UFC FIGHT NIGHT: LINEKER VS. DODSON
OCTOBER 1, 2016
PORTLAND, OREGON AT THE MODA CENTER
LIVE ON UFC FIGHT PASS (7:15 PM ET) AND FOX SPORTS 1 (9 PM ET)
Fight Pass Prelims
Daniel Cormier joins Jon Anik on commentary tonight. Dominick Cruz provided a lot of very insightful analysis last week, but I can tell already that Cormier gets that the point of commentary is to get the fighters over and he’s working hard at that with the first walkout.
(1) Ketlen Vieira vs. Kelly Faszholz (Bantamweight 135 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Vieira caught a kick early on and pushed Faszholz against the cage. Faszholz landed a nice straight right hand back in the center of the cage. Vieira followed up with a stiff leg kick. Vieira countered a head kick with a right hand. Faszholz caught Vieira losing her footing and pushed her against the cage. Vieira took her down and worked short punches from Faszholz’s guard. Faszholz’s head was against the cage and Vieira worked to pass while landing short punches to the head and body. Vieira stood up to try a pass but Faszholz defended well but ate some punches in the process. The round ended with Vieira on top. 10-9 Vieira.
ROUND TWO: Faszholz came out with busy hands but Vieira did a good job of cutting off the cage. She caught another kick and took Faszholz down. Faszholz held Vieira so that she couldn’t do much damage. Vieira wsa able to stand up and looked to pass while Faszholz tried upkicks. Vieira ended up back in Faszholz’s guard, unable to get a better position. They were stood up with less than two minutes to go. Both threw big right hands and a head kick attempt from Faszholz. Vieira caught yet another kick and took her down. In the guard, Vieira worked body punches and they were stood up quickly by the ref. They traded punches as the round ended. 10-9 Vieira, 20-18.
ROUND THREE: They high fived to start the round. Fasholz threw big punches again to start and she back up Vieira. Faszholz was very aggressive this round, looking for the kill. She hurt her with a combination against the cage and then engaged in a clinch with Vieira who was breathing heavily looking for a break. Another right hand from Faszholz landed. Vieira ducked a punch and pushed her against the cage to try and contain her. Vieira landed a counter left after a short elbow attempt. Faszholz landed standing knees but Vieira timed one perfectly and used it to take her down. Vieira worked to pass and took her back. She got a hook in but lost in and Faszholz turned so her back was no longer exposed. Faszholz still busy with punches even from bottom position. Round ended with Vieira on top. 10-9 Faszholz, 29-28 Vieira.
Result: 29-28 Faszholz, 29-28 Vieira, 29-28 Vieira by split decision.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Not so sure about a 29-28 for Faszholz on that one. Vieira clearly won the fight but if Faszholz fought the first two rounds like she fought the third, she could have won and possibly finished the fight. She definitely needs to work on timing her kicks better. Neither look like they’re ready for top competition but they put on an OK fight for their position on the card.
(2) Cody East vs. Curtis Blaydes (Heavyweight 265 lbs.)
They get the fighters out quickly and the fight is starting a couple minutes after the last one ended. I like this kind of pacing but I know it will slow down once they get to TV.
ROUND ONE: Blaydes landed an early takedown but East got up quickly. Both guys threw hard and Blaydes landed another takedown, this time he kept him down. He threw some short punches on the ground from half guard. He postured up and landed some big shots but East got up. East hurt him once they were up so Blaydes took him down again and got full mount. He lost it and East got up and took down Blaydes. They got back up and they leaned on each other. Blaydes pushed him against the cage and got a trip takedown. Blaydes put his hands on East’s mouth to restrick his breathing. He tucked his head and threw big punches and some elbows to the body. He got to half guard and was stoop up. He looked to be trying to pass. East throwing wild shots that hurt him and then got a takedown to end the round. Crazy round. 10-9 Blaydes but East hurt him a couple times.
