Welcome fight fans to Inside Fights’ live coverage of UFC Fight Night 35 from The Arena at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Georgia. The event is headlined by a five-round middleweight bout between former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold and heavy-handed striker Costas Philippou. I’m Ryan Frederick and I’ll be handling the coverage of the event, which will see the main card and four featured preliminary fights airing on FOX Sports 1, and the opening two bouts airing on UFC Fight Pass beginning at 4:00 PM eastern time.
Check me out on Twitter for more coverage of the event, so strap yourselves in, and as always, enjoy the fights.
Charlie Brenneman vs. Beneil Dariush
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
ROUND 1- Brenneman is making his UFC return as a lightweight on short notice to fight the debuting Dariush, who is also taking the fight on short notice. Dan Miragliotta is the referee for the night’s opener. Darisuh misses a left hand and a head kick to start. Brenneman with a leg kick but Dariush lands a left hand and a body kick. Brenneman with a right hand as he shoots in. Brenneman lands a combo to the body and finishes with an uppercut. Brenneman with a right hand as Dariush backs up. Dariush misses a flying left knee. Dariush drops Brenneman with a big left hand and he is going for the finish. Brenneman is trying to survive but Dariush is landing hammerfists. Dariush takes the back and is landing punches and is looking for the choke. He has it under the chin and Brenneman is in big trouble. Brenneman taps! Dariush gets the win with the rear-naked choke after landing the big left hand.
Official Result: Beneil Dariush def. Charlie Brenneman by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:45 of Round 1
Vinc Pichel vs. Garrett Whiteley
Referee: George Allen
ROUND 1- Pichel returns after missing all of 2013 while Whiteley makes his second UFC appearance. Both men are coming off of losses in their lone UFC fights. George Allen is the referee for this bout. Whiteley starts with a body kick. Both miss right hands. Both land leg kicks. Pichel lands a nice combo but Whiteley lands a body kick off the cage. Both men trade kicks and land strong leg kicks. Pichel with two leg kicks and Whiteley lands a knee to the body. They tie up and Pichel goes for a takedown against the cage and gets it. Pichel is in the half-guard. His coaches yell at him to pass the guard. Pichel gets to his feet and Whiteley looks to land an upkick. Pichel with a leg kick while standing as he looks to pass the guard. The referee orders Whiteley to his feet and he lands a quick combination and finishes with a knee to the body. They are tied up against the fence. Whiteley tries to pull guard but can’t do it. Pichel looks to drag the fight down and does. Whiteley wall walks to his feet but Pichel takes the back and takes him back down. Whiteley lands some elbows from the bottom as Pichel is trying to pass the guard. Pichel tries to go for a heel hook but loses it and Whiteley ends on top. Pichel sprawls but finds himself locked in a D’arce choke but Pichel gets out of it as it wasn’t hooked it tight. Whiteley transitions to the back of Pichel and both land punches. Whiteley with a knee to the body and they get to their feet. They trade right hands. Pichel misses a big overhand right and eats a knee from Whiteley. They tie up against the cage and Pichel lands a big slam at the end of the round. 10-9 Pichel.
ROUND 2- Both men quickly take the center of the Octagon. Whiteley with a body kick and Pichel counters with a leg kick to Whiteley’s lead leg. They trade punches in close range. Pichel with the double jab and then attacks the body with punches. Pichel with a left hook that hurts Whiteley and Pichel drops down and gets the takedown. Whiteley has the neck but Pichel is in no danger. Pichel pushes Whiteley against the fence and looks to transition and get his neck popped out. Pichel working to keep Whiteley on his back. Pichel pops his head out and looks to take the back as he lands punches from the top. Pichel with big left hands and he gets one hook in on the back. Whiteley escapes and they get back to their feet but Pichel lands a combination and they tie back up. Pichel gets the fight back down and is in the guard. Whiteley lands some elbows from the bottom. Pichel tries to pass but ends up back in the guard. Pichel with some big punches from the top as he gets to his feet but drops back into the guard. Pichel is still working on passing the guard but it is hard to do in their position against the cage. Pichel finally passes into side control. Whiteley rolls and gives his back up and Pichel grabs it and tries to get hooks in. Whiteley rolls and eats some punches from Pichel. Pichel gets a hook in on the back and then gets both in and lands some punches from the back. He looks for the choke but the round closes before he can. 10-9 Pichel, 20-18 Pichel.
