Dear Bloody Elbow community,

It appears as if my time on the site as come to an end. As I said in the "Goodbye Matthew Roth" post that Nate put up last night, I have decided to move on to greener pastures. As much as I appreciate the send off that Nate has given me, I'd like to make my own post. I'm narcissistic like that.

I've taken a position at another MMA site and will be starting there soon. I won't be mentioning where on this site out of respect for the staff but you will see my posts elsewhere. From my time as ThisRedEngine and the hilarious creation of the BElitist (yeah that was me) to the super epic New Jersey post, I've always considered this place home for all MMA.

The New Jersey post led to myself, MostDiabolicalHater, DeoWade, Marta_Gallo, and FakeEmcee to create the massive success that was Unintelligent Defense. I'm proud of what we did on that site and I guess Nate did as well. It was from the work at Unintelligent Defense that I was able to take over HeadKickLegend when Dave and Fraser left to create LiverKick.

The team of myself, Brent Ducharme, Neil Manich, and Tim Burke were able to continue the growth and I think we did some pretty good work. I got to tell the story of Mark "Fight Shark" Miller who came back from OPEN HEART SURGERY and the coverage we put together for the return of Badr Hari showed that we could hype a fight in an amazing way when everyone worked together. The site still exists and I think you all should check it out, the current team is doing great work.

As for BE? I enjoyed writing here. You, as a community, weren't exactly welcoming when I first posted but I feel like I was able to change your opinions by not getting faded. The site experienced record traffic in December, January, and February and I'd like to think that I played a significant part in that growth. I had the opportunity to be the first UFC credentialed member of the Bloody Elbow staff which is still one of my proudest moments in my short career in MMA.

So what's next for me? Well for the next twenty days I'm gonna enjoy South By South West and try and learn how to brew my own beer. I'm also going to get really good at Call of Duty. Like really good. I'll be hosting the Untethered Podcast with Subo and he who shall not be named. If you want to listen just follow me or subo on twitter. We will be doing our thing on Thursdays.

This is it for me though, I'm moving on. I'd like to thank Nate, Brent, and Fagan (yes, him too) for believing in me enough to let me ruin MMA on Bloody Elbow. The current team will continue to kill it and I'm positive that if anyone replaces me, they'll easily fill my shoes. If you ever want to bullshit just follow me on twitter.

Thanks again and goodbye,

Matt Roth

@mattroth512

Tonight on FX, the Ultimate Fighter debut for the first time on the cable network. Featuring bantamweights Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber as coaches, this season will be the first time in history that the fights are shown live. Tonight, 32 lightweight fighters will square off for the sixteen spots for the remainder of the season. This season will also see several changes from previous years as this will be the first time that contestants will compete for an unheard of thirteen weeks.

Both the UFC and FX have stated that all sixteen fights will air live tonight. The show starts at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT and will run for two and a half hours on FX. After the premiere, the show will settle into its normal time slot of 10:00 PM ET/9:00 PM CT.

Join us for a live discussion of the debut episode of the Ultimate Fighter Cruz vs Faber.

Strikeforce's second show of 2012 is in the books with another great performance from the women. In the main event Ronda Rousey continued her streak of breaking bones when she snapped Miesha Tate's arm and forced the former champion to tap. The night wasn't without controversy as it was discovered that prelim fighter Brandon Saling has an extremely questionable past including but not limited to: neo-nazi tattoos and a history of sexual misconduct. There will obviously be more on this topic later today and this upcoming week but for now let's take a look at the biggest winners and losers at Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey.

WINNERS

Ronda Rousey: Ronda Rousey is a beast. The fact that she tells you to your face what she's going to do and then does it is the craziest thing. She talked a lot to hype of the fight which can put her in an awkward situation had she lost. She didn't though. Instead she added another arm to her trophy case. Also coming out to Joan Jett "Bad Reputation" was in the top five best walk outs. I'd shake her hand and congratulate her but I'm afraid she'll just armbar me. Super impressive win.

Kazuo Misaki: Dropping down to welterweight was a great decision for Misaki. He made Paul Daley look like an amateur striker and kept pressuring. If there is a knock against him, it's that he gave up the takedown easily when Daley's entire game plan was to try and lay and pray to a decision. I wouldn't mind seeing Misaki vs Jason High in the future.

