UFC 107 match-by-match coverage live from Memphis - Injury updates, 6 in a few days

UFC 107 match-by-match coverage live from Memphis - Injury updates, 6 in a few days

By Dave Meltzer

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Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 107 from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis. We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to

For those trying to keep track of UFC injuries in the last few days, here is a partial list: Carlos Condit (cut hand from sheet metal slicing it as he was cleaning his garage), Dong Hyun Kim (knee), Tim Credeur (ribs), Rory Markham (torn Achilles tendon), Tyson Griffin and there’s one other semi-major show who is hurt that we haven’t found out yet (there are six in all).

It’s 6:30 p.m. and the place is 90% full. This from a crowd reaction standpoint is going to a hot show, because the people popped big for T.J. Grant and nobody is from Canada waving flags, so they just like the idea of seeing UFC live. From what I’m told, a larger percentage of the crowd here is local than at most UFC shows, which means first-timers.

Before any rumors start, Arianny is on vacation so she will not be on the show tonight.

T.J. Grant vs. Kevin Burns

How crowd. Burns bigger and more aggressive. . Burns knocked Grant down with a punch and is pounding on him. Trading punches now. Grant took Burns down. Grant continues to outwrestle him. But Grant isn’t doing much damage from the top. Burns up. Grant kicked him low almost like he was trying out for Los Perros Del Mal, got booed and though he was apologetic, still got booed over it. Grant with two knees, a knockdown from a punch to the jaw and a few punches on the ground and it was stopped. Burns is not happy with the stoppage, given there were only three seconds left in the round. But it wasn’t a bad stoppage. Good fight.

Edgar Garcia vs. Damarques Johnson

Garcia is from Sonora, Mexico and he’s coming out to some song that I used to hear all the time in the 90s when I’d travel to Mexico for Lucha Libre. It was second match babyface music. Johnson is the guy. Johnson on the other hand with his music sounds like he’s a video game television commercial. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang,Vamanos, Vamanos. Johnson has totally changed his look. You would not recognize him.

The crowd popped for Herb Dean. Johnson cracked Garcia in the jaw. Garcia back with a hard punch. Low kick by Johnson. Good trade. Garcia went to the body. Garcia’s left eye already swollen. Garcia took him down. Garcia went for a Peruvian necktie that Johnson finally got out of . They are both standing and swinging wildly. Johnson gave him a high-five and did a crab pose. Garcia then knocked him on his ass. What a great moment moment in sports, right up there with Nakamura throwing down the gi against Wanderlei Silva. Garcia hurt him with punches on the ground. Johnson caught Garcia with an up kick and immediately clamped on a triangle for the finish. This was a fantastic short fight. t

Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares

Palhares is put together like a tank. Palhares took him right down. Linhares up. Palhares grabbed a front headlock from the bottom and used it to get top position. After Linhares, got up, Palhares with a hard punch, then a takedown and now they are fighting over leglocks. Palhares cranking on the heel hook but Linhares escaped. Crowd gave both a hand for that. Linhares now with a takedown late. First round to Palhares 10-9.



Palhares went in with a weak kick and Linhares used it to get Palhares down. Palhares reversed and Linhares got a shoulderlock. Palhares out of trouble. Linhares getting punches in. Weird finish that nobody saw but Palhares used a heel hook and got the tap. But Palhares was so shaken up he couldn’t get up.

Johny Hendricks vs. Ricardo Funch

People booed Funch. People seemed to know Hendricks, I guess that win over Amir Sadollah did it. Hendricks in fast but Funch stopped his takedown. Funch going for a takedown now. Funch got him down. Another NCAA champ gets taken down. Hendricks back up. Funch throwing knees. Trading knees standing. Hendricks with a few uppercuts and a hard slam. Crowd exploded with the slam. Funch up. Hendricks with a knee. Hendricks unloading with uppercuts and body punches and a hard knee. More punches. Hendricks going for the Peruvian necktie on the ground. Funch out of trouble. Hendricks trying for a guillotine but looks like time will run out and Funch is out anyway. Good round. 10-9 Hendricks.

Hendricks rushed with punches and is going for a takedownNow more punches and knees and a high slam by Hendricks. Crowds explodes for the slams. Hendricks let Funch up. Funch back with punches. Funch decked a punch and went for a takedown, but Hendricks sprawled. Hendricks threw five knees from a clinch. He wanted a high slam but settled for a takedown. He’s letting Funch up again. Body kick by Funch. Funch going for a takedown now. Hendricks throwing punches to the head on the ground while blocking the takedown. Another knee by Hendricks. Single leg by Hendricks. Hendricks has his back and is going for a choke. Hendricks won the round, almost a 10-8 but they won’t give it to him so I’d say score is 20-18 for Hendricks.