ROUND 3- Pichel misses a big right hand and Whiteley counters with a combo. Whiteley lands a right hand and Pichel lands a leg kick. Pichel with a leg kick as he forces Whiteley towards the fence. Pichel grabs a hold of Whiteley and lifts him up and takes him down. Pichel looks for wrist control on the ground as he tries to pass the guard. Whiteley with an elbow from the bottom. Pichel postures up and lands a big left hand from the top. Pichel is in the full guard of Whiteley. Pichel with a big right hand from the top. Whiteley looks to throw his legs up but Pichel gets to his feet and falls back into the guard with a big right hand. Pichel moves to side control and lands some knees to the body. Whiteley gets to a sprawl position but Pichel grabs the neck and looks for a choke. Pichel looks for the D’arce Choke and has it locked in somewhat. Pichel has it locked in but Whiteley gets out of it and eats a knee to the chest. Whiteley somehow gets to his feet and lands a knee and they are clinched against the fence. Pichel grabs the leg and drags the fight down but Whiteley gets right back to his feet. They remain tied up against the fence and Pichel lands a big elbow in the clinch. Pichel with some knees to the legs of Whiteley. Pichel is looking to get the takedown but Whiteley grabs the arm and drops down for a kimura but Pichel rolls out. Whiteley spins out but eats some body punches and Pichel scores a big takedown to end the fight. 10-9 Pichel, 30-27 Pichel.
Official Result: Vinc Pichel def. Garrett Whiteley by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alptekin Ozkilic vs. Louis Smolka
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- Ozkilic makes a quick turnaround after just fighting on December 14 as he welcomes Smolka to the UFC. Herb Dean with officiate this fight. Smolka misses a head kick and Ozkilic lands a body combination. Both miss on punches. Ozkilic with a leg kick. Smolka misses a spin kick and just misses a head kick. Ozkilic with a left uppercut. They trade punches and Ozkilic switches and scores a takedown. Smolka has a hook in and looks to push Ozkilic off. Ozkilic is in the full guard of Smolka. Ozkilic is pushing Smolka against the fence and Ozkilic lands some punches from the top and passes into side control. Big punches from Ozkilic but Smolka rolls out to his feet. They battle in the clinch and Smolka lands some knees to the body. They break and Smolka hurts Ozkilic with a left hook. They trade and Ozkilic hurts Smolka with a right hand. Ozkilic with a body punch and they trade punches as both are still hurt from being rocked. Smolka lands a right hand and Ozkilic comes back with a combo. Smolka lands an uppercut and Ozkilic scores a takedown. They roll on the ground and get to their feet. Smolka lands a knee in the Thai clinch but Ozkilic drags the fight back down to the mat. Smolka has the neck and is looking to sweep. They get to their feet and Smolka misses a flying knee. Ozkilic with the jab and Smolka fires an overhand right off. Smolka with a high body kick. They trade punches. They trade combos. Ozkilic with the left hand. Both land a combo to end a fun round. Close round. 10-9 Ozkilic.
ROUND 2- Ozkilic starts off round two with a left hook. Ozkilic lands a big straight left hand but Smolka returns fire. Ozkilic with a big right hand. Ozkilic looks to attack the body as Smolka presses forward and misses a flying knee. Ozkilic with a left hook to the body. Smolka with a body kick. Smolka misses another flying knee attempt. Ozkilic with a combination to the body. Ozkilic with a right hand and then lands another. Both men land combos and Ozkilic gets a double-leg takedown. Smolka grabs the neck but Ozkilic rolls out and grabs the neck. They get to their feet and Ozkilic lands a knee. Smolka with an uppercut and Ozkilic fires back with a right hand. They clinch and Smolka lands some big knees to the body. Ozkilic looks to drag the fight back down but Smolka shows good defense. Smolka with some more knees to the body of Ozkilic. Smolka goes to the head with the knees and lands a big elbow. Smolka lands the jab. Both men land close range combinations. Smolka with a big right hand. Ozkilic returns with a big right hand. They trade punches. This is a hell of a battle. Smolka with a big elbow and he hurts Ozkilic. Smolka with an uppercut. Smolka lands a big right hand. Ozkilic lands a combo. Smolka with another big right hand. Smolka with some knees to the body and Ozkilic counters with a takedown. Smolka gets back up and rolls towards a kneebar. Smolka looks for the heel hook. Smolka gets to his feet and gets on top. Ozkilic gets up but eats a knee though he gets a takedown at the end of the round. Another fun and close round. 10-9 Smolka, 19-19.
