Spike TV Preliminary Fights (Live)

Antoni Hardonk vs. Pat “HD” Barry – Heavyweight

1st round – Barry lands a overhand right.  Hardonk utilizes his kicking, but is quickly answered by Barry, who is using low kicks.  Hardonk misses on a knee.  Hardonk is catching Barry with inside leg kicks.  Barry is caught in the eye by a Hardonk finger.  Barry absorbs a knee to the stomach.  The eye seems to be bothering Barry, who is caught twice more with a leg kick.  Hardonk is scoring with several leg kicks.  Hardonk goes to the ground, where Barry takes top position.  Barry moves into side control but cant get to mount.  Hardonk impressively gets back up.  Hardonk is still throwing leg kicks, catching the former K-1 fighter.  Barry lands a solid right to the stomach of Hardonk.  Jabs are traded with 10 seconds left in the round.  PFF scores the round 10-9 for Hardonk

2nd round – As Barry comes out for the 2nd round, his eye looks shut.  Hardonk catches Barry first, however Barry lands a wild right putting Hardonk on his butt.  Barry hits again with a hard right hand.  Hardonk clinches with the powerful Barry.  Barry is teeing off on Hardonk, who has his hands down.  A right jab catches Hardonk and dazes him.  An overhand right catches Hardonk off guard.  Hardonk is dropped with a hard right jab and follows up with a hard right from standing position.  Hardonk is on his stomach when referee Josh Rosenthal calls the fight.

OFFICIAL DECISION – Barry over Hardonk via 2nd round TKO (2:30)

Chase Gormley vs. Stephan “Skyscraper” Struve – Heavyweight

1st round – A prior bout is being showed in between the two scheduled bouts.  Gormley gets Struve to the ground and begins his assault by ground and pound.  Struve is utilizing a high full guard.  As Gromley goes for the submission, Struve grabs Gormley’s leg.  Gormley is now on his back with Struve moving to side control.  They both get back to a standing position, only momentarily, as they both hit the ground.  Struve starts to hammer Gormley with hammerfists.  Gormley grabs a another leg lock submission attempt.  Gormley gets to his feet but gets careless and gets caught with a triangle choke.

Struve over Gormley via 1st round submission (triangle choke @ 4:04)

Eric “Red” Schaffer (13-3-2) vs. Ryan “Darth” Bader (10-0)

1st round – Schaffer takes a leg kick about 50 seconds in.  They both continue to stand and trade punches.  Red catches Bader with a left hook.  Schaffer is blocking most of Bader’s strikes.  Bader tries to slip a right hook in but it is blocked again.  Bader throws two left jabs that cant faze Red.  He does drop Schafffer with a hard right and follows it up with some hard rights from top position.  Schaffer makes it to his feet but is slammed back to the mat.  Somehow Schaffer is still surviving.  Schaffer is taken to the ground again.  As Bader slows his pace down a bit, Schaffer tries for a kimura.  Bader is on top position and now defending an omoplata.  Schaffer takes a hard right hand for his troubles.  A tired Bader gives Schaffer time to recover as the bell sounds.  Bader easily wins this round and quite possibly with a 10-8

2nd round – Schaffer looks ok for as much of a beating as he took in the 1st round.  As Bader hits with a right, Schaffer responds with a right left combo.  The action is stopped as Bader gets poked in the eye.  As action resumes, Bader is definetly slowing down.  Schaffer is coming forward with jabs, but Bader is throwing power.  Bader takes a right hook to the face but answers with one of his own.  Bader missed with a homerun punch.  Schaffer is definetly the fresher of the two fighters.  A right hook to the body of Schaffer doesnt do much damage.  Schaffer tries to look busy with quick right jabs to a lumbering Bader.  Bader is trying for a clinch but is caught with three straight right hands.  With a minute left, both fighters are still maintaining their position in the center of the octagon.  Schaffer catches Bader with a right left combo followed by a leg kick.  Bader gets caught with a right hand as he attempts a takedown.  With only five seconds remaining, neither fighter can get much else going.  This round goes to Schaffer 10-9 in a surprising comeback

