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MMA Fighting brings you live UFC 144 play-by-play from the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan. Tonight's fights are headlined by UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar defending his title against challenger Ben Henderson. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rampage Jackson is in the co-main event against Ryan Bader.
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Rampage Jackson vs. Ryan Bader, a light heavyweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Jackson is coming off a loss to champion Jon Jones at UFC 135 last September. Bader (13-2) bounced back from losses to Jones and Tito Ortiz by knocking out Jason Brilz at UFC 139 in November.
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Round 1: After an intense staredown, Jackson quickly gets into square-off mode in the center of the Octagon, but Bader opts to shoot instead. He can’t get the takedown, so he settles for the clinch against the fence before giving up on it. Huge looping right from Bader comes over the top and grazes Jackson. Moments later another one connects more solidly, followed by a clinch from Bader. Jackson is having trouble mounting much of an offense. He’s too busy trying not to get taken down, and Bader keeps sneaking in a quick strike here and there. Jackson opens up with some combos in the final seconds, but nothing much lands. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Bader.
Round 2: Jackson throws a couple big bungalows to start the second, reminding Bader that he has that capability. Clinch against the fence, and Jackson scoops Bader up for a surprising slam that drops Bader on his head. Jackson starting to feel it now, and Bader is looking uncomfortable. Bader recovers and gets the takedown into half-guard. Short elbows from Bader, and scattered boos from the crowd. Jackson tries to work back to his feet in the final two minutes, but Bader isn’t having it. Knees to the thighs by Bader as Jackson gets briefly back to his feet before being planted back on the mat by Bader. We end the round there, with Bader working short strikes from the top. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Bader.
Round 3: Bader wastes little time closing the distance and getting back into the clinch, but he has to give it up and come back to the center. Jackson’s punches seem to have slowed, and Bader charges back in for another takedown. He moves quickly into side control and Jackson is sucking wind from the bottom. Jackson replaces the guard, but Bader is still grinding away from the top as Jackson works back to his feet, only to be hauled down again. More boos from the crowd, and Jackson looks like he’s just surviving here. The ref encourages Bader to “get busy,” and he responds by looking for a kimura from side control. He can’t finish it, but time is running out anyway. Guillotine attempt by Bader in the final seconds, but an exhausted Jackson holds on until the horn. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Bader.
Ryan Bader def. Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Cheick Kongo vs. Mark Hunt, a heavyweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Kongo (17-6-2) won both his fights last year, beating Pat Barry and Matt Mitrione. Hunt (7-7) also went 2-0 in 2011, defeating Chris Tuchscherer and Ben Rothwell.
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Round 1: Hunt slips on a kick right away, and Kongo takes the opportunity to charge in for a clinch. Hunt quickly turns him around and gets away. Kongo pumps out the jab, but Hunt seems to be loading up for one big one. Kongo charges in with a punch and Hunt counters with a left hook that staggers Kongo. Moments later, Hunt moves in close after a right hand gets through Kongo’s guard. He fires off several more rights and Kongo drops. Hunt jumps on him and finishes it with a couple extra punches before Herb Dean is forced to move in. This one is over.
Mark Hunt def. Cheick Kongo at 2:11 of round one
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Jake Shields, a middleweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Akiyama (13-4) has lost his last three UFC fights and last year suffered a first-round knockout against Vitor Belfort. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_ShieldsShields (26-6-1) lost his last two UFC fights against Georges St-Pierre and then Jake Ellenberger.
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Round 1: Akiyama comes shuffling forward, clearly mindful of Shields’ takedown ability. Shields tries one, then resorts to a couple kicks before diving back in for a single-leg. Akiyama defends well and turns Shields’ back against the fence. They break and Shields lands a nice right, then tries another failed takedown attempt a few seconds later. Uppercut by Akiyama, and Shields briefly gets Akiyama down but can’t capitalize. Shields moves to the back in the clinch, but Akiyama slips away again. Final minute of the round, Akiyama slides in for a tricky little leg trip that briefly puts Shields down. They end the round back on the feet. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Akiyama.