ROUND 3- This fight could be up for grabs as we head to the final five minutes. Both land punches to start the round and Ozkilic gets a quick takedown. Ozkilic has the back and Smolka tries to scramble out and does. Ozkilic with an inside elbow. Smolka with a left hook that lands. Both land punches. Smolka with a left hand. Smolka with a knee to the body and then kicks to the body and legs. Smolka goes high with a kick but Ozkilic grabs the leg and lands a leg kick. Smolka with a series of left hands. They trade punches. Ozkilic goes for the takedown but misses big and Smolka lands a right hand. Smolka misses a spin kick but misses and falls down but gets up. They trade again and Ozkilic gets a weak takedown and they’re right back up. Smolka with two uppercuts and then lands a big combination. Smolka with another combination. They clinch and Smolka is landing a lot of punches. Smolka with a big right hand. Ozkilic gets a takedown but Smolka is countering out of it. They get up and Smolka lands a big knee to the body. Ozkilic with another takedown but Smolka gets right back up. Ozkilic looks to take the back but Smolka escapes out and falls into half-guard. Smolka looks for a D’arce Choke but Ozkilic is rolling out. Smolka has it locked in but lets go after he can’t get it fully locked in. Smolka ends on top and lands some big punches. Ozkilic looks to escapes but it allows Smolka to go into full mount. Smolka is reigning down punches and he may finish this late. Smolka with big right hands but Ozkilic survives to the final bell but Smolka may have gotten this fight. 10-9 Smolka, 29-28 Smolka.
Official Result: Louis Smolka def. Alptekin Ozkilic by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Trevor Smith vs. Brian Houston
Referee: Blake Grice
ROUND 1- Both men are looking to bounce back from losses and stay on the UFC roster. Blake Grice is the referee for this fight. Smith with a leg kick. Smith goes to the body with a kick and then back to the legs. Houston with a right hand. Smith with a leg kick. Smith gets the takedown but Houston quickly scrambles out but Smith still has the neck and a headlock. Smith with a knee to the head but Houston escapes. They break. Smith with a leg kick and Houston lands a right hand and scores a takedown. They scramble and Houston has the neck. They get to their feet and are tied up against the cage. Houston with a knee to the leg. Houston with a body punch and they break. Smith misses a leg kick. Both men with body kicks. Houston with the jab. Houston with a combo to the body. Smith with a leg kick. Smith looks for an arm-triangle but can’t get it locked in fully. Smith is in the mount and is landing from the top. Smith moves to side control and lands some elbows from there to end the round. 10-9 Smith.
ROUND 2- Houston comes out with a left hook to start the second round. Houston with the jab but Smith comes back with a leg kick. Houston with a leg kick. Smith back with another leg kick. Both looking to land with big punches. Both land left hands that rock each other. Smith is cut open from a left hook from Houston. Houston sprawls on a takedown attempt. Smith is bleeding badly. Houston with some knees to the body as he has Smith up against the fence. Houston misses a right hand. Smith goes for a takedown but it is stuffed. Both men trade punches. They break away from close range and reset. Smith with a right hand and Houston with a nice counter. Both men are landing jabs. Houston with some right hands and Smith goes for a takedown but can’t get it. Smith with a leg kick. Houston with a nice combination. Smith misses a spin kick. They trade right hands. Smith with a right hand. Houston with a nice combination. Smith with a leg kick and the round ends. 10-9 Houston, 19-19.
ROUND 3- This fight is up for grabs on our scorecards. Houston with a big leg kick. Smith misses a leg kick. Both men trade right hands. Smith with a right hand and then a left hook. Smith with a left hand. Houston with a leg kick. Houston with the jab as Smith misses a big right hand. Smith misses a right hand. Smith with a soft leg kick. Smith with a jab and Houston counters with a combo. Smith with a leg kick as Houston tries to circle and find an opening. Smith with a left hand. Both miss on punches. Smith misses a right hand and Houston ducks a left hook. Smith with the jab. Smith with a right hand and then a leg kick. Smith with a left hand. Smith lands a combination. Smith with a leg kick. Houston with the jab. Both men land some combinations. Smith goes for the takedown but it is stuffed. Good sprawl from Houston but Smith lands a knee to the body when they get to their feet. Houston with a combo. They trade punches as the fight draws to a near close. Houston misses a takedown and Smith lands some kicks to end the fight. This will be tough to call. 10-9 Smith, 29-28 Smith.
Official Result: Trevor Smith def. Brian Houston by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Isaac Vallie-Flagg vs. Elias Silverio
Referee: Blake Grice
ROUND 1- Vallie-Flagg has been out of action for almost a year but has a five-fight win streak. Silverio has never lost in his career. Someone is having a streak ended. Blake Grice is the referee. They touch gloves and both come out quickly with strikes. Vallie-Flagg lands a nice left hook. Silverio with a leg kick. Silverio misses a head kick but Vallie-Flagg lands a left hand. Vallie-Flagg with a straight right hand. Silverio misses a head kick. Vallie-Flagg hurts Silverio with a right hand but Silverio gets a takedown and is on top. Vallie-Flagg uses the fence to get to his feet and they are tied against the fence. Silverio with some knees to the body. They break. Vallie-Flagg with a combination and lands a big right hand. Silverio drops him with a left hook and pounces on top with some punches. Vallie-Flagg survives but Silverio is pressuring from the top in the half-guard. Silverio with some punches from the half-guard. Vallie-Flagg is trying to get to his feet but it is allowing Silverio to potentially take the back. Silverio with some left hands from the back control. Vallie-Flagg with some backwards elbows. Silverio takes full back control and lands some left hands. Silverio is looking for the choke with one hook in. Vallie-Flagg gets to his feet and gets out of the back control. Silverio with a knee to the body as Vallie-Flagg lands some punches to the body. Silverio with a big right hand followed by a knee. Vallie-Flagg misses a big combination but lands to the body. Silverio with a combo. Silverio with a knee to the body as they tie up. Silverio with a nice combo to end the round. 10-9 Silverio.