3rd round – Schaffer is relaxed where Bader looks flat out tired.  Schaffer makes Bader eat a left hook.  A little leg kick from Bader is shook off by Schaffer.  Schaffer is dropped with a hard right hand.  As he hits the ground, Schaffer quickly recovers and regains his composure.  Schaffer in ful guard has control of his right arm.  Bader leaves go and stands back up.  Referee Josh Rosenthal call timeout from an apparent headbutt.  The break only lasts moments and the action is back on.  Schaffer goes for power punches, as does Bader.  Schaffer gets caught with a right hand.  Bader has a little more action but is getting clipped with punches.  Bader takes a right hand to the face but answers with a takedown.  As Bader finishes the takedown, Schaffer goes for the submission.  Bader transitions into side control but doesnt stay busy with his punches.  Schaffer, knowing that he is down on the scorecards, goes for an omoplata, but it proves too little too late.  PFF gives it a 10-9 for Bader, making the official score 29-27

OFFICIAL DECISION – Bader over Schaffer via unanimous decision

PAY-PER-VIEW FIGHT CARD

Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (7-2) vs. Yoshiyuki Yoshida (11-3) - Welterweight

1st round – Yoshi gets caught with a hard right uppercut followed by a right hook.  After Yoshida stumbles around for a couple seconds, referee Steve Mazagatti steps in before he takes anymore damage.

Johnson over Yoshida via 1st round TKO (0:41)

Joe “Daddy” Stevenson (35-10) vs. Spencer “King” Fisher (24-4)

1st round – Fisher doesnt want to tap gloves and just wants to get it on.  Nothing from either fighter for about 50 seconds when Stevenson catches a right hand.  A right hook by Joe Daddy is answered with a right hand by Fisher.  A low leg kick by Fisher is followed by a takedown attempt by Stevenson.  Stevenson works the takedown for roughly a minute but Fisher hangs tough with a strong sprawl.  Fisher lands a knee up the middle.  Fisher is in the clinch when Herb Dean seperates the two.  Fisher is bleeding into his right eye.  Stevenson lands an elbow to the eye of Fisher.  A left hook connects by Fisher.  Stevenson drags Fisher to the ground and takes his back with 20 seconds left.  Fisher defends by blocking punches from top position.  With the final push by Stevenson, the round is a 10-9 Joe Daddy

2nd round – A touch of gloves starts round 2.  A right hand by Joe Daddy is answered with a right by Fisher.  A head kick partially lands by Fisher.  Joe Daddy cashes in on a knee by Fisher by taking him down and gaining top position.  Stevenson is at his best in this position.  From full guard, Stevenson goes for a leg lock.  He quickly returns to top position, where he is smothering Fisher. Very close to full mount, Stevenson drops elbow after elbow.  Now raining elbows to Fisher’s head, it is opened up with a cut.  Stevenson is now in side control and dropping elbows on Fisher.  After about 20 unanswered, Fisher is saved by ref Herb Dean.

OFFICIAL DECISION – Stevenson over Fisher via 2nd round submission (strikes @ 4:03)

Chael Sonnen vs. Yushin Okami – Middleweight

1st round – A clinch is followed by a takedown by Sonnen.  As they get back to their feet, Sonnen slams Okami back to the ground.  Okami uses his strength and gets back to his feet with Sonnen on his back.  Okami is using foot stomps to try and break free from Sonnen’s grasp.  Okami gets out and sqaures back up with Sonnen.  Okami trades with Sonnen but gets the best of him with a tight jab.  Sonnen lands some nice leg kicks.  Sonnen is more active with his striking.  Okami is taken to the ground after faking a punch.  They get back to their feet, where Okami catches Sonnen twice.  Sonnen pushes forward and throws some front kicks for the last 10 seconds.  PFF gives the 1st round to Sonnen 10-9 due to his dominant striking and takedowns

2nd round – Sonnen continues to throw a front leg kick.  Okami catches Sonnen with a hard right.  Sonnen gets on Okami’s back and forces him to the fence.  After on the ground for seconds, they get back to a standing positon, where Sonnen hits on a double jab.  A turning side kick is followed by a high and low leg kick.  Sonnen continues to pick up the pace and catches with a right jab but is struck with a jab by Okami.  Okami hits with a left hook but doesnt stop the forward movement of Sonnen.  Sonnen is throwing wild strikes that are catching Okami.  Sonnen is picking apart Okami.  Okami is taking damage to his body.  Sonnen is setting his powerful punches up with some light jabs and straight punches.  Okami is moving backwards where Sonnen is moving towards his opponent.  Sonnen hits with a leg kick as the 2nd round buzzer sounds.  Sonnen is leading 2 rounds after a 10-9; at least in my opinion

