WEC 50 Results & Live Play-by-Play
Aug 18, 2010
Sherdog.com will report from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas
at 6:45 p.m. ET with play-by-play and live results of WEC
50, which is headlined by Dominick
Cruz vs. Joseph
Benavidez.
Don't forget to check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card.
Click here for quick results.
Danny Castillo vs. Dustin Poirier
Round 1
Castillo fires a low inside kick right away. Castillo shoots in for a double but he's stuffed. Castillo then pushes Poirier into the fence and keeps him there. Poirier is very relaxed but he eats a knee to the belly. Castillo still trying to bring him down and he's thwarted. Castillo has a whizzer halted but he finally drags his foe down with a single leg. Poirier quickly pulls guard halfway through the round. Castillo breaks free and stands up but he's holding Poirier's right foot. Castillo dives and crushes a right hand onto Poirier's head. Poirier rolls over and Castillo pounces. Poirier stands up and rolls down into a kneebar but it's defended well. Castillo breaks free and stands again. Castillo lands three more glancing blows at the horn. 10-9 Castillo.
Poirier fires two hard right jabs immediately. Castillo lands a hard low kick and then shoots in for a single. It's stuffed. Poirier separates and tries a takedown himself, but he's easily stuffed. Castillo clinches and reverses his opponent into the fence. Poirier eats an elbow and pulls guard. Castillo has Poirier pressed up against the fence and the Louisiana fighter holds him tightly in his guard. Poirier fires an elbow from his back. Poirier tries to latch on a triangle that's loose. Castillo tries to scramble and he falls deep into the choke. Castillo scoops and slams him but the choke isn't broken. It's tight, yet not too perilous. Castillo scoots to the side and fights it off. He breaks free and is now in side control. Both men are worn out for the 90-second long triangle attempt. 10-9 Poirier.
Round 3
Fight is up in the air going into the final round. Castillo fires a right hand early but it's a grazing blow. They clinch but Poirier lands a series of decent uppercuts. Castillo quickly forces Poirier into the cage. Castillo is trying to drag his foe down but he can't. Castillo finally scoops him up and brings him down into side control. Both men are exhausted. Poirier stands back up easily. As soon as he's up, Castillo drags him right back down and falls into Poirier's full guard. Poirier tries to lock on another triangle but Castillo is too wise; he defends well. Poirier shifts his hips and locks it on deeper but Castillo scoots over and slinks out. Castillo now in side control. Within seconds, Castillo moves to full mount. Poirier is totally gassed and gets caught in an arm triangle as time runs out. 10-9 Castillo.
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 29-28 for Castillo, the winner by unanimous decision.
Fredson Paixao vs. Bryan Caraway
Round 1
Caraway quickly starts off with a left jab. And another. Paixao has a head kick blocked. Caraway with another double-left jab and left hook. Caraway misses a left hook and Paixao clinches. Paixao lands a knee to the forehead. Caraway separates but Paixao won't let him breathe and shoots in. Caraway sprawls and Paixao tries to pull guard. Caraway walks back and lets him back up. They clinch in the center of the cage. Hard right uppercut by Paixao. They separate. Caraway lands a decent left hook. Paixao misses a spinning-back kick. Both have slowed a bit. Paixao misses another spinning-back kick. Caraway tags him with a left hook and the Brazilian shoots in. He's stuffed. Caraway fires more shots but Paixao latches on a guillotine and drops down. Caraway pops out at the horn. 10-9 Paixao.
Round 2
Caraway paws with a lazy left jab and is quickly taken down. However, Caraway pops right up to his feet. They separate after a brief clinch. Hard low kick by Paixao. Another and this one forces Caraway to back away. That one really hurt him. Another by Paixao. Another. Another. Caraway fires a right hand but Paixao ducks under and scores a single. Caraway scrambles back up. Paixao digs another brutal kick to the thigh. Caraway presses forward with four left jabs and just misses a huge right hook. Paixao shoots but he's stuffed. Caraway misses a loopy left hook. He telegraphs a wild right and left. Paixao answers with a leg kick and is taken down by Caraway. Paixao latches on an armbar, but Caraway tolls over and out of it the horn. 10-9 Paixao.
Round 3
Caraway is stalking his foe across the cage. Paixao misses a takedown attempt. Caraway is very passive with his attacks. Paixao lands another low kick. Very little action two minutes in. Paixao misses a takedown attempt. Caraway lands a series of meager left jabs. Hard kick to the thigh by Paixao again. Caraway misses a straight right hand. Decent left hook by Caraway that counters a Paixao left jab. They scramble and Caraway scores a double leg. Paixao springs right back up. Caraway lands a left. And another. Paixao shoots but he's stuffed. Very close round. 10-9 Paixao.
Official scores: 29-28 Caraway and 29-28 (twice) for Paixao, the winner by split decision.
Ricardo Lamas vs. Dave Jansen
Round 1
Jansen fires a low kick early. Lamas counters with a front kick to the face but it falls short. Both are a bit cautious. Jansen forces Lamas into the fence. There is a disturbing Pride-like silence cast over the crowd. Jansen lands a good knee and separates. Nice left hook to the body and a kick to the forehead by Lamas. They clinch, but it's short-lived. Hard left jab by Lamas. Jansen charges in an lands a good right hand. Lamas is fine. Jansen shoots in deep and lands the takedown. Lamas scrambles out from the bottom and eats a right hand. Jansen locks in a guillotine that's not deep and Lamas escapes to his feet. 10-9 Lamas.