Hendricks took him down and punching. Hendricks has his back again. Funch out. Funch with a hard body kick but Hendricks back with a hard punch and took Fnch down again. Hendricks throwing punches. Hendricks had a half nelson, more punches. More punches by Hendricks. Funch up and Hendricks with a few punches. Hendricks very aggressive but doesn’t seem to have the power to finish at this weight. Hendricks took him down and cradled him. Got side control. Crowd is booing Hendricks is trying a top wristlock, but gave it up to throw some punches. A couple of more punches, knees and more punches by Hendricks. Hendricks gave him a back body drop and now has him cradled on the ground and going crazy with punches as time ran out. Crowd popped huge for Hendricks. Should be 10-8 that round as well, but I’m guessing final scores will be 30-27.

Scores 30-27, 30-27 and 30-25 for Hendricks. I would agree with 30-25.

Shane Nelson vs. Matt Wiman

Wiman doesn’t have "Handsome" written on his shorts. Nelson with some punches. Wiman back with hard low kick. Another low kick, Nelson tried a takedown off it. Didn’t get it. Nelson hurt him with a flurry of punches. Nelson’s movement and punching is crisper. Good body shot and knee by Wiman and a flying knee that didn’t really hit. Wiman swinging wildly and missed. Wiman with an elbow against the cage . Wiman hurt him with a right and dropped him with an uppercut and now going to work on the ground. Wiman connecting with elbows. Nelson back up, bleeding pretty badly from one of the elbows. Nelson rocked Wiman with a punch late. Good round. 10-9 Wiman

Body shot by Wiman. Head kick by Wiman. Nelson came right back with a takedown. Wimann in with a knee and punches, now a high kick. Nelson back with punches. Trading knees. Wiman going for a takedown and finally got it. Nelson grabbed a heel hook but Wiman escaped and throwing elbows from the top as the round ended. 20-18 Wiman.

Wiman accidentally kicked Nelson hard low. This was one of the most savage low blows in a while. Nelson is hurting bad. Nelson got in with a punch. Wiman got the takedown. Nelson up. Nelson in with a hard knee. High kick by Nelson. Trading, Nelson got the best punch. Good body punch by Nelson. Wiman threw a knee. Wiman used a front headlock to get it to the ground. Crowd booing and not sure why because they are moving on the ground. Wiman has Nelson’s back with less than a minute left. Wiman used the figure four body scissors to keep back position on Nelson. Wiman threw some punches. Wiman threw a lot of hard punches and continued to do so until the horn sounded. 30-27 Wiman.

All three judges have it 30-27 for Wiman. Pretty obvious scores.

Wilson Gouveia vs. Alan Belcher in the final preliminary fight

Belcher is from Memphis. Gouveia booed. Gouveia was the one whose camp called Belcher’s camp and said he couldn’t make weight so both agreed to stop cutting. Belcher has a Johnny Cash tattoo on his left shoulder. Belcher got a good punch in but Gouveia back with several hard punches. More trading. Great slugfest. Gouveia got more good punches in but Belcher didn’t go down. Gouveia is rocking him but Belcher not going down. Now Belcher back and put Gouveia down with a right uppercut and finished him with punches on the ground. Fun fight. Crowd going nuts.

Lots of good undercard fights, with Garcia-Johnson as the first one that should air,followed by Belcher-Gouveia and Grant-Burns

Did anyone ever think that if this was 20 years ago and UFC could come in and draw a house like this, that Lawler would have been all over Ch. 5 this morning talking about how everyone knows this stuff is really fake.

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan "Young Schilt" Struve

More Mexican music with Buentello singing as he came out. Struve tried to jump and pull guard. Buentello would have none of it. Struve then cracked him in the jaw with an uppercut. Struve has a huge height and reach edge and all he wants to do is get to to the ground. He’s got Buentello’s back and now throwing punches to the side of the head. He’s giving Buentello a beating. People are yelling at Dan Miragliotta not to stop it. Struve has a choke but Buentello is blocking. He’s out . Struve trying a choke again. Buentello out again. He’s trying a third time. Buentello out. Now a fourth try. Buentello out again. Crowd booing this. I have no idea why. They don’t like Sturve for one thing. Now a fifth try for the choke. And Buentello out again and turned so he’s on top. Buentello with a Mongolian chop at the horn. 10-9, probably should be 10-8 honestly.

