Anthony Hernandez

Anthony Hernandez had a near perfect showing in the main event of UFC Vegas 99 and earned himself a performance bonus with his final round TKO of Michel Pereia. Hernandez entered the bout ranked at #13 in the UFC’s middleweight division while his opponent was ranked at #14.

Hernandez is now riding a six-fight win streak featuring four stoppages (all outside of the first round) and three performance bonuses. Safe to say that “Fluffy” is on a roll.

Brendan Allen would be the perfect fight for Anthony Hernandez at this point in his UFC career. Allen and Hernandez actually fought back in early 2018 in the LFA. Hernandez won a five round unanimous decision to win the vacant LFA Middleweight Championship. Allen is ranked at #8 in the UFC rankings and lost his most recent fight to Nassourdine Imavov in September. Before that he had won seven in a row. The rematch would be a no brainer and an easy fight night main event featuring two large cardio machines.

Anthony’s next fight: Brendan Allen

Rob Font

Rob Font found a way to get the win as he walked down Kyler Phillips to snag a huge unanimous decision victory. It was a really big win for Font as he has lost four of his last six fights.

Font entered the fight ranked at #10 in the UFC’s bantamweight division while his opponent was ranked at #12.

Yadong Song would be a good next fight for Rob. Song is ranked at #8 in the UFC’s bantamweight division and is 2-2 in his last four fights. Font and Yadong were supposed to fight in August of last year, but Song withdrew from the fight. Since then, he’s defeated Chris Gutierrez and most recently lost a unanimous decision to Petr Yan back in March.

Rob’s next fight: Yadong Song

Charles Johnson

The ever energetic Charles Johnson found a way to outstrike and out-grapple his opponent, Sumudaerji, on his way to a unanimous decision victory at UFC Vegas 99 on Saturday night.

Johnson is now riding a four-fight win streak. It’d make sense to give him a step up in competition, preferably a fringe ranked, or soon to be ranked opponent. Thanks to how exciting of a fighter Johnson is, there are a few good fights that could be made. Even though the featured prelim had two worthy opponents in Matheus Nicolau and Asu Almabayev the best future matchup for Charles would be #11 ranked Tagir Ulanbekov.

Tagir was supposed to fight Joshua Van in June but had to withdraw thanks to missing weight by a large margin. Tagir is 4-1 in the UFC and was last in the octagon last December when he submitted Cody Durden in the second round.

Charles’ next fight: Tagir Ulanbekov

Cameron Smotherman

Cameron Smotherman came in on short notice and picked up a huge win against Jake Hadley on Saturday. The 2023 Contender Series fighter lost to Charalampos Grigoriou in his appearance on the show. Since then, he has gone 3-0 in Fury FC and got a called up to fight Hadley after Jake’s original opponent, Brady Hiestand, withdrew.

For his second fight in the UFC, Cameron should face Cody Haddon. Cody is a Contender Series alum from the 2024 season that has already tallied his first win with the promotion. Haddon defeated Dan Argueta by unanimous decision on October 12 in his promotional debut. At 8-1 he still is a little green, so it’d be a matchup that makes sense (Cameron is just 12-4.)

Cameron’s next fight: Cody Haddon

Darren Elkins

Darren Elkins turned in an exhausting night at the office on Saturday outwrestling and  out-striking his opponent, Daniel Pineda, to get the unanimous decision nod.

At 40 years old, Elkins is currently the sole record holder for the most fights at featherweight in the UFC. At least until Max Holloway fights next weekend at UFC 308. Darren’s pro MMA record is 29-11. At this stage in his career, Elkins should only get extremely fun fights, much like he asked for.

A fight against Julian Erosa could be in the cards. Erosa has had a similar career to Elkins and is 30-11. Erosa is 2-2 in his last four fights and is still very game, and never in a boring fight (his last four fights ended in a finish). They also share several common opponents like Nate Landwehr, Charles Jourdain, Cub Swanson and Ricardo Ramos.

