UFC 75: Champion Vs. Champion

Saturday, September 8, 2007

02 Arena

London, England

Goldy "expects" 25000 in attendance tonight. Rogan is saying something about picking fruit. They hype main event. How many times are they going to say "phenomenal"?They run down the card. Bisping/Hamill. Cro Cop/Kongo. Davis/Taylor the local boy.

We prepare for Alexander/ Sakara. I can not imagine a better opening match on the card.

COMMERCIAL BREAK - I hope there is a commercial in your area for a local MMA gym or fighting promotion. Support local MMA!

Something-thousand in attendance tonight. Sounds like good editing to me.

Alessio "Legionarius" Sakara (15-5-1) vs. Houston "The Assassin" Alexander (7-1) (Light Heavyweight)

Round 1

Alexander pushes the pace and catches a glancing jab and answers with a knee. Sakara takes a shot and Alexander escapes a pass. They are standing again and Alexander keeps coming forward. Clinching and moving towards the fence and Alexander NAILS Sakara with a BIG knee! Alexander follows Alessio to the ground and Houston is pounding away on a dazed Sakara. After about 10 punches Yves Lavigne calls a stop to it. "That dude is violent!" says Goldberg. Yeah. He is.

Alexander by KO at 1:01 of Round 1

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Seeing the knee on the replay again and that was disgusting.

Alexander reps Nebraska. And that he belongs to the UFC. He also really enjoys watching himself on the big screen.

 COMMERCIAL BREAK

Randy Couture is hanging out and will be in the booth during the main event. They show arena entrances of the Rampage and Henderson. They show Cro Cop getting hands wrapped, and a deep-in-thought Chieck Kongo pondering the mysteries of athletic tape. He may also be imagining how best to approach a very win-hungry Mirko Cro Cop.

COMMERCIAL BREAK -

Paul Taylor (8-1-1) vs. "The Irish Hand Grenade" Marcus Davis (17-4) (Welterweight)

Round 1

Davis throws leather first. A short exchange and they clinch. Davis presses to the cage and Taylor is fighting off takedown attempts. Clean knee from Davis. They break away after a few hooks. Boxing exchanges center ring and Davis is showcasing some boxing skill. Taylor connects on a huge right head kick. On the ground and Davis is taking punches. He is hanging on well, and defends the flurry from Taylor. Taylor moves to improve position but Davis has a strong guard. Davis is keeping his eye on an arm of Taylors. Davis is sitting against the cage and Taylor lands a good shot. Marcus gets to his feet and fends defends in the clinch. They fall to the ground against the cage and Taylor has opened his guard. Davis fails to take advantage and stands up. Meets a few upkicks and drops back into the guard. Taylor has a weak guilloting and Marcus gets his legs to safety. Marcus bounces around and gets side control. He rains in a barrage of punches and elbows from a great position. Davis spins for a mount and is letting it fly. Paul still has hands up and blocks the punches. Taylor pushes his hips up and bucks Davis, who hangs onto an arm as he loses the mount. He has an armbar deep. Taylor taps fairly quickly.

Marcus Davis by Submission (Armbar) at 4:14 of Round 1.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

The crowd is not so happy about an Irishman beating the hometown boy, but they appreciatie the performance. What an aggressive performance from Davis. Davis was sure he would MAUL Taylor in the clinch. Give the kid credit Marcus, that kick FLOORED you.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

TUF Promo.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

What is Cro Cop's entrance music??

Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic (22-5-2) vs. Cheick Kongo (20-3-1) (Heavyweight)

Round 1

Cro Cop throws jabs, feeling out the distance. Kongo responds tentatively. They circle and Cro Cop throws out a warning shot. Mirko presses forward again and they share a quick exchange. Kongo throws a kick that is blocked. Cro Cop checks a leg kick. Kongo catches a hard leg kick from Cro Cop, but can not capitalize.Another body kick from Mirko. And another. Kongo throws a right kick and slips. He is up by the time Cro Cop catches him and they clinch against the cage. Kongo reaches an arm down to block knee attempts, and presses Cro Cop against the cage. Kongo continues to smother Mirko until big John seperates them. Mirko continues moving forward and whiffs a huge kick. He is throwing that kick pretty freely. Cro Cop gets the advantage after a kick exchange and jumps into Kongo's half guard. He picks up Kongo and moves them to the fence. Body shots from Cro Cop and Kongo holds Mirko tightly. Mirko gains a mount but his head is being clenched by Kongo. His head breaks free but he can't find an opportunity to punch. They roll and Kongo is in Mirko's guard and looking like he is going to receive an armbar. Cheick breaks free and postures up before the bell. An even round, but 10-9 Cro Cop because he was pushing the pace.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Round 2

