move to 185 though I am at a loss as to why. Beating Kendall Grove and Nick Ring does not put you in company with "Thunder" especially when you have only showed weight loss and no real improvement. Boetsch is a tough guy but Okami is at another level. Yushin has fought at the highest ranks of Middleweight for the last 5 years and can match muscle for muscle with Tim an advantage he usually possesses. Tim's power also won't hurt Okami as he finds himself planted on his ass over and over again to a lopsided bout.

WINNER-Yushin Okami by Decision

Hatsu Hioki (25-4-2) vs. Bart Palaszewski (36-14) "Bartimus" has held strong since his WEC days dropping to Featherweight and dispatching struggling Tyson Griffin in his initial UFC appearance bringing his aggressive style to bare. Hioki is the "great hope" of Japan looking for an impressive performance after struggling with George Roop in his debut. I could easily see Bart out working Hioki over time but Hatsu is just so technically brilliant on the floor that he just catches overconfident opponents. Its going to be close again but Hatsu sneaks by and begins making noise for a title shot against Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo.

WINNER-Hatsu Hioki by Decision

Anthony Pettis (14-2) vs. Joe Lauzon (21-6) I like "J-Lau" but I think he is reaching that ceiling in his Lightweight career. The guy can surprise people with his ultra-aggressive "gong & dash" style but after the initial onslaught he has depleted his gas tank. "J-Lau" has decent striking and solid ground which Pettis should easily counter with his stellar abilities. "Showtime" has far more tools and I think we will see two Lightweights here going in different directions.

WINNER-Anthony Pettis by Rd.3 Submission

Prelims (FX):
Takanori Gomi (32-8) vs. Eiji Mitsuoka (18-7-2) Once upon a time in Japan, the "Fireball Kid" ruled the Lightweight landscape causing FEG to create the Bushido series to highlight the superstar. Going a weak 3 and 4 in the UFC, Gomi has not evolved his game relying soley on winging big punches and praying he isn't taken to the mat. Eiji is a solid grappler who will definitely be looking to take Gomi into his world. Takanori still has a big show left in him on his home soil and pulls the dramatic win while mounting the top of the cage as he once did the ring posts in Pride FC.

WINNER-Takanori Gomi by Rd.2 TKO

Norifumi Yamamoto (18-5) vs. Vaughan Lee (11-7-1) Long gone are the days of the reign of the "Kid" but he still has enough speed, striking, and power wrestling to handle whatever Lee brings to the table. Losing 4 of his last 5, Yamamoto needs this bout to remain employed and a big win to re-enforce his legend in Japan. Vaughan comes in late but a full training camp would not prepare him for the "Kid's" last stand.

WINNER-Norifumi Yamamoto by Rd.2 TKO

Riki Fukuda (17-5) vs. Steve Cantwell (7-5) 4 losses in a row for Steve who looks to set the all time UFC losing streak with a loss in Japan. A dubious honor as Fukuda looks to achieve some success in a bout where two stiff fighters will stumble through 15 minutes. With Fukuda fading in fights he needs to get to the "Robot" early with the pain. Riki pins a rose on Cantwell who sets the official record!

WINNER-Riki Fukuda by Decision

Takeya Mizugaki (15-6-2) vs. Chris Cariaso (12-3) Chris is a serviceable fighter but the "Miz" has a level of competition and heart that Cariaso cannot match. Takeya will overwhelm Chris with the aggression pulling away late in the fight.
WINNER-Takeya Mizugaki by Decision

Prelim(Facebook):
Tiequan Zhang (15-2) vs. Issei Tamura (6-2) The "Mongolian Wolf" is on display against a last second replacement playing the role of the sheep. Issei won't have much to offer save for being a member of Krazy Bee which probably got him the job.

WINNER-Tiequan Zhang by Rd.2 Submission

7-1 on the UFC on Fuel featuring Sanchez vs Ellenberger for which we posted no results.

UFC 143 Results: Condit Crowned Champion & Big Wins For Werdum, Pegado, & Poirier

Stephen Thompson KO's Daniel Stittgen with a beautiful over the shoulder Head Kick 4:13 into the 1st round of "Wonderboy's" debut. 25-0 now in kickboxing and MMA for the young phenom who is looking to excite the stacked Welterweight division. Impressive debut. "KO Of The Night"

Rafael Natal defeats Michael Kuiper by Unanimous Decision. Mike may not be UFC ready as the veteran "Sapo" holds him at bay.