Darren’s next fight: Julian Erosa

The post What’s Next: UFC Vegas 99 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

Michel Pereira

Michel Pereira was thoroughly dominated in nearly every aspect of the fight until he was mercifully finished in the final round by his opponent, Anthony Hernandez. Pereira entered the fight ranked at #14 in the UFC’s middleweight division, while his opponent was ranked at #13.

The loss snapped an eight-fight winning streak that dated back to February of 2020. The streak has spanned over two weight classes as Pereira went 5-0 as a welterweight and then went 3-0 at 185lbs. Leading into this bout, every middleweight bout Michel had participated in the UFC, he had not only won in the first round, but also had received a performance bonus (Andre Petroski, Michal Oleksiejczuk, Ihor Potieria).

Pereira should face an up-and-comer for his spot in his next fight. Stand-out prospects, Shara Magomedov and Armen Petrosyan are scheduled to fight at UFC 308 next weekend. Shara is undefeated at 14-0 and is a perfect 3-0 in the UFC. Petrosyan is 8-3 and 3-2 in the UFC. Armen already has solid wins over studs like Gregory Rodrigues and Christian Leroy Duncan. The winner of that fight on the October 26 will be more than ready to step up to take on a ranked fighter like Pereira.

Michel’s next fight: Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan winner

Kyler Phillips

Kyler Phillips lost a unanimous decision at the hands of Rob Font in what was one of the biggest upsets at UFC Vegas 99. The loss snapped a three-fight win streak that dated back to July of 2021 (wins over Marcelo Rojo, Raoni Barcelos and Pedro Munhoz).

Kyler entered the fight ranked at #12 in the bantamweight division while his opponent, Rob Font, was ranked at #10.

Montel Jackson would be a good next fight for Phillips. Jackson is currently just barely in the top 15 at the #15 spot at 135lbs. Montel has won five in a row including three stoppages coming in the very first round and two performance bonuses in the same time period. Jackson was last in action back in July when he KO’d Da’Mon Blackshear with a straight left in just 18 seconds.

Kyler’s next fight: Montel Jackson

Sumudaerji

Sumudaerji was soundly defeated in a very competitive back and forth striking battle with Charles Johnson.  With that loss ‘The Tibetan Eagle’ now falls to 3-4 with the UFC. Sumudaerji has now lost his last three fights in a row after starting off with the UFC going 3-1 from 2018-2021.

A good next fight for Sumudaerji would be a fighter like Jimmy Flick. Jimmy has lost three of his last four fights since his mini retirement ended spanning from 2021-2023.

One of the fighters he lost to since his retirement was none other than Charles Johnson, who finished him in the first round of their bout, last January. Flick was last in action back in June when he lost a unanimous decision to Nate Maness.

Sumudaerji’s next fight: Jimmy Flick 

Jake Hadley

Jake Hadley was stunned on Saturday night when he lost a unanimous decision to the short notice newcomer Cameron Smotherman. With the loss Hadley now falls to 3-4 in the UFC and has lost three of his last four fights.

Hadley should fight Brad Katona in his next bout. Katona fought and lost on the undercard of UFC Vegas 99 to Jean Matsumoto in a unanimous decision. He is 4-4 in the UFC and 2-2 since winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 31 last August. The timing for this fight would make sense and it seems like a more appropriate fight than trying to rebook the fight with Brady Hiestand.

Jake’s next fight: Brad Katona

Daniel Pineda

Daniel Pineda put on an extremely gutsy performance against Darren Elkins but was ultimately defeated in a bloody three round unanimous decision war. The fight would go on to win fight of the night honors.

In his post-fight speech Pineda took of his gloves and laid them in the center of the octagon. He then took to the mic to announce his retirement from the UFC and MMA.

Daniel’s next fight: N/A

The post What’s Next: UFC Vegas 99 Losers appeared first on Cageside Press.

Far from throwing cash around at the night’s big winners, the promotion was anything but spendthrift, awarding just two bonuses on the night spread across three fighters: the traditional Fight of the Night, and a single Performance of the Night bonus.

