Hey Inside Fights readers and fans alike, tonight, from Nebraska’s own Omaha Civic Auditorium, UFC presents UFC on Fuel 1. The card is full of great bouts including a sweet main event between welterweights Diego Sanchez and Jake Ellenberger. Also on the card, heavyweights Stefan Struve and Dave “Pee Wee” Herman go to battle.
The main card will be broadcast on FUEL TV beginning at 8 PM EST with the preliminary fights starting at 6:30 PM EST on Facebook.
Tonight, we’re being treated to the dulcet tones of Kenny Florian and Jon Anik. Should be another great show full of solid debuts and great fighting as well.
Preliminary card (Live on Facebook)
Tim Means vs. Bernardo Magalhaes
Round 1 – Means is the taller of the two fighters and is using his jab early to keep Magalhaes at arm’s length. Big leg kick from Magalhaes. Magalhaes shoots for a takedown, which Means stuffs and eats a knee on the way up. Magalhaes comes in and Means catches him with two knees. Jab and knee combo from Means. Big right hand from Magalhaes lands and Means smiles. Magalhaes charges in and eats another knee and punch that stagger him to the mat. Means dives in for a D’arce choke, but Magalhaes wiggles free and gets to his feet. Thai clinch sees Means leveling knees to the body and head of Magalhaes. Leg kick from Means lands cleanly and the round ends with Means coming forward with a flying knee and jab. 10-9 Means
Round 2 – Leg kick lands for Tim Means. Left hook misses for Magalhaes who is trying for the knockout blow over Means’ tactic of utilizing his length and reach to keep Magalhaes moving. Left hand connects for Magalhaes, but Means throws two punches back at him. Good exchange from the fighters. Magalhaes lands a big left hook and charges in. Means presses him to the fence quickly and lands big elbows. Means continues to stalk Magalhaes around the cage. Means finds his way into clinch via his jabs, but his knees find air and he steps away. Big left from Magalhaes misses. Front kick from Means pushes Magalhaes to the fence. Good liver shot hurts Magalhaes who tries for the takedown. Means ends up on top and eats hammerfists to the body and maintains intelligently defending. The ref stands them up and the round ends. 10-9 Means
Round 3 – Magalhaes is having issues with his ankle, which is pretty swollen around the joint. Right hook from the Brazilian. Means begins working punches to the body. Magalhaes shoots for a takedown, but Means stuffs it and we’re back to our feet. Magalhaes tries to pull guard after another failed takedown, but Means steps back. Magalhaes catches a kick and Means lands hammerfists to force his way free. Big liver shot from Means and Magalhaes drops to the mat. He refuses to get in the guard of Magalhaes and the fight is restarted standing up. Magalhaes tries another takedown, but Means levels huge elbows to his head. Magalhaes drags him to the mat with him, but Means gets him onto his side and hammers away. Means, however, stands up and won’t engage Magalhaes on the mat. Magalhaes eats several more knees to end the round. 10-9 Means and 30-27 Tim Means on the Inside Fights scorecard.
Winner: Tim Means by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Anton Kuivanen vs. Justin Salas
Round 1 – Another southpaw vs. orthodox fight to start the night. Salas comes in early with a takedown attempt that he bails on after he cannot drive through. Head kick from Kuivanen is checked. Salas comes forward, but Kuivanen keeps him at bay. Salas is pressing for a single leg takedown, but Kuivanen is defending well. Two punches land from Kuivanen. Leg kick from Salas. Jab finds a home on Kuivanen’s chin as he comes forward. Salas sets up his takedown with a jab and gets his takedown. Kuivanen is stacked, but Salas only lands leg kicks and can’t get into his guard, so Kuivanen sweeps back to his feet. Leg kick from Kuivanen. Body kick from Kuivanen is caught by Salas and he drives him across the ring for a big takedown as round 1 ends. 10-9 Salas
Round 2 – Right hand from Salas finds the chin on Kuivanen. Leg kick from Salas is countered with a jab. Salas gets Kuivanen into the cage, but he’s able to circle free. Head kick from Salas is blocked and Kuivanen comes forward. Big left from Salas. Short right hook lands for Salas as well. Salas grabs a single leg and walks Kuivanen to the fence, but after a foot sweep, Kuivanen is back up right away. Big body kick from Kuivanen. Salas slips on a big knee, but it comes to nothing. Body kick again finds a home above Salas’ liver. Salas charges in with a right hook that glances off his opponent. Salas sees another of his takedowns blocked, but Salas throws a good right as he backs out. 10-9 Salas
Round 3 – Body kick from Salas connects. Two right hands from Salas connects. Salas grabs a solid double leg takedown and drives Kuivanen across the cage and drops his opponent. Strikes from the top by Salas. Kuivanen rolls for a heel hook, however, Salas spins free and re-takes the top. Good shoots to the body from Salas who is standing. Big left from Salas is dropped on the chin of Kuivanen. Kuivanen is able to get back to his feet after a front headlock takedown allows him to get free. Accidental groin kick, but the two men touch gloves and we continue. Dirty boxing against the fence as Salas sees another takedown stuffed. Head kick from Kuivanen misses. Just over one minute to go and Salas misses a jumping front kick. Big right hand connects from Kuivanen, but Salas power doubles Kuivanen and will kill any momentum for him. Kuivanen is able to get out of side mount and Salas is back standing over his opponent. The fight comes to a close with both fighters on their feet circling for a finish. 10-9 Salas and 30-27 for Justin Salas
Winner: Justin Salas by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-27)
Buddy Roberts vs. Sean Loeffler
We’ve just received word that the fight between Buddy Roberts and Sean Loeffler is off. Loeffler is hurt backstage and will not be able to make it. That’s heartbreaking for both guys, but you have to think that Joe Silva will find a way to get both guys into the mix again in the future.