A kick from Kongo blocked. Now a leg kick from Kongo. Cheick jabs to distract from the kicks he is throwing. Mirko is blocking and parrying very well. Kongo is pressing the pace this round. As I say that Mirko changes direction and presses forward. They clinch and Kongo is reaching an arm under. Possible slam, perhaps? Kongo gets a takedown and has side control. Kongo works to limit Cro Cop's mobility. Mirko breaks an arm free and uses a hip toss to gain position. Kongo neutralizes and is in Cro Cop's guard. A break in action as Kongo works to pass against a solid Filipovic. Kongo decides to stand and gives a good axe kick that does not appear to faze Mirko. Kongo grabs an ankle and tries to jump to a mount but Cro Cop pulls guard. Nice double leg push off by Cro Cop to throw Kongo away from him. Cro Cop tried to nonverbally contact a questionable blow, but the action continues. Kongo with good Thai knees against the cage. Mirko senses danger perhaps and spins Kongo around. McCarthy breaks them up and Kongo just landed some powerful knees. He looks to be overpowering Mirko in the clinch. The bell rings and you can see marks on Mirko's ribs. 10-9 Cheick Kongo.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Round 3

Cro Cop looks timid. He is inching forward. He whiffs with a high left kick. Kongo starts up the jabs again. A kick, then another, then Kongo sees he can gain control. He pushes the fight to the fence. McCarthy stops for a low blow. He says that's the second time, so obviously he saw that first one. Watching the replay and everyone in the audience felt that. Ouch. Back at it again and Kongo has a predictable system. Cro Crop needs to ignore those jabs. Kongo lands a body kick. Hits with a few rights, and a body kick. Kongo is feeling confident and starts sizing Mirko up for power shots. Kongo clinches against the fence and looks afraid to throw knees. Mirko lands a knee of his own. Big John breaks them up again and Kongo looks to throw a kick out of the gate. Kongo blocks a kick from mCro Cop. Mirko tries standing axe kick and gets repelled against the cage. Kongo clinches again, smothering Cro Cop to take away his striking ability. Big John breaks them up and Kongo is moving in for the kill. Cro Crop looks like he is trying to find an opening but can not. Kongo lands a few good knees. Another clinch at the fence and this should be broken up with 10 seconds left. What a heartbreaker for Cro Cop. Kongo dominated this round.

Kongo by Unanimous Decision.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Buffer gives the official decision to some boos from the crowd. Kongo does some kind of ceremony in the ring before the interview with Joe Rogan. Kongo was happy to be a surprise to everyone watching. Rogan attributes the win to an improved ground game. I disagree. Those Thai knees turned the tide. His work in the clinch won that fight. Where does Cro Cop go from here?

 COMMERCIAL BREAK

Bisping vs. Hamill is up next.

"The Count" Michael Bisping (14-0) vs. Matt "The Hammer" Hamill (5-0)(Light Heavyweight)

Hamill is coming out to Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA". Great heel tactic. He looks very calm and composed. They allow a lot of time for this entrance. Dana White know this match is marketable to every TUF fan watching, so a little build up can't hurt. Bisping comes out to "London Calling", and gets the thunderous ovation I expected. He is all smiles down the aisle. He plays to the crowd and takes a victory lap around the octagon. They show a hand-drawn Bisping sign in the crowd. Something-thousand fans and only one sign? Don't these fans watch WWE? Bisping has a 3" reach advantage. Hamill gets big boos at the official introduction. The crowd is pumped for Bisping.

Round 1

Hamill rushes out at Bisping and throws punches. They trade punches at the cage. Bisping looks to be aiming a bit more. A guillotine from Hamill. followed by a flying knee. Back to the cage, Hamill pushes forward. A leg kick from bisping. Another kick from Bisping, but Hamill gets a take down on when Mike slips. Matt lands a good shot from the top then stands and lets Bisping get back up. He might pay for that. They trade hooks and another good inside leg kick from bisping. Hamill continues pressing forward, throwing jabs. Bisping is backing away looking to counter. Hamill is swinging wildly. Bisping is picking his shots. They are staying on their feet center ring. Bisping throws a leg kick and is looking to hotdog a bit. Hamill catches an inside leg kick and grabs a headlock. Some dirty boxing from Hamill. Bisping looks a little bloddy, but throws combo. Hamil throws an ugly jab and lands a good cross. Hamil slips a bit, but gets another headlock. Bisping has a bad cut. A good hook from Hamill. His striking is awesome tonight, but he has thrown some pretty wild shots. Bisping is looking shaken up. A little more boxing, perhaps to please the crowd? Why is neither fighter taking shots? The pace slows a bit as both fighters are a little winded. Hamil blocks shots and but gets caught with a stiff jab. Bisping is starting to mount a comeback. More wild shots from Hamill but Bisping counters. Hamill lands a good left. Hamil is chasing Bisping and landing shots. Another head lock that staggers Bisping on the break. At the bell Hamil is pounding down on Bisping. 10-9 Hamil.

