The crew of Inside Fights will be live in Newark, NJ for “UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones”. In the main event of the evening, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua defends the UFC Light Heavyweight Title against Jon “Bones” Jones. Former WEC champions Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland both make their UFC debut in the co-main event of the evening.
Your good friends here at Inside Fights will, as always, have the best coverage of the entire card, which begins at 7 PM ET with the un-televised preliminaries.
Erik Koch vs. Rafael Assuncao
Round 1
Front kick from Assuncao to the left thigh. Koch with a big head kick that is blocked. High kick from Koch catches air. Right hand connects from Rafael. Good combo connects for Koch. Left high kick is blocked by Assuncao. Koch throws a huge counter right and Assuncao is out like a light.
Winner: Erik Koch by knockout (R1, punch, 2:32)
Nick Catone vs. Costa Philippou
Round 1
Nothing solid lands for the first minute and a half but just about two minutes in, Catone presses Costa to the fence. Philippou lands several strong shots as he press Catone away from the cage. More punches from Costa as they move backwards. Catone with a big right. Big right at the minute mark from Costa. Catone ducks a right hook andgets the takedown on Philippou. Big elbows in the guard from Catone, but Philippou counters with big elbows of his own.
10-9 Catone
Round 2
Big “Jersey Devil” chant breaks out for Catone. Costa responds with 3-4 hooks that land flush. Catone grabs Philippou in the clinch and walks him against the cage for over a minute. One the escape, Costa eats a knee from Catone. Outside leg kick lands from Costa, but they are countered with three big head kicks that are blocked. Philippou swings wildly and ends up in Catone’s graps. With just over a minute to go, Nick gets the takedown into half guard, but Costa wraps him up. Catone tries for mount, but is pulled in tightly as the round ends.
10-9 Catone
Round 3
Catone drives through a big double leg takedown and works his way into half guard. Philippou turtles up and eats a few big shots for that mistake. Catone looks to push the pace on the mat with measured punches and elbows. Just over 2 minutes to go, the crowd begins to beg for them to stand up and cheers with every big elbow. Philippou cannot seem to get up and is mounted for his efforts to flip using the cage. With ten seconds to go, Nick Catone unleashes big elbows and punches to finish the round.
Winner: Nick Catone by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 20-27)
Ian Loveland vs. Joseph Benavidez
Round 1
Loveland engages early with a big right hook. Benavidez lands two straight kicks, before Loveland shoots for a takedown that is blocked. Benavidez tries to retaliate with a takedown of his own. Benavidez takes a straight right. Quick takedown by Benavidez is escaped right away by Loveland. Big right hand shakes Loveland. Loveland presses forward with a combination that barely misses. Benavidez dives in and takes a leg, but cannot get the takedown. Big knee from Loveland almost drops Benavidez. Right hand from each fighter lands on the shoulder.
10-9 Benavidez
Round 2
Right push kick from Benavidez. Loveland grabs Joe by the head and swings him around trying to keep the Thai clinch. Benavidez succeeds in getting the takedown, but Loveland uses a kimura to reverse and escape back to their feet. Loveland begins taking a lot of shots from Benavidez and isn’t throwing the right hand, holding it tight to his body. Benavidez is just having his choice of punches. Benavidez ducks a hook attempt and flips Loveland over the top, getting a takedown. Benavidez is in control, but there isn’t much progress on the mat.
10-9 Benavidez
Round 3
Wild swing from Loveland misses. Good exchange sees Benavidez connect, followed by a blocked head kick from Loveland and another body kick from Benavidez. Benavidez gets a takedown and controls the neck, but Loveland gets back to his feet. A big shot staggers Loveland before he is rocked again and taken down. Another takedown that Loveland escapes.Left kick from Loveland is blocked. Benavidez gets a single leg takedown, but Loveland has the kimura locked to reverse. Back on their feet, Loveland charges with a flying knee that barely misses.
