MMA Fighting - TUF 16: Nelson vs. Mitrione Resultshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52789/mma_minimal_navy..jpg2012-12-15T23:53:53-05:00http://www.mmafighting.com/rss/stream/35357732012-12-15T23:53:53-05:002012-12-15T23:53:53-05:00Nelson knocks out Mitrione in the first round
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1Z42lBBI_Alz7UjXt3HFXk-1ftc=/0x0:1099x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5081353/030_roy_nelson.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UFC heavyweight <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123062/roy-nelson">Roy Nelson</a> is closer to the age of 40 than he is 30, but that doesn't mean he is any less dangerous. On Saturday night at The Joint in the The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., Nelson stopped fellow season 10 'The Ultimate Fighter' alumnus <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122496/matt-mitrione">Matt Mitrione</a> with strikes in the first round at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a>. The win came officially at 2:58 of the first round.</p>
<p>Nelson was originally scheduled to face UFC heavyweight <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122488/shane-carwin">Shane Carwin</a>, but a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the bout. Mitrione accepted the bout on approximately five weeks notice.</p>
<p>The bout went as many had anticipated. Mitrione and Nelson stayed true to their reputations as pocket exchagers. Mitrione worked more leg and body kicks while Nelson was content to punch, but both landed significant strikes in the first three minutes of the contest. Nelson only very briefly tied Mitrione up for a body lock takedown, an attempt which Mitrione nullified with the exclamation point of a thudding elbow to the side of Nelson's head.</p>
<center>
<p class="non-primary"><b>More Coverage:</b> <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767790/tuf-16-results-nelson-vs-mitrione">TUF 16 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/14/3763792/ufc-on-fx-6-results-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson">UFC on FX 6 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc">UFC news</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mmafighting.com/id502963422?mt=8">Download MMA Fighting iPhone App</a></p>
</center>
<p>The two continued exchanging until Nelson slowly walked into Mitrione and fired a rear-hand uppercut while Mitrione tried to whip across a left hook. Nelson won the exchange and hurt Mitrione badly. Two follow-up right hands sent Mitrione covering up. A few more strikes and that was enough to earn the referee stoppage.</p>
<p>This marks the second loss in a row for Mitrione, and the first time he's been finished. All of Nelson's five UFC victories have come by way of knockout or TKO. Nelson ups his UFC record to 5-3 while his professional record moves to 18-7. Mitrione moves to 5-2, all of the bouts having taken place in the Octagon.</p>
<p>When prompted to explain his late-in-athletic life penchant for striking despite having a jiu-jitsu background, Nelson argued he was born with a gift. That and striking wins are so much easier to come by.</p>
<p>"I think it's just one of those things - God blessed me (with striking)," Nelson said. "I used to submit everybody. But when I got my first knockout, I was like, 'This is so much easier than this wrestling and jiu-jitsu stuff.' I was looking to pick him apart and do it in the later rounds and show all the critics that a fat guy can go five rounds."</p>
<p>MMA Fighting's Dave Doyle live blogged the bout in real time <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767734/tuf-16-live-blog-roy-nelson-vs-matt-mitrione">as follows</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Round 1: </b>Herb Dean is your main event referee. Both guys try to figure out their range early, clearly respecting one another's power. Nelson checks a Mitrione high kick and follows up with a combo. Nelson bodylocks Mitrione. Mitrione reverses position and lands a knee. Mitrione throws an elbow on the break. Mtirione with a kick to the body and Nelson is throwing big rights. Mitrione kicks low. Midway through the round. Nelson with a big right. Nelson drops him with an uppercut, starts raining down big right hands, and that's all she wrote as Dean steps in and stops it.</p>
<p><b>Roy Nelson def. Matt Mitrione via TKO at 2:58 of round one.</b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771902/tuf-16-finale-results-roy-nelson-punches-matt-mitrione-into-firstLuke Thomas2012-12-15T23:16:00-05:002012-12-15T23:16:00-05:00Smith controls Ricci to earn unanimous decision
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BEeS0IZFLGEjYdfclyGv4gsxx1U=/0x20:332x241/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5079799/smith.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Zuffa/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The sixteenth season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' has it's winner: Team <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123062/roy-nelson">Roy Nelson's</a> Colton Smith, who used dominant wrestling and top positional control to take a unanimous decision win over Team Carwin's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/164370/mike-ricci">Mike Ricci</a>. Smith defeated Ricci by judges scores of 30-27, 30-27, 30-26 at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a> in Las Vegas, Nev.</p>