Round 2
There's a small cut on the upper corner of Lamas's right eye. Jansen eats a hard right cross and then a left kick to the head. He is unfazed. Jansen shoots in after a flurry but Lamas locks on a standing guillotine. Jansen struggles and he finally breaks free, but eats a knee to the chest during separation. Jansen boars forward and unloads a flurry of punches, but they all glance off their targets. Lamas ducks under and tries a takedown but he's stuffed. They flurry and stand back up and Jansen has a nasty gash by his left eye. Lamas just misfires on a spinning-back fist. Hard right hand by Lamas but Jansen answers with a huge scoop slam. Jansen scoots to half guard. Lamas tries to lock on a kimura from his back. He extends the arm but loses it in transition. Jansen dives back in and falls into a triangle that Lamas can't finish. Very close round again. 10-9 Lamas.
Round 3
Both men are a bit fatigued. Jansen misses a monster right hook but immediately scores a single leg. From half guard, Lamas tries a guillotine but it's very loose. Lamas scrambles out but Jansen slides over and seizes his back. Jansen gets a left hook in. Both hooks are in and he flattens Lamas. Jansen slips his left arm under and tries a rear-naked choke. He has it. Jansen rolls him over and Lamas escapes to spin around. Jansen scrambles but falls into a guillotine. Jansen powers his way out and when he escapes, the blood is gushing from his head. Lamas locks on another guillotine and wraps him up. Jansen again somehow escapes and pounds away in Lamas' guard at the horn. 10-9 Lamas.
Official scores: 29-28 across the board for Lamas, the winner by unanimous decision.
Javier Vazquez vs. Mackens Semerzier
Round 1
Vazquez lands a decent left hook to body 37 seconds in. They clinch and scramble and Vazquez scores a quick takedown. Vazquez lands in half guard and quickly scoots to a crucifix, but Semerzier immediately escapes. Vazquez moves to full mount moments later. Semerzier tries to roll over and Vazquez keeps him down. Vazquez latches on a partial rear-naked choke and Semerzier fends it off. Semerzier bucks Vazquez and pulls it back to half guard, only to lose it to full mount right away. Back to half guard. Vazquez stands up and dives back in and lands in north-south position. Semerzier scrambles and "Showtime" keeps him down. Vazquez lands some decent elbows at the horn. 10-9 Vazquez.
Round 2
Semerzier fires a series of rights and lefts, but Vazquez ducks and blocks them all. They clinch and Semerzier pushes him into the fence. Vazquez climbs up and secures a standing guillotine. It's deep. Vazquez tries to bring him down and Semerzier shakes him off. They scramble and trade punches. Vazquez clinches him against the cage and Semerzier spins around. Vazquez immediately jumps onto Semerzier's back and sinks in a tight rear-naked choke. It's very deep and Semerzier is in deep trouble. He taps. Great submission by Vazquez.The official time is 1:32 of the second round.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Maciej Jewtuszko
Round 1
Jewtuszko fires a right kick to the thigh. Njokuani fires a right and Jewtuszko stumbles onto his back. Njokuani lands a hard right hand from overhead. Jewtuszko quickly stands up. Njokuani is buckled by a spinning-back elbow during a flurry. He's deeply rocked. Jewtuszko locks on a guillotine but he can't sink it. Njokuani is still hurt. He escapes the choke but Jewtuszko is all over him. Jewtuszko delivers a staggering right uppercut. Another right uppercut and Njokuani falls to his knees. Jewtuszko unloads a fury of punches and referee Herb Dean stops it. The official time of the TKO is 1:36 of the very first round.
Bart Palaszewski vs. Zachary Micklewright
Round 1
Palaszewski lands two inside low kicks in the bout’s opening seconds. Micklewright sneaks in a right hand and both fighters open up with their hands. Palaszewski is hit by a right hook and he gets in a left-hand counter. Micklewright blasts Palaszewski with a left hook and both fighters trade at close range. Neither lands flush to conclude the flurry. Palaszewski clinches with his opponent and knees the thigh. Referee Steve Mazzagatti restarts the fighters in the center of the cage. Palaszewski lets go and Micklewright lands a right and a left. Palaszewski connects with a right-hand lead to counter a low kick. Micklewright misses a “Superman” punch and then finds his range with short punches. Palaszewski is clipped with a knee to the groin. Mazzagatti gives him a brief reprieve and we’re back to action. Palaszewski throws a punch-kick combo that ends with his foot on Micklewright’s groin protector. Palaszewski lands a hard right hook. Palaszewski kicks the body and Micklewright gets in a short body punch with his left. Palaszewski jabs and doesn’t follow up. Micklewright with a right hand with seconds remaining in the frame.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Palaszewski
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Palaszewski
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10
Round 2
Palaszewski peppers Micklewright with punches against the fencing. Micklewright is in trouble as he’s eating leather from both hands. A kick to the body and a clean right hook gets through and Micklewright collapses. Palaszewski swarms with punches until Mazzagatti pulls him off. The official time is 0:31 of the second period.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett
Round 1