ROUND 2- They touch gloves to start the second round. Silverio with a front kick to the body. Vallie-Flagg with a left hook. Vallie-Flagg with a right hand as he looks to tie up with Silverio. Silverio hurts him with a right hand and they tie up and Silverio scores the takedown. Silverio is in the half-guard. Silverio with a right hand from the top. Silverio is looking to transition to side control. Silverio switches it up and is looking to mount Vallie-Flagg. Vallie-Flagg grabs the leg and escapes but Silverio grabs his neck. Silverio with an illegal knee to the head of Vallie-Flagg and we have a break in the action. Replays show it hit the chest but Silverio is docked a point and they get back to action. Both men land punches. Silverio with a head kick. Vallie-Flagg with a big right hand and both men are landing punches in close range. They tie up but Silverio lands an elbow. Silverio rushes in with a big combo and lands a knee to the body. They tie up against the fence and Silverio scores with a trip takedown. Silverio has the half-guard controlled and is landing from the top. Vallie-Flagg is looking to sweep back to his feet but Silverio is landing punches from the top. Silverio with some more ground-and-pound as he stays active from the top. Silverio goes to his feet and lands some more. Vallie-Flagg gets up and they trade to end the round. Silverio’s round but he did lose a point. 9-9, 19-18 Silverio.
ROUND 3- The point deduction makes this fight still close. Vallie-Flagg needs a finish for the win in all likelihood as winning the round probably leads to a draw. Vallie-Flagg comes out with a quick combination. Silverio with a combo of his own and then lands a big right hand. Silverio with a combo and is landing body kicks and front kicks. They tie up and Silverio pushes Vallie-Flagg against the fence. Silverio gets a takedown after eating some punches from Vallie-Flagg. Silverio takes the back of Vallie-Flagg and is landing some punches. Silverio is looking for a choke as he has the back and is landing punches to soften him up. Silverio with more punches and he flattens Vallie-Flagg out. More ground-and-pound from Silverio. Vallie-Flagg rolls out and escapes but Silverio is in the half-guard of Vallie-Flagg. Silverio with some smothering of Vallie-Flagg. Silverio is looking for a potential arm-triangle choke but is more looking to pass to side control or mount. Silverio with some body punches and then one to the head and then back to the body. Vallie-Flagg with some short elbows to the body from the bottom. Body punches from the top from Silverio. Silverio gets to the mount position. Vallie-Flagg is trying to roll out. Silverio with body punches. Vallie-Flagg rolls and Silverio takes his back and is looking for the choke. Silverio has the choke locked in but Vallie-Flagg escapes and the fight comes to an end. 10-9 Silverio, 29-27 Silverio.
Official Result: Elias Silverio def. Isaac Vallie-Flagg by unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Ramsey Nijem vs. Justin Edwards
Referee: George Allen
ROUND 1- We close out the prelims with a battle of TUF 13 castmembers. Nijem won that season. Both are looking to rebound from losses. The loser of this fight could be cut from the roster. George Allen will oversee this fight. Nijem starts off with a quick combination and then a leg kick. Nijem with a high kick but gets clipped by Edwards. They are trading punches in close range but they break away. Nijem with a leg kick. Nijem with a front kick. Nijem with a head kick but Edwards fires back a combo to the body. Nijem with a body kick but Edwards lands a right hand to the head. Edwards with a leg kick. Nijem with the front teet kick. Edwards with a jumping front kick and rushes with some punches. Nijem with the jab. Nijem with a jumping flying knee that barely lands. Nijem with a leg kick but Edwards counters well. Edwards just misses a left hook as Nijem lands a jab. Nijem with a leg kick. Nijem with a spin kick and he slips and Edwards lands a knee. They trade punches and the crowd comes alive after that exchange. Nijem with the jab. Edwards misses a jumping front kick. Nijem with the double jab and lands a combo. Edwards with a spinning kick to the body. Nijem with a head kick. Edwards misses a head kick. Nijem misses a spin kick and falls down and they go for dueling heel hooks as the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Edwards.