<p>From the first bell to the last, this was Smith's bout. With the exception of one flurry at the end of round three, he was never in jeopardy and never in danger.</p>
<p>The pattern was basically the same. Smith would circle and exchange just a few strikes with Ricci on the outside. From there he'd level change, run Ricci into the fence and work from there as Ricci tried to either stand or avoid submission attempts. When Ricci tried to stand, Smith would get his hooks in and snatch him off of his base. And when he was able to take his back, Smith worked relentlessly for the rear naked choke. While Smith never really came close to submitting Ricci, he constantly had Ricci in defensive maneuvers just to stay alive.</p>
<p>The only strange note came in the second round. Smith threw an inadvertent groin kick in plain sight of referee Steve Mazzagatti, yet the referee didn't intervene or warn Smith whatsoever. Smith even looked to the referee prior to following up on an obviously hurt Ricci.</p>
<p>With less than a minute in the fight during the third round, Ricci was able to briefly take Smith's back and even threaten with an armbar, but the Army Ranger in Smith was able to avoid it to take the unaninous decision victory.</p>
<p>Ricci fought this bout at welterweight, but <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/12/11/3755450/mike-ricci-the-ultimate-fighter-was-an-absolute-nightmare">plans to compete</a> at 155 in his next UFC bout.</p>
<p>MMA Fighting's Dave Doyle saw the final round <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767718/tuf-16-live-blog-colton-smith-vs-mike-ricci">as follows</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Round 3: </b>Another high give to start round three. We're right back where we started as Smith scores an immediate takedown. Some booing in the crowd. Ricci has no answer for Smith's game plan. Smith again has his back and again applies a choke. Smith briefly mounts Ricci, but Ricci switches back to a sitting position. Midway through. Crowd booing, but both guys are working. Read the first two rounds and you've more or less got the gist of round three, as Smith works for the choke but can't finish him. One minute left. Ricci switches position with about 45 seconds left and gets Smith's back. Ricci gets it right back, though, and goes for one more choke in the final seconds. <b>MMAFighting scores the round for Colton Smith, 10-9 (30-27 overall).</b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771836/tuf-16-results-colton-smith-controls-mike-ricci-to-earn-unanimousLuke Thomas2012-12-15T22:20:47-05:002012-12-15T22:20:47-05:00Barry flattens del Rosario to earn KO win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wzY0iuSkQMzFOl5TtfQtkkTdwaU=/0x0:1099x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5078235/001_pat_barry.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a bout where the end of the first round seemed to signal <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129145/pat-barry">Pat Barry</a> was in trouble, his vaunted power punching saved him yet again. Barry stopped <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129240/shane-del-rosario">Shane del Rosario</a> by KO at :26 of the second round of their bout at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a> in Las Vegas, Nev.</p>
<p>The bout began less than auspiciously for 'HD', however.</p>
<center>
<p class="non-primary"><b>More Coverage:</b> <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767790/tuf-16-results-nelson-vs-mitrione">TUF 16 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/14/3763792/ufc-on-fx-6-results-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson">UFC on FX 6 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc">UFC news</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mmafighting.com/id502963422?mt=8">Download MMA Fighting iPhone App</a></p>
</center>
<p>The two opened the fight by trading middle and leg kicks before del Rosario cliched along the fence. Del Rosario was nearly able to earn a single leg takedown, but a blatant fence grab prevented it. It also went unnoticed by referee Kim Winslow.</p>
<p>Still, after a few more exchanges and leg kicks, del Rasoario clinched again, pressed Barry against the fence and this time was able to yank Barry around to get the takedown. From there, things got scary for Barry as del Rosario attempted an armbar from the back. A transition to the oma plata and a return to back mount is baically where things ended.</p>
<p>The second round, though, is where Barry did what Barry does best. As Barry was backing up, he caught del Rosario flat-footed with a monster overhand left. A clearly rocked del Rosario wobbled back to the fence where two more right hands ended the fight cleanly.</p>
<p>Barry moves to 5-5 in the UFC and 8-5 in his overall MMA career.</p>
<p>MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti described the second round <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767704/tuf-16-live-blog-pat-barry-vs-shane-del-rosario">as follows</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Round 2: </b>Del Rosario connects with a short uppercut. Barry answers with a huge overhand left that puts del Rosario on wobbly legs. Barry lunges forward with four more looping hooks. Del Rosario crumbles to the mat. Wow. This one is over.</p>