The fighters paw jabs at each other and Pickett floors an off-balanced Jorgensen with a right hand. Jorgensen hops up quickly and Pickett trips him to the floor. Jorgensen stands and Pickett lights him up with a right and a left. Jorgensen sprints to retreat and then steps right back in the pocket. Nice jab from Pickett. Jorgensen jabs back and Pickett uses head movement to avoid the blows. Jorgensen grabs a leg and briefly trips his opponent to the canvas. Jorgensen ejects Pickett’s mouthpiece with a right hand. Pickett reaches down to grab it and Jorgensen throws punches at his face. Pickett runs backward and somehow gets his mouthguard back in without taking a big shot. Jorgensen lands a left hook and then scores a takedown. Pickett works for a guillotine from his back and Jorgensen escapes. The fighters return to the feet and Pickett lands a jumping knee to the chin that gains crowd approval. A right-hook lead gets in for Pickett and Jorgensen answers with a knee to the chin.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Round 2
Pickett gets the best of a fast punching exchange early in the round. Pickett misses an uppercut and Jorgensen backs him up with counter fire. Pickett snaps the head back with a jab and there’s a small cut under the right eye of Jorgensen. Jorgensen starts countering jabs with a short-left elbow and they’re landing. Both fighters land heavy right hands. Pickett with another right hand. What a slugfest. Jorgensen gets stuffed on a takedown and Pickett immediately shoots for a single of his own. Jorgensen defends with underhooks and is kneed in the groin. The action is briefly halted and then referee Kim Winslow restarts the fight. Both fighters land leather and Jorgensen gets a trip takedown. From his opponent’s closed guard, Jorgensen lands a right elbow and a few punches. Another elbow connects for Jorgensen. Pickett looks for a triangle and Jorgensen has none of it. The fighters scramble and Jorgensen works a standing guillotine. Pickett escapes and fails on a double-leg takedown at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Round 3
Pickett slips in two left hands. Jorgensen switches to a southpaw stance briefly before switching back to orthodox. A clean left hook hits the jaw of Jorgensen. Pickett appears to have stuffed a single-leg takedown, but Jorgensen powers him to the floor. From the top in guard, Jorgensen lands a right elbow. Make that two right elbows. Pickett goes high with his hips in search of offense, and just like he did in the second frame, it allows Pickett enough space to stand. Jorgensen lands a right hand and Pickett blasts him with a stiff jab. Jorgensen trips his foe to the floor and punches the head from guard with his right hand. Pickett searches for another triangle and Jorgensen uses the window to pass to side control. Pickett rolls over on his left side and Jorgensen knees the right kidney. Ouch. Jorgensen continues to show tight positioning from side control. He controls the head and Pickett gives up his back. Jorgensen slams him twice and then secures his hooks. Pickett sweeps and ends up on top as time runs out.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen (30-27 Jorgensen)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen (30-27 Jorgensen)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen (30-27 Jorgensen)
Official scores: 30-27 across the board for Jorgensen, the winner by unanimous decision.
Cub Swanson vs. Chad Mendes
Round 1
Mendes gets in a right hand while Swanson zigs in and out of the pocket. Mendes trips Swanson to the floor and scrambles his way to side control. Mendes is in complete control, but he has yet to do anything with the position. Referee Josh Rosenthal asks for action. Mendes looks to step his left leg over to mount, but twice fails. Again Rosenthal asks the men to get busy. Mendes does nothing and Rosenthal stands it. Mendes lands a low kick and Swanson whiffs on a left head kick. Mendes catches a kick to the body and trips his opponent to the floor. Mendes lands a right hand and Swanson scrambles to his feet. Swanson winds up for a right hand and Mendes ducks under it. Swanson takes flight for a jumping knee and is taken down at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mendes
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Round 2
Mendes gets a quick takedown to start the round, but he can’t hold Swanson down. Swanson puts together the best combination of the fight with a punch-kick flurry. Swanson feints and connects with a kick to the left thigh of the Urijah Faber training partner. Mendes grazes a right hand to the face and the off-balanced Swanson nearly slips. Mendes aids the process and trips him to the canvas, where he passes to half guard. Swanson spins and nearly gives up his back, but he ends up in guard. Mendes is patient from the top, doing little but controlling. Swanson gets to his feet and lands two quick knees to the head.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mendes
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Round 3
Mendes again starts a round with a fast takedown. Swanson kicks him off and both fighters are now on their feet. Mendes winds up and misses all elements of a three-piece punch combo. Swanson tries to counter and is immediately taken down. Mendes looks to be resting and Swanson tries to apply the rubber guard by grabbing his own left foot. Swanson works an omoplata on the right arm, but Mendes easily holds his ground. Swanson lets go and Mendes moves to half guard. Mendes controls the head and works to pass his right leg. Swanson uses good leg movement to get back to full guard. Mendes attempts to open up with his hands, but Swanson’s guard is too long. Swanson posts on his right arm and quickly stands. Swanson tries a jumping knee and Mendes easily takes him down. Swanson stands and lands a low kick. Swanson sneaks in an uppercut that buckles the legs. Mendes again trips Swanson to the floor, where the man on his back slaps the ears with both hands.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mendes (30-27 Mendes)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Mendes (30-27 Mendes)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Mendes (30-27 Mendes)
Official scores: 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Chad Mendes.
