Welcome fight fans to Inside Fights’ live coverage of UFC On FOX 10 from United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The event is headlined by a five-round lightweight bout between former champions as former UFC & WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson and former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Josh Thomson do battle. I’m Ryan Frederick and I’ll be handling the coverage of the event, which will see the main card airing on FOX, six featured preliminary fights airing on FOX Sports 1, and the opening bout airing on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 4:30 PM eastern time.
Check me out on Twitter for more coverage of the event, so strap yourselves in, and as always, enjoy the fights.
Walt Harris vs. Nikita Krylov
Referee: Rob Madrigal
ROUND 1- We kick things off with heavyweight action in Chicago as Harris and Krylov both look to rebound from unsuccessful UFC debuts. Rob Madrigal officiates the bout. Harris is the favorite and comes out with a left hand. Krylov with some kicks as Harris is looking for an opening to land the left hand. Krylov lands a big left kick and knocks Harris down and finishes it off with a few punches. Big head kick and it is already over. Quick knockout win for Krylov!
Official Result: Nikita Krylov def. Walt Harris by TKO (head kick & punches) at :25 of Round 1
George Sullivan vs. Mike Rhodes
Referee: John McCarthy
ROUND 1- Sullivan and Rhodes are both making their UFC debuts on short notice as this is a replacement fight for two fights that were cancelled over the last few weeks. John McCarthy is the referee for this welterweight bout. Rhodes is a 2-to-1 favorite in this fight. Sullivan looking to land the jab early. Sullivan with a leg kick. Sullivan with another leg kick. Another leg kick from Sullivan. Rhodes just connects on a head kick. Sullivan gets a head kick checked. Sullivan with another leg kick. Both men are feeling each other out as Sullivan lands a high kick. Rhodes with an overhand right. Rhodes with a leg kick and slips but gets right back up as Sullivan lands a spin kick. They trade punches. Both land jabs. Sullivan with an outside leg kick. They clinch against the fence and Rhodes looks for the single-leg but picks Sullivan up from the back and slams him down. They get back up as Rhodes has the back. Knee to the head by Rhodes. Sullivan spins around and has an underhook. Sullivan with a brief takedown but they get right back up. Rhodes with a right hand as they break. Sullivan misses a big right hand. Rhodes with a nice combination as he switches stances. Sullivan with a combo that backs Rhodes up. Rhodes just misses a head kick and then a teet kick. Rhodes misses a front head kick and Sullivan lands a combo and switches it up for a takedown but Rhodes defends it well. Sullivan gets the takedown with just over 30 seconds left in the round. Rhodes gets back up and grabs the arm and drops down for a kimura. Sullivan is able to step into the mount and is on top landing punches. Sullivan finishes on top. Close round. 10-9 Sullivan.
ROUND 2- The opening round could have gone either way as we head to the second stanza. Sullivan looking to land the jab. Sullivan with a big leg kick. Sullivan misses a left hook and Rhodes counters with a leg kick. A brief break from a groin shot but we get back to action and both men trade punches. High kick from Sullivan. Both men land left hands. Nice combination from Sullivan. Rhodes backs Sullivan against the fence and goes for a flying knee but misses and they tie up for a moment but break. Sullivan misses a Superman punch. Rhodes lands a solid right hand and forces Sullivan to run as he misses a head kick. Sullivan with a combo of punches. Sullivan with a left hand. Rhodes lands a big right hand and follows it with two knees. Sullivan with a right hand to the shoulder and Rhodes counters back. Sullivan with an inside leg kick. Rhodes with a leg kick and then checks a Sullivan leg kick. Sullivan misses a big right hand and Rhodes comes back with a leg kick and then lands a good combination and a leg kick. Rhodes with an uppercut as a counter to a leg kick from Sullivan. Rhodes with another uppercut and just misses a jumping front kick. Rhodes checks a Sullivan leg kick. Sullivan with a groin kick. Sullivan with a knee to the body and they clinch. Rhodes has double underhooks and is looking for the takedown and gets it for a moment. Rhodes still has the back and both men are landing strikes. Sullivan with a knee to the body and it allows Rhodes to take full back control. Both men battling for the takedown but the round ends. 10-9 Rhodes, 19-19.
