Perry, who anchored the co-main event of the evening, saw his fight week thrown into turmoil when original opponent Thiago Alves pulled out last minute. Newcomer Alex Reyes stepped up, but was almost instantly floored by a Perry knee just over a minute into their scrap. Hopefully, the fifty grand made up for Perry losing a higher caliber opponent, and he’ll be looking to make a big jump up in competition next. After the bout, he called out former champion Robbie Lawler.

The Ultimate Fighter 17 standout Uriah Hall, meanwhile, got back in the win column after running up an 0-3 slide in his past three fights. Hall found himself under fire early and often in the first round of his scrap with Krzysztof Jotko, but showed heart and determination, hanging on to escape the round. In the second, he was able to correct course, and finished the Polish fighter midway through the round, setting things up with a perfectly placed right hand.

Fight of the Night was absolutely no surprise. In a back-and-forth war that saw one of the best opening rounds of the year in the UFC, Gregor Gillespie and Jason Gonzalez had fans on their feet. The pair slugged it out on the feet, Gillespie scored a number of takedowns, and both showed a ton of heart in a bloody battle that ended with Gillespie sinking in an arm-triangle choke just past the two minute mark into the second frame.

UFC Fight Night 116, otherwise known as UFC Pittsburgh, took place at the PPG Points Arena in Pittsburgh Saturday September 16. Luke Rockhold forced David Branch to submit to strikes in the main event.

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Early on in the scheduled five round main event, Rockhold worked the body of David Branch with kicks. Branch pressed him up against the cage in response, slowing the action. After breaking, Branch found some success on the feet, tagging Rockhold with a number of punches as the former champ backpedaled. Branch then unloaded with shots along the fence, though Rockhold would ultimately survive. Reversing, Rockhold used an over-under approach to control Branch. After escaping, Branch charged after Rockhold again, firing off punches and keeping the pressure on. The overhand right was a threat from David Branch as he looked to tag Rockhold. Rockhold, meanwhile, continued to mix up kicks, with leg kicks and a jumping front face kick late in the round. Rockhold added in a late takedown just seconds before the bell sounded.

In the second, Branch kept the pressure up, while Rockhold combated his attack by chopping at his lead leg. Branch then pressed Rockhold back against the cage, tying him up. Rockhold reversed, and looked for a trip while Branch worked a whizzer to defend. They would struggle for a while before Rockhold secured the takedown and moved to mount. He quickly got one hook in, and as Branch gave up his back, he began unloading heavy right hands from the top. Rockhold had both hooks in and worked to flatten Branch out while still landing bombs, before long, Branch tapped to the strikes.

With that, Luke Rockhold was back in the win column and back in the title hunt.

Luke Rockhold def. David Branch by submission (strikes), Round 2, 4:05

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How short notice? Reyes, on a twelve fight win streak with all twelve coming by way of finish, took the fight on just three days notice after Perry’s original opponent Thiago Alves was forced off the card.

This one was over before it started. Perry came storming out of the gate, and while against the fence in a Thai clinch, the pair exchanged knees. Mike Perry then landed a huge knee. Alex Reyes dropped to the mat, and follow-up strikes were an afterthought. The ref waved it off, and this one was over. There would be no storybook ending for Alex Reyes, but he deserves a ton of credit for taking on such a dangerous opponent on short notice.

“It was supposed to be Thiago in here, he ran from me, so now I think I deserve a top ten” Perry said after the fight, before calling out former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler.

Mike Perry def. Alex Reyes by knockout, Round 1, 1:19

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American Top Team fighter Hector Lombard came into the night on a three fight loosing streak and looking for his first victory since he defeated Jake Shields at UFC 171 back on March 15th, 2014. He entered the cage looking to change his fortunes with a badly needed win over Smith.

The Ultimate Fighter 23 alum Anthony Smith, meanwhile, stepped into the cage riding a two fight win streak with his most recent win over Andrew Sanchez by KO at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Reis. He was aiming to extend his streak with a win over Hector Lombard.

Round one saw the fight move around the cage with both fighters exchanging until Smith ended up in a kneeling position and Lombard looked to land shots. It seemed as if Smith was in serious danger here. Back on their feet Lombard landed some heavy shots, getting the better of Smith as Smith seemed tentative.