10-9 Benavidez
Winner: Joseph Benavidez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Gleison Tibau vs. Kurt Pellegrino
Round 1
Both fighters look intense to start the fight, but Pellegrino won’t touch gloves. Tibau catches a kick but cannot get the takedown and has to settle for pressing him against the fence. Both fighters have been coming in strong across the cage with combinations that have been just missing. Kurt gets tagged as he comes at Tibau. Pellegrino grabs a leg and spins Tibau looking for a takedown, but Gleison keeps his balance and remains on his feet, eventually controlling him against the cage. Quick takedown by Tibau is immediately escaped by Pellegrino. Tibau controls against the fence for around a minute, before Pellegrino escapes and swings to grab some points.
10-9 Tibau
Round 2
Pellegrino presses the fight to start round 2. Leg kick connects for Pellegrino. Pellegrino hits a big punch that wobbles Tibau. Pellegrino takes the time to step in, grab his opponent and slam him to the ground. It looks as though Pellegrino is working from half guard direct to mount, but Tibau ties up his wrists. Pellegrino is pulled back into full guard, but makes a move to pass and create opportunities to finish. Tibau escapes back to his feet and the two mainly dance without throwing a strike to end the second frame.
10-9 Pellegrino
Round 3
Tibau presses, but misses two punches. Pellegrino ducks a big punch from Tibau. Pellegrino presses and catches two glancing blow. Tibau presses Pellegrino the fence, but Kurt is able to escape. Pellegrino with a takedown attempt that has him eating big punches. Tibau blocks the takedown and gets one of his own. Pellegrino presses Tibau to the cage, looking for a takedown. Big left from Tibau lands. Tibau gets a big takedown with just under one minute left. Pellegrino takes a few big punches before he makes his way back to his feet. While Tibau has his back, Pellegrino rolls through with under 10 seconds to try and secure the kneebar but is unable to lock it in.
10-9 Tibau
Winner: Gleison Tibau by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mike Pyle vs. Ricardo Almeida
Round 1
Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to bring you play by play coverage of the Mike Pyle-Ricardo Almeida fight.
Winner: Mike Pyle by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
[Spike TV broadcast begins at 9 PM ET]
Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Njokuani
Round 1
Front kick from Njokuani lands, but Barboza is quicker, landing a shot that rocks Njokuani. Inside leg kick connects from Njokuani. Outside leg kick from Barboza. Body shot, and two hooks land for Njokuani. Big body kick from Barboza is caught, but he is released. Outside leg kick stings Njokuani after a brief restart for an accidental eye poke. High kick misses from Barboza.
10-9 Barboza
Round 2
High kick from Njokuani is partially blocked. He looks highly wired this round. Accidental groin kick to Barboza, but he doesn’t want to stop fighting. Kick from Barboza misses. Leg kick from Njokuani is checked and a right hook comes on the counter. Left hook from Njokunai gets past the gloves of Barboza. Njokuani catches a leg kick from Barboza and walks him across the cage and gets the takedown. He tries to rain down big blows, but Edson manages to squirm free and back to the center of the ring. Spinning back elbow connects for Njojuani. The two fighters exchange leg kicks before Njokuani plants a front kick. Barboza grabs the thai clinch, but cannot land a big strike. Barboza ducks under big punch from Njokuani and gets a big slam takedown. Barboza finishes the round in half guard.
10-9 Njokuani
Round 3
Two push kicks, one from each fighter, to start the round. Njokuani comes at Barboza with several strikes, but doesn’t rattle him. Njokuani is an imposing fighting from cageside, something ominous about his glare. Big left kick from Barboza. Leg kick from Njokuani, after Barboza connects with one of his own. Njokuani presses Barboza to the cage. Barboza begins measuring his strikes and lands two big spinning back kicks on Njokuani. Barboza with a big, big takedown with just over 30 seconds to go. Njokuani gets back to his feet and comes after Barboza, who hits a massive spinning back kick to the side of Njokuani’s head to end the round. How he didn’t go down is beyond comprehension.
10-9 Barboza
Winner: Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Luiz Cane vs. Eliot Marshall
Round 1
Marshall shoots for a takedown by Cane gets out of the way. Head kick from Marshall is blocked. Inside leg kick from Cane connects. Cane presses against the cage and lands a left that staggers Marshall. Cane follows up and puts Marshall down, proceeding to land over 50 strikes from various positions until referee Dan Miragliotta must step in to award the TKO victory.