Buentello decked Struve as he came in for a takedown. Buentello backed off and told him to get up. Struve with a kick to the shoulder. Buentello him backed to the cage and now Struve tried to pull guard and grabbing for an ankle. Buentello out. Buentello tagged him with a punch. Now both back up. Good body shot by Buentello and hard shot to the head. Uppercut by Buentello. Sturve jumped in and Buentello decked him again. Buentello walked away letting Struve up. Now Struve bulled Buentello into the cage. Struve trying to get it to the ground. Trading and Struve clobbered him. Buentello back with a hard shot. Big trade. Knee by Buentello. Struve throwing punches and Buentello back and he rocked Struve. They gave each other high-fives. I guess they didn’t learn from theGarcia-Johnson fight. Now both men are exhausted with 20 seconds left in the round. Buentello’s round. I’ve got 19-18 for Struve but I’d guess judges have it 19-19. Standing ovation, I mean big standing ovation. Liddell at ringside going wild.

Struve with a right. Low kick by Struve. Hard right by Buentello and Struve back with two hard low kicks. High kick by Struve blocked. Another kick to Buentello’s left thigh. And another. And another. Struve rocked him with a punch. Hopefully for Buentello they’ve got a judge who doesn’t believe leg kicks count or he’s losing this round. Butenllo back with punches and Struve with an elbow. Struve threw the kick but Buentello blocked. Struve with another low kick and another, and another. Buentello’s slowing down from the low kicks. Sick low kick by Struve. Another and another by Struve. High kick attempt by Struve blocked. Buentello breathing hard but threw a punch. Sturve went down and invited Buentello down. Struve laying on his back. You shouldn’t do that in the last minute of a close fight. Buentello in with punches. Trading punches. Really Struve should win the round. I’ve got Struve 29-27 but kind of expect 29-28.

Scores are 29-28, 29-28 and 28-28 for Struve. Lots of boos for the decision but it was the right call. God the people are booing Struve so badly.

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida next. When the names were put on the screen the crowd popped big.

Guida got a big reaction, superstar level. Guida bouncing up and down and shooting like he’s 1979 Bob Backlund. Florian nowhere near as popular. Florian mostly booed.

Loud Guida chants before it even started. High kick by Florian and Guida took him down. Florian defending well. Florian with a good guard and back to his feet. Florian was cut on the side of his right eye. Guida chant again. Guida swinging wildly and missing. Florian tried a knee. Guida hit a punch on the counter. Guida chasing Florian. Both got good punches in. Florian took Guida down, Guida back up but Florian hit a knee. Guida tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Florian thowing punches. Now Florian on top with 56 seconds left. Guida back up. Guida now bleeding. Hard slam by Florian and punching Guida. Guida up but he’s covered in his own blood. Mario Yamasaki taking Guida to the doctor. The doctor said this match can continue. Crowd went crazy. Close round, maybe Florian 1-9

Guida shot in. Florian defending the shot well. Both up. Florian with jabs and a body shot. Florian with jabs. . Florian starting to connect on the punches. Florian dropped Guida with a right on a counter and hammered him with punches on the ground. Florian has the choke. Guida tapped out.

Florian fought such a good fight that everyone cheered him when it was over.

Florian told the fans they needed to cheer for Guida.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce

Nobody knows Mike Pierce. Pierce threw a kick and Fitch caught the leg and got behind him. Fitch has his back working for a choke. Fitch in the piggy back position while Pierce is in the don’t get me from behind position. Fitch punching the face. Pierce now on his knee. Fitch continues to hit Pierce in the face. Pierce out of trouble and slammed Fitch down and now on top. Fitch up. Crowd pretty dead for this match. Fitch got several punches in standing. Pierce ot a good punch in but Fitch getting more punches in. Fitch bleeding badly from the left eye. Fitch went for a takedown and Pierce blocked it. Close round, I’d go 10-9 Fitch but that cut could sway it the other way.

Why they put this on after Guida-Florian is beyond me as these two couldn’t follow and that should have been easy to figure on going in. Crowd just wants them done and to see Frank Mir get killed at this point. Fitch got a takedown and is behind Pierce. Pierce back up. Piece got some good punches in. Fitch back with punches. These two are having a solid fight but fans are booing just because they lack so much charisma. Well, Fitch lacks charisma and they have no clue who Pierce is. Fitch got hit with another punch but got a takedown and got Pierce’s back. Short knees by Fitch. Fitch trying to break him down. Good knee by Fitch. Body punch by Fitch . Knee by Pierce and a foot stop. Crowd booing more. Wild exchange and Fitch went for two takedown. Pierce bleeding from the nose. Good round but crowd not into it. 20-18 Fitch.

Two good knees by Fitch. Trading . Pierce tried a takedown but Fitch blocked. Fitch with knees. Pierce connected with several body shots. Head kick by Fitch. Uppercut and takedown by Fitch. Fitch has his back. Hard knee by Fitch. Pierce throwing a lot of punches and started to hurt Fitch late. Good debut by Pierce. Most of the crowd cheered when it was over, some booed. I’d give the round to Pierce so 29-28 for Fitch.