Lumumba Sayers: I was pretty hard on Lumumba Sayers because I just didn't think he had the overall skills to compete at the top level. Up until the Antwain Britt fight he never demonstrated punching power and just seemed to be a guy who was on his way to washing out of Strikeforce. Instead he does a pro wrestling style suplex and finished Scott Smith with a beautiful guillotine. I'm not sure if Lumumba Sayers "is for real" but he sure is entertaining.

Sarah Kaufman: Sarah entered the cage and fought like a woman who wanted to prove that she deserved a shot at the title. I can't remember her ever having that kind of output when striking but she was throwing combinations for the entire fight. The only negative was the last round when Davis had her in trouble but a win is a win and Kaufman will be getting the next shot at Rousey.

Alexis Davis: I know what you're thinking, how can she be a winner when she lost her fight? Easily if you saw the gutsy performance she put on. She could have cracked mentally in the first and second round when the doctors inspected her cut but she stayed in the fight and almost pulled off the win in the third. Maybe a fight with Tate when her arm finally heals?

Losers and other thoughts after the jump...

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Continue reading this post »

Ronda Rousey defeats Miesha Tate by submission (armbar). The submission came at 4:27 in the first round.

"I understand we are not touching gloves" is said by the referee. Miesha Tate came out swinging wild puches to open the round. Rousey got tagged and then tripped Tate to the ground. Rousey with an armbar and it looked to have dislocated. Tate survives when Ronda looked for an omoplata. Tate drags Rousey to the ground and looked for a rear naked choke. Rousey with a backdoor escape and they clinched on the feet. Trip takedown from Rousey and they are back to their feet. Rousey landed a jab-cross and then a judo hip toss. Rousey passed to mount and Tate gave up her back. Rousey with punches and then an armbar. OH GROSS THAT IS BROKEN. Tate tapped but the damage was already done. Her arm is JACKED!

Ronda Rousey is the new Strikeforce bantamweight champion. Impressive win for Ronda Rousey. Amazing grappling displayed by both women.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Josh Thomson defeats KJ Noons by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 29-28 x 3.

Josh Thomson landed a front kick to the jaw and followed up with a right hand to open the first stanza. K.J. cleared his head and pressed forward only to get backed up with a push kick. KJ worked punches to the body before looking for a takedown attempt. Thomson with his own takedown attempt and Noons defended well with hammer fists. Noons was eventually taken down but Noons walked his way to the fence and started to wall walk to his feet. Thomson eventually flattened Noons and peppered him with short punches to the head. The rounded closed with Thomson trying to pass to mount.

Superman punch from Noons to open the round and then some Nick Diaz taunting. Thompson slipped on a head kick and KJ tried to play on the ground. Josh hit a switch and took KJ to the ground. KJ attempted to wall walk but was pulled to the ground. Thomson with strikes to the body but the referee decided to stand the fighters up. Noons the clear aggressor with punches and kicks to the body. Thomson was really trying to get the fight to the ground but he left himself open to get countered. Noons tried to close the distance when he had Thomson hurt and was taken down. Noons doing most of the damage when on the ground.

Josh Thomson got the trip takedown and almost immediately locked in a head/arm triangle. Noons defended incorrectly but gutted out an escape. Thomson relentless with his ground work and Noons was completely outworked. Thomson fought a safe fight and only attempted to finish the fight once. Awful fight. In the post-fight Josh Thomson called his performance "shit".

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Kazuo Misaki defeats Paul Daley by Split decision. The judges provided the follow score cards: 30-27 Misaki, 29-28 Daley, 29-28 Misaki.

Paul Daley landed a cutting leg kick to open the first. Paul pawed out his jab to try and find his range. Misaki backed Paul up with an overhand right. Misaki came forward with a left hand and Paul Daley responded with a leg kick. Misaki caught the leg and took Dalye to the mat. Daley regained his feet. Paul missed a left hand and Misaki attacked the midsection with punches. Daley had difficulty finding his range while Misaki teed off with punches. Misaki slipped a punch and then opened up with punches to the body. Daley tackled Misaki to the mat and almost got caught in a guillotine. Daley stood up and landed punches to the face as the round ended.

Misaki landed a kick to the body to start the second stanza. He followed up with punches and rocked Daley against the fence. Misaki initiated a clinch and hip tossed Daley to the mat. Daley does well to keep his balance and regained his feet. Misaki stalked with jabs. Daley shot another takedown and ended up in Misaki's guard. Daley had difficulty with throwing punches and tried to take Misaki's back. Misaki quickly swept and ended up in Paul Daley's guard. The referee stood the fighters up with ten seconds to go. Daley wiffed on every punch to close the round.