ROUND 2- Nijem tries to get the crowd fired up before the round. Edwards with a left hook to start the round. Nijem with a head kick and falls down and Edwards grabs the neck and has a guillotine choke locked in. Edwards has an arm locked in and Nijem is fighting it but Edwards has it in tight. It is in very deep and Nijem is holding on. Nijem somehow escapes! Wow, excellent defense from Nijem. Nijem is on top and landing punches to the body and head. Edwards may be gassed out now. Edwards throws his legs up but Nijem lands to the body. They get to their feet but Nijem lands a knee to the body. Nijem with a knee to the body and then a right hand as Edwards rushes in. Both men land punches. Edwards with a solid combo. Nijem with the front kick. Nijem with a left hand. Nijem trips Edwards and lands a big knee and a big front kick off a combo. Edwards is hurt and Nijem gets a takedown and goes into mount. He takes the back and is landing punches. Nijem locks in a rear-naked choke and has the hooks in. He is trying to get it underneath the chin but Edwards escapes. Nijem still has the back. Edwards tries to roll out but Nijem has full back control. Nijem has the arm under the chin again but Edwards gets the arms unlocked. Nijem with punches from the back and the round ends. 10-9 Nijem, 19-19.
ROUND 3- This fight is still up for grabs. If anyone has the edge, it is Nijem. Edwards is showing good movement to start the final round. Nijem with a body kick and a front kick. They trade punches and Nijem lands a big left hook. They tie up but break and Edwards lands a right hand. Edwards misses a spin kick to the body. Nijem ducks down and scores a big double-leg takedown. Nice elbow from the top from Nijem. Nijem has good posture and avoids Edwards trying to throw up his legs. Nijem has wrist control and scrambles to his feet. Nijem grabs the neck but they get to their feet. Edwards is cut open around his left eye. Edwards has a high kick checked and Nijem lands a counter straight right hand. Both men land punches in close range. Nijem with the left jab. Nijem with an inside leg kick. Nijem tries a trip to no success. Nijem with a short uppercut but Edwards counters with a nice combo. Nijem with the jab. Edwards finally lands the spinning kick but Nijem shakes it off. Nijem gets the takedown and is in the guard and landing body punches. Edwards tries to scramble to his feet and they get up. They trade against the fence. Edwards hurts Nijem with the left hand. Spinning elbow from Edwards and then a leg kick. Nijem ducks a right hand and looks for a takedown but Edwards drops down looking for a guillotine. Nijem is easily out. Nijem gets to his feet and lands body punches. Edwards goes for a heel hook and moves to a calf slicer position. Neither is going to be able to finish as the fight ends. Fun fight. 10-9 Nijem, 29-28 Nijem.
Official Result: Ramsey Nijem def. Justin Edwards by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Cole Miller vs. Sam Sicilia
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- Miller and Sicilia open up the main card as both look to start a winning streak. Herb Dean is the referee. Sicilia is looking to land a big punch early. Miller with a leg kick and then a front kick. Sicilia with a leg kick. They trade punches in close range. Miller with a front kick. Miller with another front kick and then a leg kick. Sicilia misses a right hand. Sicilia with a leg kick. Miller with a combo. Sicilia with a left hook and then lands another. Miller is circling to avoid the right hand from Sicilia. Miller lands a right hand that rocks Sicilia. Sicilia misses a combo to the body. Miller with an inside leg kick but Sicilia counters with a right hand. Miller with a head kick. Sicilia with a body punch and then lands a right hand upstairs. They trade punches in close and Miller lands a solid combination. Miller with a front kick and then a left jab. Sicilia just misses a combo. Sicilia with a right hand. Miller with a leg kick. Sicilia with a solid body combination. Sicilia misses a big right hand and Miller lands a high kick. Miller with a leg kick. Sicilia lands a quick combo and the round ends. Close round. 10-9 Miller.
ROUND 2- Miller quickly takes the center of the Octagon. Miller with the jab. Miller with a front kick. Sicilia counters with a misses right hand. Miller hurts Sicilia with a combo. Sicilia goes for a takedown but it is defended and Miller lands a right hand. Miller lands another nice one-two combination. Miller with a leg kick. Sicilia with a body punch. Miller drops Sicilia with a big right hand and Miller is going for the finish. He hurts Sicilia with another right hand and drops him and Miller locks in a guillotine choke. He lets go and gets side control. Miller moves to the back and has the rear-naked choke in. Sicilia taps out! Miller with the submission win and the crowd goes wild.