Shane Roller vs. Anthony Pettis
Round 1
Roller throws a wild right hook and moves to the clinch, where he presses his opponent against the fencing. Roller attempts to throw his Pettis to the floor, but his foil’s defense is superb through the first 90 seconds. Roller controls the right wrist and drops down to trip the legs. Pettis steps out and again escapes a takedown. Pettis throws a flashy head kick that is blocked. Roller lands a cracking right hand and then the fighters scramble on the floor as Roller works hard for a takedown. Pettis gets free and lets his opponent stand. Pettis lands a right hand and falls short on a jumping knee. Pettis now has Roller pressed against the fence. Roller steps forward and connects with a knee to the body. Roller has Pettis trapped against the cage and he blasts him with a right hand. Pettis retreats and lands a sneaky, slow-to-develop head kick that hurts Roller. A one-two roughs Roller up and he shoots in desperation. Capoeira kick misses for Pettis at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Round 2
Roller connects with a body kick and Pettis counters with a right hand that lands. Roller goes to the clinch and transitions to a single. Pettis’ takedown defense is true. Low kicks smack the right leg of Roller. Roller shoots and gives up the takedown as he tried to switch to a guillotine. Pettis counters perfectly and ends up in Roller’s closed guard. Pettis is peppering the head with short punches from both hands, and Roller does not like it. He winces with both eyes and Pettis hits the body with his left hand. Roller elbows the head from his back. With his right hand, Roller throws punches to the head from the bottom in guard. Roller ties up the head while Pettis hits the body. Roller attempts an omoplata and Pettis stands. Roller lands a right hand that takes some steam out of Pettis. Roller goes to the clinch and drags Pettis to the canvas. Roller transitions to the mount and Pettis kicks off the cage to sweep. Pettis moves to side control and then stands with 10 seconds remaining. Pettis attempts a spinning-back kick to the head and is taken down at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Round 3
Roller lands a straight left and then follows up with a slick single-leg takedown. Pettis uses a kimura in an attempt to stand, but Roller has none of it. Pettis locks on a triangle and Pettis narrowly escapes. From Roller’s corner, Marc Laimon begs Roller to move to half guard. Pettis lands a snapping upkick and then latches on a deep triangle. Roller defends beautifully and then is hit with a right hand. Roller is running out of gas. He rests and Pettis stands. Roller takes his time standing and Pettis circles. Pettis, himself showing signs of fatigue, lands a low kick. Pettis connects with another low kick and a right hand before tripping Roller to the floor. The fighters stand and Roller is spent. He places both of his hands on his own knees and takes a deep breath. The fighters clinch and Roller slaps on a guillotine. The hold is tight and Pettis rolls in dramatic fashion to escape. Roller dives into the guard and Pettis applied a triangle. It’s very deep and Roller taps at the 4:51 mark of round three.
Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez
Round 1
Cruz pushes away a front kick with his hands. And another. Cruz is moving in and out as Benavidez is looking to counter punch. Cruz absolutely blasts Benavidez with a right hook to the body. Benavidez covers up his body and defends the clinch against the fencing. Back in the center of the cage, Cruz dances around and connects with a low kick. Benavidez sneaks in a short left and Cruz lands a low kick. There’s lots of fast movement on display, but flush punches and kicks are hard to come by until Benavidez counters a low kick with a right hook on the nose. Benavidez gets too far forward with a low kick and Cruz easily trips him to the floor. Benavidez holds his opponent tight from the bottom as Cruz punches the head with his right hand on top in guard. Butterfly guard for Benavidez. Cruz hits the body and Benavidez connects with a right elbow.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Cruz
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 2
Cruz is hit with a right hand. Cruz slips and Benavidez fails to capitalize. Benavidez is cut on the hairline as the fighters’ heads came together. Cruz is starting to use his reach more effectively as he moves forward, throws a single strike and exits the pocket before the challenger is able to land. Benavidez lands a low kick as Cruz check swings on a right hand. Cruz backs away from a punching flurry and defends a single attempt. Benavidez slips while throwing a low kick, and then is stuffed on a recovery single. Cruz lets him stand and then drops Benavidez to a knee with a straight right. It was more slip than power. Benavidez lands a right hand and is hit on the chin with by a jumping knee. Cruz drops levels for a double and he gets it. He is not able to hold Benavidez down, however.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 3
Cruz shoots and Benavidez defends. Benavidez lands a right hand and then looks at his fist. He reacts as if it could be injured, but he throws it in hook fashion shortly after. Benavidez misses a low kick and is stuffed on a knee tap. Benavidez fights for a single attempt and the champion steps out of it. Cruz again shows his stellar takedown defense as Benavidez fights hard for a single. Cruz jabs and Benavidez kicks the right leg. Benavidez is starting to land to the leg frequently. Cruz is hurt by another low kick and then he stings the body with a kick of his own. Cruz is starting to slow down a touch. Cruz lands a body kick and then gets a fast single at the 10-second mark.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 4
Cruz gets a fast single to start round four. From his back, Benavidez lands a right elbow and then goes high with his hips. Cruz stays tight and defends. Benavidez works on the right arm and Cruz briefly gets to half guard before returning to full guard. Cruz passes on the other side to half. Benavidez sweeps and takes the top position, but can’t get off any offense. Cruz stands and is pressing Benavidez into the cage. The fighters trade right knees to the head from the clinch and Cruz’s face is opened up. There’s a big cut on the bridge of the nose. Cruz trips the challenger to the floor and gets to side control. Knees to the body score for Cruz. To the mount goes Cruz. The champion works an armbar and Benavidez stands in transition. Cruz’s nose is a mess.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Cruz
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 5
The fifth and final round sees Benavidez swinging for the fences early and Cruz fending him off with fast movement. Cruz lands a sharp front kick and then checks a low kick. Nice right hand from Cruz. The champion is mostly dancing with 100 seconds remaining. He then stands in the pocket and unloads his hands, but nothing lands flush. Cruz lands a right hook and a left knee to the body. Benavidez chases Cruz and hits air with a right hand. Cruz misses a jumping knee and Benavidez rushes forward with punches and is taken down. Cruz punches from the top and Benavidez elbows from the bottom as time runs out. Great fight.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10 (48-48 Draw)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz (49-46 Cruz)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10 (50-46 Cruz)
Official scores:
48-47 Benavidez
48-47 Cruz
49-46 Cruz
Dominick Cruz retains his title with a split decision.
Don't forget to check out the MMA Forums to discuss the card.