Winner: Luiz Cane by TKO (R1, strikes, 2:15)
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic vs. Brendan Schaub
Round One
Okay. Cro Cop is using one of my favorite Morricone themes – he has to win beat Schaub now. Schaub is booed out of the arena by the crowd, while Cro Cop is greet to huge cheers. So much for the backlash against the terrible UFC 119 main event. Schuab tries to get a high kick in. Schaub very aggressive early on…grabs a clinch and gets a few uppercuts up in. Cro Cop connects with an overhand punch. Schaub looking to press…Cro Cop pushes Schaub up against the cage only for Schaub to reverse the position. Big ‘Let Go Cro Cop’ Chant. Schaub lands a punch to the back of the head that earns him a warning. Schaub times a takedown well, getting Cro Cop to the ground. Cro Cop quickly establishes guard and makes it difficult for Schaub to do much from top position. Schaub stands up and earns an upkick for his troubles. Schaub dives in but is being stifled. Schaub gets the space and stops dropping some big punches from the top position. Cro Cop almost sweeps Schaub and uses the space to get back to his feet. Cro Cop pushes Schuab up against the cage, Schuab fires back with a takedown attempt. Fight gets stuck against the cage for the remainder of the round. Cro Cop looks game but its Schaub’s round. 10-9.
Round Two
Schaub again comes out very aggressively but doesn’t connect. Cro Cop goes up high but Schaub blocks and uses the opening to complete a very well timed takedown. Cro Cop’s guard really is excellent. Schuab goes to get up to his feet but Cro Cop throws out another upkick. Unfortunately it was before Schuab was fully off the ground and so earns Cro Cop a warning from Herb Dean. Cro Cop connects with a left hand whilst the replays are being shown. The fight gets stuck against the cage again with both trading shots in the clinch whilst jockeying for position against the cage. Cro Cop’s elbows are nasty. Schaub is bleeding from his nose. Schaub is deducted a point for repeatedily landing shots to the back of the head. That is huge! Cro Cop lands another kick. Schaub fires back with a right hand and tries to tie Cro Cop up against the cage. Cro Cop fires back with a nice uppercut and a good elbow. Difficult round to score but I’d probably say Cro Cop due to damage caused, so a 10-8 round with the point deducation. 19-18
Round Three
The final round opens with Cro Cop landing low. Cro Cop has been much more aggressive than he has in previous fights. Schaub lands another well timed takedown and again Cro Cop quickly gets back to his feet. This time however Schaub fires back with another takedown. Schaub moves to half guard but ends up giving up the position and letting Cro Cop back to his feet. Cro Cop lands some good punches as they reengage. Schaub goes for a takedown but Cro Cop blocks. Cro Cop lands another kick to the body of Schaub. This is the best Cro Cop has looked in ages, this is certainly a better performance than the Pat Barry fight. Schaub goes for another takedown but Cro Cop sprawls. Crop Cop seemingly goes for a guillotine but can’t get it. The fight comes to a violent and sudden end when Schaub catches Cro Cop coming in with a big right hand, dropping the Pride veteran. Schaub follows up with a standing punch and the referee calls it at 3.44.Really fun fight with both fighters coming to play.
Brendan Schaub defeated Mirko Crop at 3.44 of the third round
Nate Marquardt vs. Dan Miller
Round One
Marquardt coming in very aggressive, trying to connect with some early punches. Miller responds with a single-leg, but Marquardt successfully blocks and goes close with a choke from front facelock. He gives it up and Miller goes for another takedown that he eventually gets. Miller does really do much from top position until told to do so by the referee. They get back to their feet and Marquardt slams Miller down, but Miller has the guillotine. Marquardt smartly escapes and tries to work his ground and pound from within Miller’s guard. Miller doing a good job stifling Marquardt and the referee eventually stands them up. Marquardt connects with a straight right and gets a big slam. Miller goes for the guillotine again, and then attacks the arm for a kimura. Good first round. 10-9 Marquardt.
Round Two
Marquardt connects with several big shots at the start, Miller fires back with a nice one-two. Marquardt dives in withs ome body punches and is lucky to avoid Miller’s big uppercut. Some nice combinations from Marquardt, good mixing up of the right hand and left kick. Marquardt rushes in with the flying knee but Miller uses it as an opportunity to take him down. Marquardt struggles to his feet while protecting his back. Marquardt throws some nasty knees while in the clinch. Both fighters starting to tire, looking for openings for single shots. Marquardt gets the takedown, but Miller has his neck. Miller goes for another guillotine but Marquardt is able to pop out. Marquardt now dropping elbows from within the guard of Miller. Another fun close round that again goes to Marquardt. 20-18.