Kazuo landed a chopping leg kick in the start of the third. Daley unable to find his range with almost all of his punches short by an inch. Misaki attacked the body and Daley responded with a left hook to the head. Daley took Misaki down with four minutes left in the round. A punch from Daley opened up a cut on the forehead of Kazuo Misaki. Daley told the referee and the fight is stopped for the doctor to inspect the cut. The fight continued and Daley landed a left hook to the jaw. Another left hook from Daley. Misaki with a jumping knee. Daley was throwing single shots with two minutes left in the fight. Misaki continued to press forward against a retreating Paul Daley. Daley caught a kick and hit a takedown but couldn't keep position. Misaki throwing punches with thirty seconds left. Impressive fight for Misaki. Paul Daley fought a very conservative fight.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Lumumba Sayers defeats Scott Smith by submission (guillotine choke). The tap out came at 1:34 in the first round.

Sayers the first to connect with a right hand. Sayers pressed forward and put Smith on his back. Sayers quickly took Smith's back and opened up with punces. Sayers stood up and landed punches before hitting a suplex. Full on WWE legs over the head suplex. Smith looking for a guillotine but couldn't complete it. Sayers took the guillotine and forced Scott Smith to tap out. Very impressive win for Lamumba Sayers. Scott Smith's best days are obviously behind him. He lost a fight that he should have won on paper and got outclassed at all facets of the game. Also this was the first time I've ever seen a suplex like that in MMA. There was no comment in the post-fight from Scott Smith. It was his return to the middleweight division. Sayers said he is open to fight anyone in the division.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Ronaldo Souza defeated Bristol Marunde by submission (arm triangle). The stoppage came at 2:43 in the third round.

Jacare aggressive at the start of the first round when he landed a straight right that backed Marunde against the fence. Jacare was confident in his hands throwing punches early opening up opportunities for his kicks. Jacare hit a takedown and immediately took Bristol's back with both hooks sunk in. Jacare headbutted Marunde's shoulder and then threw punches to the head. The referee stood Jacare up after some questionable punches landed to the the back of the head. As Marunda closed the distance he was dropped with a punch. Immediately Jacare swarmed and worked position for the remainder of the round.

Marunde connected with a heavy right hand but Jacare responded with his own combination at the opening of the second. Jacare followed up with explosive kicks before swarming and taking Marunde's back. Marunde showing a great chin but also weak head movement and defense. Marunde walked right into a right hand and then a knee to the midsection. Jacare found a home for his overhand right hand. Jacare took Marunde to the ground and looked for a leg lock to end the round.

Jacare immediately took Bristol Marunde to the mat and swarmed with heavy top control. Marunde gave up his back and Jacare sunk a hook in and looked to set up an arm-triangle choke. Bristol Marunde did little to defend and tapped almost immediately.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Sarah Kaufman wins a majority decision over Alexis Davis. The judges scored the fight 29-29, 29-28, and 29-28.

The two Canadian women immediately opened the first round trading punches. Alexis Davis found success with dirty boxing from the single collar clinch. Kaufman created distance and found a home for her punches. Davis hung in tough but was unable to to defend the onslaught of Sarah Kaufman. One of Kaufman's strikes opened up a nasty cut over Davis' left eye. The referee briefly stopped the fight for a doctor inspect the cut. The fight resumed and Davis went on the attack to try and put the hurt on Kaufman. One of Alexis Davis' elbows opened up a cut along the hairline and the round ended with the two fighters trading straight punches in the center of the cage.

The ladies continued where they left off in the opening stanza trading punches in the center of the cage. Kaufman took the advantage early with multiple hooks to the head. Davis responded with uppercuts from the clinch. The ladies clinch against the fence with Davis trying to create space with knees to the body. They kept an incredible pace halfway through the fight. Kaufman threw combinations to the head and battered Davis from range. Davis threw knees to the head from the clinch. The two again trade punches with the round coming to an end.

The final round started just as the first two with both fighters exchanging punches. Absolutely insane that they kept the pace of striking through twelve minutes. Alexis Davis hit an outside trip takedown and worked from side control. Alexis Davis threatened with an armbar and Kaufman used it to hit a sweep. Davis didn't release the arm and swept Kaufman to continue to work from the top. Davis took Kaufman's back but was unable to keep the position. Kaufman survived but clearly lost the round.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Roger Bowling defeats Brandon Saling by TKO. The stoppage came at 1:15 in the second round.