Round 2: Head kick by Shields to start the second. Akiyama defends well and tries that same trip, but Shields isn’t taken in so easily this time. Spinning back fist by Akiyama, but Shields seems unfazed. Shields tries for another takedown and gets stuffed again. Shields doubles up on the jab and pops Akiyama’s head back. Akiyama keeps plowing forward, and manages a throw that puts Shields down for a second. Shields pops back up and looks for a takedown, then tries for Akiyama’s back in the clinch before the round ends. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Shields.
Round 3: Shields’ corner tells him he definitely needs to win the third, which is probably good advice. He comes out with more lead kicks, but he’s also gushing blood from his nose, so you wonder which the judges notice more. Good jabs by Shields, but Akiyama lands a heavy right in close. Another failed takedown attempt by Shields, and he settles for a clinch. Final two minutes, and Shields keeps after that takedown. He can’t quite finish it all the way, but Akiyama seems to be entirely on the defensive now. The ref breaks them in the final minute of the fight, and Shields uses those kicks to distract Akiyama long enough to get a truly effective takedown. Shields moves to take his back, and Akiyama gets away with a couple obvious fence grabs. Shields gets both hooks in nonetheless and ends the fight on his back, looking for the choke as the time ticks away. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Shields.
Jake Shields def. Yoshihiro Akiyama via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Yushin Okami vs. Tim Boetsch, a middleweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Okami (26-6) is coming off a loss in a middleweight championship fight against Anderson Silva at UFC 134 last August. Boetsch (14-4) won both his fights last year, claiming decisions over Kendall Grove and Nick Ring.
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Round 1: Boetsch paws forward with a jab and front kick. Okami comes back with a sharp left. Good right hand jab from Okami gives Boetsch something to think about. Boetsch tries to reset and Okami knocks him off with another right. Boetsch charges in with right hooks, but Okami avoids them well. Takedown attempt by Boetsch, and Okami shuts it down without much difficulty. Good one-two by Okami batters Boetsch. Okami seems to have a clear edge on the feet so far. Boetsch attacks the body with kicks. Short jab by Okami has Boetsch checking to see if his nose is still there. Boetsch is bleeding from his cheeks and clearly off-balance as the opening round ends. MMA Fighting scores it 10-9 for Okami.
Round 2: Okami goes back on the attack right away, stinging Boetsch with a knee and then getting into a clinch and taking Boetsch down two minutes in. Boetsch looks for a guillotine, but only succeeds in stalling Okami’s advance briefly. Okami gets to half-guard and looks for a kimura. As Boetsch defends, Okami moves to full mount. Okami opens up with punches from the top, but settles for ending the round on top, clearly in control. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 for Okami.
Round 3: Boetsch starts the third in a bit of a desperation mode, charging forward with big right hands. Okami gets caught, and he’s reeling. Boetsch stays on him and pounds the Japanese fighter with one brutal uppercut after another in close. Okami drops and Boetsch keeps on him. A few more punches is all it takes, and Boetsch has snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat.
Tim Boetsch def. Yushin Okami via TKO at 0:54 of round three.
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski, a light heavyweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Hioki (25-4-2) won his UFC debut last October at UFC 137 by beating George Roop in a split decision. At the same event, Palaszewski (36-14) also won his UFC debut by knocking out Tyson Griffin.
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Round 1: Hioki drops Palaszewski with an early, crisp jab. Palaszewski's nose is quickly bloodied. He takes Palaszewski down and moves into half-guard. Quickly into side control now for Hioki, who throws elbows, then a series of left hands. Hioki looks great early. Palaszewski gives up his back and HIoki jumps on it. Hioki to the arm bar. Palaszewski powers out. Hioki ends up on top in as a brilliant stretch of transitions ends. Hioki in Palaszewski's guard with 1:00 left. Hioki overwhelming Palaszewski with punches from the top. A big first round for Hioki, 10-9.