Official Result: Cole Miller def. Sam Sicilia by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:54 of Round 2
John Moraga vs. Dustin Ortiz
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
ROUND 1- Moraga looks to rebound from a loss in a title fight. Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Ortiz takes the center and lands a big right hand. Moraga goes for the takedown but it is stuffed. Ortiz grabs the back and looks for a slam. Moraga defends well and they are tied up against the cage. Moraga with punches around the shoulders. Ortiz with some knees to the thighs and he looks for the takedown. Moraga with some knees of his own. Ortiz trips and gets the takedown. Ortiz is on top and trying to move into half-guard. Ortiz looking to open up the ground-and-pound. Ortiz with an elbow from the top. Ortiz with some punches from the top. Ortiz with punches to the body. Moraga is having lots of trouble escaping from the bottom. Ortiz with more punches from the top and rubs in some elbows. Ortiz is staying active though a lot of action isn’t happening. Moraga is setting something up, or at least trying to. Ortiz with some more ground-and-pound as the round ends. 10-9 Ortiz.
ROUND 2- Moraga comes out with some leg kicks to start the second round. Ortiz with his own leg kick but Moraga counters with a right hand. Moraga with a power leg kick. They trade punches. Ortiz switches his stances and lands a strong leg kick. Ortiz with a right hand. Moraga with a leg kick and then lands a huge left hand. Ortiz ties up with Moraga but Moraga pushes Ortiz against the fence and has the body locked. Ortiz with an elbow. Moraga with a combo to the body and they break. Ortiz slips as he was circling away and trying to avoid a feint. Moraga goes down with him and lands some elbows as Ortiz moves to the top. More elbows from Moraga. Moraga takes the back and has a rear-naked choke locked in. Ortiz stays composed and gets out but Moraga still has the back. Ortiz gets to the top but Moraga tries to lock in a triangle choke. Ortiz tries to set up a guillotine choke but Moraga escapes and they scramble to their feet. Both men land nice combinations and Ortiz gets rocked by Moraga. Moraga with another combination. Moraga with a short right hand and he sprawls on a takedown attempt. Ortiz takes the back but Moraga escapes and the round ends. 10-9 Moraga, 19-19.
ROUND 3- This round likely decides the fight. Both look for an opening and Ortiz lands a high kick. Both men land some combinations. Moraga misses a left hand. Ortiz shoots for the takedown but Moraga sprawls and grabs a front headlock. Ortiz misses a jab and Moraga lands a right hand. Ortiz lands an overhand right. Moraga with a series of kicks to the legs and body. Ortiz misses a leg kick. Moraga with a leg kick and Ortiz comes back with a nice combination. They trade punches in close range. Ortiz with a nice combination. Ortiz changes levels and scores the takedown. Ortiz is in side control and looking to switch to the guard. Moraga is looking for the arm but it allows Ortiz to further cement side control. Ortiz with some short elbows from side control. Moraga gets Ortiz back in his guard. Ortiz with some more ground-and-pound. They get back to their feet and Moraga grabs a front headlock. Ortiz gets out and grabs the back. Ortiz with some knees to the body from the side body lock. Ortiz with a knee to Moraga’s face. Ortiz with a late takedown and and they both land on the bottom to end the close fight. 10-9 Ortiz, 29-28 Ortiz.
Official Result: John Moraga def. Dustin Ortiz by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Yoel Romero vs. Derek Brunson
Referee: Blake Grice
ROUND 1- We have an explosive middleweight bout with two guys with 2-0 records in the UFC coming off wins in November. Blake Grice is the referee for this one. This may not go the distance. Brunson misses a leg kick to start the attack. Both men fighting as southpaws. Brunson lands a left hand. Romero with a big left hand and then a flying knee and he slows the pace back down. Brunson with a left hand. Brunson gets a takedown but Romero gets back to his feet. Brunson with a right hand and Romero fakes a takedown. Brunson with a left hand. Brunson with a nice combination. Romero misses a big right hand. Brunson with a leg kick. Romero with a body punch. Brunson with a big head kick but Romero shakes it off. Romero with a front kick to the body. Romero misses a flying knee. Both men trade kicks to the body. Brunson with a straight left hand. Brunson with a jumping front kick. Brunson with another leg kick. Romero lands an uppercut. Romero checks a head kick. Romero with an upelbow and fakes a takedown but misses a flying knee. Power takedown from Romero but they get up. Brunson knocks Romero down but he quickly gets up. Brunson grabs the back and they battle against the fence. Brunson picks Romero up and slams him down. Romero scrambles back to his feet but eats some punches from Brunson. They battle for a takedown to end the round. 10-9 Brunson.