3rd round – They begin by trading jabs.  Sonnen defends a combination from Okami.  Okami is trying to utilize his left hand but cant get on track as Sonnen connects on several strikes.  A right hand finds a home in Okami’s face.  A combo pushes Sonnen back slightly but Sonnen pushes back forward.  Sonnen using a leg kick to set up a jab.  Sonnen finsihes a takedown and takes his back.  Okami defends by rolling over, but continues to take punches to the head.  Okami gets back to his feet, however Sonnen still has control of his waist.  Okami gets Sonnen’s arm with about 40 seconds left.  Sonnen finishes the round on top of Okami’s back.  PFF gives it to Sonnen 10-9 ; making it a 30-27 for Sonnen

OFFICIAL DECISION – Sonnen over Okami via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Josh “The Dentist” Neer (25-8-1) vs. Gleison Tibau (29-6) - Catchweight

1st round – Tibau slams Neer to the ground but Neer gets back to the feet.  Again, Neer is thrown to the ground.  Tibau is standing and jumps into guard.  They return to their feet, where Neer loses his mouthpiece.  Tibau runs right through Neer and lands another takedown but he cant hold him there.  Neer lands a front kick.  Tibau gets another successful takedown.  Neer is in perfect position for defense and gets back to his feet.  Neer hits with a hard right hand, trying to knock him out. The round ends with both fighters on their feet.  Tibau has to get that round 10-9

2nd round – Tibau easily converts on another takedown.  Neer gets back up and presses forward until clinching.  As they seperate, Tibau slowly moves in and gets Neer to the ground.  Neer is back up again and lands a right hook.  A leg kick is landed by Neer but is put back to the ground on his back.  Tibau stands back up and drops into mount position.  Neer stands up with Tibau on his back.  Neer is defending very nicely but Tibau gets the arm.  He cant finsih with a submission, instead gets back up and tries to strike.  Neer pops Tibau with a right hand, as he slows down .  Tibau gets another takedown before Neer gets back up.  Neer clinches for a second and pushes Tibau back.  Tibau lands a quick jab as he steps backwards.  Tibau gets that round with the easy takedowns 10-9 in a very close round

3rd round – The last round is started with a Tibau takedown, where he easily passes to side control.  Neer gets out of danger and hits with upkicks.  Neer throws tight uppercuts and right hooks, which land.  Neer sets up a straight right with a leg kick.  Referee Josh Rosenthal stops the fight and gives both fighters time to recover.  The last minute is highlighted by Neer hitting with low leg kicks.  Tibau gets another takedown with about 45 seconds remianing.  Ner pushes forward but gets taken to the ground again.  Tibau has to take that round as well.  PFF gives the final score 30-27 Tibau

OFFICIAL DECISION – Tibau over Neer via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Ben Rothwell (30-6) vs. Cain Velasquez (6-0) - Heavyweight

1st round – In the co-main event, Rothwell is a huge underdog.  Rothwell catches with a right hand.  Velasquez goes for a single leg and converts.  Rothwell attempts to get back up, goes for the fence to try and assist with getting up.  Rothwell gets back up but gets dropped.  He gets back up and hits Velasquez with some combo.  Velasquez goes down again, this time on his back.  Velasquez hits with several elbows to Rothwell’s face.  Rothwell gets back up and hits with an uppercut.  Velasquez gets anoerh takedown.  Now in side control, Velasquez hits with a left hand.  Rothwell works to get back up but gets tagged with some right hands.  Velasquez hammers with some ground and pound.  Rothwell is getting hit but hagning in.  Rothwell gets up but gets dropped again.  Velasquez starts to hit the side of his head.  Rothwell hangs in there for round 2.  Velasquez manhandles that round 10-9.

2nd round – Velasquez takes Rothwell down again.  Velasquez has contol of his waist and starts to hammer on his face, although Rothwell continues to stand up.  Mazagatti makes another horrible decision and stops the fight.