All three judges have it 29-28 for Fitch

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo

People didn’t really care that much about Kongo when he came out. They do care about Mir. People both cheering and booing him. He’s even got the walk to the ring down. Kongo actually booed a lot. More cheers than boos. Mir got a mixed reaction, probably 70% boos. Crowd psyched for this match. Mir knocked Kongo down with a left. He’s got a guillotine on tight. It’s over. Time was 1:12.

He won the crowd over with the win. It’s too bad with this sports stuff because Mir totally leap frogged Carwin and Velasquez as far as a match people want to see.

B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez

More Spanish music. There are two people right behind Dana wearing Rey Mysterio masks. Diego running around like a wildman, nearly knocked the camera man over. Herb Dean is the referee.

Sanchez booed. Penn’s reaction about the same as Guida’s, maybe slightly louder for Guida. Crowd pretty psyched for this one. Sanchez moved in and threw but didn’t connect. BJ chant loud. Sanchez threw again and missed. Penn knocked him down with an uppercut and is killing him with punches on the ground. Sanchez back to his feet but he’s hurt. Wild kick by Sanchez. Sanchez moved in, was hurt by an uppercut and stumbled. Sanchez wants to take it down but isn’t going to be able to most likely. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanches is the one nervous. Penn walking him down. Sanchez with another takedown attempt but back up. Sanchez swinging wildly and missing. Penn hit with a counter. Another exchange exactly the same. Sanchez in with a knee but Penn countered with a punch. Penn rocked Sanchez again with a hard shot. Sanchez threw a wild kick. Penn’s round easily, I’d go 10-8.

Sanchez in going for a takedown. Problem is, what if he gets it, and he probably won’t and will just waste energy trying. And there’s nothing else he can do. Sanchez threw a good uppercut after giving up the takedown. Penn in with punches, Sanchez tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez in but Penn countered with punches. Penn blocked a high kick. Penn threw and Sanchez ducked for a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez threw more punches that missed and Penn hurt him with a counter punch. Sanchez tried another takedown but couldn’t come close. Sanchez bleeding from the right ear from the first round. Sanchez getting no effective offense in. Penn with a good punch coming in. Sanchez’s ear bleeding more. Sanchez ducked a punch and went for another takedown. He got him down for a split second but Penn back up. Diego still going. Penn’s round, so 20-17 at this point.

Penn with a punch and Sanchez again going for a takedown. Now it’s like the Florian fight. Penn throwing some elbows and punches as he blocks the takedown. One would think even Sanchez will wear himself out with hit strategy, but he doesn’t have much choice because he can’t stand with Penn. Penn with several uppercuts caused Sanchez to back off. Trading and Penn getting the best punch. Good high kick by Sanchez. Sanchez going for another takedown. Penn with some punches while blocking the takedown. Penn with a knee. Hard forearm by Penn. Trading punches and Penn got a few good shots in. Sanchez’s face all marked up. Penn with short uppercuts as Sanchez kept trying for the takedown. Penn connecting with several hard punches. Sanchez’s face is a mess at this point. Penn’s round 30-26.

Penn couldn’t wait to come out for this round. He’s not tired at all. An exchange and Penn connected. Sanchez hit a punch in another exchange. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Good right by Penn but Sanchez still up. Sanchez with a kick but Penn blocked. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Hard elbow by Penn. Sanchez in for another takedown. Of course Penn blocking well. Fans booing. Penn with an elbow and Sanchez gave it up. Sanchez swung wildly and Penn countered and landed. Sanchez went for another takedown and is being booed. Pen with a knee and Sanchez gave up trying. Penn in with a knee. Penn looks like he wats to finish but the round ended. Penn’s round now 40-35.

Both guys can’t wait to come out and crowd is psyched for the final round even though Sanchez needs a miracle and Moses isn’t in the building. Body shot by Penn. High kick by Sanchez largely blocked. Body kick by Sanchez landed. Sanchez went for a takedown and being booed. At this point that’s not going to win him the fight. Sanchez got Penn off his feet but Penn stood right back up. Sanchez got him on the ground but Penn is in the advantage position. Penn let him up. Sanchez missed a kick. High kick by Penn and several uppercuts and now Sanchez has him bulled into the cage. Penn pounding him with punches. Sanchez bleeding like crazy. They are going to check the cut and it’s being waved off. At this point even if the cut wasn’t deep, and it was, it was time to end it. Cut looks six inches long on Sanchez’s forehead. Penn going crazy.

This was one of the best shows in a while.