The single Performance bonus went to headliner Anthony Hernandez, who spent the better part of five rounds wearing down Michel “Demolidor” Pereira prior to putting him away in the fifth. The middleweight fight saw “Fluffy” Hernandez looking quite sharp, setting multiple records on the way to his TKO victory, with Pereira tenderized in the later rounds, pounded on until he could do little more than lay in place, sucking back air.

That victory should propel Hernandez closer to the top 10 if not just inside it. It also pockets him $50,000 in bonus cash. A second Performance bonus might have gone to Joselyne Edwards, who had the night’s other finish — a submission of Tamires Vidal — had Edwards not missed weight by a full three pounds for the fight.

Years back, when the UFC switched to Performance of the Night bonuses from Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night, the idea seemed to be about flexibility. After all, a fighter can have one of the best performances on a given night and not put away a durable opponent. In practice, Performance of the Night still seems to boil down to finishes. So sorry, Elise Reed, who just a week ago got hitched, you don’t get a post-fight bonus despite lighting up Jessica Penne in the second and third rounds.

Instead, just Hernandez and Darren Elkins vs. Daniel Pineda pick up bonus cash. Fight of the Night at UFC Vegas 99 was never in question, with Elkins vs. Pineda a bloody thriller. What’s that, blood in a Darren Elkins fight? Who saw that coming? Yet it was Pineda, not Elkins, spilling pints, though he did he best to catch Elkins in a submission. When that didn’t happen, it was Elkins coming away with the win — and Daniel Pineda calling it a career.

The post UFC Vegas 99 Sees Promotion Anything But Spendthrift As Single Performance Bonus, FOTN Awarded appeared first on Cageside Press.

“Fluffy” Hernandez and “Demolidor” Pereira had a chance to break into the top 10 with a win, depending on rankings panel voters (and whether they still existed later this week, based on Dana White’s gripes about the UFC’s official rankings).

Demolidor went to the body early in the UFC Vegas 99 main event, and having apparently hurt Hernandez, he went on the attack, battering Fluffy with punches. Making a point to target the body, which had led to the early success, Pereira continued to force Hernandez to retreat. Weathering the storm, Hernandez kept himself in the fight, and by the midway mark had turned the tables, fighting his fight and pursuing a takedown. Pereira fought off a big attempt with two minutes still on the clock, peel off, and worked his jab. On the next shot, Pereira sprawled, but Hernandez was able to land a punch or two in the ensuing clinch.

Now it was Pereira with his back to the fence, Hernandez throwing then changing levels for a takedown. It took a while, but a trip would get the job done, though he had just 30 seconds or so to work.

Anthony Hernandez opened round two with an immediate takedown attempt. Pereira fought that off; moments later, Hernandez was warned for an eye poke (perhaps more of a rake), his second such infraction of the bout. On the restart, Hernandez fired a low spinning kick, and was mixing levels as well as strikes. Pereira however reversed out of the next takedown attempt.

Moments later, Pereira defended a takedown with a guillotine, looking to get to mount, but instead, Hernandez freed a leg. That put Fluffy on top instead, where he was able to smash away with elbows and hammer fists. Pereira writhed and twisted on his back, making his way to the fence, but there, he gave up his back — only to scramble free of an arm-triangle choke, getting back to his feet. Two minutes were still on the clock, however, and Hernandez easily earned another takedown. Pereira wound up on his knees along the fence, looking to avoid a knee as a downed opponent. And when Pereira did get up, Hernandez took him right back down.

This time, Hernandez smashed away with elbows and punches, trapping Pereira. The ref took a good look, and the Brazilian looked exhausted, but her survived the round. Barely.

Round three, rinse and repeat. Hernandez opened with a takedown attempt, and landed it with ease. Pereira did get up, but had to contender with Hernandez staying right there with him. Finally Pereira found some space, and stuffed a lazy takedown attempt. Pereira could not, however, get any offense off. And when he was taken down later in the frame, Hernandez again teed off, with Pereira doing little do defend and less to escape. At best, he held on, but that allowed Hernandez to mount, though Pereira pushed him off.