Round two saw Lombard come out working leg kicks as he tried to take away some of the reach advantage from Smith. Smith responded with a high knee that just missed the mark. Lombard was able to secure Smith’s back in the standing position; Smith answered by spinning out and the two exchanged blows. Smith landed a right that coupled with a misstep by Lombard sent Lombard to the mat. He recovered to the end round.

The final round saw Smith start to open up and land shots. Lombard fired back with leg kicks. The two exchanged and Smith dropped Lombard with a left hook followed by a right straight to secure the win. With that, a fired up Smith earned the biggest victory of his career.

Anthony Smith def. Hector Lombard by TKO, Round 3, 2:33

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Gillespie was a perfect 9-0 entering the night, while Gonzalez was coming in off an impressive brabo choke submission win over J.C. Cottrell in January.

Gonzalez opened up early, connecting with a pair of head kicks, a left hand, and some elbows once Gillespie shot in for a takedown. Gillespie then slipped an elbow over the top into the mix when the takedown didn’t happen, which sent Gonzalez to the canvas. With Gillespie on top, and Gonzalez leaking blood from the mouth, you’d think they might slow down, but instead, back on the feet they went into rock ’em, sock ’em mode. Both fighters landed multiple strikes, with Gonzalez mixing in a head kick again.

Gillespie opted to take things back down at that point, and was soon in mount dropping bombs. Gonzalez scrambled, and back on the feet moments later they engaged again, with both fighters catching the other — Gillespie with an elbow, Gonzalez with a knee. Gillespie survived with another takedown, and these two may have put on one of the best rounds this year.

Could round two ive up to the first? Gonzalez landed a head kick early, both fighters went back into trading bombs, then Gillespie shot a takedown, and worked to control his foe on the mat. Gillespie managed to pass guard, and looked to secure an arm choke. While Gonzalez fought it off at first, Gillespie got it on the second try! Great end to a great bout, and easily a candidate for Fight of the Night.

Gregor Gillespie def. Jason Gonzalez by submission (arm triangle), Round 2, 2:11

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Earlier on the main card, Ultimate Fighter 21 welterweight winner Kamaru Usman carrier a five-fight UFC win streak (and nine-fight win streak overall) into his scrap with Sergio Moraes. Moraes had not lost a fight since 2012, though he did fight to a draw at UFC 198 against Luan Chagas. In any case, someone’s undefeated streak was going to end at UFC Pittsburgh.

The one turned out to be a quick one, as the wrestler Usman showed an improved all-around game, striking early with a calf kick that hurt Moraes immediately. From there, the Ultimate Fighter winner followed up with a combo along the fence that dropped his opponent. Moraes would survive the knockdown, but the writing was on the wall.

Up against the cage again with Moraes retreating, Usman connected with a right cross that sent his opponent crashing to the mat. The ref was one the scene, with Usman landing one more punch before the official saved the day.

After the bout, Usman said he was a problem for anyone in the division, and singled out former lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos. To RDA, he said “you want to come into my division, you want to talk about going for the title? Are you serious? Line ’em up, Sean, line ’em up.”

Will matchmaker Sean Shelby book it, and would RDA consider it? Time will tell, but dos Anjos may have bigger fish to fry.

Kamaru Usman def. Sergio Moraes by knockout, Round 1, 2:48

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Justin Ledet returned to the cage Saturday after having to drop out of his previous fight against Dmitry Sosnovskiy, which was to take place at UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie. Ledet entered came into UFC Pittsburgh with an undefeated record of 8-0 and looked to extend it with a win over Azunna Anyanwu.

Meanwhile, Azunna Anyanwu hoped to make a splash in his UFC debut. He entered the cage riding a five fight win streak, with his last win coming over Greg Rebello by KO on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender series.

Ledet vs. Anyanwu saw Ledet working his jab and displaying his superior movement over three rounds, as Anyanwu stalked his opponent looking to land his massive right hand. The first round started slowly as the fighters felt each other out and the tempo slowly built from there as Ledet began to land and work his Jab. Anyanwu was able to land a few rights, but Ledet stood tall. The second saw more of the same as Anyanwu’s face began to show the results of Ledet’s repeated jabs. Ledet really began to open up and land at will as the fight progressed.