<p><b>Pat Barry def. Shane del Rosario via knockout (punches) at :26 of round 2.</b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771720/tuf-16-results-pat-barry-blasts-shane-del-rosario-to-earn-tko-winLuke Thomas2012-12-15T21:33:03-05:002012-12-15T21:33:03-05:00Poirier submits Brookins in less than a round
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kosuDq8L9RxQnEtB8ZwVXXxOEq4=/0x0:1099x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5076671/dustinpoirierel.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In a bout between two featherweights looking to get back on the winning track, it was the American Top Team transplant who came out the victor in a wild back and forth exchange. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122973/dustin-poirier">Dustin Poirier</a>, after a chaotic beginning to the bout, submitted <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129945/jonathan-brookins">Jonathan Brookins</a> in the first round of their main card bout at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a> in Las Vegas, Nev.</p>
<p>The end came officially at 4:15 of the first round due to a suffocating d'arce choke.</p>
<center>
<p class="non-primary"><b>More Coverage:</b> <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767790/tuf-16-results-nelson-vs-mitrione">TUF 16 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/14/3763792/ufc-on-fx-6-results-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson">UFC on FX 6 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc">UFC news</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mmafighting.com/id502963422?mt=8">Download MMA Fighting iPhone App</a></p>
</center>
<p>Matters started simply enough with the two feeling each other out on the feet, but things quickly took a turn for the crazy. Brookins was able to land power punches that had Poirier backing up and clearly hurt. Brookins pursued but opted to wing heavy shots, which Poirier also met with equally chaotic swings. Both fighters landed significantly.</p>
<p>Brookins continued to pursue Poirier and was able to land several more hard, accurate punches. However, it was Poirier that begin to put his offense together with combination striking. Brookins' lack of movemnt - both with his head and feet - cost him in the end. Poirier forced Brookins to put his back to the fence and dropped him with a furious combination.</p>
<p>Brookins attempted to shoot on Poirier, but the Louisiana native stopped it with locked up a bicep grip for the d'arce choke. Poirier fell to his left hip and moments later, Brookins tapped.</p>
<p>Poirier moves to 6-2 under Zuffa-owned MMA promotions and 13-2 overall.</p>
<p>MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti liveblogged the bout in realtime <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767630/tuf-16-live-blog-dustin-poirier-vs-jonathan-brookins">as follows</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Round 1: </b>Herb Dean is our referee. Brookins connects with a hook to the body. Poirier misses wildly. Brookins stumbles Poirier with a straight punch. Poirier is in trouble early. Brookins pouring it on, looking for a finish. Poirier survives, clinches and seems to have recovered. Brookins catches Poirier again. Poirier pressures Brookins against the fence. Brookins separates and both fighters retake the center of the cage. Brookins eats a strong right hook to the jaw. Poirier slips off of a Brookins counter. Poirier finds a home for his uppercut. Poirier follows with another straight shot that drops Brookins. Poirier rushes in, and after a brief clinch, unloads another combination. Brookins changes levels but Poirier defends and seizes a D'arce choke. Brookins taps immediately. Wild back and forth fight.</p>
<p><b>Jonathan Brookins def. Dustin Poirier via submission (D'arce choke) at 4:15 of round 1.</b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771650/tuf-16-finale-results-dustin-poirier-overwhelms-jonanthan-brookins-toLuke Thomas2012-12-15T21:01:21-05:002012-12-15T21:01:21-05:00Pyle stops Head in the first round
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HljV1IYTTm0OXocmJyzr2Eidk-g=/0x0:1099x733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5075085/020mikepyle-1312820709.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Esther Lin, MMA Fighting</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As a once longtime training partner with UFC legend and Hall of Famer <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122508/randy-couture">Randy Couture</a>, it's only fitting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122587/mike-pyle">Mike Pyle</a> would do his best work not in his twenties, but late thirties. On Saturday, the welterweight contender stopped <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/130881/james-head">James Head</a> in the first round of their contest at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a> in Las Vegas, Nev.</p>
<center>