ROUND 3- This fight is up for grabs as we head to the final five minutes. Rhodes with a quick combination to open the round and then lands a leg kick. Rhodes checks leg kicks and lands a solid leg kick. Sullivan looking to attack with leg kicks but Rhodes has good defense and is getting out of the way. Rhodes with a right hand. Rhodes with a side kick to the body. Rhodes with a leg kick and then lands a right hand. Rhodes with an uppercut. Sullivan looks to clinch but Rhodes pushes him off. Both miss on right hands. Rhodes with an outside leg kick and Sullivan lands an overhand right. Sullivan lands the jab and lands a series of right hands. Rhodes with a body kick. Rhodes with a head kick off a right hand. Sullivan misses a right hand and transitions to a takedown attempt but Rhodes defends it. They tie up against the fence as both battle for position. Rhodes looking to take the back but they split up. Sullivan with a right hand to the body. Sullivan lands a right hand. Sullivan with another right hand. Rhodes lands a spinning kick to the body but Sullivan counters with a good combination. Sullivan lands a right hand. Rhodes has a body kick checked. Rhodes with a left hand. Sullivan with a leg kick. Rhodes with a body kick. Sullivan with a big overhand right and it allows Rhodes to tie him up. Rhodes has the back and is looking for the takedown. Sullivan grabs a single leg and is looking to get the fight down and does for a moment. Sullivan grabs the back and lands a knee to the body. Rhodes with a quick takedown but they get back up and go the distance. Close fight in all three rounds. 10-9 Sullivan, 29-28 Sullivan.
Official Result: George Sullivan def. Mike Rhodes by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Daron Cruickshank vs. Mike Rio
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- Cruickshank and Rio were both on season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter but are looking to rebound from losses that have put their UFC careers in jeopardy. Herb Dean is the referee for this fight. Cruickshank is the betting favorite in this fight. Both men are looking to close the distance as they feel each other out. Both looking to land the jab. Rio misses on a combo that he was looking to set up. Cruickshank lands a short right hand. Rio misses a left hook and Cruickshank lands a right hand and they tie up. Both land knees and they break. Cruickshank with a front kick to the body. Cruickshank with a one-two combination. Cruickshank with a big leg kick. Rio with a leg kick of his own. They trade an exchange. Rio lands the jab. Both corners yelling for level changes. Cruickshank looks to establish the jab. Rio with a leg kick and he begins to open up as he lands a counter combination. Cruickshank with a head kick. Rio with a combo but Cruickshank counters with a spin kick to the body. Both miss on punches. Rio with a left hand and then lands a right hand but Cruickshank moves out of trouble. Cruickshank feints and lands a big right hand that rocks Rio. Cruickshank with a leg kick. Cruickshank with a combo and drops Rio with a head kick. Rio goes down but grabs for a takedown as Cruickshank has the neck. They get to their feet but Cruickshank lands a knee and some punches. Rio holds on and survives the round but was nearly finished there. Big finish from Cruickshank. 10-9 Cruickshank.
ROUND 2- Cruickshank looks to back up a strong finish to the first round. Cruickshank with a leg kick. Rio looks to set up a Superman punch. Cruickshank lands a combo and Rio looks for the takedown but Cruickshank has good defense and avoids going to the mat. Cruickshank with a leg kick. Cruickshank is switching stances and looking to land a head kick. Cruickshank with a kick to the body and then to the head. Cruickshank lands a big right hand and then a side kick to the body followed by a leg kick. Cruickshank misses an uppercut but both land punches. Cruickshank with a jumping spinning back kick that lands and then lands some leg kicks. Cruickshank with a combo and then lands a head kick. Rio’s legs wobbled there. Cruickshank with a solid combo. Rio with a left hand and then lands some punches but Cruickshank counters with a takedown and is on top. Cruickshank looks to mount but Rio has the leg and looking for a leg lock. Cruickshank is in trouble as Rio has a heel hook locked in. Cruickshank is looking to escape and is surviving but has pressure on the leg. Rio with a couple of body shots. Cruickshank gets out and they are in sprawl position and Cruickshank has the neck. Cruickshank gets to his feet and lands a kick to the body. Cruickshank lands a big spin kick and starts landing a series of punches. 20 punches land and Rio is done! Herb Dean stops the fight with seconds left to go in the round and Cruickshank gets the win. Impressive victory!
Official Result: Daron Cruickshank def. Mike Rio by TKO (kick & punches) at 4:56 of Round 2
Junior Hernandez vs. Hugo Viana
Referee: Otto Torriero
ROUND 1- We have a bantamweight bout up as both men are looking to rebound from losses in their last fights. Otto Torriero is the referee. Viana has a wide stance and is keeping some distance from Hernandez. Big right hand from Viana immediately drops Hernandez. Viana lands some punches on the ground but Hernandez gets up. Viana rocks Hernandez with a left hook. Viana with a nice combo and then a leg kick. Viana just misses a right hand but lands a jumping front kick to the body. Viana with a right hand and Hernandez has been unable to land and looks tentative. Viana with a nice combo and then lands a right hand. Big combo from Viana and he rocks Hernandez again with the right hand. Hernandez misses a head kick and then eats another right hand. Viana with the left hook. Hernandez slips on a body kick. Viana with a right hand. Viana with another two combinations to the body and he is really unloading with his punches. Viana rocks Hernandez again with a right hand. Right hand from Viana is barely blocked. Another big combo from Viana and then another and he has Hernandez in trouble again. Viana rushes in and they clinch for a moment but break. Hernandez misses a right hand. Viana with another series of punches hurt Hernandez. Viana with an inside leg kick. Viana misses a big left hook but lands a head kick. Round ends and it is a big one for Viana. 10-9 Viana.