Round 2

Hamimll keeps moving forward. He throws more sloppy jabs and walks forward. Bisping throws a combination blocked by Hamill. Bisping throws a leg kick that Matt catches and gets a takedown. Bisping maintains a rubber guard but Hamill outlasts it. In full guard and Hamill is not staying active. Bisping tries to work his way out but Hamill smothers. Bisping gets up and Hamill lets him stand. Hich kick from Bisping. Trading jabs at a significantly slowed pace right now. Bisping counters a missed left with a straight right. Hamill has stopped moving forward. Bisping throwing punches to establish more distance. Circling the ring and Hamill presses Bisping to the cage where he Lands a good elbow. Both feint overhand rights and Bisping sticks a good jab. Hamill is moving slowly. Matt tries a takedown and gets Bisping against the fence. Another headlock and short uppercuts from Hamill. They trade jabs in the center of the ring once more. Some Bisping chants are starting up. Bisping lands a sharp jab. Hamill completely covers up when Bisping throws shots. Someone in somebody's corner should pick up on that. Bisping is a little sharper as the round commes to an end. I score it 10-9 Bisping.

Round 3

Hamill inches forward for more sloppy lefts. Bisping counters with a good hook. Bisping gets more confident and urges Hamill forward. Hamill has him on the fence but they break. Bisping tests the waters with more jabs. Hamill takes a step back and just misses getting leveled by a big punch. Bisping escapes a takedown attempt. Hamill swings wide and misses. They jab back and forth at each other. Hamill with a takedown attempt that succeeds. He has Bisping against the fence, then to the ground with a controlled wrist. Hamill does not let Bisping up as he drops into guard with a good punch. He has Bisping on the fence but is taking no real initiative. They stand back up. Hamill's hands are down and Bisping knows it. Bisping throws a knee that Matt blocks. Hamil gets a takedown and is in Mike's guard. Matt is just smothering him, probably out of frustration. Butterfly guard from Bisping as Hamill pulls on the neck. Bisping almost stands up but Hamill put him back down. Mike tries to roll for an armbar but Hamill neutralizes. Hamill spins and has Bisping's back. Michael turns over and they stand. Good right from Bisping followed by a leg kick. They are slugging it out for the last 15 seconds. A final takedown attempt from Hamill and this fight is dangerously left to the judges. I would score this round 10-9 Bisping.

Bisping by Split Decision

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Hamill looks crushed by the decision. Even the crowd sounds like they do not necessarily agree. The judge scoring for Hamill scored it 30-27. They interview Hamill and he gets booed. Hamill says he was beat fairly, but he thought he won.

They hype Hua vs. Griffin as we go to commercial.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Randy Couture talks up Henderson's fight game. He can not make a decision on his prediction for the fight, but decides on Jackson. They air a video package on both fighters. Just in case you have no idea who Dan Henderson is. Henderson thinks this is the best fight in the history of MMA.

"Dangerous" Dan Henderson (22-5) - Pride Light Heavyweight Champion vs. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (27-6) - UFC Light Heavyweight Champion 

(Unified Light Heavyweight Championship)

Henderson enters to Rage Against the Machine. He needs to work on looking ferocious during his entrance. He enters the octagon to a good reaction from the British crowd. A few howls from the crowd as the lights dim for Rampage's entrance. As opposed to the challenger, Rampage has mastered the art of looking ferocious on his way to the ring. Henderson is playing around at the staredown, but Rampage isn't having it.

Round 1

Rampage comes out swinging. Rampage clinches and presses Hendo against the cage. Knees back and forth and Hendo is stalking a takedown. Hendo spins and has Rampage against the cage. Dan lands nice knees to the outside thigh. Good liver punch from Hendo. Big John urges more action. Hendo smothers and throws the occassional knee. They break away and Hendo sizes up a right hand. They are locked up at the cage and Henderson sweeps to side control. Hendo throws knees from the side as Rampage tries to strike the head. McCarthy warns about the back of the head. Henderson is controlling Rampage on the ground. He locks Quinton's wrist and they roll, then Quinton breaks free. They trade standing blows and Hendo lands a good hook. More outside thigh knees from Henderson as they are locked up at the cage once more. Those knees are connecting high on the thigh. Painful. Body shots from Rampage and Hendo is keeping it close. They trade hooks and break away from each other. Another bodylock against the cage with tentative blows from both fighter. A good knee from Henderson right at the bell. 10-9 Hendo.