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Danny Castillo vs. Dustin Poirier
Round 1
Castillo fires a low inside kick right away. Castillo shoots in for a double but he's stuffed. Castillo then pushes Poirier into the fence and keeps him there. Poirier is very relaxed but he eats a knee to the belly. Castillo still trying to bring him down and he's thwarted. Castillo has a whizzer halted but he finally drags his foe down with a single leg. Poirier quickly pulls guard halfway through the round. Castillo breaks free and stands up but he's holding Poirier's right foot. Castillo dives and crushes a right hand onto Poirier's head. Poirier rolls over and Castillo pounces. Poirier stands up and rolls down into a kneebar but it's defended well. Castillo breaks free and stands again. Castillo lands three more glancing blows at the horn. 10-9 Castillo.
Round 2
Poirier fires two hard right jabs immediately. Castillo lands a hard low kick and then shoots in for a single. It's stuffed. Poirier separates and tries a takedown himself, but he's easily stuffed. Castillo clinches and reverses his opponent into the fence. Poirier eats an elbow and pulls guard. Castillo has Poirier pressed up against the fence and the Louisiana fighter holds him tightly in his guard. Poirier fires an elbow from his back. Poirier tries to latch on a triangle that's loose. Castillo tries to scramble and he falls deep into the choke. Castillo scoops and slams him but the choke isn't broken. It's tight, yet not too perilous. Castillo scoots to the side and fights it off. He breaks free and is now in side control. Both men are worn out for the 90-second long triangle attempt. 10-9 Poirier.
Round 3
Fight is up in the air going into the final round. Castillo fires a right hand early but it's a grazing blow. They clinch but Poirier lands a series of decent uppercuts. Castillo quickly forces Poirier into the cage. Castillo is trying to drag his foe down but he can't. Castillo finally scoops him up and brings him down into side control. Both men are exhausted. Poirier stands back up easily. As soon as he's up, Castillo drags him right back down and falls into Poirier's full guard. Poirier tries to lock on another triangle but Castillo is too wise; he defends well. Poirier shifts his hips and locks it on deeper but Castillo scoots over and slinks out. Castillo now in side control. Within seconds, Castillo moves to full mount. Poirier is totally gassed and gets caught in an arm triangle as time runs out. 10-9 Castillo.
Official scores: 30-27 (twice) and 29-28 for Castillo, the winner by unanimous decision.
Fredson Paixao vs. Bryan Caraway
Round 1
Caraway quickly starts off with a left jab. And another. Paixao has a head kick blocked. Caraway with another double-left jab and left hook. Caraway misses a left hook and Paixao clinches. Paixao lands a knee to the forehead. Caraway separates but Paixao won't let him breathe and shoots in. Caraway sprawls and Paixao tries to pull guard. Caraway walks back and lets him back up. They clinch in the center of the cage. Hard right uppercut by Paixao. They separate. Caraway lands a decent left hook. Paixao misses a spinning-back kick. Both have slowed a bit. Paixao misses another spinning-back kick. Caraway tags him with a left hook and the Brazilian shoots in. He's stuffed. Caraway fires more shots but Paixao latches on a guillotine and drops down. Caraway pops out at the horn. 10-9 Paixao.
Round 2
Caraway paws with a lazy left jab and is quickly taken down. However, Caraway pops right up to his feet. They separate after a brief clinch. Hard low kick by Paixao. Another and this one forces Caraway to back away. That one really hurt him. Another by Paixao. Another. Another. Caraway fires a right hand but Paixao ducks under and scores a single. Caraway scrambles back up. Paixao digs another brutal kick to the thigh. Caraway presses forward with four left jabs and just misses a huge right hook. Paixao shoots but he's stuffed. Caraway misses a loopy left hook. He telegraphs a wild right and left. Paixao answers with a leg kick and is taken down by Caraway. Paixao latches on an armbar, but Caraway tolls over and out of it the horn. 10-9 Paixao.
Round 3
Caraway is stalking his foe across the cage. Paixao misses a takedown attempt. Caraway is very passive with his attacks. Paixao lands another low kick. Very little action two minutes in. Paixao misses a takedown attempt. Caraway lands a series of meager left jabs. Hard kick to the thigh by Paixao again. Caraway misses a straight right hand. Decent left hook by Caraway that counters a Paixao left jab. They scramble and Caraway scores a double leg. Paixao springs right back up. Caraway lands a left. And another. Paixao shoots but he's stuffed. Very close round. 10-9 Paixao.
Official scores: 29-28 Caraway and 29-28 (twice) for Paixao, the winner by split decision.
Ricardo Lamas vs. Dave Jansen
Round 1
Jansen fires a low kick early. Lamas counters with a front kick to the face but it falls short. Both are a bit cautious. Jansen forces Lamas into the fence. There is a disturbing Pride-like silence cast over the crowd. Jansen lands a good knee and separates. Nice left hook to the body and a kick to the forehead by Lamas. They clinch, but it's short-lived. Hard left jab by Lamas. Jansen charges in an lands a good right hand. Lamas is fine. Jansen shoots in deep and lands the takedown. Lamas scrambles out from the bottom and eats a right hand. Jansen locks in a guillotine that's not deep and Lamas escapes to his feet. 10-9 Lamas.
Round 2
There's a small cut on the upper corner of Lamas's right eye. Jansen eats a hard right cross and then a left kick to the head. He is unfazed. Jansen shoots in after a flurry but Lamas locks on a standing guillotine. Jansen struggles and he finally breaks free, but eats a knee to the chest during separation. Jansen boars forward and unloads a flurry of punches, but they all glance off their targets. Lamas ducks under and tries a takedown but he's stuffed. They flurry and stand back up and Jansen has a nasty gash by his left eye. Lamas just misfires on a spinning-back fist. Hard right hand by Lamas but Jansen answers with a huge scoop slam. Jansen scoots to half guard. Lamas tries to lock on a kimura from his back. He extends the arm but loses it in transition. Jansen dives back in and falls into a triangle that Lamas can't finish. Very close round again. 10-9 Lamas.