ROUND TWO: Blaydes got a big right hand early and a huge takedown right after. Some elbows landed from guard. East was cut on his forehead and Blaydes continued to work elbows from top position. East turned over and grabbed a leg so Blaydes delivered elbow after elbow to the body and some hammer fists to East’s head. East wasn’t defending to the ref stopped the fight.
Result: Blaydes by TKO at 2:02 of round 2.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Kind of a sloppy but entertaining heavyweight fight that could’ve ended at any moment with the kind of power they have. Blaydes showed some really good wrestling, which will help him with the upper echelon of heavyweight fighters. His chin may not be as strong as it needs to be to stay in the fight with those guys though.
(3) Jonathan Wilson vs. Ion Cutelaba (Light Heavyweight 205 lbs.)
Cutelaba tried to be a tough guy to Wilson during the intros but Wilson didn’t even look at him.
ROUND ONE: Huge overhand right from Cutelaba early that missed. He hurt Wilson against the cage but he weathered the storm. Cutelaba was very aggressive, constantly walking Wilson down. Wilson started landing quick left hands. Wilson landed a right jab. Cutelaba came in hard and got an uppercut and then a spinning elbow. Cutelaba landed lots but Wilson seems to be absorbing it. Wilson consistently backed up but was able to land some left hands. Wilson landed a combo with a leg kick finish late in the round. 10-9 Cutelaba.
ROUND TWO: Cutelaba opened with a kick to Wilson’s nuts that actually brought him to his knees. Cormier thought it was hilarious and it was. I’m glad I’ve never been in this position but I wonder if that squat move all these guys do after taking a nut shot actually helps. Herb Dean put all of the blame on Cutelaba and threatened to take a point if it happens again. Four minutes in and he still wasn’t ready to fight. RIP Jonathan Wilson’s future children. They started up and Wilson looked hesitant. Wilson hurt him with a left and Cutelaba dropped to a knee briefly. Cutelaba threw a spinning back fist and kick that missed. Cutelaba got aggressive and landed lots of shots including a spinning back fist. Wilson was trying to counter but Cutelaba was very aggressive and quick with his punches. Cutelaba went for a late takedown but missed. Cutelaba looked tired late in the round and Wilson started to come on strong hurting him with some lefts. 10-9 Cutelaba, 20-18.
ROUND THREE: Cutelaba wobbled Wilson with a left hook in the first minute but Cutelaba is looking tired. Wilson landed a hard high kick that Cutelaba leaned into but survived. Cutelaba moved backwards a lot. Wilson took an eye poke but the ref didn’t stop the fight. He backed off fast trying to get his sight back. He seemed to recover. Cutelaba started to move forward more after the eye poke. Wilson almost caught him with another high kick. Big overhand right from Cutelaba landed. He got a couple straight right hands afterwards. Wilson did the Overeem duck and run a lot in the latter part of the round. 10-9 Cutelaba, 30-27.
Result: 30-27 across the board for Cutelaba by unaminous decision.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: A pretty good fight from two young light heavyweights. Cutelaba showed good aggression and took some good shots. He’s young so he has a lot of time to grow in this division but he could be one to watch for in the next two years.
They need to get the next fight out quick in order to finish before the TV portion is set to begin. Fortunately, I’m expecting an early knockout here for either fighter.
(4) Nate Marquardt vs. Tamdan McCrory (Middleweight 185 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Marquardt set the pace early. Both guys traded leg kicks. Marquardt went for a takedown but found himself in McCrory’s guillotine. He got out of the guillotine and had top position. Marquardt was unable to do much from top position. McCrory went for some submissions from bottom but couldn’t quite lock them in. He has long legs though so the potential is there. More submission attempts from the bottom didn’t work and the round ended. 10-9 Marquardt but not much happened.
ROUND TWO: Both fighters traded punches and leg kicks early in the round. Marquardt got a takedown half way through the round. He landed a few short punches and shoulder thrusts while on top but didn’t do much damage. They were stood up with 30 seconds to go in the round. Marquardt wobbled him with a left hand and then landed an impressive head kick walk off knockout. I don’t think I’ve seen a fighter that wobbly on his feet since Anderson Silva pretended to do that against Chris Weidman. Great finish.