<p class="non-primary"><b>More Coverage:</b> <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767790/tuf-16-results-nelson-vs-mitrione">TUF 16 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/14/3763792/ufc-on-fx-6-results-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson">UFC on FX 6 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc">UFC news</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mmafighting.com/id502963422?mt=8">Download MMA Fighting iPhone App</a></p>
</center>
<p>Head, who entered this bout on a two-fight win streak, clearly appeared to be the much larger man. He was also the aggressor, forcing Pyle's back to the fence and landed a two-punch combination. Pyle, however, continued to move around the cage and never lost composure.</p>
<p>Later in the round is when the Las Vegan took over. As the two clinch along the fence, Pyle locked up the Thai plum and fired a knee to the middle. Head hung on, but only to his own detriment. Pyle kept the plum, angled off the cage to create space and fired a shot that landed flush on Head's chin.</p>
<p>As he collapsed, Pyle pounced. All that was required to earn the stoppage from referee Steve Mazzagatti was a few more punches.</p>
<p>Pyle moves to 7-3 in the UFC and 24-8-1 overall in professional mixed martial arts competition.</p>
<p>MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti live blogged the event in real time<a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767604/tuf-16-undercard-live-blog-pyle-vs-head-bedford-vs-vinicius-more"> like this</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Round 1: Referee Steve Mazzagatti oversees the action. Pyle blocks a left hook. Head closes the distance and finds a home for a short punch. Head briefly stumbles Pyle with a straight shot but can't capitalize. Pyle grasps for the clinch. Head unloads a few hard shots to the body. Pyle blasts Head with a knee to the face and Head plummets to the mat. Pyle unleashes a final salvo and Mazzagatti jumps in. Impressive stuff from Pyle.</p>
<p><b>Mike Pyle def. James Head via TKO (standing knee and strikes) at 1:55 of round 1. </b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771566/tuf-16-results-mike-pyle-stops-james-head-with-strikes-from-the-thaiLuke Thomas2012-12-15T19:55:27-05:002012-12-15T19:55:27-05:00Varner out of Guillard fight (Updated)
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x2avEsLuJu_CHe2WYC9YM6uk-yE=/0x56:881x643/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5072927/20120526_jla_ac4_440.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LAS VEGAS -- A fight-day illness has forced lightweight <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122547/jamie-varner">Jamie Varner</a> to withdraw from his much-anticipated "Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale" bout with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122531/melvin-guillard">Melvin Guillard</a> on Saturday night at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.</p>
<p>According to MMAFighting's Ariel Helwani, UFC president Dana White said the bout has been rescheduled for UFC 155 on Dec. 29.</p>
<p>Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer informed the assembled Octagonside media of the fight's cancellation.</p>
<p>"He was sick all day, but he still wanted to fight," Kizer told MMAFighting. "He was throwing up backstage. The doctor checked him out and he determined he couldn't go. It's just one of those things, like an athlete training for the Olympics for four years and then getting sick the week he's supposed to go."</p>
<p>Both Guillard and Varner will receive their show money for the evening. The UFC will not promote another bout to the main card.</p>
https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/12/15/3771450/illness-forces-jamie-varner-out-of-melvin-guillard-fightDave Doyle2012-12-15T19:36:14-05:002012-12-15T19:36:14-05:00Waldburger submits Catone at TUF 16 finale
<figure>
<img alt="T.J. Waldburger" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/flMro4UhJXrWYUn9iw0Dzt7-Www=/29x0:969x627/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5071747/140608164.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>T.J. Waldburger | Mark Kolbe</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Submission ace <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129721/tj-waldburger">T.J. Waldburger</a> was looking to get back on track after a disappointing showing against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129408/brian-ebersole">Brian Ebersole</a> earlier this summer. Against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129227/nick-catone">Nick Catone</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a> in Las Vegas, Nev. on Saturday night, Waldburger got what he was looking for.</p>
<p>The win, however, didn't come automatically or easily.</p>
<center>
<p class="non-primary"><b>More Coverage:</b> <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767790/tuf-16-results-nelson-vs-mitrione">TUF 16 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/14/3763792/ufc-on-fx-6-results-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson">UFC on FX 6 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc">UFC news</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mmafighting.com/id502963422?mt=8">Download MMA Fighting iPhone App</a></p>
</center>