Round 2

Cautious at the start. Hendo opens up with a leg kick. Uppercut from Rampage. Rampage presses forward and they exchange punches briefly. Rampage continues moving forward into a bodylock and Hendo eases into a takedown, then passes to side control. Hendo is controlling on the ground again. Dan throws a few more knees to the side and hip before Rampage starts taking notice and defending. Henderson is keeping his fists active while maintaining ground control. A few boos from the crowd at the lack of action. Rampage explodes out and has a clinch with underhooks against the fence. Henderson is creating movment and preventing being smothered against the fence. A failed takedown from Henderson and Rampage has side control. Henderon pushes him off well but Rampage recovers. Back in side conrol and a few more shots from Quinton. Rampage locks Hendo's right arm in a crucifix. Hendo powers out and Quinton falls into his half guard. One minute remaining and Rampage is throwing elbows to the body on the ground. Henderson has an eye on Rampage's left arm if it opens up. Rampage tries to posture but is pulled down by Henderson. An tough round to call at the bell. 10-9 Rampage for his late round rally.

Round 3

Hendo whiffs a leg kick. Both men are holding ground rather than pressing forward. Leg kick from Rampage. Missed hooks from Rampage. A few more are blocked. He connects on one cleanly. A nice uppercut from Rampage during a short exchange. Hendo throws a combination and tries to hit a knee, but it is blocked. They fall to the ground and Rampage has side control. Hendo looks to stay mobile underneath, throwing knees and locking up Rampage's right arm. Henderson tries to burst out but does not advance his position at all. Jackson is in Hendo's half guard. Henderson tries to grab an arm for a kimura and Rampage tries to defend. Jackson is free and is pulled tight into Henderson's half guard. Hendo is turning his body again looking for a kimura and Rampage is losing ground. Henderson manages to flip Jackson and is now in his half guard. Henderson lets go of the arm and throws elbows. Jackson sits up against the cage. Quinton tries to roll and Dan gets his back. There is little he can do with it as the round ends. A quick flurry of punches from each fighter at bell. 10-9 Henderson for his unrelenting control on the ground.

Round 4

Rampage jabs to start the fourth round. They exchange in the center of the ring and Rampage hits a hook that puts Henderson on the ground. Rampage is in guard and Hendo makes an armbar attempt. Rampage powers out and throws shots from above. Rampage gets low in the guard and Hendo grabs an arm for another armbar attempt. Both fighters are patient and Dan gives up on the armbar. Rampage has side control and Henderson grabs a wrist and turns to a half guard position. Turning for a kimura again while Rampage throws down body shots. Rampage tries to posture up but Henderson is recovering well. Rogan and Goldie talk Fedor and Brock Lesnar as potential UFC dream matches. Back in half guard and the crowd is getting restless. Henderson tries to scramble but catches a short punch from Rampage. Big John stands them up with one minute to go. The crowd comes back alive as the fighters are on their feet. Spinning back kick from Henderson. Not even close. Rampage measures his shots and lands a good combination. Henderson is being outstruck and is starting to back away from Jackson. 10-9 Jackson.

Round 5

Henderson comes out with some speed until he catches a jab. Inside leg kick from Hendo. Hendo feints but catches a right hook. Dan is on his feet and still trying to swing. Rampage bodylocks and they are on the fence. A shoulder bump from Henderson as he gets Rampage's back on the cage. They trade knees in the clinch for a bit. More scattered boos from the crowd. Rampage explodes away and lands a good knee. Henderson lands a good left that shakes up Rampage. They trade bombs and both fighters take damage. Henderson is more aggressive now, moving forward but looking to find a counter. Jackson throws good combinations. Good straight right from Hendo and Jackson is covering up. Good takedown from Henderson and he is in a closed guard. Jackson's guard opens up and Dan needs to seek a better position. He tries to sweep but fails. Henderson is now trying to collapse the guard. Rampage is sitting against the fence and Dan is staying busy. Henderson has Rampage's back as they stand up. A failed takedown attempt from Hendo and Jackson is landing a few good knees that eventually knock Henderson down. They are in half guard and Jackson is throwing a few shots. They are on their feet with ten seconds left. Jackson lands a late shot and the fight is over. Henderson was more controlling, so 10-9 Dan.

I've got Henderson by a round. The official decision after the break.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Jackson by Unanimous Decision.

Unanimous? Seriously?

Quote of the night: "I've got Jiu-Jitsu but I don't wanna submit folks. I want Big John McCarthy pulling me up off folks. That's how I roll." -Quinton "Rampage" Jackson