Nurmagomedov Vs. Iaquinta
Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov finally claimed UFC gold defeating “Raging” Al Iaquinta via dominant unanimous decision. Despite coming in as about a 6/1 underdog by fight time, Iaquinta proved to be relatively stiff competition and exposed holes in Khabib’s stand up game. The first two rounds were exactly as anticipated with Nurmagomedov landing numerous takedowns and piling up ground strikes. In the third round Iaquinta managed to slip out of an early takedown attempt and forced the Dagenstani grappling ace into a stand-up battle. That trend continued into the championship rounds but Iaquinta was never ever to gain any significant edge. Nurmagomedov showcased an improved jab that kept “Raging” Al mostly at bay, but slowed down in rounds 4 and 5 and Iaquinta was able to connect at a much higher rate down the stretch. Ultimately, the judges scored it 50-43 twice and 50-44 in favor of Khabib. However, his status as “undisputed” champion isn’t set in stone with both Tony Ferguson and Conor McGregor having claims to that belt as well. Al Iaquinta should probably move up in the rankings also and get another top-10 fight next.
Namajunas Vs. Jedrzejczyk
Rose Namajunas proved their first fight was no fluke by besting former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk again, this time by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 49-46. Early on the fight appeared to be going the same as the first, with Rose landing heavy shots and Joanna struggling to keep her preferred range. However, Joanna showed that a better weight cut helped her take the damage better and she began to adjust after the first round. Midway through the 2nd frame, she started investing heavily in kicks to the lead leg of the champion. While it didn’t win her the round, the investment paid dividends in the 3rd and 4th round that saw Jedrzejczyk out work Namajunas. To her credit, Namajunas displayed championship resolve and came out determined in the 5th round. Once again she landed heavy shots early and halted Jedrzejczyk’s momentum. Joanna was able to get some back towards the middle of the round, but Rose managed to get a last minute takedown to ice a competitive final round. Both women fought well and proved themselves to be champions.
Calvin Kattar Vs. Renato Carneiro
In a matchup of rising featherweight contenders, Renato “Moicano” defeated Kattar by unanimous decision 30-27 by all three judges. Early in the first frame, Kattar was able to press forward and sting Carneiro with punches but he was able to weather the storm and returned fire with vicious leg kicks. Those kicks quickly changed the tide of the fight and “Moicano” continued the onslaught for the next two rounds. By the end of the final round Kattar was mostly immobilized and Carneiro was able to basically tee off at will. With the win, Carneiro will likely find himself ranked in the top-10 on Monday while Kattar will probably fall outside the top-15.
Zabit Magomedsharipov Vs. Kyle Bochniak
In what turned out to be a great fight, rising prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov showcased his whole toolbox against a very game Kyle Bochniak. Magomedsharipov landed almost at will throughout the first two rounds and Bochniak was wearing the damage early and often. However, by the time the third and final round rolled around, Bochniak showed no signs of quit and continued to press the action directly in Magomedsharipov’s face. The judges saw it as a unanimous decision for Magomedsharipov 30-27 twice and 29-28. Hopefully he gets a ranked fighter for his next opponent.
Joe Lauzon Vs. Chris Gruetzemacher
In a clash of two Ultimate Fighter veterans, “Gritz” one sidedly defeated Lauzon. For the first 2 minutes or so, the fight was competitive but a long career filled with wars appeared to have taken its toll on “J-Lau”. Gruetzemacher relentlessly pummeled Lauzon to the body and head for the better part of 10 minutes. It became readily apparent that Joe had nothing left to give and, mercifully, his corner stepped in and called the fight off in between the 2nd and 3rd round. Gritz looks to break into the lightweight ranking while J-Lau may need to consider retirement. He’s had a great career, but it’s clear that the mileage of 42 professional fights is catching up to him. Lauzon will make an excellent coach when he’s ready to make that next leap.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz Vs. Felice Herrig
In the featured bout of the prelims, #4 ranked strawweight Kowalkiewicz defeated #8 ranked Herrig by split decision. Herrig looked very improved in the striking department in the first round, but eventually her pace slowed and Karolina began to capitalize with her hand speed and counter punching. The fight only wound up on the ground briefly at the end of the first round, and it was actually Karolina who rolled for the knee bar and wound up using a triangle to sweep position and wound up on top to end the round. Kowalkiewicz cemented her position as a championship contender and holds a win over the current champ, so she has a legitimate claim to challenge for the title once again.
Evan Dunham Vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier
The shortest fight of the evening ended less than a minute into the first round when “The Quebec Kid” finished durable veteran Evan Dunham with knees to the body and follow up strikes. Aubin-Mercier has clearly arrived and will likely take Dunham’s spot inside the top-15 at lightweight. Hopefully he will get a top-10 opponent next.
Ashlee Evans-Smith Vs. Bec Rawlings
In the semi-newly minted women’s flyweight division Ashlee Evans-Smith proved that dropping down a weight class was the right move for her. She defeated Bec Rawlings via unanimous decision, 30-27 across the board. Smith came out strong early and used her size advantage to plunge forward, working Rawlings to the body and head. Midway through the fight, Rawlings finally got her bearings and started to land a crisp straight right hand. Though she found more success as the fight went on, she was never really able to mount a consistent offense and spent the majority of the three rounds on defense.
Devin Clark Vs. Mike Rodriguez
In the event’s opening bout Devin Clark showed that Octagon experience counts for a lot, earning a unanimous decision 30-27 twice and 29-28 against UFC newcomer Mike Rodriguez. Clark leaned heavily on the clinch game to wear his opponent down, but Rodriguez did have his moments. With some small tactical adjustments and additional experience, the fight could have gone a lot differently.