Welcome to our live coverage of UFC 107 from the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis. We’re looking for your thoughts on tonight’s show, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to

For those trying to keep track of UFC injuries in the last few days, here is a partial list: Carlos Condit (cut hand from sheet metal slicing it as he was cleaning his garage), Dong Hyun Kim (knee), Tim Credeur (ribs), Rory Markham (torn Achilles tendon), Tyson Griffin and there’s one other semi-major show who is hurt that we haven’t found out yet (there are six in all).

It’s 6:30 p.m. and the place is 90% full. This from a crowd reaction standpoint is going to a hot show, because the people popped big for T.J. Grant and nobody is from Canada waving flags, so they just like the idea of seeing UFC live. From what I’m told, a larger percentage of the crowd here is local than at most UFC shows, which means first-timers.

Before any rumors start, Arianny is on vacation so she will not be on the show tonight.

T.J. Grant vs. Kevin Burns

How crowd. Burns bigger and more aggressive. . Burns knocked Grant down with a punch and is pounding on him. Trading punches now. Grant took Burns down. Grant continues to outwrestle him. But Grant isn’t doing much damage from the top. Burns up. Grant kicked him low almost like he was trying out for Los Perros Del Mal, got booed and though he was apologetic, still got booed over it. Grant with two knees, a knockdown from a punch to the jaw and a few punches on the ground and it was stopped. Burns is not happy with the stoppage, given there were only three seconds left in the round. But it wasn’t a bad stoppage. Good fight.

Edgar Garcia vs. Damarques Johnson

Garcia is from Sonora, Mexico and he’s coming out to some song that I used to hear all the time in the 90s when I’d travel to Mexico for Lucha Libre. It was second match babyface music. Johnson is the guy. Johnson on the other hand with his music sounds like he’s a video game television commercial. Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang,Vamanos, Vamanos. Johnson has totally changed his look. You would not recognize him.

The crowd popped for Herb Dean. Johnson cracked Garcia in the jaw. Garcia back with a hard punch. Low kick by Johnson. Good trade. Garcia went to the body. Garcia’s left eye already swollen. Garcia took him down. Garcia went for a Peruvian necktie that Johnson finally got out of . They are both standing and swinging wildly. Johnson gave him a high-five and did a crab pose. Garcia then knocked him on his ass. What a great moment moment in sports, right up there with Nakamura throwing down the gi against Wanderlei Silva. Garcia hurt him with punches on the ground. Johnson caught Garcia with an up kick and immediately clamped on a triangle for the finish. This was a fantastic short fight. t

Lucio Linhares vs. Rousimar Palhares

Palhares is put together like a tank. Palhares took him right down. Linhares up. Palhares grabbed a front headlock from the bottom and used it to get top position. After Linhares, got up, Palhares with a hard punch, then a takedown and now they are fighting over leglocks. Palhares cranking on the heel hook but Linhares escaped. Crowd gave both a hand for that. Linhares now with a takedown late. First round to Palhares 10-9.



Palhares went in with a weak kick and Linhares used it to get Palhares down. Palhares reversed and Linhares got a shoulderlock. Palhares out of trouble. Linhares getting punches in. Weird finish that nobody saw but Palhares used a heel hook and got the tap. But Palhares was so shaken up he couldn’t get up.

Johny Hendricks vs. Ricardo Funch

People booed Funch. People seemed to know Hendricks, I guess that win over Amir Sadollah did it. Hendricks in fast but Funch stopped his takedown. Funch going for a takedown now. Funch got him down. Another NCAA champ gets taken down. Hendricks back up. Funch throwing knees. Trading knees standing. Hendricks with a few uppercuts and a hard slam. Crowd exploded with the slam. Funch up. Hendricks with a knee. Hendricks unloading with uppercuts and body punches and a hard knee. More punches. Hendricks going for the Peruvian necktie on the ground. Funch out of trouble. Hendricks trying for a guillotine but looks like time will run out and Funch is out anyway. Good round. 10-9 Hendricks.

Hendricks rushed with punches and is going for a takedownNow more punches and knees and a high slam by Hendricks. Crowds explodes for the slams. Hendricks let Funch up. Funch back with punches. Funch decked a punch and went for a takedown, but Hendricks sprawled. Hendricks threw five knees from a clinch. He wanted a high slam but settled for a takedown. He’s letting Funch up again. Body kick by Funch. Funch going for a takedown now. Hendricks throwing punches to the head on the ground while blocking the takedown. Another knee by Hendricks. Single leg by Hendricks. Hendricks has his back and is going for a choke. Hendricks won the round, almost a 10-8 but they won’t give it to him so I’d say score is 20-18 for Hendricks.