Result: Marquardt by knockout at 4:44 of round 2.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Marquardt still has his power and while he may not be a top contender anymore, he can still compete with the middle of the pack fighters and the lower level of the top 15. That’s two straight knockout losses for McCrory who may have to re-evaluate his career or at least expect to fight outside of UFC again.
FS1 Prelims
The fighters are in the cage and ready to go as the broadcast begins.
(5) Keita Nakamura va. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (Welterweight 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Dos Santos came out immediately with a head kick but got taken down by Nakamura. Dos Santos got up but got taken down again and gave up his back. Nakamura worked for a rear naked choke and looked to have it in but Dos Santos defended. Nakamura landed punch after punch, waiting for the choke to present itself. Dos Santos spun out and got Nakamura in his guard but Nakamura was postured up and landed punches. Dos Santos held on to try and neutralize. Nakamura took his back again but still couldn’t get the choke. Dos Santos escaped and went crazy with punches for the final seconds of the round. 10-9 Nakamura.
ROUND TWO: Dos Santos countered a body kick with a right hand and then swarmed Nakamura who looked less comfortable standing than he was on the ground with Dos Santos. Nakamura got a takedown after taking a knee to the body. He took his back again fairly quick. Dos Santos defended but he was in a bad position. He turned away and Nakamura was on top looking to pass and got half guard. He got up and went hard after Nakamura, going for the knockout. He hit Nakamura with a hard right hand but he took it well. Big swing and a miss by Dos Santos at the end of the round. 10-9 Dos Santos, 19-19.
ROUND THREE: Nice strong jab from Dos Santos early. Dos Santos started to slow down a bit a minute into the round. Nakamura didn’t go for takedowns though so he may be more tired. Dos Santos got the better of most exchanges and slipped the jab in well. Nakamura timed a flurry and got the takedown midway through the round. Nakamura got the mount but Dos Santos snuck out, stood up and got a takedown of his own right into a head and arm choke. It was super tight but Nakamura held on and escaped. Dos Santos went for a Peruvian neck tie but didn’t get it. They got up and Nakamura dragged him down and took his back. He went for the rear naked choke but Dos Santos slipped out and got some big punches in on the ground. Crazy round, I have to go 10-9 Dos Santos, so 29-28 Dos Santos on my card.
Result: 29-28 across the board for Dos Santos by decision.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Good back and forth fight. Nakamura was dominant on the ground early but Dos Santos was able to turn it up and get some good positions of his own later in the fight. He’s no Demian Maia, but Nakamura has a good ground game and good chin which will help him as he goes along. Dos Santos showed good resiliency, in getting out of submissions and ultimately taking the decision.
The next one or two fights, I will just have quick results but stay tuned for more round by round coverage!
(6) Shamil Abdurakhimov vs. Walt Harris (Heavyweight 265 lbs.)
Result: Abdurakhimov by split decision 28-29, 29-28, 29-28
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Not much of a fight from what I saw. Abdurakhimov kept Harris at bay long enough to out point him. Nothing remarkable from either fighter.
We’re back live, thanks for your patience!
(7) Hacran Dias vs. Andre Fili (Featherweight 145 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Fili took control of the center of the cage quickly. Dias shot in but Fili dodged the takedown. Fili was very aggressive in the opening minute. Fili was cut but then he rocked Dias and put him down, he swarmed with punches on the ground and it could have been stopped but Dias recovered and got to his feet and held Fili against the cage while he gathered himself. He went for a takedown and got it on the second try. Dias went to side control but Fili escaped and they got back up. They traded shots with Fili being the aggressor. 10-9 Fili
ROUND TWO: Dias got a takedown about a minute in. He was back in side control and Fili had his feet against the cage, waiting to push off and escape. He tried but Dias stayed in control. Dias went to half guard and worked to get to mount. Fili swept and got up. Dias took him down again but Fili reversed and ended up on top. Dias tried for an armbar but Fili pulled out. Fili stood over a prone Dias and kicked his legs, not letting him up. Dias got up and they traded shots standing. Fili reversed another takedown in the closing seconds of the round. 10-9 Fili, 20-18.