Bowling opened up the fight with multiple kicks to the body. He then shot a quick takedown but couldn't get the fight to the ground. Saling and Bowling trading punches against the fence and neither fighter is trying to defend at all. It's Saling who landed the more powerful strikes which forced Bowling to shoot for a takedown. Bowling attempted an armbar and Saling regained his feet. Saling again throwing reckless punches which landed square on the chin of Bowling. Bowling didn't like any of those shots and took the fight back to the mat. Bowling transitioned to side control in the crucifix position and peppered Saling with strikes. Saling much like a turtle on his back with no clue how to defend the position or regain his guard. Bowling passed to mount as the round came to an end.

The second round barely started before Bowling took the fight back to the ground. Bowling transitioned to crucifix position quickly and continued to beat down Saling with short punches. Impressive win for Roger Bowling. So long Brandon Saling!

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Pat Healy defeats Caros Fodor by arm triangle choke. The tap out came at 3:35 in the third round.

The fighters didn't waste time and traded punches from the pocket. Healy initiated the clinch and looked for the early takedown. Fodor turned Healy into the cage but was quickly reversed with Healy opening up with dirty boxing. On the exit Fodor landed a a shot to the chin which stunned the fighter out of Team Quest. Fodor got the takedown and opened up with ground and pound. Healy hit a backdoor escape and tripped Fodor to the ground. Healy immediately started throwing punches from inside Fodor's guard as Fodor attempted to control the wrists. The round ended with Healy throwing punches from the top.

Fodor landed an early snapping jab at the start of the second and Healy responded with his own jab-cross combination. Healy landed an inside leg kick before attempting a lazy takedown. Fodor defended well but Healy pressed him against the fence to transition to a single leg takedown. Healy was really working to get the fight to the ground and eventually pulled the legs out from under Fodor. Fodor was able to regain his feet but Healy dragged the fight right back down. Healy didn't do much much with the position as Fodor attempted to grab a leg lock. Healy defended and transitioned to mount to close out the round.

Caros Fodor knowing he was down on the score cards attacked early in the round. Patrick Healy ducked down and hit a single leg takedown. Healy immediately transitioned to full mount and attempted to posture up but Fodor controlled the wrists. Fodor regained half guard but almost got caught in an arm triangle. Fodor defended and then grabbed a leg for an ankle lock. Healy sunk in another arm triangle and forced the tap. Impressive win for Pat Healy.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Ryan Couture defeated Conor Heun by TKO. The stoppage came at 2:52 in the third round.

Ryan Couture attacked early in the first with leg kicks to try and establish his range. As Ryan closed the distance Heun changed levels but couldn't get the fight to the ground. Ryan Couture clinched up and worked knees against the fence to soften up the legs of Heun. Couture worked a jab-cross combination and followed up with a kick to the body. Heun used the opening to take Ryan Couture to the ground. Ryan Couture threw his legs up for a triangle and Heun picked him up and slammed him to the mat. Ryan transitioned to an omoplata on the way back down and used it to scramble back to his feet. The round ended with Ryan throwing a punch combination.

Heun opened up the second round with a single leg but couldn't get Couture to the ground. Couture found a home for his jab early in the round landing it multiple times. Heun changed levels and took Ryan down but was unable to take advantage of the opportunity with Ryan throwing up submissions. Ryan used an armbar to stand and took Heun to the mat. Ryan quickly transitioned to back control and looked to finish the fight with a palm to palm rear naked choke. Couture finished the round attacking.

The third began with Couture likely ahead on the judges' score cards. Couture closed the distance well and used a body lock to take the fight to the ground. Couture passed to mount and used positional control to keep Heun on his back. Heun gave up his back as Couture sunk in both hooks and started to throw punches to the head. The referee gave Heun the opportunity to fight back but Couture was just too much. The referee stepped in and stopped the fight.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

In the second fight of the Showtime portion of Strikeforce: Tate vs Rousey, Ronaldo Souza (14-3, 4-1 Strikeforce) meets Bristol Marunde (12-6, 0-0 Strikeforce). Originally Souza was scheduled to face Derek Brunson, but Brunson was unable to pass his pre-fight medicals. Brunson requires corrective (contact) lenses in order to fight. Stepping up on short notice is IFL veteran and Reign Promotions owner, Bristol Marunde.