Jonathan Brookins vs. Vagner Rocha
Round 1 – Each fighter comes in with an early punch. Kick is caught by Brookins. Rocha is finding homes for his strikes early, including a good body kick. Big right from Brookins leads to a takedown attempt from Rocha. Brookins reverses, Rocha is on his back and he tries for a heel hook. Brookins lands two big rights on the chin of Rocha and he is out.
Winner: Jonathan Brookins by knockout (R1, punches, 1:32)
Main card (Live on FUEL TV)
Albert opens the aggressor, landing an early leg kick and some light punches. A couple of exchanges and Albert is getting the better of Menjivar early; spinning back fist by Menjivar misses and Albert goes for the takedown. Menjivar catches him and gets him to the ground; Albert turns an Omipalata into an armbar and back again but Menjivar counter beautifully. Albert eats some elbows in guard and Albert goes into a triangle choke into an armbar, can’t finish. Menjivar with a footlock and Albert grabs a heel hook, both lose and scramble leads to Menjivar landing a kick to the mid section and missing a head kick Albert catches him with a head kick and unloads with some strikes, Menjivar looks to be finished but survives the storm. Albert goes for a guillotine and can’t finish. Menjivar escapes and manages to get back, unloads with some furious ground and pound and locks a deep rear naked choke in. Albert taps at 3:45 of the first round.
Official decision: Ivan Menjivar wins via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:45 of the first round.
T.J. Dillashaw vs. Walel Watson
Round 1: Dillashaw opens with a superman punch and goes for a double leg takedown. Switches to a high single and can’t finish the trip. Switches back to a double but Watson is defending really well. Dillashaw with a slam and Watson immediately up, Dillashaw slams him to the ground again. Watson goes to an open guard as Dillashaw is looking to posture, Stands up and throws down some strikes, and Watson goes for the scramble. Dillashaw gets the back and locks in a rear naked choke but doesn’t have it in tight. Watson is defending well but Dillashaw is using his hooks really well to control. Watson rolls into half guard and looks to move into side control; Watson stands up and Dillashaw grabs the back. Locks in a rear naked choke and Watson is defending it well despite it being deep. Watson rolls onto his back and Dillashaw into mount; Dillashaw uses some strikes to set up the rear naked choke again as watson rolls to his stomach. Dillashaw can’t get it in as Watson’s defense is strong. Dillashaw is using the mount to set up strikes and goes for a rear naked choke again but can’t finish it. Watson rolls to his back and then onto his stomach again. Dillashaw uses the hooks to get him down and the round finishes with him raining strikes on Watson.
Round Score: Dillashaw 10-9. You can make the case for a 10-8 based on how dominant he was.
Round 2: Dillashaw opens by catching Watson with another big strike and gets the takedown. Watson is getting stacked and kneed in the side by Dillashaw as he tries to initiate the scramble unsuccesfully. Dillashaw is in side control, Watson controlling the inner knee, and landing some strong strikes. Dillashaw peppers him with strike suntil Watson gives up his back, Watson rolls to his back and then back to his stomach. He’s rollign to just avoid being hit as Dillashaw is unloading with strikes on him. Dillashaw has some deep hooks in and Watson is eating some big strikes. Dillashaw locks in a rear naked choke as Watson gives up his back again, but sneaks out again to his back again. Dillashaw with some strikes again as Watson is just trying to survive at this point. Watson to his stomach again as Dillashaw has hooks in; going for that rear naked again. Watson is defending it really well but not doing much besides that, though. Last 30 seconds of the round is Dillashaw unloading some big strikes from the top.