Matt Riddle defeats a game last second replacement Lightweight Henry Martinez via Split-Decision. Not a very impressive performance for the much larger Riddle who struggled with the striking and never say die attitude of the upstart. Matt did enough to win but I'm more interested to see Henry make his proper debut at 155 and someone decent needs to destroy Ridde already.

* I'd like to see a veteran like Josh Neer push Riddle or Amir Sadollah as originally slated.

Matt Brown TKO's Chris Cope with Punches just into the 2nd round. Neither man is going to do shit in the UFC but at least "C-Murder" is most likely gone. I don't care who he fights next because it makes no difference.

Edwin Figueroa defeats Alex Caceres in a controversial Split-Decision. "Bruce Leeroy" was having no problem using his length and varied offense to keep Edwin off his game and chasing for most of the fight. The problem came when Alex landed a full force kick to the groin which dropped Figueroa in obvious excruciating pain. Ed took the full five minutes and battled back valiantly going for risky attacks to try and catch the running Caceres. In the 2nd the groin kick happened again and referee Herb Dean rightly took 2 points! "Leeroy" was sternly warned by the referee and paid the price. Even with the deductions I scored the bout 28-27 for Caceres but the judges saw differently and that is the price you pay for illegal blows.

Dustin Poirier submits Max Holloway with a Triangle Armbar in the 1st round. Max gave it a solid effort, but in the end "Diamond" is just on another level. Once grounded Holloway succumbed to a beautiful mounted triangle and armbar making a statement about his place in the Featherweight division. "Submission Of The Night"

* Dustin is destined for a bout with the "Korean Zombie" Chan Sung Jung.

Ed Herman taps Clifford Starks with the RNC in round 2. "Short Fuse" has been solid since returning last year and taps out Starks to raise his consecutive wins to 3 finishes in a row.

Renan Pegado soundly defeats Scott Jorgensen by Unanimous Decision. Scotty tried his best but was always a step behind the "Barao" who has impressively won 27 in a row! "Barao" is solidly among the elite now and looking to await the winner of Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz and the rematch with Urijah Faber! "Fight Of The Night"

Josh Koscheck sneaks by Mike Pierce by Split-Decision. "Kos" looked very tentative on the feet and just could not throw his hands though he did come forward more. Mike looked to counter and did so well though Koscheck won the takedown war in a very close back and forth bout. Neither men set the night on fire but I have little problem with the decision either way. "Kos" has got to get some confidence back in his striking and his recent split with AKA won't help matters.

* Koscheck is always near the top and needs a big test against heavy handed Johny Hendricks or possibly now former teammate Jon Fitch!

Fabricio Werdum defeats Roy Nelson by Unanimous Decision in a route. This one wasn't even close. Werdum looked in great shape and his striking was excellent. "Big Country" continually put his head into Fabricio's Thai plum and paid for it bu eating a ton of brutal knees. Nelson has a chin of granite and kept coming but Werdum dominated the match and made Roy look amateur. Very big win for Werdum who moves up the rankings while Nelson barely hangs on to his job.

* "Vai Cavalo" could get a shot at Frank Mir or even Cain Velasquez.

Carlos Condit defeats Nick Diaz by Unanimous Decision. The "NBK" followed the smart Greg Jackson game plant to perfection keeping Diaz chasing him and out landing the 209 fighter. Nick got to talking and landed strikes of his own but it was Condit that was more diversified in his attack and Diaz could not get his number. Carlos ran away with it (pun intended) but did what he should and fault Diaz for not stopping him.

* Carlos Condit becomes the Interim Welterweight Champion and awaits a possible bout with Georges St. Pierre though don't be surprised if we get a rematch with Nick Diaz before then.

Thoughts:

This card wasn't that great.

Corn Nuts are the official "corn snack" of the UFC.

Nick Diaz isn't going to retire and needs to work on his sportsmanship.

7-3 on the picks.