ROUND THREE: Dias landed a takedown after 90 seconds. He landed some big shots from guard. He looked tired and looked to his corner for advice as he wasn’t doing much on the ground outside a few punches. He postured up but Fili got up. Dias took him back down and was in side control. Dias held him down but couldn’t get to mount and didn’t land many strikes. Fili reversed and rained down some hard punches to finish the fight. Tough round to score because Dias got some takedowns but did nothing and Fili got some late offense in. 10-9 Fili, 30-27.
Result: 29-28 Fili by unanimous decision
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Fili looked pumped up for the fight and fought like he was motivated to win. Dias is a good win for Fili and the win here will get him back in the mix with more ranked featherweights. Dias showed good takedown skills but needs to do more once on the ground.
(8) Henrique da Silva vs. Joachim Christensen (Light Heavyweight 205 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: da Silva came out with lots of leg kicks. They clinched against the cage and traded knees and punches. da Silva landed a nice body kick coming out of the clinch. Christensen countered a kick with a straight right hand. da Silva hurt him with a combo and Christensen went down. da Silva waited and Christensen was stood up. da Silva walked him down waiting to land his big knockout shot. They traded leg kicks and da Silva landed a big body kick. Big right hand from da Silva landed. Christensen got some jabs in but he’s taking some big shots from da Silva. Head kick landed from da Silva. 10-9 da Silva.
ROUND TWO: Chirstensen came out with a very nice and long combination of punches. da Silva kept moving forward and landed some shots of his own. They clinched against the cage and da Silva landed some knees and a spinning elbow. Christensen rocked da Silva with a knee. Christensen followed up on the ground but da Silva was able to defend and hold Christensen in his guard. Christensen landed some shots from the top. da Silva almost got out but Christensen held on and stayed on top. He passed to half guard and landed many small punches while trying to pass. da Silva reversed and got on top and mounted him. He rained down lefts and rights and Christensen gave him his back and then his arm. da Silva locked in the armbar and got the tap. Crazy sequence leading to the submission.
Result: da Silva by submission at 4:43 of round 2.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: da Silva did a great job of weathering the storm and pulling out the submission after being in a bad position for much of the round. da Silva has some good punching power and he showed today that he also has a solid ground game. If he protects himself better from taking big shots standing, he can do well for himself in the light heavyweight division. Good back and forth fight.
FS1 Main Card
I’ve been looking forward to this fight. I’m expecting this to be a showcase fight for Smolka.
(9) Louis Smolka vs. Brandon Moreno (Flyweight 125 lbs.)
I think Bruce Buffer just announced Moreno as “The Assassin Baby.”
ROUND ONE: Smolka landed a body kick and Moreno took him down. Smolka went for elbows from the bottom and was working for a submission or to get up. Moreno held him down but didn’t land much. Smolka got up and went for a single leg takedown. Moreno got a guillotine out of it and wouldn’t let go. Smolka tried to escape but it wasn’t happening, Smolka passed out and Moreno scored the huge upset. Smolka looked shocked and embarrased when he came to.
Result: Moreno by submission at 2:23 of round 1.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: Huge win for Moreno in a fight that very few, including myself gave him a chance in. This bodes well for the level of competition on The Ultimate Fighter as Moreno was already defeated on that show so maybe we will actually get a good number one contender out of the show. Moreno is immediately in the mix at 125 and Smolka will have to reassess but he still has a bright future ahead of him. Great fight to open the main card. On the replay, it looked like Smolka was just about to tap when the ref stepped in to stop the fight.
(10) Joshua Burkman vs. Zak Ottow (Welterweight 170 lbs.)
Quick note: Cormier is still doing great on commentary. He comes off very natural in that position and he’s very personable in his delivery.