ROUND 2- Hernandez has to land something if he wants back in this fight. Viana comes out quickly with power combinations as he is pushing the pace. Viana misses the left hook. Viana lands a big right hand. Viana with a body kick and then a combo to the head. Viana with a leg kick. Viana with another combo and Hernandez is unable to counter. Combos from both men but Viana is the one to connect and then lands a head kick. Viana buckles Hernandez with a leg kick. Hernandez actually lands a right hand but Viana shakes it off. Viana has slowed the pace and is using sound footwork. Viana with a big combo but misses an overhand right. Right hand from Viana followed by another. Big combo from Viana followed by another combo. Inside leg kick from Viana. Hernandez is just standing there taking the strikes for the most part. Hernandez misses a knee. Viana with another combo and then rocks Hernandez with a right hand. Viana just misses a left hook. Hernandez is bleeding from under his right eye as Viana is dominating this. The fans begin to boo for a moment. Viana misses a jumping head kick. Viana with a right hand and then lands a combination. Viana with another good round as it concludes. 10-9 Viana, 20-18 Viana.
ROUND 3- Hernandez has to get a finish to win the fight. Viana lands the jab and then a quick combo. Viana with another big combo as Hernandez is missing his punches in the pocket. Viana with a left hook. Viana with another combination. Viana with another big combo but Hernandez lands some punches to the body. They trade punches in close range. Good combination from Viana rocks Hernandez for a moment. Hernandez lands a solid right hand and Viana’s knees buckled for a moment. Viana lands a jab that Hernandez eats but he is pressing forward. Viana is spending the round backing up and running away. Viana with a right hand and a leg kick. Big overhand right from Viana hurts Hernandez. Hernandez is bleeding yet again. Viana slips on a combo and Hernandez is on the attack. Hernandez is the man applying pressure as they trade in close range. Viana with the jab. Viana just misses a big overhand right. Hernandez lands a solid combination against the fence. Viana counters with a combo to the body. Hernandez is finally opening up and is looking for the right hand. Viana with a right hand and he circles away. Viana must be tired because he is running away and Hernandez taunts him. Hernandez with the left hand and then lands a combo. Viana counters with some right hands. Big combo from Hernandez stuns Viana. Viana misses a left hook. Hernandez hurts Viana with a left hook and then lands a right hand. Hernandez with some right hands as Viana runs away but the fight ends. Close final round that Hernandez may have won late but this fight should go to Viana. 10-9 Hernandez, 29-28 Viana.
Official Result: Hugo Viana def. Junior Hernandez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Chico Camus vs. Yaotzin Meza
Referee: Otto Torriero
ROUND 1- We have another bantamweight bout as Camus and Meza are both looking to notch their second straight wins. Someone is losing their 2nd fight in the Octagon. Otto Torriero is the referee. Both men quickly take the center of the Octagon. Meza misses a leg kick and Camus backs him up with a jab and a leg kick. They trade left hands. Meza with a leg kick. Both men still feeling each other out. Camus lands a right hand and Meza drops down for a takedown and has Camus tied up against the fence. They battle in the clinch and Meza lands a knee and then scores a takedown. Meza looks to move to side control as they are in the half-guard. Camus reverses positions and is now in the guard of Meza. Meza has an overhook and is looking to wrap his legs around Camus’ head. Camus postures up but Meza pulls him back down. Camus gets into the half-guard and is looking to transition to side control. Meza is looking to sweep and escape but Camus has a strong base and goes back into full guard. Meza looks to isolate an arm. They’re doing enough to not get a standup but both are battling for advantages. They get stood up with ten seconds left, almost seems like a waste. Both throw the front kick and Camus shoots in to end the round. Close round. 10-9 Camus.