The third and final round saw Anyanwu get his second wind and press the fight with increased aggression and heavy right hands. Ledet was able to avoid most of the damage and got back to work with his jab; Anyanwu gave it one final effort as he rushed Ledet with a flurry to end the round. In the end, it went to the scorecards.

Justin Ledet def. Azunna Anyanwu by split decision (28-29, 29-28 29-28)

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Earlier in prelim action, heavyweights brought the thunder as Anthony Hamilton met Daniel Spitz, and Ultimate Fighter 17 standout Uriah Hall returned to face off against Krzysztof Jotko.

Check back come fight night for results and a full recap!

Jason Saggo vs. Gilbert Burns

Opening the UFC Pittsburgh card was Canadian lightweight Jason Saggo taking on Brazil’s Gilbert Burns. Burns opened the action with a leg kick; Saggo threw a head kick moments later that was blocked. Burns would land a left hand that slipped through Saggo’s defenses about ninety seconds into the round, marking the most significant strike to that point. Saggo later connected with a right. Low kicks began connecting with low kicks, while Burns looked to shoot around the two and a half minute mark. Saggo displayed solid takedown defense, but Burns threw a knee on the break that almost caught the Canadian. Burns would take the fight to the ground at the end of the round, stacking Saggo against the fence, but Saggo would make it back up and they would end the round swinging.

In the second, Saggo again found success with leg kicks eary in the round. Midway, Burns would try to lure Saggo into his guard, with no success. At the two minute mark, however, Burns would pick Saggo up and slam him to the canvas, a pivotal moment in the round. Burns, however, was unable to do much with the takedown, as Saggo fought his way back up, briefly giving up the back but ultimately breaking free. Back in the middle it was Burns who snapped off some leg kicks while Saggo connected with a body kick. However, moments later, Burns countered Saggo’s jab with a huge right hand that floored the Canadian, and Burns had his first UFC knockout!

Gilbert Burns def. Jason Saggo by knockout, Round 2, 4:55

Krzysztof Jotko vs. Uriah Hall

TUF 17 middleweight standout Uriah Hall faced Poland’s Krzysztof Jotko in the second bout of the UFC Fight Night 116 preliminary card. Hall found himself fighting with his back to the cage early, but stayed on his feet as Jotko pressed him against the fence. However, after regrouping, Jotko again backed Hall up aginst the cage and began unloading on him. Strike after strike landed and Hall was dropped; he made it back to his feet only to eat more shots including some hard uppercuts. The ref was right on top of the action but declined to stop the affair; Jotko then took Hall down, only for Hall to work back up. Jotko next took the back and looked to have a rear naked choke in, but it wasn’t secured, and Hall was able to fight out of it. Back on the feet, Hall was still in danger but managed to clip Jotko near the end of the round.

In the second, Hall was visibly showing both damage and fatigue. The spinning attacks of Hall made an appearance early, but when a pair of spinning back kicks failed early, Jotko again backed Hall up against the cage. Hall wisely escaped, and began head hunting and walking Jotko down. After whiffing on a big uppercut, Hall finally connected clean with a right hand, dropping Jotko instantly. A few follow-up strikes to the downed Jotko, and the ref waved it off. Impressive comeback by Uriah Hall!

Uriah Hall def. Krzysztof Jotko by knockout, Round 2, 2:25

Anthony Hamilton vs. Daniel Spitz

Heavyweight action was up next at UFC Pittsburgh, with Anthony “Freight Train” Hamilton taking on Daniel Spitz. Spitz made his UFC debut on short notice back at UFC 209, dropping a decision to Mark Godbeer.

Spitz found himself pushed back early, but in an exchange of rights, Spitz landed right behind the ear and dropped Hamilton. A couple of followup strikes and the ref waved it off, though Hamilton seemed to be pushing himself back to his feet. Hamilton seemed unhappy with the stoppage, but Spitz definitely caught him, and likely would have continued landing blows.