Round 2: Palaszewski with his best moment of the fight so far, a straight right hand that backs Hioki up a couple of steps. A much better start for Palaszewski, but Hioki still has the center of the cage. Hioki with a head kick that gets a piece of its target. Hioki's long jab has been a good weapon, snapping Palaszewski's head back a few times. Palaszewski changes course with leg kicks, trying to slow Hioki down. A low blow causes a timeout, but Palaszewski only takes a moment to recover. Palaszewski moving around much better. Hioki scores a late takedown and takes the back. A very close round, but it's Palaszewski's, 10-9.
Round 3: Hioki goes for an early takedown and they end up against the cage. Hioki uses a trip to put Palaszewski on the mat. Hioki with left hands and moves to side control. HIoki tried to mount but couldn't and ended in half-guard. Back to side control, and elbows from the top as he exerts his huge ground advantage. Hioki takes Palaszewski's back with 2:00 left. Palaszewski works hard to try to escape but Hioki's all over him. He tries a rear naked choke, then a neck crank. Palaszewski survives but that's it. Hioki wins it 10-9.
Winner: Hatsu Hioki by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Joe Lauzon vs. Anthony Pettis, a lightweight bout on tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Lauzon (21-6) is on a two-fight win streak and coming off a 47-second submission win over Melvin Guillard. Pettis (14-2) defeated Jeremy Stephens last October at UFC 136 by split decision.
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Round 1: Pettis comes out southpaw, scoring with a body kick right off the bat. Lauzon moves in with a combo, and Pettis deflects the shots, then comes forward with a series of his own. Pettis lands a left high kick out of nowhere that lands on the jaw and knocks Lauzon down. Pettis with a few strikes from the top, and it's a wrap.
Winner: Anthony Pettis via KO, Rd. 1 (1:21)
Afterward, Pettis says he wants to fight for the title. That may be a bit premature, but it was certainly an impressive win against a very tough, durable opponent.
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for all the preliminary bouts in support of tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Takanori Gomi vs. Eiji Mitsuoka, Vaughan Lee vs. Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto, Steve Cantwell vs. Riki Fukuda and Chris Cariaso vs. Takeya Mizugaki are the four bouts to be televised on FX. Issei Tamura vs. Tiequan Zhang is the one bout to be carried on Facebook.
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Issei Tamura vs. Tiequan Zhang
Round 1: Tamura lands a lead left hook. Moments later, Zhang drops Tamura with a hook of his own. Wild start and Tamura is quickly back to his feet and drills Zhang with a combo and now Zhang is down. Tamura follows him to the mat with ground and pound. Tamura holds the position well and repeatedly lands hammerfists from the top. Tamura works well from the half-guard but ref Herb Dean stands them up with about two minutes left. On the restart, Tamura goes low for the takedown. Zhang attempts a guillotine to no avail. Tamura still on top and he rides out the ride there. Tamura 10-9.
Round 2: Some back and forth standup to start the round. Bad idea for Zhang, who eats a crushing overhand right. He crashes to the mat unconsious, and UFC 144 begins with a bang.
Winner: Issei Tumura via KO, Rd. 1 (0:32)
Chris Cariaso vs. Takeya Mizugaki
Round 1: Cariaso wastes little time coming out with a head kick. It misses. Cariaso lands a right-left combo that snaps Mizugaki's head back. Miguzaki dove low for a takedown but Cariaso sidestepped him. Mizugaki got inside, secured a body lock and took Cariaso down midway through. Cariaso threatened with an oma plata. Mizugaki escaped and retained top position, peppering him with short punches to the ribs. Mizugaki stayed in Cariaso's guard, limiting his effectiveness, but he probably did just enough to win the round, 10-9.
Round 2: Cariaso's shorter, more compact strikes are landing more often in the standup. Mizugaki is looking for power punches. Good start to the round for Cariaso. Mizugaki shoots in and bulls Mizugaki against the fence. Mizugaki again is able to take him down. Mizugaki is slow with the offense. Cariaso sweeps out and free. Cariaso lands a short elbow as the close round ends. Cariaso 10-9.