Then it was to side control for Hernandez, which allowed Pereira to hook a leg briefly. A choke by Hernandez failed, and Pereira somehow continued to survive, a minute now left on the ticker. Pereira fought the wrists. Hernandez controlled from the back, Demolidor on his knees. Fluffy dropped elbows and short punches then waved to the commentary team. A truly demoralizing round for Michel Pereira.

Back to the well went Hernandez, again opening round four with a takedown attempt. This time, Pereira fought him off with ease, and fired a knee at fluffy as Hernandez shot in on a second attempt. No such luck, as Hernandez pushed through, completing the takedown. Pereira made it back up, but Hernandez maintained a body lock. Soon enough, he had Pereira back down. The side effect of all these takedowns was that Pereira’s offense had been almost completely neutralized.

Somehow, Pereira survived to the fifth round. Ahead of that final frame, his corner urged him to “take his f*cking head off,” his coach trying to fire Pereira up, adding that he didn’t care if he lost the fight. Of course, it was Hernandez back to a takedown in the opening seconds instead. This time, Hernandez landed a smashing elbow that split Pereira open, and it wasn’t long after that the ref had finally seen enough, with Fluffy claiming a TKO victory.

During the UFC Vegas 99 broadcast, it was announced that Anthony Hernandez had set middleweight records for both attempted takedowns, and significant strike differential, the later dethroning a record held by Rich Franklin. He also holds the third-longest active win streak at 185lbs.

Official Result: Anthony Hernandez def. Michel Pereira by TKO, Round 5, 2:22

The post UFC Vegas 99: Anthony Hernandez Sets Records While Tenderizing Michel Pereira appeared first on Cageside Press.

Ahead of the bout, Font had stated that he hoped a trip to hospital following the fight would not be required — but he was willing to go that route if need be. He had also added Firas Zahabi, of TriStar fame, to his corner.

Both fighters got right to work as Phillips thru out a low leg kick. Kyler was able to get in on a single leg shortly after and grapple his opponent to the ground. Phillips nearly effortlessly moved to side control, while landing short strikes. About two minutes into the fight and Kyler started to attack the arm and shoulder. Once that got Font’s attention, he began raining down a couple of well-placed elbows. Phillips continued to look to advance position. With a little over a minute left in the round, Font found a way back to his feet during a failed submission attempt.

Once the fight was standing again, Kyler looked a tad sluggish, moving his feet along the cage and throwing lots of kicks. Font shot in deep on a takedown and after a brief stalemate against the cage, the round ended seeing a short striking exchange on the feet.

The second round saw Font stalking his opponent looking to land his big right hand. Phillips evaded for a few seconds before lining up a well-timed takedown. Font was able to pop up a few moments later. Phillips was back on his bike, moving his feet, circling around the octagon. Font would follow, and crash in with a boxing combination once within range. With a couple minutes left in the round, Rob began to really find a home for that long right hand as Kyler faded out of range.  In the final minute of the round Kyler finally started to throw back a little, from the clinch. But he was ultimately was heavily out struck and outpaced over the course of the round. At the last second of the round Kyler was able to score a little dump takedown.

Kyler came out with his wrestling singlet on a shot for a takedown almost immediately to open the third. Font was able to work out of the takedown and began to go back to walking down his opponent. Rob was able to score on multi punch combinations, bouncing his opponents head up and back as he retreated. About midway through the round Phillips lands a leg kick that partially buckles Font. After a short spat in the clinch Rob is back to landing jab-led combinations.

Phillips looked extremely tired as he over committed on a punch a fought off the subsequent takedown attempt. With seconds left in the round Font continued to come forward crashing into his opponent still looking for that big right hand. The fight would end with Kyler attempting one last takedown to sort of slow the pace as time expired. With the scorecards revealed, all three judges had awarded the fight to Rob Font, with triplicate 29-28 scores.

Official Result: Rob Font def. Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post Rob Font Overcomes “The Matrix,” Bests Kyler Phillips in UFC Vegas 99 Co-Main appeared first on Cageside Press.