Daniel Spitz def. Anthony Hamilton by TKO, Round 1, 0:24

Tony Martin vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier

In the featured prelim bout, lightweights Tony Martin and Oliver Aubin-Mercier battled it out. Martin opened with a leg kick, while Aubin-Mercier held the center of the cage and both men looked to find their timing and range. The feeling out process continued for a bit, until Martin landed a right hand that was partially blocked, and Aubin-Mercier looked to use a right hook to move Martin into the danger zone. In the final two minutes, Martin used underhooks to control Aubin-Mercier along the fence, but the Canadian was able land a judo throw to secure a takedown. Martin was right back up to his feet, however, and they’d finished the round standing.

In round two, Aubin-Mercier attempted to set up a takedown with a lead right hand, only for Martin to stuff his first attempt. OAM continued to drive, however, pushing Martin up against the cage and finishing the takedown there. He worked from half guard as Martin worked with a butterfly guard. Posturing up, Aubin-Mercier landed a solid punch from the top and continued to pressure Martin. After a failed D’Arce choke attempt, Martin made it back to his feet around the two minute mark. Aubin-Mercier would land another takedown shortly thereafter, leaving Martin right where he started. Martin threatened with an upkick, but it was OAM controlling the fight on the mat.

In the third, Martin opened things with some pep in his step, immediately going on the offensive. When OAM looked for a takedown, Martin attempted a guillotine, which put him on his back. He soon switched to an anaconda choke, which Aubin-Mercier managed to fight off, but Martin wound up on top and was able to control OAM and take the back. A body lock in place, Martin began looking for a rear-naked choke. He controlled the action for the rest of the round, landing plenty of shots from the back, but was not able to finish. It went to the judges, and Olivier Aubin-Mercier wound up taking the split decision.

Olivier Aubin-Mercier def. Tony Martin by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

UFC Fight Night 116 Preliminary Results:

Olivier Aubin-Mercier def. Tony Martin by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Daniel Spitz def. Anthony Hamilton by TKO, Round 1, 0:24
Uriah Hall def. Krzysztof Jotko by knockout, Round 2, 2:25
Gilbert Burns def. Jason Saggo by knockout, Round 2, 4:55

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Branch was successful in his UFC debut earlier this year, while Rockhold was getting back in the octagon for the first time since losing his title to Michael Bisping at UFC 199. The long layoff was in part due to knee surgery, and the question of ring rust loomed large for Rockhold at UFC Pittsburgh.

Cageside Press has our staff picks ready for Saturday’s card — check them out below!

	Justin Ledet vs. Zu Anyanwu	Kumaru Usman vs. Sergio Moraes	Gregor Gillespie vs. Jason Gonzalez	Hector Lombard vs. Anthony Smith	Mike Perry vs. Alex Reyes	Luke Rockhold vs. David Branch
Heath Harshman (51-30)
Jason Payne (30-18)
Paarth Pande (44-31)
Dan Doherty (46-35)
Harry Davies (45-36)
Mike McClory (36-31)
Jay Anderson (42-39)
Eddie Law (39-42)

In a rare occurrence, five of our writers came to a consensus on their picks. Breaking it down, in the main event, all but two of our staff members sided with former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. Rockhold was entering the bout off a long layoff, but David Branch was facing a stiff step up in competition against the ex-Strikeforce and UFC title holder.

The co-main event of Mike Perry vs. late replacement Alex Reyes saw every single  staff member side with Perry. However, this could mark the one sleeper pick of the card, as Reyes enters the fight on a twelve fight win streak with twelve finishes, including four straight submissions.

Two other unanimous picks were selected by Cageside press staff. Ultimate Fighter winner Kumaru Usman was given the nod to defeat Sergio Moraes, despite Moraes having not lost in five years. And Gregor Gillespie was also a unanimous pick by our staff in his fight against Jason Gonzalez.

UFC Pittsburgh takes place September 16 at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Check our UFC events page for full coverage of the fight!

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The middleweight division has been in flux for so long that things have gone from surprising to jaded over the course of several months.  With still over a month before champion Michael Bisping and Georges St-Pierre collide, UFC Pittsburgh will be adding to the already substantial log jam.