Velasquez over Rothwell via 2nd round TKO (0:58)

Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida (15-0) vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (18-3) - LHW Title

1st round – Machida looks cool, calm, and collective.  Shogun, basically the same.  Machida takes his karate stance.  Machida grabs a clinch and lands some knees.  Rua hits with a leg kick.  They clinch with Rua having underhooks.  Machida, with his back against the fence, forces free of the clinch.  They trade with leg kicks.  Rua almost gets the takedown, instead puts Machida against the fence.  Machida breaks free and makes Rua miss.  Machida lands come strikes to the body of Rua.  Rua steps into a low leg kick.  Machida makes Rua miss once again.  Rua connects with a hard leg kick, follwed with a punch.  A leg kick to the body of Machida gives Rua the edge for this first round.  PFF gives it to Rua 10-9

2nd round – Rua misses on a low leg kick.  Machida tagged Rua with a hard right hand followed by a leg kick.  Machida is still making Rua miss, for the most part.  Rua shoots, but gets hit with a knee.  Machida defends against the takedown by breaking free.  A leg kick by Machida almost knocks Rua to the ground.  Rua grazes Machida with a leg kick.  Machida lands a solid left leg kick.  Rua returns the favor and lands with a kick on Machida.  Rua hits with a knee to the body of Machida.  Machida hits with a knee to the body.  Rua clinches and hits with a knee while against the fence.  Rua hitting with knees.  Machida free as the 2nd round ends.  PFF gives this close round to Machida due to his striking 10-9

3rd round – As the 3rd round begins, Rua hits with a leg kick to the body.  Machida hits with two right hands, countered by a leg kick by Rua.  Rua missed with a lunging right hand and then with a leg kick.  Both fighters are being very patient.  Machida lands another body kick.  Rua races in but doesnt land anything.  Machida steps forward with high kicks.  Rua attempting a takedown, lands an elbow on the break.  A solid leg kick lands on the shin of Machida.  Rua hits with yet another leg kick.  Machida makes Rua miss until he hits with a leg kick.  A Machida leg kick forces Rua to backpedal.  A hard right hand stuns Rua. Rua on the defense lands a right hook.  Machida dances around for the last 10 seconds.  PFF scores it 10-9 Machida; mostly due to the last flurry of punches

4th round – Both fighters look fresh during the first of the championship rounds.  Rua missed on a low leg kick.  Machida makes Rua miss once again.  The Dragon hits with a body kick.  Shogun continues to pace forward with leg kicks.  He takes a hard right hand but answers with a high kick.  A slip by Machida makes Rua race in to grab his waist.  Machida defends and breaks free with 2:30 remaining.  A knee lands to the body of Machida.  A leg kick is landed by Rua.  Machida breaks free with an elbow to the face of Rua.  A knee is taken by Machida.  A leg kick is connected by Rua.  Machida looks to be laboring.  Rua backpedals with 10 seconds left.  The fourth round has to go to Rua 10-9, he simply landed more strikes

5th round – The final round is underway and Rua hits with another leg kick.  Machida clinches but quickly breaks free.  A hard right hand by Machida is answered with a leg kick by Rua.  Machida is taking his time and getting picked apart with the leg kicks.  Rua pushes forward as Machida lunges at him.  They clinch, where Rua works knees and foot stomps.  Herb Dean breaks free and resets.  Rua lands a solid body kick to the side of Machida.  Machida hits with a hard right.  A right hand connects by Rua.  Rua is the aggressor.  Machida has his left hand cocked.  Machida desperatly throws a leg kick.  Rua hits with a hard right hand.  Machida missed on an uppercut.  Rua is pacing forward  and gets caught with a knee.  PFF gives this round to Rua 10-9; making the final score 48-47 in favor of Rua

OFFICIAL DECISION – Machida over Rua via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)

• Lyoto Machida 202.5 lbs vs Mauricio “Shogun” Rua 204.5 lbs
• Cain Velasquez 238 lbs vs Ben Rothwell 265 lbs
• Joe Stevenson (155.5) vs. Spencer Fisher (155)
• Anthony Johnson 176 lbs vs Yoshiyuki Yoshida 170 lbs
• Josh Neer (156.5) vs Gleison Tibau (157)
• Ryan Bader (205) vs Eric Schafer (205.5)
• Antoni Hardonk (249.5) vs Pat Barry (237)
• Yushin Okami (185) vs Chael Sonnen (185)
• Jorge Rivera (185) vs Rob Kimmons (185)
• Kyle Kingsbury (205.5) vs Razak Al-Hassan (204.5)
• Stefan Struve (243.5) vs Chase Gormley (262)