Johnson had won three straight, with two post-fight bonuses in that span. As for Sumudaerji, he’d lost his UFC debut, rattled off a three-fight win streak of his own, then dropped his last two coming into UFC Vegas 99.

Each fighter shot for a takedown in the opening minute but neither landed. Johnson pressured Su Mudaerji in the southpaw stance landing leg kicks early. Following a big uppercut Johnson grabbed Su Mudaerji into the clinch and controlled him against the cage. After a stalemate against the cage, Su Mudaerji landed a nice knee on the break. In the final ten seconds of the first round both fighters stood in the pocket and exchanged heavy punches.

Johnson continued to pressure forward in round two trying to walk down Su Mudaerji as both fighters landed damaging leg kicks. Su Mudaerji missed big on a left hand leaving himself off balance, Johnson chased him down and connected on a right hand that scored a knockdown. As Su Mudaerji crumbled against the cage, Johnson landed big ground and pound that almost scored him a finish.

Over his career Su Mudaerji has proven how tough and resilient he is, surviving once again and making it to the third round. In the final five minutes Su Mudaerji put together his best round establishing a jab at distance. Johnson found a takedown with a minute and fifteen left in the third, but Su Madaerji scrambled to his feet and landed a straight left hand and a knee up the middle. Both competitors continued throwing until the final bell, as the fans in attendance cheered on.

After three hard fought rounds the judges all scored the fight for Johnson (29-28). Johnson out-landed Su Mudaerji in total strikes 84-78 while also landing two takedowns.

Official Result: Charles Johnson def. Su Mudaerji by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 99: Charles Johnson Claims Fourth Straight Victory, Decisions Su Mudaerji appeared first on Cageside Press.

Smotherman had been in Saudi Arabia to help Raufeon Stots for his PFL Battle of the Giants fight against Marcos Breno. After getting the call on short notice to face Hadley, Smotherman hopped on a plane back to Las Vegas in time to weigh in for the bantamweight Fight on Friday.

Win or lose, Smotherman at least had his foot in the door with the UFC.

In the first round, both fighters were trading short shots but nothing significant landed. Smotherman was the one pressuring but both guys were patient in their approach. Smotherman was doing well with his hands and Hadley was focused on the lead leg kick. Smotherman was clean with his hands with short combos and going to the body more as the round went on. Hadley was having trouble putting it together outside of the inside leg kick. Smotherman was going forward the entire round and was letting his hands go when he got Hadley against the cage. A quiet good opening round from Smotherman as he ended it with a slick combination ending with a body kick.

Into round two Smotherman was active again with the punches to the body. Hadley was confident boxing with Smotherman thus far but Smotherman was the fasted striker. As Hadley would start to inch his way back in the fight Smotherman would land a good combination to the head-body. Hadley was picking up his pace with the jab but wasn’t stringing together combinations. Another foul from Hadley landed as he pocked Smotherman in the eye. That being now three fouls against Hadley, a point was finally taken. The point taken sparked some urgency behind Hadley as he shot in for a single leg after a barrage of punches. Smotherman defended well fighting the underhooks, and eventually got off the cage at the bell.

In the final round a heated clash of punches was initiated by Smotherman. He was super aggressive letting his hands go even though he was confidently up in the fight. To slow it down Hadley attempted a takedown against the cage but didn’t get it. Smotherman was still pressing forwards with rights and lefts walking Hadley down. Hadley did land a left hand that slowed down the forward pressure of Smotherman. Not too much as Smotherman continued to be the one coming forward.

Smotherman actively went to the body which has been a big weapon for him in the fight. As the round was ticking away Smotherman acted as if he needed the finish. He was pressing Hadley against the cage and landing combinations. Hadley would get some respect back at times but it was one shot at a time. With under a minute left Hadley did seem to stun Smotherman in an exchange but it was too little too late.

Official Result: Cameron Smotherman def. Jake Hadley by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 30-26)

The post UFC Vegas 99: Cameron Smotherman Wins Short-Notice Debut Against Jake Hadley appeared first on Cageside Press.