Round score: Dillashaw 10-9, 20-18 for the fight
Round 3: Watson comes out with some big strikes but doesn’t connect. Dillashaw is usign his distance well to make Watson come to him with wild strikes. Dillashaw darts in with a good combination before Watson can react. Dillashaw gets the high crotch single leg and lands in side control. Watson is going for a Von Flue choke and can’t quite finish. Dillashaw into side control but Watson scrambels up, Dillashaw lets him go. Watson connects with a knee but doesn’t do much damage; Dillashaw’s speed is just too much for him at this point. He can’t gauge distance well and a combination connects as Watson connects with a flying triangle choke and almost has it in deep. Dillashaw is defending beautifully and circles out of it, lands into side control. Brilliant defense from the Team Alpha Male product. Watson rolls into a knee bar, turning it into a heel hook as Dillashaw is trying to power out. Calf slicer attempt and Dillashaw is out, landing into closed guard out of Watson. Watson gives up his back and Dillashaw gets the hooks in, has a rear naked choke and Watson is using hand control to keep him out of it. Defends well and onto his stomach as Dillashaw grind out the last 10 seconds of the round with strikes.
Round score: Watson 10-9, 29-28 Dillashaw
Official decision: 30-25, 30-25 and 30-26 Dillashaw
Stipe Miocic vs. Philip De Fries
Round 1: Fries lands a crisp over hand rightand a terrific combination, Miocic rocked but clears the cobwebs and responds. Absolute brawl between the two that Miocic gets the better of, Fries goes down and Miocic pounds him out until the referee stops it at :43 of the first round.
Official Decision: Miocic by TKO due to strikes at :43 of the first round
Aaron Simpson vs. Ronny Markes
Round 1: Both guys come out tentative; Simpson tries to engage but Markes lands some great combinations in response and gets Simpson against the age. Double leg fails, as does the single, but Markes get the clinch against the cage. They’re playing the cage position game and referee breaks it up. Back to the center of the cage. Simpson misses a wild overhand right and Markes connects with a couple inside leg kicks. Markes with a big straight rights that move Simpson back; Simpson is leery of his power btu catches Markes with a big right uppercut. Markes is hurt and Simpson unlaods with strikes; Markes is in bad shape and trying to survive as Simpson with a flurry. Markes goes for a triangle armbar but can’t connect as Simpson hits him with his free hand to break it up. Simpson gets the stand up and Markes looks a bit wobbly; Simpson’s confidence looks to have increased. Simpson and Markes exchange some wild and sloppy crosses, Simpson goes for the clinch and presses Markes against the cage. Round ends with Markes against the cage.
Round score: 10-9 Simpson
Round 2: Simpson with a big right hand to start, Markes counters with some leg strikes. Simpson goes for a big right and misses, goes into the clinch and gets Marks against the cage. Markes circles out and misses a combination, hits another inside leg kick. Simpson’s left leg is bruised up noticeable. Simpson for a double but Markes doesn’t let him get, Simpson does get the clinch against the cage though. Simpson gets the clinch again and almost throws Markes, good takedown defense and Markes gets advantage with Simpson against the cage. They trade position against the cage with some pummeling and footwork until Markes gets the trip takedown. Simpson’s in half guard as Markes looks to get into side control. Markes with some elbows to the mid section but Simpson tries to initiate the scramble out of a half guard sweep but can’t finish it. Gets ot his feet against the cage as Markes goes from a single leg to a headlock to the clinch. Round ends with the two against the cage.
Round score: 10-9 Markes, 19-19
Round 3: Leg kick from Markes and they get into the clinch. Markes backs out and connects with a leg kick inside again. Wild exchange and neither connects. Markes with a straight right, back to the clinch and Simpson reverses him against the cage. Markes with a reversal and Simpson is defending well. Referee breaks it up and back to the center of the cage. Simpson with a nice combination to the body, Markes with an inside leg kick. Another big right from Markes connects, Simpson misses on a wild combination. Simpson with a push kick to keep him away, Markes gets the clincha against the cage anyway. Marks can’t get the inside trip after some foot stomps. Referee breaks it up again. Simpson comes out wild and Markes counters well. Simpson with a big power double but can’t finish, whizzered away by Markes. Simpson with a right hook but slipped into a knee by Markes, who gets the back. Simpson stands up and looking to get away but can’t. Markes switches for a double leg takedown and gets him against the cage. Simpson uses an underhook to get up against the cage. Round ends with the two in the clinch.