Round Three
Marquardt lands a nice right hand and head kick. Miller again goes close with the big uppercut. Marquardt goes in with the leg kick, effectively disguised with the right hand. Dan Miller’s left eye is an absolute mess. Miller goes for a takedown attempt but it gets stuffed by Marquardt. The action has slowed down significantly from the start of the fight. Marquardt spins around to gain top position, although Miller is able to establish guard. Marquardt working the elbows but doesn’t really have the space to drop the biggest bombs possible. Miller attacks the arm of Marquardt but can’t get anything. Marquardt finding more success with the elbows as the ground gets restless. Miller throws the legs up for a triangle but Marquardt is not troubled. 30-27 to Nate Marquardt on my scorecard. As it is on all three judges’ scorecards.
Nate Marquadt defeated Dan Miler via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Jim Miller vs. Kamal Shalorus
Round One
Miller starts fast, connecting with punches and kicks. Shalorus responds in kind, with a nasty leg kick and some good punches. Big USA chant from the crowd. They are just swinging for the fences at the moment, Shalorus getting some nice punches in but Miller having a lot of success with that right hook. Shalorus with the leg kicks. This is an incredibly loose fight from these two, just letting it all hang out. Miller goes in with a knee but ends up being put on his back. Quickly back to his feet and both looking to land. Miller gets a nice knee and soon after a hard high kick, that seemingly doesn’t even work Shalorus. They weren’t joking when they said he had an iron chin. Miller rushes in and works the body, then tries to jump down for a guillotine. He however slips off Shalorus and ends up on the bottom. Shalorus pins Miller up against the cage but is being stifled by his opponent’s guard. Miller gets a few more good punches in but once against can’t get the guillotine when he dives down. Good first round, 10-9 to Miller.
Round Two
Shalorus getting the better shots off early on, connecting with some nice punches, knees and leg kicks. Miller finds some success with some big uppercuts. Miller attempts the flying triangle but Shalorus slips out. Miller gets a well time takedown, and as Shalorus tries to turn to get back to his feet, Miller takes the back. Miller establishes the body triangle and is looking for a choke. Shalorus doing an excellent job of defending against the submission attempts. Shalorus is particularly effective in tucking his chin and preventing Miller getting an arm under his chin, instead forcing the American to settle for applying the holds on the jawline of Shalorus. Because of this Shalorus is able to make the the third round.20-18 Miller
Round Three
Miller lands some good straight punches, and follows up with a hard knee. Goes back to his nice uppercut which again connects. Miller goes for a knee which lands low, causing a brief stoppage. They both trade single punches until Miller hurts Sharlous with a pitch perfect uppercut that rocks the iron chinned King of Persia. Miller follows up with a nasty knee that drops Sharlous and then Miller swarms him with frantic ground and pound. The referee calls it at 2:15.
Jim Miller defeated Kamal Sharlous at 2:15 of the third round via TKO.
Urijah Faber vs. Eddie Wineland
Round One
Nice reaction for Urijah Faber, a good win today and he’ll be well on the way to being a genuine star. Faber immediately engages and looks for a throw. Wineland throws a knee. Wineland has Faber up against the cage, ignoring his corner’s advice to disengage. Wineland is surprisingly trying to take down Faber. They seperate and Wineland lands a good shot. Faber gets a flash takedown but Wineland back to his feet. Wineland showing awesome takedown defense early on. Wineland again going for the takedown which is ahem unexpected. Wineland slams Faber to the ground but Faber is back to his feet. Faber goes for a high kick, but misses, connects with some nice punches. Faber goes for another takedown, Wineland shows superb balance to block the takedown. Incredible stuff here from Wineland. Wineland connects with a straight punch, but Faber lands a nice lopping right. Difficult round to score as Wineland was very impressive with his defense but most of the offense actually came from Faber. Hmmm tricky one. I’d probably go with Faber 10-9 but only just.