Hendricks took him down and punching. Hendricks has his back again. Funch out. Funch with a hard body kick but Hendricks back with a hard punch and took Fnch down again. Hendricks throwing punches. Hendricks had a half nelson, more punches. More punches by Hendricks. Funch up and Hendricks with a few punches. Hendricks very aggressive but doesn’t seem to have the power to finish at this weight. Hendricks took him down and cradled him. Got side control. Crowd is booing Hendricks is trying a top wristlock, but gave it up to throw some punches. A couple of more punches, knees and more punches by Hendricks. Hendricks gave him a back body drop and now has him cradled on the ground and going crazy with punches as time ran out. Crowd popped huge for Hendricks. Should be 10-8 that round as well, but I’m guessing final scores will be 30-27.

Scores 30-27, 30-27 and 30-25 for Hendricks. I would agree with 30-25.

Shane Nelson vs. Matt Wiman

Wiman doesn’t have "Handsome" written on his shorts. Nelson with some punches. Wiman back with hard low kick. Another low kick, Nelson tried a takedown off it. Didn’t get it. Nelson hurt him with a flurry of punches. Nelson’s movement and punching is crisper. Good body shot and knee by Wiman and a flying knee that didn’t really hit. Wiman swinging wildly and missed. Wiman with an elbow against the cage . Wiman hurt him with a right and dropped him with an uppercut and now going to work on the ground. Wiman connecting with elbows. Nelson back up, bleeding pretty badly from one of the elbows. Nelson rocked Wiman with a punch late. Good round. 10-9 Wiman

Body shot by Wiman. Head kick by Wiman. Nelson came right back with a takedown. Wimann in with a knee and punches, now a high kick. Nelson back with punches. Trading knees. Wiman going for a takedown and finally got it. Nelson grabbed a heel hook but Wiman escaped and throwing elbows from the top as the round ended. 20-18 Wiman.

Wiman accidentally kicked Nelson hard low. This was one of the most savage low blows in a while. Nelson is hurting bad. Nelson got in with a punch. Wiman got the takedown. Nelson up. Nelson in with a hard knee. High kick by Nelson. Trading, Nelson got the best punch. Good body punch by Nelson. Wiman threw a knee. Wiman used a front headlock to get it to the ground. Crowd booing and not sure why because they are moving on the ground. Wiman has Nelson’s back with less than a minute left. Wiman used the figure four body scissors to keep back position on Nelson. Wiman threw some punches. Wiman threw a lot of hard punches and continued to do so until the horn sounded. 30-27 Wiman.

All three judges have it 30-27 for Wiman. Pretty obvious scores.

Wilson Gouveia vs. Alan Belcher in the final preliminary fight

Belcher is from Memphis. Gouveia booed. Gouveia was the one whose camp called Belcher’s camp and said he couldn’t make weight so both agreed to stop cutting. Belcher has a Johnny Cash tattoo on his left shoulder. Belcher got a good punch in but Gouveia back with several hard punches. More trading. Great slugfest. Gouveia got more good punches in but Belcher didn’t go down. Gouveia is rocking him but Belcher not going down. Now Belcher back and put Gouveia down with a right uppercut and finished him with punches on the ground. Fun fight. Crowd going nuts.

Lots of good undercard fights, with Garcia-Johnson as the first one that should air,followed by Belcher-Gouveia and Grant-Burns

Did anyone ever think that if this was 20 years ago and UFC could come in and draw a house like this, that Lawler would have been all over Ch. 5 this morning talking about how everyone knows this stuff is really fake.

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan "Young Schilt" Struve

More Mexican music with Buentello singing as he came out. Struve tried to jump and pull guard. Buentello would have none of it. Struve then cracked him in the jaw with an uppercut. Struve has a huge height and reach edge and all he wants to do is get to to the ground. He’s got Buentello’s back and now throwing punches to the side of the head. He’s giving Buentello a beating. People are yelling at Dan Miragliotta not to stop it. Struve has a choke but Buentello is blocking. He’s out . Struve trying a choke again. Buentello out again. He’s trying a third time. Buentello out. Now a fourth try. Buentello out again. Crowd booing this. I have no idea why. They don’t like Sturve for one thing. Now a fifth try for the choke. And Buentello out again and turned so he’s on top. Buentello with a Mongolian chop at the horn. 10-9, probably should be 10-8 honestly.

Buentello decked Struve as he came in for a takedown. Buentello backed off and told him to get up. Struve with a kick to the shoulder. Buentello him backed to the cage and now Struve tried to pull guard and grabbing for an ankle. Buentello out. Buentello tagged him with a punch. Now both back up. Good body shot by Buentello and hard shot to the head. Uppercut by Buentello. Sturve jumped in and Buentello decked him again. Buentello walked away letting Struve up. Now Struve bulled Buentello into the cage. Struve trying to get it to the ground. Trading and Struve clobbered him. Buentello back with a hard shot. Big trade. Knee by Buentello. Struve throwing punches and Buentello back and he rocked Struve. They gave each other high-fives. I guess they didn’t learn from theGarcia-Johnson fight. Now both men are exhausted with 20 seconds left in the round. Buentello’s round. I’ve got 19-18 for Struve but I’d guess judges have it 19-19. Standing ovation, I mean big standing ovation. Liddell at ringside going wild.