Round 3
Both men are a bit fatigued. Jansen misses a monster right hook but immediately scores a single leg. From half guard, Lamas tries a guillotine but it's very loose. Lamas scrambles out but Jansen slides over and seizes his back. Jansen gets a left hook in. Both hooks are in and he flattens Lamas. Jansen slips his left arm under and tries a rear-naked choke. He has it. Jansen rolls him over and Lamas escapes to spin around. Jansen scrambles but falls into a guillotine. Jansen powers his way out and when he escapes, the blood is gushing from his head. Lamas locks on another guillotine and wraps him up. Jansen again somehow escapes and pounds away in Lamas' guard at the horn. 10-9 Lamas.
Official scores: 29-28 across the board for Lamas, the winner by unanimous decision.
Javier Vazquez vs. Mackens Semerzier
Round 1
Vazquez lands a decent left hook to body 37 seconds in. They clinch and scramble and Vazquez scores a quick takedown. Vazquez lands in half guard and quickly scoots to a crucifix, but Semerzier immediately escapes. Vazquez moves to full mount moments later. Semerzier tries to roll over and Vazquez keeps him down. Vazquez latches on a partial rear-naked choke and Semerzier fends it off. Semerzier bucks Vazquez and pulls it back to half guard, only to lose it to full mount right away. Back to half guard. Vazquez stands up and dives back in and lands in north-south position. Semerzier scrambles and "Showtime" keeps him down. Vazquez lands some decent elbows at the horn. 10-9 Vazquez.
Round 2
Semerzier fires a series of rights and lefts, but Vazquez ducks and blocks them all. They clinch and Semerzier pushes him into the fence. Vazquez climbs up and secures a standing guillotine. It's deep. Vazquez tries to bring him down and Semerzier shakes him off. They scramble and trade punches. Vazquez clinches him against the cage and Semerzier spins around. Vazquez immediately jumps onto Semerzier's back and sinks in a tight rear-naked choke. It's very deep and Semerzier is in deep trouble. He taps. Great submission by Vazquez.The official time is 1:32 of the second round.
Anthony Njokuani vs. Maciej Jewtuszko
Round 1
Jewtuszko fires a right kick to the thigh. Njokuani fires a right and Jewtuszko stumbles onto his back. Njokuani lands a hard right hand from overhead. Jewtuszko quickly stands up. Njokuani is buckled by a spinning-back elbow during a flurry. He's deeply rocked. Jewtuszko locks on a guillotine but he can't sink it. Njokuani is still hurt. He escapes the choke but Jewtuszko is all over him. Jewtuszko delivers a staggering right uppercut. Another right uppercut and Njokuani falls to his knees. Jewtuszko unloads a fury of punches and referee Herb Dean stops it. The official time of the TKO is 1:36 of the very first round.
Bart Palaszewski vs. Zachary Micklewright
Round 1
Palaszewski lands two inside low kicks in the bout’s opening seconds. Micklewright sneaks in a right hand and both fighters open up with their hands. Palaszewski is hit by a right hook and he gets in a left-hand counter. Micklewright blasts Palaszewski with a left hook and both fighters trade at close range. Neither lands flush to conclude the flurry. Palaszewski clinches with his opponent and knees the thigh. Referee Steve Mazzagatti restarts the fighters in the center of the cage. Palaszewski lets go and Micklewright lands a right and a left. Palaszewski connects with a right-hand lead to counter a low kick. Micklewright misses a “Superman” punch and then finds his range with short punches. Palaszewski is clipped with a knee to the groin. Mazzagatti gives him a brief reprieve and we’re back to action. Palaszewski throws a punch-kick combo that ends with his foot on Micklewright’s groin protector. Palaszewski lands a hard right hook. Palaszewski kicks the body and Micklewright gets in a short body punch with his left. Palaszewski jabs and doesn’t follow up. Micklewright with a right hand with seconds remaining in the frame.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Palaszewski
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Palaszewski
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10
Round 2
Palaszewski peppers Micklewright with punches against the fencing. Micklewright is in trouble as he’s eating leather from both hands. A kick to the body and a clean right hook gets through and Micklewright collapses. Palaszewski swarms with punches until Mazzagatti pulls him off. The official time is 0:31 of the second period.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Brad Pickett
Round 1
The fighters paw jabs at each other and Pickett floors an off-balanced Jorgensen with a right hand. Jorgensen hops up quickly and Pickett trips him to the floor. Jorgensen stands and Pickett lights him up with a right and a left. Jorgensen sprints to retreat and then steps right back in the pocket. Nice jab from Pickett. Jorgensen jabs back and Pickett uses head movement to avoid the blows. Jorgensen grabs a leg and briefly trips his opponent to the canvas. Jorgensen ejects Pickett’s mouthpiece with a right hand. Pickett reaches down to grab it and Jorgensen throws punches at his face. Pickett runs backward and somehow gets his mouthguard back in without taking a big shot. Jorgensen lands a left hook and then scores a takedown. Pickett works for a guillotine from his back and Jorgensen escapes. The fighters return to the feet and Pickett lands a jumping knee to the chin that gains crowd approval. A right-hook lead gets in for Pickett and Jorgensen answers with a knee to the chin.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Round 2