ROUND ONE: Both men traded kicks and are feeling each other out. Ottow looked very much to be the bigger man. Burkman with a push kick and then a high kick. Burkman took a kick to the groin so he took a break. Ottow got a warning even though there was one earlier that he let go. Ottow caught Burkman coming in with a right hand. Leg kicks by Ottow landed frequently. Not much of a round. 10-9 Ottow.
ROUND TWO: Burkman missed some big punches while Ottow continued to work his leg and body kicks. Burkman landed a knee and some body kicks of his own. He went for a nice spinning back kick that didn’t fully connect though. Ottow landed a right jab and a body kick. Both men traded kicks but it was another quiet round. Both men missed most of their attempts. Burkman was slightly busier and seemed to land more. 10-9 Burkman, 19-19.
ROUND THREE: Ottow went for a takedown early but didn’t get it. Leg kicks from Burkman connected and he kept his distance. Ottow went for a headkick and Burkman continued with leg kicks. Ottow with a leg kick of his own. The crowed got impatient midway through the round. Ottow landed a nice right hand. He landed it again. Burkman clinched him against the cage and delivered some knees to Ottow’s legs. Burkman took him down but didn’t do anything with it. Ottow got back up but Burkman kept his distance. Ottow slipped on a kick and then turned it into a takedown. He got a submission in but there wasn’t enough time left to finish it. Close round. 10-9 Burkman. 29-28 Burkman overall.
Result: 29-28 Ottow, 29-28 Burkman, 29-28 Ottow by split decision.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: All of the rounds were close so I can’t argue with the decision. Not a very exciting fight. Ottow didn’t impress much as a newcomer. His strength is on the ground and we didn’t get to see much of what he can do. Burkman is still a serviceable fighter at 155 or 170 and didn’t take much damage so he will continue to fight for the promotion against up and coming fighters. He’ll win some and lose some.
(11) Will Brooks vs. Alex Oliveira (Lightweight 155 lbs.)
Cowboy Oliveira missed weight by over five pounds so we’ll see if that has any effect on his performance tonight. He was a big underdog going in as it was.
ROUND ONE: Oliveira with heavy leg kicks and a straight right to open the fight. Cowboy pushed him up against the cage and threw some knees while looking for a takedown. Brooks defended the takedown but Cowboy wouldn’t give it up and kept holding him against the cage. Brooks turned things around and got a takedown. They got back up and Cowboy held him against the cage some more. Brooks got another takedown but he was in Cowboy’s guillotine. The round ended before he could do anything with it. 10-9 Brooks but almost nothing happened.
ROUND TWO: Brooks said in between rounds that he may have a broken rib. Brooks got a takedown and went straight to mount. He postured up and got an elbow in before Cowboy gave up his back. Brooks got the choke in as Oliveira stood up. Cowboy got out and pushed Brooks against the cage, delivered some knees, and then took Brooks down. Brooks got right up but Cowboy still had his grip on him. Brooks was taken down again. Brooks got back to his feet and Cowboy had him pressed against the cage. Brooks got a takedown and again took Oliveira’s back. He worked for the choke again but can’t get under Cowboy’s chin. He got out and Brooks went for another takedown and couldn’t get it before the horn. 10-9 Brooks, but another close one. 20-18.
ROUND THREE: Cowboy dropped Brooks with a right hand but he was right back up. Cowboy pushed him against the cage looking for a takedown. He got him down and you could see the pain in Will Brooks’ face. Brooks back up and seemed like he’s just trying to survive the pain. Cowboy kept him against the cage and landed some knees to the body. Brooks looked at the clock with over two minutes left. Cowboy got him down and landed some punches and elbows from half guard. Cowboy landing lots of punches on the ground and Herb Dean stopped it. Cowboy did a bit of a “Suck It” motion towards Brooks and Brooks got up and tried to get in Cowboy’s face. He threw his mouthpiece at him and then crumbled back to the mat.