Jacare has long been considered on of the top middleweights in the world outside of the UFC. A world-class grappler, Souza has made the proper adjustments recently to add explosive striking to his overall game. The former Strikeforce middleweight champion defended his belt once in a submission victory over Robbie Lawler before dropping the strap to Luke Rockhold at Strikeforce: Barnett vs Kharitonov. As one of the top grapplers in the world, Jacare possesses the type of skills to create problems for any of his opponents whenever the fight hits the mat.

If there is one knock against Jacare it's that in MMA he often looks to maintain position instead of looking to finish. Against Robbie Lawler it was incredibly frustrating watching Jacare struggle to put Lawler away on the ground. As one of the top grapplers in the world, there is an expectation (unfair or not) that once the fight is on the mat, there will be submission finishes. It may be a case that Jacare has fallen in love with his striking and isn't training as a grappler as often as he was before, but it's something to note whenever Jacare fights.

His opponent Bristol Marunde is relatively unknown to event the most hardcore of fans. An IFL veteran, Marunde didn't set the MMA world on fire, going 1-3 in the promotion. Since his return to the regional scene, Marunde has recorded a 9-1 record with his latest win over Jay Silva at SCC 3 in November. Marunde may be best known for his exploits outside of the cage when he used his MMA training to apprehend a wanted rapist who was hiding in his neighbor's house.

Bristol is a fairly well rounded fighter training out of the Throwdown Training Center in Las Vegas. He doesn't really do anything great but he does everything well enough to remain competitive. If he has a clear advantage it may be in wrestling but taking the fight to the ground would be a huge mistake.

If we're being honest with ourselves, Jacare is the clear favorite in the fight. There's a different between fighting Jay Silva and fighting Jacare Souza and we'll see that tonight. Expect Jacare to outwork Marunde on the feet before getting the fight to the ground and setting up a submission finish. While Marunde will have a puncher's chance, the odds say that Jacare wins this fight without much trouble. Jacare should win the fight by submission sometime in the second round after putting on a grappling clinic.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

The UFC's incredibly busy first quarter schedule came to a close at UFC on FX 2 live from Australia. The card saw the Flyweight Tournament begin as well as the continued fall of Thiago Alves. The night was not without controversy as the scores were tabulated incorrectly and Demetrious Johnson was announced the winner when in reality the opening Flyweight fight should have resulted in a majority draw. Fans were robbed of the sudden victory round though they will also be treated to Johnson/McCall II which should prove to be a fantastic fight. However, without delaying this any further, let's take a look at the biggest winners and losers on the night.

WINNERS

Martin Kampmann: If Thiago Alves doesn't shoot the double leg, I'm putting Kampmann in the losers bracket. He probably should be there now as outside the first three minutes of the first round, he looked awful in the fight. Now he picks up a much needed win and likely moves up the divisional rankings.

Joseph Benavidez: The biggest winner on the night. He's the tournament favorite for a reason and the knockout over Urushitani was ridiculous. It's obvious that flyweight is the division for him and I expect him to reign at the top for years to come.

TJ Waldburger: He should have won Submission of the Night following that ridiculously slick armbar he pulled off on Jake Hecht. The fact that he's just 23 years old means that we have years of seeing him improve and become a top fighter at Welterweight.

Andrew Craig: Sure Kyle Noke blew out his knee in the first round of the fight but that shouldn't take away from the fact that Andrew Craig upset a tough UFC veteran. I expect big things from him in the future and the fact he showed no jitters last night is a hat tip to his poise in the cage.

Daniel Pineda: 17 wins. 17 finishes. Last night's finish was a fantastic triangle-armbar over a tough Mackens Semerzier. Another young fighter, the UFC's featherweight division may have a future star if pushed correctly.

Sydney Fans: Outside of Philippou/McGee, this was one of the better cards in recent memory. It's obvious the UFC's model of only going to Australia once a year has paid off as the fans are rabid for the fights. The noise level for Noke/Craig rivaled that of the Brazilian crows whenever the UFC hit Rio.

Losers and Other Thoughts after the jump...

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

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Martin Kampmann defeats Thiago Alves by submission (guillotine choke). The stoppage came at 4:12 in the third round.