ROUND 2- Camus looks to establish the jab early. He switches stances and drops Meza with a right hand and goes into the half-guard. Meza is looking to sweep and does and Meza is now in the half-guard. Meza looking to get into side control as he lands some punches from the top. Meza with some body shots as Camus has full guard. Meza with more body punches. Meza postures up and lands more body punches. The crowd begins to boo and the referee stands them up. Camus rocks Meza with a big right hand. Meza with a teet kick. Camus fakes a right hand and shoots for the takedown and gets it. Camus is in the guard of Meza and landing body punches. Meza looks to scoot his hips out and Camus moves to half-guard. Camus has control of a leg from the top and lands some body punches. Camus transitions to the mount but Meza has a lock on him. Meza rolls but Camus takes his back and lands punches. Camus gets in the position of looking for a rear-naked choke as he has back control. Camus transitions back to the mount as Meza tries to hip escape. Camus with punches from the mount. Camus takes the back again and is looking to get an arm under Meza’s neck. Camus is riding his back and Meza shakes him off as they are on their feet. They tie up against the fence and Meza lands a knee to the body. Another knee to the body and they end the round in position. 10-9 Camus, 20-18 Camus.
ROUND 3- Two competitive rounds down as we head to the final five minutes. Meza with a quick head kick. Camus with a left hand from the southpaw stance. Meza misses a body kick. Meza throws a leg up but Camus grabs it and scores a takedown. Camus is in the full guard of Meza. Meza looks for overhooks from the bottom. Meza gets against the cage and is looking to wall walk. Meza has landed more ground strikes. Camus transitions to full mount. Meza is trying to use the cage to escape but Camus scoots away from it. Camus with body punches. Meza moves and gives up his back and Camus has an arm under his neck. Camus is riding high and he has the arm under the chin. Camus gets the rear-naked choke locked in for a moment but Meza escapes. Camus moves to mount again. Camus is looking to set up an arm-triangle. Camus still in mount as Meza is trying to roll out. Camus takes the back yet again. They get back to their feet and Meza tries to take the back but Camus gets a takedown. Camus has a leg and they’re battling for position on the ground. Camus moves back into the mount and lands a punch. Meza gives up his back again and Camus looks for the choke but the fight ends. 10-9 Camus, 30-27 Camus.
Official Result: Chico Camus def. Yaotzin Meza by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Eddie Wineland vs. Yves Jabouin
Referee: Rob Madrigal
ROUND 1- Wineland is looking to rebound from a loss to Renan Barao in a UFC Bantamweight Championship bout in September while Jabouin is looking for his second straight win. Rob Madrigal is the referee and this could be a fun fight. Both quickly step to the center of the Octagon. Jabouin is looking to land quickly. Jabouin lands a left hand. Wineland is looking to land that big right hand. Jabouin lands some kicks. Wineland unloads with a combo but Jabouin lands a body kick. Wineland checks a head kick from Jabouin. Wineland with a body punch and Jabouin with a body kick. Jabouin with a head kick. Wineland lands a right hand. Jabouin with a leg kick. Jabouin with a head kick. Jabouin with another head kick. Wineland with a nice combo. Wineland with a jab but misses a right hand. Wineland with a combo. Both men land left hands. Jabouin with a head kick. Jabouin has landed more. Wineland with a leg kick. Both men land right hands. Wineland with a leg kick. Jabouin with a head kick. Jabouin with a body kick. Jabouin with a side kick. Wineland goes for the takedown but it is stuffed and they tie up. Wineland with a knee to the body and then another. Wineland misses a big uppercut to end a close round. 10-9 Wineland.
ROUND 2- Jabouin with a leg kick to start the second round. Both land punches. Wineland with a right hand to the body. Jabouin is still looking for the head kick. Wineland with a big right hand. Wineland with the jab. Jabouin with a leg kick. Wineland lands a right hand. Big right hand from Jabouin. Wineland is bleeding from the top of his head. Jabouin misses a big right hand. Jabouin has a head kick checked but lands a right hand. Wineland with a body punch. Wineland just misses a step-in left hand. They trade left hands. Jabouin misses a spinning back fist. Wineland with a right hand. They trade an exchange and Jabouin lands a big body kick. Wineland with a right hand to the body. Jabouin with a body kick and Wineland counters with a right hand that rocks Jabouin. Jabouin with a big head kick. Wineland knocks Jabouin down with a right hand and is going for the finish. Wineland is in the half-guard and looking for the arm-triangle. Jabouin is in trouble but gets out. Wineland mounts him and is landing big punches. Wineland going for the finish. Wineland takes the back and is landing big shots from the back. Jabouin is covering up but in a lot of trouble. Wineland relaxes but lands more punches from the back. Wineland with big ground-and-pound. Landing hard punches and this fight is stopped. Big TKO win for Wineland as he got Jabouin in trouble and finished nicely.