Round 3: Cariaso tried a takedown, hoping to turn the tables. Mizugaki defended. Cariaso connects with a combination as they break and reset. A clinch against the fence. Cariaso with a nice short elbow. They break again. Cariaso tries a high kick and slips down. Mizugaki immediately swarms him, taking top position in what could be a crucial turning point. Cariaso working hard from the bottom but Mizugaki works offense from the top with elbows and short punches. Cariaso gets to his feet with 10 seconds remaining, but it's Mizugaki's round, 10-9.
Winner: Chris Cariaso via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Steve Cantwell vs. Riki Fukuda
Round 1: Cantwell lands a headkick as Fukuda was leaning forward to move into a takedown. Fukuda ate the kick and completed his takedown. Cantwell looked for an arm bar. No dice. Fukuda peppered Cantwell with a series of left hands from the top. Fukuda then postured up and switched to rights. Cantwell with an active guard but he's eating punches. Finally, Cantwell creates space and gets to his feet. Cantwell lands a hard right hand. Fukuda shoots low, and Cantwell stops the attempt. Fukuda moves forward with a combo, finishing with a hard left. Cantwell with a series of kicks late. A competitive round that MMA Fighting scores for Fukuda 10-9.
Round 2: The two trade leg kicks early. Fukuda scores a takedown. Cantwell snatches a guillotine. Fukuda wouldn't let him close his guard and snakes free. They move back to their feet and Cantwell lands some strikes from the clinch. Fukuda with a left hook, then a kick to the body as he continues his diverse striking game. He backs Cantwell to the fence and fires off a series of strikes. Cantwell may be tiring. Cantwell works out and the crowd cheers the exchange. The duo begin to trade late in the round. With :35 left a leg kick lands low on Cantwell, and the illegal strike leads to a timeout. Cantwell takes Fukuda down with :20 left but can't do anything with it as the round ends. It's Fukuda's round 10-9.
Round 3: Fukuda lighting Cantwell up early. Cantwell's gas tank is low and he's more of a stationary target now, and Fukuda's finding him. Fukuda takes him down two minutes in. Cantwell is active from the bottom, but Fukuda ends up taking his back. Cantwell escapes quickly and he's back to his feet. Fukuda going to the body. His striking isn't textbook but he comes from different angles and targets every part of the body. Fukuda is teeing off late as Cantwell fades. Cantwell has lost his last four and it looks like his losing streak will go to five as it's another Fukuda round.
Winner: Riki Fukuda via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Vaughan Lee vs. Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto
Round 1: Yamamoto dancing along the outside of the octagon as Lee follows him around. One minute in and little action, but Yamamoto blasts a right hook that just misses. Yamamoto with another right hook, Lee ducks underneath it. Moments later, another one and this one finds its mark. Lee stumbles backwards and Yamamoto follows with a series of punches, carefully trying to pick his target. Lee covers up well though. Yamamoto sees he's OK and backs off. On the reset, Lee lands a knee that rocks Yamamoto. Lee hurt Yamamoto again, this time with a right hook. Lee rushed him but Yamamoto took him down. Lee went for a triangle, then switched to an arm bar, and Yamamoto had to tap.
Winner: Vaughan Lee via submission (arm bar), Rd. 1 (4:29)
Takanori Gomi vs. Eiji Mitsuoka
Round 1: Gomi clips Mitsuoka with a right hook early. Mitsuoka then with a left of his own. He tries an ankle pick takedown and Gomi defends. Mitsuoka's footwork is making him a hard target. His short punches are finding their mark. It's power vs. finesse early, and finesse has the edge. Mitsuoka doubles up with the right hook. He then floors Gomi with a short right hand as Gomi was winding up for something big. He takes Gomi's back and tries the mounted triangle. Gomi somehow holds on but it's Mitsuoka's round, 10-9.