<p>Catone set the pace early, getting takedowns, decent ground and pound and the better of scrambling exchanges. The former collegiate wrestler was able to use his size and technical wrestling advantages to likely earn the judges' nod in the first frame.</p>
<p>But his dominance wouldn't last long. A right had early in the second frame rocked Catone and sent him crashing to the canvas. Catone tried to use his wrestling as a way, but the quick-thinking Waldburger jumped to a one-arm (from Catone) guillotine. Realizing he didn't have it, he transitioned to a triangle. Catone defended, but strangely moved his free arm across his own body, which is exactly what Waldburger needed from him to finish the choke.</p>
<p>Waldburger moves to 4-2 in the Octagon and 16-7 in professional mixed martial arts.</p>
<p>MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti called the action in real time <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767604/tuf-16-undercard-live-blog-pyle-vs-head-bedford-vs-vinicius-more">like this</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Round 2: Waldburger blocks a high kick. Waldburger charges forward and drops Catone with a straight punch. Catone is in trouble. Waldburger swarms, seizing a guillotine before transitioning into a triangle. This one is deep. Waldburger tightens up and unloads a few short elbows for good measure. Wow, Catone is asleep. Incredible finish. Herb Dean calls the fight.</p>
<p><b>T.J. Waldburger def. Nick Catone via submission (triangle) at 1:04 of round 2.</b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771382/ufc-tuf-t-j-waldburger-submits-nick-catone-in-the-second-round-at-theLuke Thomas2012-12-15T18:54:22-05:002012-12-15T18:54:22-05:00Hugo Viana shines in bantamweight debut
<figure>
<img alt="Hugo Viana" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wfiPBuQ4Hf2fynkesKOEGqyh79U=/82x0:1017x623/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5069559/hugo_vianna.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hugo Viana | YouTube sceenshot</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All the Brazilian 'Wolverine' needed was a weight class change. Well, that and four minutes and five seconds to dispose of his opposition and make a successful bantamweight debut.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/151953/hugo-viana">Hugo Viana</a>, a member of Team <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122550/vitor-belfort">Vitor Belfort</a> from season one of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, made his bantamweight debut on Saturday at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/103220/the-ultimate-fighter-16-finale">The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale</a>, easily dispatching of Rueben Duran. Viana is undefeated in the UFC at 2-0, but previously fought at a catchweight of 150 pounds. At bantamweight and despite being much smaller than Duran, Viana was nevertheless able to use his considerable hand speed and knockout power to repeatedly hurt Duran en route to a TKO stoppage.</p>
<center>
<p class="non-primary"><b>More Coverage:</b> <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767790/tuf-16-results-nelson-vs-mitrione">TUF 16 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/14/3763792/ufc-on-fx-6-results-sotiropoulos-vs-pearson">UFC on FX 6 Results</a> | <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/ufc">UFC news</a><br><a target="_blank" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mmafighting.com/id502963422?mt=8">Download MMA Fighting iPhone App</a></p>
</center>
<p>Through the four minutes of the bout, Viana sent Duran to the canvas four times, all of which came from crushing right hands. Duran hung tough with most of them and was able to resume striking exchanges until the very end of the fight. Duran was barely recovering from being dropped for the third time when he went down again from a lunging power right that not only sent Duran to the canvas, but did so face first and with Duran having a glassy-eyed look.</p>
<p>Here's MMA Fighting's Shaun Al-Shatti live play-by-play of <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3767604/tuf-16-undercard-live-blog-pyle-vs-head-bedford-vs-vinicius-more">the fight</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Round 1: Referee Steve Mazzagatti oversees the action. Viana ducks under a shot and connects with a hard overhand right. Viana wades in with a flurry and Duran drops! Viana relentless, lands another big right hand. Duran gamely staying in there, but Viana is dominant so far. Duran changing strategies, closes the distance and locks up against the fence. Viana reverses and releases out to the center of the cage. Viana pushes forward, pumping his jab. Viana slips a punch and misses with a wild flurry. Another huge overhand right crushes Duran. He drops and Viana swarms. Somehow Duran finds his way back to his feet, only to be blasted once again. Duran crumples on cage floor and Mazzagatti mercifully jumps in.</p>
<p><b>Hugo Viana def. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129705/reuben-duran">Reuben Duran</a> via knockout (punch) at 4:05 of round 1.</b></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.mmafighting.com/2012/12/15/3771290/ufc-hugo-viana-shines-in-bantamweight-debut-at-the-ultimate-fighter-16Luke Thomas