ROUND 2- That was a fun first round. They trade punches to start the second round. Romero is looking for an opening as he is fighting at his pace. Romero goes low and it may have hit the groin and Romero doesn’t think it did. Replay shows it did at the end. Romero with a nice combo on Brunson. Romero with a leg kick. Brunson lands a short elbow that rocks Romero. Romero keeps looking to land to the body. Brunson with a head kick. Brunson goes for a takedown but it is defended. Romero with a combination on Brunson. Romero grabs the Thai plumb and lands a flying knee. Brunson misses a left hand but quickly follows through with a takedown. Brunson is in the half-guard. Romero is landing from the bottom. Brunson gets to the mount position. Brunson with some body punches. Romero with some body punches from the bottom. Romero is trying to escape. Brunson with some punches from the mount. Brunson gets back in half-guard. Romero gets out but finds himself back on the bottom. Romero tries to roll out and does to his feet and lands some punches. Romero with a combo and lands a big uppercut. Romero misses a takedown but lands to the body and the round ends. 10-9 Brunson, 20-18 Brunson.
ROUND 3- Romero comes out quickly to start the final round. Brunson with a nice combo to start his attack. Brunson with a series of leg kicks. Romero with a body punch. Brunson shoots for the takedown but not much on it and it is stuffed. Brunson misses an overhand right hook. Romero fakes a takedown. Romero with a left hand. Romero with an inside leg kick. The pace has slowed here. Romero with an uppercut and Brunson circles out. Romero lands a big right hand and goes down for a moment. Romero ducks under some punches from Brunson but he lands a big knee. Romero hurts Brunson with some punches. Romero lands a big elft hand and then lands some more. Romero has Brunson hurt and Brunson goes down. Romero is going for the finish. Romero with some hammerfists and he takes the back and is landing lots of punches. Brunson is covering up without a mouthpiece. Romero with more punches and lands some elbows. Elbows to the body from Brunson. Brunson is hurt and Romero finishes him! Romero with the comeback win and he stops Brunson with elbows to the body and the ground-and-pound.
Official Result: Yoel Romero def. Derek Brunson by TKO (elbows) at 3:23 of Round 3
T.J. Dillashaw vs. Mike Easton
Referee: Dan Miragliotta
ROUND 1- We have a battle of top seven bantamweights as both look to get back into the win column. Dan Miragliotta is the referee. Easton with a side kick to start the fight. Easton with a right hand and misses a head kick. Dillashaw with a leg kick and Easton counters with a body punch. Dillashaw with a leg kick. Easton misses a spin kick. Dillashaw lands a nice combo. Dillashaw with another combo. Dillashaw with a body kick but Easton comes back with a body kick that drops Dillashaw. Dillashaw goes in for a takedown and gets it. Dillashaw looks to transition to side control or the mount. Dillashaw postures up but Easton pushes him off and gets to his feet. Easton has the Thai plumb. Easton with some knees to the body and a short elbow. Dillashaw with a combination on the break. Both men land in close range. Easton misses a leg kick. Dillashaw just misses an uppercut. Easton with a side kick. Dillashaw presses forward with a combo and lands an uppercut followed by a right hand. Dillashaw with a straight left hand. Dillashaw misses an uppercut and Easton lands a right hand in counter. Dillashaw with a series of kicks high and low. Dillashaw with a straight left hand. Dillashaw with a nice combo as Easton complains of an eye poke. Nice combo to finish off the round by Dillashaw. 10-9 Dillashaw.
ROUND 2- Both men landing combinations to start the round. They trade leg kicks. Dillashaw with a body kick and they trade punches yet again. Easton with a leg kick. Dillashaw with a head kick and they go to the ground. Easton is cut open and Dillashaw grabs the back. Dillashaw with some hammerfists. Easton turns out and Dillashaw gets into half-guard. Dillashaw with some punches from the top. Easton getting some coaching near his corner but he is pinned. Easton scrambles to his feet but eats a knee from Dillashaw. Dillashaw with a leg kick. Dillashaw with a body kick. Easton just lands a spin kick but Dillashaw gets a takedown and lands a knee to the body on the ground. Dillashaw looks to move to the back and lands some punches against the fence from the back. They get to their feet but Dillashaw has the back and is landing knees to the legs and thighs. Easton has wrist control. Dillashaw tries to pick Easton up for a slam but Easton has good balance. Dillashaw with more knees to the thighs. They break but the round comes to an end. 10-9 Dillashaw, 20-18 Dillashaw.