Pickett gets the best of a fast punching exchange early in the round. Pickett misses an uppercut and Jorgensen backs him up with counter fire. Pickett snaps the head back with a jab and there’s a small cut under the right eye of Jorgensen. Jorgensen starts countering jabs with a short-left elbow and they’re landing. Both fighters land heavy right hands. Pickett with another right hand. What a slugfest. Jorgensen gets stuffed on a takedown and Pickett immediately shoots for a single of his own. Jorgensen defends with underhooks and is kneed in the groin. The action is briefly halted and then referee Kim Winslow restarts the fight. Both fighters land leather and Jorgensen gets a trip takedown. From his opponent’s closed guard, Jorgensen lands a right elbow and a few punches. Another elbow connects for Jorgensen. Pickett looks for a triangle and Jorgensen has none of it. The fighters scramble and Jorgensen works a standing guillotine. Pickett escapes and fails on a double-leg takedown at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen
Round 3
Pickett slips in two left hands. Jorgensen switches to a southpaw stance briefly before switching back to orthodox. A clean left hook hits the jaw of Jorgensen. Pickett appears to have stuffed a single-leg takedown, but Jorgensen powers him to the floor. From the top in guard, Jorgensen lands a right elbow. Make that two right elbows. Pickett goes high with his hips in search of offense, and just like he did in the second frame, it allows Pickett enough space to stand. Jorgensen lands a right hand and Pickett blasts him with a stiff jab. Jorgensen trips his foe to the floor and punches the head from guard with his right hand. Pickett searches for another triangle and Jorgensen uses the window to pass to side control. Pickett rolls over on his left side and Jorgensen knees the right kidney. Ouch. Jorgensen continues to show tight positioning from side control. He controls the head and Pickett gives up his back. Jorgensen slams him twice and then secures his hooks. Pickett sweeps and ends up on top as time runs out.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen (30-27 Jorgensen)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen (30-27 Jorgensen)
Mike Fridley scores the round 10-9 Jorgensen (30-27 Jorgensen)
Official scores: 30-27 across the board for Jorgensen, the winner by unanimous decision.
Cub Swanson vs. Chad Mendes
Round 1
Mendes gets in a right hand while Swanson zigs in and out of the pocket. Mendes trips Swanson to the floor and scrambles his way to side control. Mendes is in complete control, but he has yet to do anything with the position. Referee Josh Rosenthal asks for action. Mendes looks to step his left leg over to mount, but twice fails. Again Rosenthal asks the men to get busy. Mendes does nothing and Rosenthal stands it. Mendes lands a low kick and Swanson whiffs on a left head kick. Mendes catches a kick to the body and trips his opponent to the floor. Mendes lands a right hand and Swanson scrambles to his feet. Swanson winds up for a right hand and Mendes ducks under it. Swanson takes flight for a jumping knee and is taken down at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mendes
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Round 2
Mendes gets a quick takedown to start the round, but he can’t hold Swanson down. Swanson puts together the best combination of the fight with a punch-kick flurry. Swanson feints and connects with a kick to the left thigh of the Urijah Faber training partner. Mendes grazes a right hand to the face and the off-balanced Swanson nearly slips. Mendes aids the process and trips him to the canvas, where he passes to half guard. Swanson spins and nearly gives up his back, but he ends up in guard. Mendes is patient from the top, doing little but controlling. Swanson gets to his feet and lands two quick knees to the head.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mendes
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Mendes
Round 3
Mendes again starts a round with a fast takedown. Swanson kicks him off and both fighters are now on their feet. Mendes winds up and misses all elements of a three-piece punch combo. Swanson tries to counter and is immediately taken down. Mendes looks to be resting and Swanson tries to apply the rubber guard by grabbing his own left foot. Swanson works an omoplata on the right arm, but Mendes easily holds his ground. Swanson lets go and Mendes moves to half guard. Mendes controls the head and works to pass his right leg. Swanson uses good leg movement to get back to full guard. Mendes attempts to open up with his hands, but Swanson’s guard is too long. Swanson posts on his right arm and quickly stands. Swanson tries a jumping knee and Mendes easily takes him down. Swanson stands and lands a low kick. Swanson sneaks in an uppercut that buckles the legs. Mendes again trips Swanson to the floor, where the man on his back slaps the ears with both hands.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Mendes (30-27 Mendes)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Mendes (30-27 Mendes)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Mendes (30-27 Mendes)
Official scores: 29-28 (twice) and 30-27 for the winner by unanimous decision, Chad Mendes.