UFC 143 Diaz vs Condit: Picks & Prognostications

UFC 143: Super Bowl Weekend - Diaz vs. Condit
February 4, 2012
Mandalay Bay Events Center
Las Vegas, Nevada

Main Card (PPV):

Interim Welterweight Title Fight
Nick Diaz (26-7) vs. Carlos Condit (27-5) The on again off again run around in the Welterweight division is coming to a head as two brutal Welterweights square off for the Interim belt while Georges St. Pierre watches cage side awaiting his future opponent for the real title. Both men are riding momentum's wave but Diaz has gone from most hated to fan favorite superstar in one year's time as his skills have improved with his confidence. Condit is the quiet killer who was the last WEC Welterweight Champion and ironically Nick was the very 1st. "NBK" has run off 4 wins in a row and has gone 11-1 since 2006. The 209 native has won a similar 11 in a row including destroying BJ Penn in his UFC debut. Both men have great ground but Nick's is ridiculous. Diaz can strike in volume for days but Carlos has one move KO power as proven. Neither man excels at the wrestling game which will be absent. Condit has the reach advantage but can he take the myriad of punches coming at his as Diaz never tires. Its going to be a long journey, but Nick is a better fighter and his time is now!

WINNER-Nick Diaz by Decision

Roy Nelson (16-6) vs. Fabricio Werdum (14-5-1) A slimmer "Big Country" welcomes the returning and I feel highly overrated Werdum to the UFC. Fabricio submitted Fedor Emelianenko to make his name but has been average at best other times when he cannot secure the submission. Werdum's hands are god awful while Roy can throw very heavy leather and defend himself adequately on the floor. Nelson has made good strides but desperately needs the win. "Big Country" will surprise people here punishing Werdum who cannot get the ground game going before a big finale.

Upset Pick WINNER-Roy Nelson by Rd.2 TKO

Josh Koscheck (16-5) vs. Mike Pierce (13-4) Welterweight wrestlers looking to make a stand up war and a statement for the Welterweight top tier. "Kos" still has questions about his repaired orbital eye bone but has always excelled against people not named George. Pierce has quietly worked up the ranks hanging with the likes of Jon Fitch (whom he almost stopped late in the fight) and Johny Hendricks. This could be a very boring fight but look for a careful Blanket to just keep ahead of Mike in the end.

WINNER-Josh Koscheck by Decision

Renan Pegado (17-1) vs. Scott Jorgensen (13-4) This is going to be a great fight and props to perennial MMAFO favorite Scotty Jorgensen for deservedly getting on the 'main card.' "Barao" upset Brad Pickett in impressive fashion and has not lost since his very 1st professional bout. I fear Renan is heading toward a title shot while Jorgensen has already had his. I see a changing of the guard in a "Fight of the Night" contender.

WINNER-Renan Pegado by Decision

Ed Herman (19-8) vs. Clifford Starks (8-0) The angry ginger has been on a roll since returning from knee surgery and meets an undefeated upstart. However, "Short Fuse" has a much more well rounded game against an average unimpressive fighter.

WINNER-Ed Herman by Decision

Prelims (FX):
Dustin Poirier (11-1) vs. Max Hollaway (4-0) "Diamond" rides in with 4 consecutive wins and is looking to challenge Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo this year. Max is filling in and is going to get destroyed here.

WINNER-Dustin Poirier by Rd.3 Submission

4 Absolutely Horrible Fighters in 3 bouts:
Matt Riddle (5-3) vs. Henry Martinez (8-1) I absolutely loathe Riddle but he is getting a 'gimme' fight here as Henry comes in on short notice a weight class above where he fights.

WINNER-Matt Riddle by Rd.2 TKO

Alex Caceres (6-4) vs. Edwin Figueroa (8-1) The equally annoying "Bruce Leeroy" looked better at Bantamweight mixing up his offense and getting rid of the Monchichi haircut. Cute kicks aside watch as Edwin gets things dirty when he finally gets his hands on the kid.

WINNER-Edwin Figueroa by Decision

Matt Brown (12-11) vs. Chris Cope (5-2) Two just awful fighters from awful TUF seasons and Matt will blow the jackass 'wooing' Cope out of the cage.

WINNER-Matt Brown by Rd.2 TKO

Prelims (Facebook):

Rafael Natal (13-3-1) vs. Michael Kuiper (11-0) "Sapo" has gone 1-1-1 in the UFC while "Judo" comes in undefeated but untested. Natal lacks while standing where Kuiper can excel provided he avoids the takedown. It could go either way but I want some new blood.

Upset Pick WINNER- Michael Kuiper by Rd.1 TKO