Official Result: Eddie Wineland def. Yves Jabouin by TKO (punches) at 4:16 of Round 2
Alex Caceres vs. Sergio Pettis
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- We have our fourth straight bantamweight bout to close out the prelims as both are looking for their second straight wins. Pettis is undefeated in ten professional fights. Caceres actually has won four straight fights but one was overturned due to a failed drug test. Herb Dean is the referee. Pettis misses a big right hand to start as Caceres starts with a kick based attack. Caceres with a Superman punch and then a leg kick. Pettis just misses a head kick. Pettis with a leg kick. Caceres with the double jab. Caceres just misses a left hand. Caceres with a spinning back fist. Pettis with a right hand that backs Caceres up. Pettis with a right hand. Caceres with a straight right hand and Pettis lands a head kick. Caceres with a head kick and Pettis fires back with a leg kick. They clinch for a second. Caceres with a step-in knee to the body. Caceres misses a standing elbow. Pettis with a right hand as Caceres lands a leg kick. Pettis just misses a head kick as Caceres just misses a front kick. Pettis lands a left hand. Pettis with a head kick. Caceres with an inside leg kick. Pettis rocks Caceres with a head kick. They exchange punches. Pettis with a leg kick. Caceres with the double jab. Caceres just lands a spin kick to the body but Pettis fires back with a right hand. Pettis with a funny looking kick but lands a hard jab. Caceres with a high kick. Caceres lands a combo. Pettis hurts Caceres with a right hand and then lands a head kick and then another. Pettis rocks Caceres with a right hand and misses a head kick. Caceres with a spinning back fist and the round ends. 10-9 Pettis.
ROUND 2- Caceres comes out quickly and lands a high kick. Pettis with a front kick and Caceres misses a counter front kick. Caceres drops Pettis with a big left hand and pounces in. Pettis is in sprawl position and looking to transition to the back. Pettis is getting out but Caceres gets on top. Pettis sweeps and gets to his feet. Pettis with a head kick. Caceres and Pettis both land left hands. Pettis with a high kick that just misses. Pettis ducks under a Caceres combo and lands a right hand. Pettis with a right hand. Pettis misses a running head kick. Pettis with a body punch. Caceres with the left hand. Pettis with a head kick. Caceres with a body kick. Pettis with a Superman punch. Caceres with a combo ending with a teet kick. Pettis with a right hand and then a leg kick. Caceres with a high kick and then a 360-round kick. Caceres then throws two punches at the same time. They tie up for second but break. Pettis with a big head kick as Caceres leaned down. Pettis with a body kick. Caceres with a side kick. Caceres with a teet kick. Pettis just misses a wheel kick. Pettis with a high kick. Pettis misses a right hand but lands a leg kick. They tie up but break. Pettis with a left hand. Both miss spin attacks and the round ends. Close but Caceres gets in by dropping Pettis. 10-9 Caceres, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Big reaction from the crowd for the final round. Caceres with a leg kick. Caceres misses a head kick but they trade in close range. They tie up and Pettis gets the takedown but they get right back up. Pettis lands a head kick as they’re tied up. Caceres goes for the kimura but they get up and break and retreat. Caceres misses a head kick but lands a leg kick. Pettis with a straight right hand followed by a combo. They trade punches and Pettis gets in a head kick. They go to the ground on a slip and they scramble. Pettis has a leg as Caceres looks to take the back. Pettis shakes him off and they get to their feet. Pettis with a left hand. Knee to the body by Caceres. Pettis with a body kick. They trade left hands in close. Caceres with a combo and a teet kick. Caceres with a 360 kick to the leg. Pettis with a left hook. Pettis with a right hand. Pettis lands a combo and finishes with a solid right hand. Caceres with a left hand. Pettis with a body kick. Pettis with a right hand as Caceres circles away. They both land punches. Caceres with a body kick but Pettis counters with a right hand. Caceres with a big left hand. They clinch and both go to the ground and Caceres gets on top. Pettis looks for a leg and spins for a heel hook but Caceres escapes and has the back. Caceres with punches from the back and he gets a rear-naked choke locked in. It is in deep and Pettis taps out! Wow, big finish by Caceres as he hands Pettis his first loss.
Official Result: Alex Caceres def. Sergio Pettis by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:39 of Round 3
Darren Elkins vs. Jeremy Stephens
Referee: John McCarthy
ROUND 1- A featherweight bout kicks off the main card on FOX as Stephens looks for three straight wins at 145 pounds and Elkins looks for his second straight win. John McCarthy is the referee. Stephens misses a big right hand to start. Stephens with a leg kick. Stephens just lands a right hand. Elkins misses a big overhand right. Stephens with a body kick. Elkins goes for the takedown but it is stuffed and Stephens lands a leg kick. Big right hand misses by Stephens. Stephens with an uppercut. Stephens with a leg kick and Elkins counters with a right hand. Shot is stuffed by Stephens. Elkins with a body kick and slips and Stephens goes into his guard and lands an elbow. Elkins looks to push off but it lets Stephens step over to half-guard. They get to their feet and Elkins lands a high kick. Stephens lands a big left hook. Elkins grabs a leg and looks to take it down but they battle along the fence. Both men battle for underhooks but they separate. Stephens with a big uppercut followed by a left hook. Elkins lands a right hand and Stephens comes back with a leg kick. Stephens misses on some big swings. Stephens lands a right hand and then a knee to the body. Stephens with a big body kick. The round ends. 10-9 Stephens.