Shane Roller vs. Anthony Pettis
Round 1
Roller throws a wild right hook and moves to the clinch, where he presses his opponent against the fencing. Roller attempts to throw his Pettis to the floor, but his foil’s defense is superb through the first 90 seconds. Roller controls the right wrist and drops down to trip the legs. Pettis steps out and again escapes a takedown. Pettis throws a flashy head kick that is blocked. Roller lands a cracking right hand and then the fighters scramble on the floor as Roller works hard for a takedown. Pettis gets free and lets his opponent stand. Pettis lands a right hand and falls short on a jumping knee. Pettis now has Roller pressed against the fence. Roller steps forward and connects with a knee to the body. Roller has Pettis trapped against the cage and he blasts him with a right hand. Pettis retreats and lands a sneaky, slow-to-develop head kick that hurts Roller. A one-two roughs Roller up and he shoots in desperation. Capoeira kick misses for Pettis at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Round 2
Roller connects with a body kick and Pettis counters with a right hand that lands. Roller goes to the clinch and transitions to a single. Pettis’ takedown defense is true. Low kicks smack the right leg of Roller. Roller shoots and gives up the takedown as he tried to switch to a guillotine. Pettis counters perfectly and ends up in Roller’s closed guard. Pettis is peppering the head with short punches from both hands, and Roller does not like it. He winces with both eyes and Pettis hits the body with his left hand. Roller elbows the head from his back. With his right hand, Roller throws punches to the head from the bottom in guard. Roller ties up the head while Pettis hits the body. Roller attempts an omoplata and Pettis stands. Roller lands a right hand that takes some steam out of Pettis. Roller goes to the clinch and drags Pettis to the canvas. Roller transitions to the mount and Pettis kicks off the cage to sweep. Pettis moves to side control and then stands with 10 seconds remaining. Pettis attempts a spinning-back kick to the head and is taken down at the horn.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Pettis
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Pettis
Round 3
Roller lands a straight left and then follows up with a slick single-leg takedown. Pettis uses a kimura in an attempt to stand, but Roller has none of it. Pettis locks on a triangle and Pettis narrowly escapes. From Roller’s corner, Marc Laimon begs Roller to move to half guard. Pettis lands a snapping upkick and then latches on a deep triangle. Roller defends beautifully and then is hit with a right hand. Roller is running out of gas. He rests and Pettis stands. Roller takes his time standing and Pettis circles. Pettis, himself showing signs of fatigue, lands a low kick. Pettis connects with another low kick and a right hand before tripping Roller to the floor. The fighters stand and Roller is spent. He places both of his hands on his own knees and takes a deep breath. The fighters clinch and Roller slaps on a guillotine. The hold is tight and Pettis rolls in dramatic fashion to escape. Roller dives into the guard and Pettis applied a triangle. It’s very deep and Roller taps at the 4:51 mark of round three.
Dominick Cruz vs. Joseph Benavidez
Round 1
Cruz pushes away a front kick with his hands. And another. Cruz is moving in and out as Benavidez is looking to counter punch. Cruz absolutely blasts Benavidez with a right hook to the body. Benavidez covers up his body and defends the clinch against the fencing. Back in the center of the cage, Cruz dances around and connects with a low kick. Benavidez sneaks in a short left and Cruz lands a low kick. There’s lots of fast movement on display, but flush punches and kicks are hard to come by until Benavidez counters a low kick with a right hook on the nose. Benavidez gets too far forward with a low kick and Cruz easily trips him to the floor. Benavidez holds his opponent tight from the bottom as Cruz punches the head with his right hand on top in guard. Butterfly guard for Benavidez. Cruz hits the body and Benavidez connects with a right elbow.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Cruz
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 2
Cruz is hit with a right hand. Cruz slips and Benavidez fails to capitalize. Benavidez is cut on the hairline as the fighters’ heads came together. Cruz is starting to use his reach more effectively as he moves forward, throws a single strike and exits the pocket before the challenger is able to land. Benavidez lands a low kick as Cruz check swings on a right hand. Cruz backs away from a punching flurry and defends a single attempt. Benavidez slips while throwing a low kick, and then is stuffed on a recovery single. Cruz lets him stand and then drops Benavidez to a knee with a straight right. It was more slip than power. Benavidez lands a right hand and is hit on the chin with by a jumping knee. Cruz drops levels for a double and he gets it. He is not able to hold Benavidez down, however.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 3
Cruz shoots and Benavidez defends. Benavidez lands a right hand and then looks at his fist. He reacts as if it could be injured, but he throws it in hook fashion shortly after. Benavidez misses a low kick and is stuffed on a knee tap. Benavidez fights for a single attempt and the champion steps out of it. Cruz again shows his stellar takedown defense as Benavidez fights hard for a single. Cruz jabs and Benavidez kicks the right leg. Benavidez is starting to land to the leg frequently. Cruz is hurt by another low kick and then he stings the body with a kick of his own. Cruz is starting to slow down a touch. Cruz lands a body kick and then gets a fast single at the 10-second mark.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Benavidez
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 4
Cruz gets a fast single to start round four. From his back, Benavidez lands a right elbow and then goes high with his hips. Cruz stays tight and defends. Benavidez works on the right arm and Cruz briefly gets to half guard before returning to full guard. Cruz passes on the other side to half. Benavidez sweeps and takes the top position, but can’t get off any offense. Cruz stands and is pressing Benavidez into the cage. The fighters trade right knees to the head from the clinch and Cruz’s face is opened up. There’s a big cut on the bridge of the nose. Cruz trips the challenger to the floor and gets to side control. Knees to the body score for Cruz. To the mount goes Cruz. The champion works an armbar and Benavidez stands in transition. Cruz’s nose is a mess.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-9 Cruz
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-9 Cruz
Round 5
The fifth and final round sees Benavidez swinging for the fences early and Cruz fending him off with fast movement. Cruz lands a sharp front kick and then checks a low kick. Nice right hand from Cruz. The champion is mostly dancing with 100 seconds remaining. He then stands in the pocket and unloads his hands, but nothing lands flush. Cruz lands a right hook and a left knee to the body. Benavidez chases Cruz and hits air with a right hand. Cruz misses a jumping knee and Benavidez rushes forward with punches and is taken down. Cruz punches from the top and Benavidez elbows from the bottom as time runs out. Great fight.
Jordan Breen scores the round 10-10 (48-48 Draw)
TJ De Santis scores the round 10-9 Cruz (49-46 Cruz)
Tomas Rios scores the round 10-10 (50-46 Cruz)
Official scores:
48-47 Benavidez
48-47 Cruz
49-46 Cruz
Dominick Cruz retains his title with a split decision.
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