Elkins entered the fight off a win over TJ Brown, while Pineda was looking to snap a two-fight skid at the UFC Apex on Saturday.

The fight started out with Elkins throwing out a huge overhand. Pineda landed a spinning back kick that stopped Elkins in his tracks for a split second.

Elkins threw another huge overhand which this time, landed. Darren went for the takedown in that same moment and in return, Pineda went for a guillotine. With both fighters still dry, the guillotine was sunken in very tight. But Elkins was able to just reverse the position and scramble out. When Pineda moved back to full guard it revealed a huge gash as a result of the initial overhand. Pineda went for another guillotine that was in deep and even though he wasn’t able to get the finish, this time was at least able to move to a dominate position.

At this point in the fight, Pineda was just pouring blood onto Elkins as he tried to land ground and pound, standing over his opponent. Elkins was able to temporarily regain an advantage before losing it yet again. The final seconds of the round saw Pineda landing some nasty elbows on Darren from the full mount position. Both men were beaten, breathing heavily and bloody at the end of the round.

The second round began with Elkins immediately landing a stinging combination of punches. Pineda struck back with a leg kick that sent Darren crashing to the canvas. Elkins popped right back up and the two resumed striking. Elkins was circling around on the outside pawing jabs. Daniel was a little more reserved with his strikes, attempting to land an ill-advised, backfist before behind takedown by his opponent. Daniel went to the well once again, looking for a guillotine but ended up on his back, absorbing strikes. Pineda worked back up to his base and midway through the round was able to regain his feet.

Even with limited vision (from the blood), Daniel was still evading a lot of the punches coming in his direction. A few seconds later, Pineda successfully defended a takedown. Elkins attempted another takedown and Pineda jumped guillotine. When Elkins popped his head out, he had to defend another submission attempt off of his arm. Darren landed some effective ground and pound to end the round, and Daniel was extremely slow to get up off his back.

To start the final round the doctor took a look at the eye and cut of Daniel and told him he was good to go. Seconds into the round and Pineda was able to defend a deep takedown attempt but ate a big 1-2 combination in space. Elkins went for another takedown and Pineda was able to defend and reverse the takedown. Darren kept moving, kept wrestling and was able to overwhelm his opponent and wrestle back to his feet. Moments later and Darren went for yet another shot. Elkins disengaged after a few seconds and both men started to go blow for blow.

Pineda landed another leg kick that crippled Elkins but somehow, he just kept coming. Elkins was able to have some very nice moments landing highlight reel boxing combinations on his partially blinded opponent. You could see the frustration on the face of Daniel and after a long reset, Pineda landed yet another leg kick that dropped Elkins. Darren responded with one last takedown, trapping his opponent against the cage and landing short strikes. The exhausting and crazily paced fight would end there as Pineda just could not find a way to get back to his feet.

After the instant classic of a fight, Daniel Pineda took off his gloves and set them in the center of the octagon signaling his retirement. Elkins in typical Elkins fashion declared that as long as he was in the octagon the 40-year-old most tenured UFC featherweight would be showing off that ‘dog’ in him.

Official Result: Darren Elkins def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 99: Darren Elkins Sends Daniel Pineda Into Retirement appeared first on Cageside Press.

Almabayev was on the rise coming into the fight, a perfect 3-0 inside the octagon and 20-2 overall. The flyweight from Kazakhstan was catching Brazil’s Nicolau on his first-ever losing streak, as he’d dropped back-to-back fights against Brandon Royval and Alex Perez.

The fight began in a measured manner as both men were hesitant to potentially give the other the upper hand. Asu looked to land the calf kick on the lead leg of Nicolau early and throughout the course of the whole fight. Matheus on the other hand was looking upstairs, obviously anticipating a takedown from his opponent. A little over 90 seconds into the fight, Asu gave a halfhearted charge throwing punches which Matheus was easily able to evade with footwork. Midway thru the round, Almabayev partially landed a spinning heel kick to the woos and awes of the crowd. Both men looked extremely cautious to commit to more than a few strikes. Nicolau continued to throw out the lead hand and finally connected in the final minute of the round. The first round would end without too much happening.