ROUND 2- They trade big punches to start the second round. Elkins looks in a little bit of trouble. Stephens misses a leg kick. They trade in close range. Stephens just lands a head kick. Elkins misses a takedown attempt. They trade punches and Stephens lands to the body. Stephens rocks Elkins with a right hand. Elkins comes back and lands a left hand. They trade punches in close. Elkins goes for the takedown but it is stuffed. Stephens stuffs another takedown and they battle against the fence before breaking. They trade right hands. They trade again and Stephens lands a left hook. Stephens with a right hand and Elkins trips up. Stephens with a big leg kick. Stephens lands a left hand but Elkins pushes forward with a combo. Elkins with a big right hand. Elkins tries to land a series of lefts but Stephens backs away. Stephens with a high body kick. Elkins lands a right hand. Stephens with a big uppercut. Elkins shoots in and misses the takedown and eats a big right hand. Elkins lands a nice combo ending with a head kick. Elkins with a body kick. Stephens switches stances and lands a big body kick. Stephens with a big uppercut. Stephens with a head kick as the round ends with him dropping Elkins. 10-9 Stephens, 20-18 Stephens.
ROUND 3- Elkins looks to land a right hand to start the final round. He may need a finish here. Stephens with a big leg kick. Elkins with a body kick and Stephens gets a takedown but Elkins has the neck. Elkins is looking for the guillotine choke but Stephens gets free. Elkins still has the neck but Stephens spins out and they get to their feet. Elkins with a right hand. Stephens with a body kick and Elkins grabs the leg but can’t get the takedown. Stephens lands a nice combo to the body. Stephens with a leg kick. Elkins misses a front kick to the face. Stephens lands an uppercut but misses a left hook. Stephens misses a big head kick and Elkins just barely lands a body kick and then goes to the head. Big combo by Stephens ends with a left hook that fazes Elkins. Stephens lands a big straight jab. Stephens with an overhand right and then a leg kick. Stephens with another big right hand. Stephens goes for a takedown but nothing. Elkins grabs Stephens’ neck but Stephens gets out and they battle against the fence. Elkins grabs the neck again and has a guillotine. Ten seconds left but Elkins isn’t going to get it as the fight ends and they go the distance. 10-9 Stephens, 30-27 Stephens.
Official Result: Jeremy Stephens def. Darren Elkins by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Donald Cerrone vs. Adriano Martins
Referee: John McCarthy
ROUND 1- Cerrone is looking for his second straight win after getting back to the win column in November. Martins is an unknown fighter to most but is riding a six-fight win streak. Cerrone is the favorite but late money came in on Martins. John McCarthy is the referee for this lightweight tilt. Cerrone ducks a right hand from Martins. Martins with a good body kick. Cerrone goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Cerrone with a leg kick. Cerrone with another leg kick. Cerrone with a teet kick and then a knee to the body. Cerrone with the front kick. Cerrone with a leg kick. Martins with a body kick. Cerrone with a head kick. Cerrone with a front kick and then a leg kick. They trade punches. Cerrone with a front kick. Martins misses a right hand but lands a straight left. Cerrone with a leg kick. Martins just misses a right hook. Martins with a low kick. Cerrone with a leg kick and then a front kick to the body. They trade in close range. Cerrone ducks a left hand and lands a takedown. They scramble back to their feet. Cerrone with an outside leg kick. Cerrone with a body kick. Cerrone with a right hand. Cerrone with another front kick to the body. Cerrone with a big head kick and Martins goes down and is out cold! WOW! Cerrone certainly has the knockout of the night locked up.