Round Two
Faber lands a kick at the start of the round. Wineland seems to be falling short on his punches quite a bit, good movement by Faber. Nice kick followed up with some short punches. Wineland throws a leg kick, but its checked. Faber trips Wineland to the ground, and starts working his ground and pound. Faber is dropping nasty elbows. Faber picks Wineland up and slams him back down. Wineland trying to stifle but Faber is getting big shots through. Faber starting to throw short punches. Wineland tries to scramble up but Faber manages to get him back down again. More ground and pound from Faber. Faber picks Wineland up and slams him to the ground again. Big round for Faber, probably not enough for a 10-8 but a clear 10-9.
Round Three
Wineland really struggling to connect with anything standing as Faber catches him coming in. Faber goes in for a takedown but its blocked by Wineland. Inside leg kick from Wineland. Faber again pushing the action with the takedown attempt but Wineland doing a good job defending. Faber catches Wineland some great punches as his speed makes Wineland look sluggish standing. Faber shows great technique to successfully overwhelm Wineland’s takedown defense to get the fight to the ground. He picks Wineland up to slam him back down, and then works him over with the elbows. He’s happy to stay in guard until the final bell goes. Good debut fight for Faber who gets a nice reaction from the crowd and has surely earned a comfortable victory after a difficult first round. 30-27 on my scorecard. All three judges have it 29-28 for Urijah Faber. Faber afterwards calls out Dominick Cruz…to be honest I am stunned that they didn’t do the post-fight confrontation between the two.
Urijah Faber defeated Eddie Wineland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
World Light Heavyweight Championship
Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (c) vs. Jon Jones
Round One
This is it. The comeback vs. the coming man; either Shogun Rua confirms that after a terrible first two fights in the UFC he has reestablished the dominance he enjoyed over the division while Pride Middlweight GP Champion or Jon Jones completes a rapid rise through the UFC ranks and becomes the organization’s next breakthrough star. Given Shogun’s health problems and Jones’ inexperience this really is a tossup fight, both fighters could quite easily win the fight quickly and decisively. Jones is the crowd favourite but there are some Shogun fans in attendance.
Jones goes for a flying knee early. Connects with a kick from distance. Takes Shogun down early. Shogun throwing his legs up looking for a submission. Jones on top but finding it difficult to handle Shogun. Jones starts throwing the elbows. Shogun looking to attack the legs of Jones from the bottom. Jones is aware of the danger, being very cautious on the top. Shogun again kicks the legs up looking but Jones maintains the advantage. Shogun scrambles to his feet but Jones hurts him up against the cage. Brilliant stand up from Jones with a mixture of knees, punches and kicks. Shogun is looking wobbly on his legs as Jones methodically takes him apart. Jones goes for a spinning back fist, misses, Shogun takes his back and drops down for a leg lock but Jones steps out. Fight ends with Jones on top. What a start for Jones, dominant round. 10-8.
Round Two
Jones connects with a front kick to the face and then lands a spinning back fist up against the cage. Jones is so much bigger than Shogun, Shogun is lunging in trying to land something but he just can’t make the distance up in time. Jones counters a high kick with a straight punch. Jones going to town with these front kicks. Jones catches the kick of Shogun, trips him and ends up on top. Jones covering Shogun’s mouth and starts raining down the big elbows. Shogun is bleeding from his mouth and looks absolutely exhausted. The round ends with Jones going for a leglock. 20-17
Round Three
Jones lands a hook and just misses with an uppercut. Jones just misses with a high kick, Shogun takes his back, drops down for a leg lock but Jones is able to escape and almost threatens with a kimura. Jones in half guard, landing big punches and Shogun can do nothing but cover up. Jones lands a HARD left hand that opens Shogun up, and Jones starts destroying the champion from within the guard! These elbows are brutal. Shogun manages to turtle up and Shogun lands a hard knee to the body. Shogun gets to his feet, staggers to the cage wall and is dropped with a hard punch to mid-section and a knee to the head. And that is that at 2:38. Wow. What an incredible performance. After all the hype it turned out that the reality was even more impressive. What an amazing destruction of somebody who is a genuine legend in the sport. But more than that Jones showed complete confidence to go into the biggest fight of his life and fight his normal fight.
Jon Jones defeated Shogun Rua at 2:38 of the third round via KO to win the world light heavyweight championship