Round 2: Gomi comes out firing early, swarming Mitsuoka. A pair of right hands land as he backs his opponent up. A big knee from the clinch. Mitsuoka is OK but Gomi's aggression is starting to overwhelm him. Gomi takes Mitsuoka's back and fires off right hands. Mitsuoaka is in trouble. The ref warns him to fight back but Gomi never lets up and the ref steps in to call the fight. A great comeback for Gomi after nearly tapping out in the first.
Winner: Takanori Gomi via TKO, Rd. 2 (2:21)
UFC 144 Live Blog: Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson Updates
SAITAMA -- This is the UFC 144 live blog for Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson, the main event of tonight's UFC pay-per-view from the Saitama Super Arena.
Edgar (14-1-1) retained his title last October by knocking out Gray Maynard in their third encounter. Henderson (15-2) went undefeated in 2011, earning decisions over Mark Bocek, Jim Miller and Clay Guida.
Follow the live blog below.
Round 1: Henderson takes the center of the cage. Henderson throws a leg kick. Edgar catches it and Henderson tries to kick with his other leg. Edgar ducks under the kick and Henderson falls down. Edgar lands a punch from the top but Henderson's back to his feet quickly. Edgar with his typical side to side movement, creating angles. Edgar catches another kick and fires off a few back leg kicks and a punch before letting it go. Edgar with a body punch. Edgar looks well schooled on Henderson's attacked, as he's catching many of Henderson's kicks. Henderson scores with a straight left. Edgar takes him down briefly. Back to their feet, Henderson with a knee to the face. Edgar with a left hook. A competitive first round goes to Edgar, 10-9.
Round 2: Edgar with right and left kicks early. A Henderson right cross lands. Edgar has some redness around his left eye. Henderson starting to get more confident and moving forward. Edgar takes Henderson down again and looks to work to his back, but instead breaks his grip and lets him go. Edgar going heavy with the leg kicks while Henderson is targeting the mouse forming under Edgar's eye with the jab. Edgar with a takedown inside of the round's final minute. Edgar with elbows from the top. Henderson hurt Edgar with an upkick and ended up on top. The kick looks like it broke Edgar's nose. Henderson ended the round on top but only for a few seconds. The round goes to Edgar 10-9.
Round 3: Edgar with a nice combo. Edgar fakes a takedown and lands a right hook. He doesn't look any worse for the wear despite the big kick. Edgar and Henderson threw simultaneous kicks and Edgar ended up on the ground. Henderson tried to swarm but Edgar got to the fence and wall walked up to his feet without taking any more damage. Henderson is finding his stride now. This is his best overall round, and he's been in the center of the cage for most of it. Edgar gets a late takedown but MMA Fighting scores it for Henderson, 10-9.
Round 4: Henderson seems to have better timing on Edgar's offense, firing off the jab as Edgar closes. Edgar's changing things up by switching to southpaw occasionally. A kick by Henderson lands low and causes a timeout. Edgar lands a hard right hand as Henderson steps forward. Edgar slams him down but Henderson hooks on a guillotine. Edgar doesn't panic and separates Henderson's legs, causing him to break the hold. Edgar catches another kick, which has been a running theme of the fight. He lands a straight right and Henderson answers with a knee as Edgar pulls out. Another close round, but MMA Fighting scores it for Henderson 10-9.
Round 5: Henderson with a straight left hand. Edgar's cutman did a great job of limiting the blood but now it's coming down his face again. Edgar lands a straight left. Moments later an overhand right. A takedown from Edgar but he can't hold Henderson down. Edgar lands an uppercut and Henderson goes down. It was tough to tell whether he slipped or it was from the punch. Edgar steps into a left hook. Henderson has the center of the cage but Edgar is more active here. Henderson dancing around, showing he's still fresh as we go under 30 seconds left. Henderson lands a jumping knee and takes Edgar down in the final seconds. Oh boy, what a close fight. Edgar landed more, but Henderson landed harder. Someone's going home unhappy. MMA Fighting scores it for Edgar, 10-9.
Winner: Ben Henderson via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
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Feb 26 12:39a by Mike Chiappetta - 37 comments