Official Result: Donald Cerrone def. Adriano Martins by KO (head kick) at 4:40 of Round 1
Stipe Miocic vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- We have heavyweight action. Miocic is coming off a big win over Roy Nelson but hasn’t fought since June. Gonzaga has two wins since Miocic last fought- two first-round knockout wins at that. Herb Dean is the referee. Miocic is quite the favorite in this one coming in at -240 in Vegas. Gonzaga with a big leg kick right away. Miocic with an inside leg kick and Gonzaga lands a leg kick of his own. They trade big right hands. Miocic with a left hand. Gonzaga with a leg kick and Miocic fires one back. Crowd chants for Miocic. Gonzaga with a leg kick and both land right hands. Gonzaga with another leg kick. Gonzaga with a right hand. Gonzaga with another leg kick and both land right hands. Gonzaga with another leg kick. Miocic slips on a leg kick but Gonzaga didn’t capitalize. Miocic with a jab. Miocic with a combo. Gonzaga with a big right hand as Miocic throws the kick. Gonzaga with a head kick. Gonzaga with another leg kick and Miocic is hurt. Miocic with a leg kick and Gonzaga lands two right hands. Miocic with the jab. Miocic with a left hand. Gonzaga goes for the takedown and gets it. Miocic scrambles right out and they are back up. Both land right hands. Gonzaga with a leg kick. We are going to the second round. 10-9 Gonzaga.
ROUND 2- Gonzaga has to continue to attack the legs. Gonzaga with an inside leg kick. Gonzaga with a right hand. Miocic with an inside leg kick and Gonzaga fires back with one. Miocic stuffs a takedown. Gonzaga looks to drag it down but they get up and Gonzaga lands a head kick. Gonzaga with a left hook. Miocic with a combo. Gonzaga with a leg kick that is checked. Miocic with a left hand. Gonzaga is covering up well but Miocic is looking for an opening. Gonzaga is starting to gas. Miocic with a left hand. Miocic with an inside leg kick. Gonzaga with a head kick. Gonzaga shoots in and misses the takedown. Miocic lands a series of punches. Miocic with a double jab. Gonzaga with a body punch. Miocic with a leg kick. Miocic with a solid combination and Gonzaga is slow on his attack. Miocic unloads with punches and stuffs a takedown. They trade leg kicks. Gonzaga misses a body kick. Miocic sprawls on a takedown. Miocic with a right hand. Miocic with an uppercut then right hand then leg kick combo. Miocic with a right hand. The round comes to an end. 10-9 Miocic, 19-19.
ROUND 3- Round two was slow and Gonzaga is gassed. Let’s see what happens here in the final five minutes. Gonzaga with a leg kick and then a right hand. Miocic with a right hand. Gonzaga with a right hand. Both looking to land that big punch. Miocic with a nice combo that throws Gonzaga off balance. Miocic with some left hands. Gonzaga shoots in but it is stuffed by Miocic. Miocic with a left hand. Miocic with the jab and Gonzaga just misses a head kick. Gonzaga with a body punch. Miocic with a solid combination. Gonzaga with an outside leg kick. Gonzaga misses a Superman punch. Miocic gets the fight down and lands some hammerfists. Miocic is on his feet but Gonzaga is trying to bait him to the ground. Gonzaga gets up but slips and Miocic goes down with him for a moment. Miocic back on his feet and looks to drop in with some right hands. He lands a combo from up top. And again he lands a combo standing. He isn’t letting Gonzaga up. Miocic goes back down and lands some hammerfists to the head and body. More hammerfists as Gonzaga is looking to get out. Miocic now in half-guard. Big right hands from the top from Miocic to the head and body. Miocic to his feet and Gonzaga scrambles up and is exhausted. This one actually goes the distance. 10-9 Miocic, 29-28 Miocic.
Official Result: Stipe Miocic def. Gabriel Gonzaga by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Benson Henderson vs. Josh Thomson
Referee: John McCarthy
ROUND 1- Time for the five-round main event. Thomson is looking to guarantee himself a title shot with a win following his knockout of Nate Diaz. Henderson looks to rebound from losing the UFC Lightweight Championship to Anthony Pettis at UFC 164 in August. John McCarthy is the referee. Henderson is a solid 2.5-to-1 favorite according to Vegas. Henderson with the double jab to start off the fight. Henderson goes high with a kick. Henderson with an overhand right but Thomson picks him up and slams him down. Thomson takes the back and has a full body lock on. Henderson ties Thomson up but Thomson has the full body triangle locked in. Thomson is looking to separate Henderson’s arm. Thomson tries to flatten Henderson out. Thomson working hard for the choke. Thomson is trying to separate the arm still and is trying to set up either an armbar or a choke. Thomson with punches from the back. Henderson stands up but Thomson still has the body locked. Henderson has Thomson’s arm and is looking to throw him somehow. Thomson lets go and lands a knee to the head of Henderson. Henderson gets out and has a clinch and body lock on Thomson. They are battling for underhooks against the fence. Thomson is defending the clinch well. They turn each other around against the fence. Henderson with a trip takedown and is into full guard. Thomson escapes and gets to his feet. Henderson has a standing arm-triangle choke. Henderson pulls guard but Thomson escapes and they get up. Thomson has the back of Henderson and his arms locked. Henderson with back elbows and Thomson gets a big takedown at the end to seal the round. 10-9 Thomson.