ROUND 3- They quickly take the center of the Octagon. Easton with a leg kick. Easton with another. They trade punches. Dillashaw misses a big right hand. Dillashaw with a leg kick. Dillashaw with the uppercut. Dillashaw lands a solid combination and just misses a head kick. They trade in close range and Dillashaw lands a nice combination. Dillashaw with a body punch. Dillashaw with another solid combination. They trade cup checks. Easton with a knee to the body and then lands on the inside. They trade punches and Dillashaw lands a front kick. Dillashaw with a leg kick. Dillashaw misses a jumping front kick. Dillashaw lands an uppercut. They trade punches and Easton lands a leg kick. Dillashaw with a right hand. Dillashaw with a leg kick. Dillashaw with another combination. Easton drops for a takedown but it is defended by Dillashaw. Dillashaw with another solid combination. Easton with a head kick. Dillashaw with a body kick but misses a head kick. Dillashaw with a head kick and then a Superman punch. They trade in close range and open up to end the fight. 10-9 Dillashaw, 30-27 Dillashaw.
Official Result: T.J. Dillashaw def. Mike Easton by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lorenz Larkin vs. Brad Tavares
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- Larkin is looking for his second straight win while Tavares looks to extend his four-fight win streak in this co-main event bout. Herb Dean is the referee. Tavares with an inside leg kick. Tavares with a left hook. Tavares with a body kick. They trade punches and Tavares lands a nice combo. Tavares just misses a right hand. Larkin misses an uppercut. Tavares with a big leg kick. Larkin with a head kick. Tavares with a combo and a leg kick. Larkin with a high kick. Tavares with a head kick. Larkin with a straight left hand. Tavares with a leg kick. Tavares with a body kick and then a leg kick. Tavares with a nice combo to the body. Larkin with a big leg kick. Tavares with a straight left hand. Nice combination from Larkin. Larkin with another solid combo including a head kick. Big leg kick from Larkin but Tavares counters with a big right hand. Tavares with a combo. Tavares with a front kick. Larkin goes for a head kick and Tavares gets a body lock and has the back. Tavares looks to drag the fight down and he does briefly but the round ends with Tavares landing a few punches. 10-9 Tavares.
ROUND 2- Tavares with a leg kick and then lands a nice combination. Larkin with a leg kick. Larkin with some leg kicks and one to the body. Both men land some combos. Larkin with a fast combination. Tavares with a leg kick. Tavares with another leg kick. Tavares with another solid combination attacking both the body and the head. Larkin with a left hand. Tavares with a leg kick. Larkin with a nice combo but Tavares lands a left hand. Head kick from Larkin. Tavares with a right hand. Tavares with a leg kick. Tavares with a body kick and then a leg kick. Tavares goes for a takedown but it is defended. Tavares pushes Larkin against the cage. Tavares gets the fight down and takes the back and has the hooks in. Tavares looks to soften up Larkin with heel strikes. Tavares looking to get the choke in. Larkin turns around and is in the guard of Tavares. We have the end of the round and Tavares has taken this one. 10-9 Tavares, 20-18 Tavares.
ROUND 3- Tavares with a head kick and is getting off first with some high kicks. Both miss on left hands. Tavares fakes a takedown attempt but misses a right hand. Tavares with two leg kicks to Larkin’s lead leg. Larkin with a head kick. Larkin with a left hand. Larkin backs Tavares up with a combination. Tavares lands a right hand. Larkin with a short elbow as they clinch for a moment. Tavares with a switch leg kick. Tavares with a right hand and then a leg kick. Larkin with a nice combination. Tavares misses a right hand off the fence. Tavares with a spinning back fist. Tavares with a leg kick. Larkin with a body kick and he grabs the neck as Tavares looks for the takedown. Tavares gets out and Larkin goes to his feet. Both men land punches. Tavares goes for the takedown but Larkin defends it. Larkin with some elbows to the side of the head against the fence. Larkin with several more elbows. Tavares is covering up but eating a lot of elbows. Larkin has landed probably twenty elbows but Tavares covered. Larkin with a big uppercut on the break. Tavares with a leg kick. Tavares misses on another takedown attempt. Larkin with some hammerfists as Tavares fails a takedown and the fight ends. 10-9 Larkin, 29-28 Tavares.
Official Result: Brad Tavares def. Lorenz Larkin by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Luke Rockhold vs. Costas Philippou
Referee: Herb Dean
ROUND 1- Time for the five-round main event as Rockhold and Philippou look to bounce back from losses in their last fights. Herb Dean is the referee. Both men circling over the first minute. Rockhold with a high body kick. Philippou has a head kick checked. Rockhold with a right hand. Rockhold drops Philippou for a moment with a right hand and they clinch against the fence. Philippou escapes. Rockhold with a head kick. Philippou rushes forward with his right hand and Rockhold lands a combo and some head kicks. Philippou is bleeding from his nose. Rockhold with a liver kick that drops Philippou and Rockhold finishes it with one more kick to the body as Philippou was down. Big TKO win for Rockhold.
Official Result: Luke Rockhold def. Costas Philippou by TKO (body kick) at 2:31 of Round 1