Struve with a right. Low kick by Struve. Hard right by Buentello and Struve back with two hard low kicks. High kick by Struve blocked. Another kick to Buentello’s left thigh. And another. And another. Struve rocked him with a punch. Hopefully for Buentello they’ve got a judge who doesn’t believe leg kicks count or he’s losing this round. Butenllo back with punches and Struve with an elbow. Struve threw the kick but Buentello blocked. Struve with another low kick and another, and another. Buentello’s slowing down from the low kicks. Sick low kick by Struve. Another and another by Struve. High kick attempt by Struve blocked. Buentello breathing hard but threw a punch. Sturve went down and invited Buentello down. Struve laying on his back. You shouldn’t do that in the last minute of a close fight. Buentello in with punches. Trading punches. Really Struve should win the round. I’ve got Struve 29-27 but kind of expect 29-28.

Scores are 29-28, 29-28 and 28-28 for Struve. Lots of boos for the decision but it was the right call. God the people are booing Struve so badly.

Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida next. When the names were put on the screen the crowd popped big.

Guida got a big reaction, superstar level. Guida bouncing up and down and shooting like he’s 1979 Bob Backlund. Florian nowhere near as popular. Florian mostly booed.

Loud Guida chants beofre it even started. High kick by Florian and Guida took him down. Florian defending well. Florian with a good guard and back to his feet. Florian was cut on the side of his right eye. Guida chant again. Guida swinging wildly and missing. Florian tried a knee. Guida hit a punch on the counter. Guida chasing Florian. Both got good punches in. Florian took Guida down, Guida back up but Florian hit a knee. Guida tried a takedown but didn’tget it. Florian thowing punches. Now Florian on top with 56 seconds left. Guida back up. Guida now bleeding. Hard slam by Florian and punching Guida. Guida up but he’s covered in his own blood. Mario Yamasaki taking Guida to the doctor. The doctor said this match can continue. Crowd went crazy. Close round, maybe Florian 1-9

Guida shot in. Florian defending the shot well. Both up. Florian with jabs and a body shot. Florian with jabs. . Florian starting to connect on the punches. Florian dropped Guida with a right on a counter and hammered him with punches on the ground. Florian has the choke. Guida tapped out.

Florian fought such a good fight that everyone cheered him when it was over.

Florian told the fans they needed to cheer for Guida.

Jon Fitch vs. Mike Pierce

Nobody knows Mike Pierce. Pierce threw a kick and Fitch caught the leg and got behind him. Fitch has his back working for a choke. Fitch in the piggy back position while Pierce is in the don’t get me from behind position. Fitch punching the face. Pierce now on his knee. Fitch continues to hit Pierce in the face. Pierce out of trouble and slammed Fitch down and now on top. Fitch up. Crowd pretty dead for this match. Fitch got several punches in standing. Pierce ot a good punch in but Fitch getting more punches in. Fitch bleeding badly from the left eye. Fitch went for a takedown and Pierce blocked it. Close round, I’d go 10-9 Fitch but that cut could sway it the other way.

Why they put this on after Guida-Florian is beyond me as these two couldn’t follow and that should have been easy to figure on going in. Crowd just wants them done and to see Frank Mir get killed at this point. Fitch got a takedown and is behind Pierce. Pierce back up. Piece got some good punches in. Fitch back with punches. These two are having a solid fight but fans are booing just because they lack so much charisma. Well, Fitch lacks charisma and they have no clue who Pierce is. Fitch got hit with another punch but got a takedown and got Pierce’s back. Short knees by Fitch. Fitch trying to break him down. Good knee by Fitch. Body punch by Fitch . Knee by Pierce and a foot stop. Crowd booing more. Wild exchange and Fitch went for two takedown. Pierce bleeding from the nose. Good round but crowd not into it. 20-18 Fitch.

Two good knees by Fitch. Trading . Pierce tried a takedown but Fitch blocked. Fitch with knees. Pierce connected with several body shots. Head kick by Fitch. Uppercut and takedown by Fitch. Fitch has his back. Hard knee by Fitch. Pierce throwing a lot of punches and started to hurt Fitch late. Good debut by Pierce. Most of the crowd cheered when it was over, some booed. I’d give the round to Pierce so 29-28 for Fitch.