ROUND 2- Henderson comes out quickly for the second round and lands an uppercut to the body. Henderson with a lunging knee but Thomson grabs the leg but can’t complete the takedown. Henderson misses a left hand and they clinch up against the fence. Thomson with a knee to the body followed by another. Thomson with a knee to the face of Henderson. Thomson with a knee to the body. McCarthy splits them up. Henderson with a head kick. Henderson with a teet kick and they clinch. Thomson has the body locked and drags the fight down to the ground. Thomson has the back and locks in a body triangle. Thomson looking for the choke. Henderson is on his feet and Thomson lets the body lock go. They break and split to the center of the Octagon. Henderson with an uppercut to the body and they clinch against the fence. Thomson pushes Henderson off. Henderson with a leg kick but Thomson fires back with two leg kicks. Henderson with a right hand and they exchange against the fence. Henderson with a body kick but Thomson catches the leg and pushes him against the fence. The round draws to a close. Close round. 10-9 Thomson, 20-18 Thomson.
ROUND 3- Henderson comes out firing early and gets a takedown as he is on the attack. Thomson gets in full guard but they get to their feet. Henderson takes Thomson’s back and Henderson trips him to the ground. Thomson spins out and they battle against the fence in the clinch. Henderson misses a right hand and Thomson misses one as well. Thomson has a broken right hand. Henderson with an uppercut to the body and they clinch against the fence. Thomson battles for underhooks. They break. Thomson misses a short elbow. Henderson goes for a kick but Thomson catches the leg though he lets go. They tie up and Thomson tries a takedown but it is defended by Henderson. They clinch against the fence and battle for position. Henderson with a short elbow and they break. Henderson with a right hand and Thomson misses a body kick. Henderson tries a lunging knee but Thomson grabs him and takes the back. Henderson with a back elbow. Thomson trips Henderson down but they get up. Thomson with a body kick but slips and Henderson gets into side control. Thomson rolls out to his feet. Thomson just misses a spinning head kick. Technical round. 10-9 Henderson, 29-28 Thomson.
ROUND 4- Henderson with a body kick but Thomson catches it and lands two body kicks of his own. Henderson with a high body kick. Henderson with a leg kick. Thomson gets a takedown and is on top and in half-guard. Thomson with punches from the top with a broken thumb. Thomson gets back into full guard and Henderson goes to mission control and has Thomson’s left arm trapped. Henderson with punches from the bottom. Henderson with elbows from the bottom and is throwing his other leg up for a triangle. Thomson escapes and gets to his feet and lands a punch. Henderson scrambles to a sprawl and Thomson has his neck. Thomson sits up and rolls over but Henderson gets to his feet and scores the takedown. Short elbows from Henderson. Thomson gets to his feet and Henderson has his back. Henderson with knees to the thigh. Henderson with front kicks to the back of Thomson’s legs. Thomson spins around and they break as Henderson lands an elbow. Thomson with a front high kick. Both land right hands but Thomson landed harder. Thomson ducks under a Henderson right hand and gets the takedown and has the back. Thomson with a body triangle and flattens him out for a moment. Henderson gets up but Thomson is on him like a backpack. Henderson fixes his air as he walks Thomson to the cage. Thomson yells at the crowd to get loud and has a choke in late but the round ends. Close round again. 10-9 Thomson, 39-37 Thomson.
ROUND 5- This fight is close heading to the final round. We have Thomson ahead but you know how Henderson fights are when they go the distance. Both take the center of the Octagon. They trade right hands. Henderson with a lunging knee to the body. Henderson with a leg kick. Thomson is switching stances with fluidity. The crowd is booing but this is a real technical fight that is seeing everything that lands count. Henderson with a left hand but Thomson counters with a big right hand. Thomson rushes in but Henderson backs up. Thomson looked for the trip and lands a low kick. Thomson with a leg kick that trips up Henderson. Henderson with a high kick. Henderson has two head kicks checked. Henderson with a heavy leg kick followed by a combo. Henderson misses a body kick. Thomson with a feint and can’t get a takedown. Thomson with a head kick and then lands a solid body combination. They trade leg kicks and Thomson grabs the leg and trips Henderson up. Thomson has the back but Henderson gets to his feet. Henderson with back elbows. Thomson tries to drag it down but Henderson grabbed the fence for a second. Henderson spins and they are tied up. Both looking for a big takedown to get the round. Henderson with a knee to the body. Thomson with a big knee to the body and then another. 30 seconds left. They break and Henderson lands an elbow. Henderson with an uppercut to the body. They go the distance. Final round is very close and fight is close all around. This will be interesting. 10-9 Henderson, 48-47 Thomson.
Official Result: Benson Henderson def. Josh Thomson by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 49-46)