The second round began with Almabayev coming out a lot more aggressively with an aggressive pouch and kick combination, immediately.

Almabayev continued to go back to that low leg kick. One of those strikes a couple of minutes into the round, caused Matheus to buckle a bit. With nearly two minutes left in the round Asu finally committed to a single leg which Nicolau was able to valiantly defend against on the cage.  Almabayev reentered on a double seconds later, which Nicolau was able to sprawl out of. Nicolau turned it into a single leg and was able to dump his opponent on his back. However, Nicolau had been holding the head thru the entire sequence and was able secure a very deep guillotine. Miraculously, Almabayev escaped and triggered a momentary pause in the action thanks to his shorts coming untied.

When the action resumed both fighters cautiously stood and engaged. Nothing significant landed in the final seconds but Asu did whiff on a huge overhand attempt showing his off his tenacity.

The final round began with Nicolau still moving cautiously and Almabayev still throwing move volume. A little over half a minute into the round and Almbayev dropped Nicolau with an uppercut and hook combination. Asu followed his opponent to the ground and landed some extremely effective elbows from a modified mount position. Matheus was just able to survive grabbing by his opponent’s arms as he landed strikes. Asu did an excellent job of keeping his position though, over the course of the round, as his opponent grew more desperate with his attempts to return to his feet. Nicolau was able to land some nasty elbows off of his back but ultimately was smothered by Almabayev until the very final moments of the round when he returned to his feet essentiality just in time to shake hands.

In the post-fight press conference, Asu Almabayev boldly declared that he was ready for the UFC title and called for a title shot.

Official Result: Asu Almabayev def. Matheus Nicolau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 99: Asu Almabayev Improves to 4-0 in UFC with Win Over Matheus Nicolau appeared first on Cageside Press.

After winning The Ultimate Fighter 27 only to later be cut by the UFC, Katona had done it again, winning TUF 31, making himself the first two-time TUF champ. As for Matsumoto, he was undefeated entering the fight.

Katona vs. Matsumoto started out hot, the pair trading hard and heavy. Katona found success with his elbows, especially late in the round, stepping into a sharp one with about two minutes remaining. Matsumoto would pursue a takedown, only to see that defended, and the stand-up battle continued after Katona reversed. The Canadian used his lateral movement well, and often.

Round two saw Matsumoto take center, and Katona again work from the outside, circling. As sharp as Matsumoto looked, Katona looked game to go head-to-head with him. He was also finding success catching Matsumoto on the way in, with Matsumoto showing trickles of blood on both sides of the face. Against the fence, Katona clinched up, then clipped Matsumoto with an elbow off the break. A right to the ear landed for Katona. They were trading at will, both firing in bunches each time they came together.

As the round wore on the pace did not let up. Matsumoto began adding in kicks, and Katona’s own face was bloodied by the end of the frame. Matsumoto pursued a takedown late but didn’t have it.

Jean Matsumoto came out firing in round three, with Katona firing a kick in the opening minute and both men getting their licks in. Katona clinched up and dropped levels along the fence, firing a knee but struggling to get Matsumoto, who showed solid balance, down. Matsumoto then had a little assist from the fence, as the ref tried to slap his hand away. Not as bad as some fence grabs at least. Katona still had the position, but not for long as they broke. Katona then shot for a leg, but didn’t have it. He may have slowed a step by the midway point of the third.

In the final minute, a bloodied Matsumoto looked to fend off another Katona takedown attempt, care of some cracking elbows. Matsumoto reversed, and managed to pull the legs out from under Katona, who was right back up. He then landed his own takedown. A final burst of ground n’ pound and a scramble took them to the final horn.

Official Result: Jean Matsumoto def. Brad Katona by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

The post UFC Vegas 99: Jean Matsumoto Overcomes Game Brad Katona appeared first on Cageside Press.