Former UFC champion Luke Rockhold is returning after more than a year-long hiatus to face former two-division WSOF champion David Branch with potential implications for the middleweight division.

Most obviously, the injection of Rockhold back into the division could bring more confusion to an already crowded title picture.  The Santa Cruz native was on a five fight win-streak before running into Michael Bisping in what was the upset of the year.  Rockhold has been out of action since then, mostly due to a prior injury to his knee.  Rockhold has received extensive treatment to rehabilitate it rather than rush a return, stating his desire to have the full use of his explosive kicks available when he fights again.

Branch made his UFC debut earlier in May, where he had a close fight with Krzysztof Jotko. His debut comes after an incredible run in the now defunct World Series of Fighting.  Branch was both the middleweight and light-heavyweight champion and alternated defending both titles prior to signing with the UFC.  He has wins over veterans like Yushin Okami and recent TUF winner Jesse Taylor.  He hasn’t lost since 2012 where he lost a decision to Anthony Johnson.  His versatile skill set and explosive power have brought him plenty of success, but Rockhold is easily the most dangerous opponent he has faced in several years.

A victory for Branch would elevate him to the top of the weight class, where he would then likely face a top five opponent that could put him in title contention.  Fighters like “Jacare” Souza, Chris Weidman, or Yoel Romero would all be viable opponents should Branch get the win over Rockhold.  The feat would be huge considering he has flown far under the radar before reaching the UFC.

The heavily favored Rockhold has plenty to gain from a win in the Steel City.  While he would usually be on the short list for a shot at the belt, he would remain locked behind interim champion Robert Whittaker.  Plenty will be determined after November, where the winner of Bisping and GSP will have a time table for the future of the division.  Until then, Rockhold would be in a holding pattern behind “The Reaper.”  Assuming the title is defended in quick fashion, then Rockhold will likely face a top contender like the loser of Bisping/GSP or Yoel Romero in a title eliminator in 2018.

If that sounds like a lot to unpack, you are not alone in thinking so.  The line for a crack at the gold around Michael Bisping’s waist has seemingly grown each month, to the point that top contender Gegard Mousasi left in free agency after amassing a five-fight win streak.  Among other issues, “The Dreamcatcher” was aware that he was more than a year away from a title shot even if his great success continued.  Such is the world of the middleweight division in 2017.  One thing is clear, the winner of Saturday adds to the bottleneck at the top of 185.

Stylistically, the X factor will come down to the condition of Rockhold after his layoff.  It can be assumed that he would not return unless he felt his knee could withstand throwing heavy kicks.  However, we won’t know until the night of the fight what kind of condition his body his in.  The second will be his cardio, Rockhold has shown a great gas tank in his career, going five rounds with Jacare and four with Chris Weidman.  That said, a year away is a tall task for any fighter to come back from and it will depend on how well the team at American Kickboxing Academy has prepared their former champion.

For Branch, the key will be to crowd the former champion and force him to fight with his back to the Octagon.  Rockhold does his best when he’s able to utilize his long frame in the center of the canvas and unleash with powerful combinations.  For Branch to have his best chance, he should look to initiate the clinch and force Rockhold to carry his weight against the fence.  Doing so will cause Rockhold’s arms to tire quickly in the early going and wear down his powerful explosiveness.

Branch is going to do his most damage fighting in close quarters, where Rockhold’s range and size are negated.  The key will be  to create opportunities to keep the former champion in close to make the fight ugly.

For Rockhold, the game plan should be the opposite.  Rockhold is a versatile fighter on both the feet and the ground, but does his best work when he’s able to open up with combinations in the center of the Octagon.  The former champ should look to keep Branch at mid-range and create openings to do significant damage.  To his advantage, he’s also an accomplished grappler and can put Branch on his back if he finds himself struggling on the feet.  As evidenced in his fight with Weidman, Rockhold skills on the ground are formidable even against accomplished grapplers.

The middleweight division is drastically different since last June, but the outspoken former champion still carries the star power to make waves with a win on Saturday.  But, he is in a risky fight against a dangerous free agent who has been working toward this high profile opportunity for years.  The winner moves forward at 185, a feat that has never been more important in the division.

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