All three judges have it 29-28 for Fitch

Frank Mir vs. Cheick Kongo

People didn’t really care that much about Kongo when he came out. They do care about Mir. People both cheering and booing him. He’s even got the walk to the ring down. Kongo actually booed a lot. More cheers than boos. Mir got a mixed reaction, probably 70% boos. Crowd psyched for this match. Mir knocked Kongo down with a left. He’s got a guillotine on tight. It’s over. Time was 1:12.

He won the crowd over with the win. It’s too bad with this sports stuff because Mir totally leap frogged Carwin and Velasquez as far as a match people want to see.

B.J. Penn vs. Diego Sanchez

More Spanish music. There are two people right behind Dana wearing Rey Mysterio masks. Diego running around like a wildman, nearly knocked the camera man over. Herb Dean is the referee.

Sanchez booed. Penn’s reaction about the same as Guida’s, maybe slightly louder for Guida. Crowd pretty psyched for this one. Sanchez moved in and threw but didn’t connect. BJ chant loud. Sanchez threw again and missed. Penn knocked him down with an uppercut and is killing him with punches on the ground. Sanchez back to his feet but he’s hurt. Wild kick by Sanchez. Sanchez moved in, was hurt by an uppercut and stumbled. Sanchez wants to take it down but isn’t going to be able to most likely. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanches is the one nervous. Penn walking him down. Sanchez with another takedown attempt but back up. Sanchez swinging wildly and missing. Penn hit with a counter. Another exchange exactly the same. Sanchez in with a knee but Penn countered with a punch. Penn rocked Sanchez again with a hard shot. Sanchez threw a wild kick. Penn’s round easily, I’d go 10-8.

Sanchez in going for a takedown. Problem is, what if he gets it, and he probably won’t and will just waste energy trying. And there’s nothing else he can do. Sanchez threw a good uppercut after giving up the takedown. Penn in with punches, Sanchez tried a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez in but Penn countered with punches. Penn blocked a high kick. Penn threw and Sanchez ducked for a takedown but didn’t get it. Sanchez threw more punches that missed and Penn hurt him with a counter punch. Sanchez tried another takedown but couldn’t come close. Sanchez bleeding from the right ear from the first round. Sanchez getting no effective offense in. Penn with a good punch coming in. Sanchez’s ear bleeding more. Sanchez ducked a punch and went for another takedown. He got him down for a split second but Penn back up. Diego still going. Penn’s round, so 20-17 at this point.

Penn with a punch and Sanchez again going for a takedown. Now it’s like the Florian fight. Penn throwing some elbows and punches as he blocks the takedown. One would think even Sanchez will wear himself out with hit strategy, but he doesn’t have much choice because he can’t stand with Penn. Penn with several uppercuts caused Sanchez to back off. Trading and Penn getting the best punch. Good high kick by Sanchez. Sanchez going for another takedown. Penn with some punches while blocking the takedown. Penn with a knee. Hard forearm by Penn. Trading punches and Penn got a few good shots in. Sanchez’s face all marked up. Penn with short uppercuts as Sanchez kept trying for the takedown. Penn connecting with several hard punches. Sanchez’s face is a mess at this point. Penn’s round 30-26.

Penn couldn’t wait to come out for this round. He’s not tired at all. An exchange and Penn connected. Sanchez hit a punch in another exchange. High kick by Sanchez missed. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Good right by Penn but Sanchez still up. Sanchez with a kick but Penn blocked. Sanchez tried a takedown and didn’t get it. Hard elbow by Penn. Sanchez in for another takedown. Of course Penn blocking well. Fans booing. Penn with an elbow and Sanchez gave it up. Sanchez swung wildly and Penn countered and landed. Sanchez went for another takedown and is being booed. Pen with a knee and Sanchez gave up trying. Penn in with a knee. Penn looks like he wats to finish but the round ended. Penn’s round now 40-35.

Both guys can’t wait to come out and crowd is psyched for the final round even though Sanchez needs a miracle and Moses isn’t in the building. Body shot by Penn. High kick by Sanchez largely blocked. Body kick by Sanchez landed. Sanchez went for a takedown and being booed. At this point that’s not going to win him the fight. Sanchez got Penn off his feet but Penn stood right back up. Sanchez got him on the ground but Penn is in the advantage position. Penn let him up. Sanchez missed a kick. High kick by Penn and several uppercuts and now Sanchez has him bulled into the cage. Penn pounding him with punches. Sanchez bleeding like crazy. They are going to check the cut and it’s being waved off. At this point even if the cut wasn’t deep, and it was, it was time to end it. Cut looks six inches long on Sanchez’s forehead. Penn going crazy.

This was one of the best shows in a while.

We'll be back tomorrow night with WWE's TLC show.