Round score: 10-9 Markes, 29-28 Markes
Official Decision: 29-28 Markes, 29-28 Simpson and 29-28 Markes .. Ronnie Markes wins by Split Decision
Stefan Struve vs. Dave Herman
Round 1: Herman walks Struve back into the cage, both men exchanging solid but not power shots. Herman connects with a couple leg kicks.Struve with a big head kick but doesn’t quite connect. Herman backs him into the cage again and a quick combination is caught up in the clinch by Struvem who circles away from the cage. Herman with another leg kick, to the outside. Struve responds with an inside leg kick of his own. Good combination from Herman as he connects inside with punches, a couple high leg kicks find their way to Struve’s hands. Wild exchange that Struve gets the better of. Big right from Struve that misses, jumping switch kick from Herman misses as well (but looks pretty). Herman with a big right to counter some jabs from Struve. Leg kick to the body from Herman; Struve is letting Herman get inside his range without paying for it.
Round score: 10-9 Herman
Round 2: Nice straight/leg kick combination from Herman but Struve gets an awkward takedown into mount. Goes for back and Herman sneaks his way out, back to the center. Struve wins the exchange with a combination, Herman follows with a nice straight right. Struve with a pair of kicks, first one connects to the leg and second one misses to the head. Another big body kick from Struve. Herman with a nice combination and finishes with a nice uppercut. Struve with a big right, which hurts Herman a bit, and Struve follows it up with some nice straight punshes. Herman circles out but Struve is pouncing, taking ht to him. Big uppercut and Herman goes down, Struve takes him down into mount and Herman looks out of it. Struve raining punches on Herman as Struve is unloading. Ref stops it at 3:53 of the second round by TKO due to strikes.
Official Decision: Stefan Struve via TKO at 3:53 of the second round due to strikes.
Diego Sanchez vs. Jake Ellenberger
My lord, both these guys are insanely jacked up right now.
Round 1: Both come out swinging wild but missing. Powerful combination from Ellenberger off a missed Sanchez kick grazes. Sanchez with a nice combination, nice counter from Ellenberger. Both guys are waiting for big surge style strikes; they’re looking to connect with two to three punches and then go low for the takedown but neither are connected enough to complete it. Sanchez is getting countered with a straight from Ellenberger each time, though, and Ellenberger connects with a nice knee. Sanchez tries to swarm but Ellenberger circles away from the cage without taking much damage. Diego with a number of glancing rights, wild exchange from both fighters with nothing major connecting. Sanchez with a nice right head kick but is checked by Ellenberger. Ellenberger with a great counter that knocks Sanchez down, Sanchez scrambles out before he can finish. Ellenberger goes for the takedown, can’t complete it. Fight ends with a wild exchange that Sanchez gets the better of.
Round score: 10-9 Sanchez
Round 2: Both guys coming out more tentatively this round. Sanchez with some spin kicks that aren’t connecting. Ellenberger is doing a great job of making him move, hits a head kick off Sanchez’s arm. Sanchez presses with a nice combination; he’s pressing more as Jake is slowing down. Ellenberger with a nice counter hook to a leg kick from Sanchez. Ellenberger with a nice uppercut to follow. Sanchez is winning the position game but he’s eating some big punches from Ellenberger when he tries to pounce; Ellenberger has timed him well with the counters. Diego with a bull rush, right hand misses. Big overhand right misses from Sanchez and Ellenberger with apower double into Sanchez’s guard. Sanchez goes for a triangle armbar but can’t connect, same with a regular armbar. Ellenberger with some beautiful elbows to Sanchez. Ellenberger appears to have broken Sanchez’s nose as Sanchez looks beaten up in his corner.
Round score: 10-9 Ellenberger, 19-19
Round 3: Ellenberger comes out swinging wild, can’t connect. Sanchez obliges doing the same. Sanchez lands some strikes to the body. Both exchange jabs. Bull rush from Sanchez misses as Ellenberger connects with a big right. Sanchez tripped up by a nice foot sweep from Ellenberger, content to stay on their feet. Sanchez charges and gets countered wonderfully for his efforts. Ellenberger is connecting with strong counters every time Sanchez charges. Sanchez charges but Ellenberger goes for a double, Sanchez defends and back to their feet. Knee to the body from Ellenberger and a drag single leg doesn’t get finished. Nice right hook from Sanchez and Sanchez turns it on as Ellenberger is starting to fade. Power double from Ellenberger but Sanchez wall walks back up. Ellenberger gives up his back in a scramble and Sanchez is unloading; Ellenberger is just covering up and Sanchez is relentless on the attack. Ellenberger is defending the choke well but is getting beaten on something fierce right now. Sanchez is in the middle of an adrenaline surge right now as he throws everythign he has at Ellenberger. Ellenberger forces the scramble and the round ends with the two throwing wildly.
Round score: 10-9 Sanchez, 29-28 Sanchez
Official Decision: 29-28 Ellenberger by UD