Result: Oliveira by TKO at 3:30 of round three.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: It’s unfortunate that Brooks was hurt early in the fight but that’s what happens in a fight. Cowboy probably didn’t need to rub salt in the wound after the win and Brooks was clearly upset since he was in so much pain but felt the need to address what Oliveira did. Brooks will have to heal and get back at it when he’s ready. Cowboy will likely move up to 170 so he can’t benefit as much from the win as if he were staying at 155.
(12) John Lineker vs. John Dodson (Bantamweight 135 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Both fighters felt each other out with leg kicks to start. Lineker had his right hand cocked and ready to go. Both guys very tentative. Lineker came over top with a right that almost connected. Dodson circled around the perimeter of the cage, making Lineker chase him. Body kick by Lineker then he landed a left hook that made Dodson smile. Dodson threw Lineker down after a kick attempt. Flying knee attempt by Lineker late in the round. 10-9 Lineker.
ROUND TWO: Lineker chased Dodson down who danced away every time Lineker came in to punch. Dodson got some sneaky punches while continuing to be quick on his feet. A straight left hand by Dodson caught him. Lineker got frustrated with Dodson’s strategy and just stopped in the middle of the cage and did a little dance of his own. John McCarthy forced them to fight. Lineker took a knee to the groin and was rolling around on the mat in pain. He recovered and got a couple good shots in on Dodson who is staying in the pocket more. Lineker loaded up on his punches and Dodson started dancing away again. Dodson rushed in and got a couple shots in. Lineker landed a left hook. 10-9 Dodson. 19-19.
ROUND THREE: Lineker landed some hard shots in an exchange and the crowd loved it. Both guys landed on an exchange. Lineker threw a front kick and hit a left hook. Lineker went for a headkick. He cornered Dodson briefly but couldn’t capitalize. Dodson is just too fast. Dodson landed a head kick. Lineker with some hard punches and he started to look frustrated again with Dodson’s running and tried to get the crowd into the fight. 10-9 Lineker, 29-28 Lineker.
ROUND FOUR: Lineker with a nice combination. Dodson almost took Lineker down but didn’t quite get it. Lineker missed a lot and the crowd started to boo. Lineker landed some body shots. Lineker closed the distance briefly but Dodson kept running away. High kick from Dodson. Body kick from Lineker followed by a high kick from Dodson to end the round. 10-9 Lineker, 39-37 Lineker.
ROUND FIVE: Body kick and a quick punch by Dodson both landed. Lineker would just swing wildly when he got inside. Dodson landed a jab and got away. Another head kick from Dodson. Body kick from Dodson, who started to slow down but Lineker still had trouble getting inside. Left hand by Dodson connected then he rocked him with a right shortly after. Dodson ducked a punch and landed a takedown. He took Lineker’s back and Lineker just walked casually to the fence. He looked at the video screen to assess. Dodson got off his back. Dodson landed a head kick. Some body shots by Lineker and that’s the fight. 10-9 Dodson so 48-47 Lineker but I think the cards are going to be all over the place on this one.
Result: 48-47 Dodson, 48-47 Lineker, 48-47 Lineker by split decision.
Hiscoe’s Analysis: As I thought, it was a close fight and a tough one to score. This fight was a bit of a chess match and not the dragout brawl we were hoping for. Lineker showed that he can go five rounds which is important and he stayed disciplined enough even though he was frustrated by Dodson’s strategy. Dodson showed great speed and patience and I’d love to see him against TJ Dillashaw again now that both have grown so much as fighters since they last fought for The Ultimate Fighter. Lineker is right up there with the best in the division but the weight issue is going to keep him out of title contention until UFC is convinced he won’t blow a title fight by missing weight.
Final thoughts: For a show without a lot of star power, this was a decent show. We had a few good finishes and only one or two bad fights that went the distance. I wouldn’t reccomend you go back and watch the entire 6 hour show if you missed it but definitely check out the main event to score it for yourself and make sure you see Brandon Moreno’s big upset win and Nate Marquardt’s knockout of the year of Tamdan McCrory.
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