The two welterweights traded punches early in the first round. Alves landed several leg kicks before Kampmann clinches up and punches and knees. Kampmann eventually took Alves down momentarily but Alves popped right back up. Kampmann threw a high kick that landed clean to the jaw and stunned Alves. Unfortunately, Kampmann was unable to take advantage of Alves being hurt and Thiago recovered. Kampmann attempted another takedown from a body lock but Alves reversed position and took Kampmann to the mat. Alves transitioned from half guard to side control and finally to mount before throwing short punches to the head. Kampmann attempted to buck Alves off but Thiago stayed heavy. The round ended with Kampmann regaining his feet.

Thiago Alves opened the second round with uppercuts inside. Kampmann came forward with punches but left himself open for a jab-cross combination. Kampmann left himself open to Alves' punches as he gave up on counter-striking. Martin Kampmann attempted to shoot a double but Thiago defended well and responded with punches. Thiago landed his leg kicks and followed up with a huge right hand. Kampmann's nose was busted up by Thiago's boxing. Kampmann with a flurry and closed with a knee. The round ended with Thiago Alves as the aggressor.

Martin Kampmann was tentative as the final round opened up allowing Alves to land a leg kick and combination. Alves tried to shoot a takedown but Kampmann defended well with heavy hips. Kampmann pressured in the clinch with knees but opened himself up for punches. Alves with a cutting leg kick and another as the fight entered the third minute of the round. Kampmann pushed forward but left himself open for Alves to land a straight right. With a minute left in the fight, Thiago Alves landed a huge right hand and followed up with a takedown attempt. Alves left his neck open and Martin Kampmann sunk in a guillotine choke. Alves was forced to tap.

Martin Kampmann entered the fight 9-4 in the UFC. He is now 9-5 in the promotion and 19-5 overall. Thiago Alves entered the fight 11-5 in the UFC. His MMA record is now 19-9 and 11-6 in the promotion.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

UFC on FX 2 is host to the first Flyweight tournament. In the first fight Demetrious Johnson won a fairly controversial split decision over Ian McCall. The judges scored the fight 29-28 x2 for Johnson and 29-28 for McCall. After the fight there was some discussion on twitter if the third round should have been a 10-8 for McCall after he dominated Johnson on the ground for the final three minutes.

The UFC's official statistics company Fight Metric compiled the striking and takedowns from the three round fight and it reflects what many on twitter already felt. According to Fight Metric, Ian McCall completed 4 of 9 takedown attempts and out struck Johnson 139-103. Johnson had the advantage in significant strikes, outlanding McCall 75 to 61.

Demetrious Johnson advanced to the Flyweight finals with the win over McCall. Ian McCall left the cage after feeling he was cheated out of a decision.

Update: Just after this went up, it was announced that the scores were announced incorrectly. Johnson won by majority, not split, decision. One judge saw the fight even at 29-29 and the other two saw it 29-28 for Johnson.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Joseph Benavidez defeats Yasuhiro Urushitani by TKO. The stoppage came at :11 in the second round.

Joseph Benavidez started round one slow trying to find his range against Urushitani. He was unable to complete his first takedown attempt but followup chaining attempts together and finally hit the single leg to drag Urushitani to the ground. He transitioned on the ground from guard to side control and finally to mount. Urushitani gave up his back and Benavidez worked to finish the fight with a rear naked choke. Urushitani was able to survive the round but it was clearly Joe's round.

Joseph Benavidez opened the second round with a massive counter right hook that dropped Urushitani. Joseph followed him to the mat and threw punches until the referee stopped the fight. The stoppage could have come a bit sooner as Urushitani was covering up and taking unnecessary damage.

Joseph Benavidez was considered the favorite of the UFC's Flyweight tournament after success in the Bantamweight division. He is 3-0 in the UFC and 16-2 overall. Yasuhiro Urushitani entered the fight 19-4-6 in his career and is now 0-1 in the UFC.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Demetrious Johnson defeats Ian McCall by Split Decision. The scores were 29-28, 28-29, 29-28.

Leg kicks early from Demetrious Johnson landed early. McCall clinched and completed the takedown with an inside trip. McCall worked from a high half guard and attempted a to pass to mount. On the transition Demetrious hit a switch and took McCall down. The fighters regained their feet and traded punches and knees in the clinch. McCall hit a beautiful throw and landed several punches before Demetrious stood up. Demetrious shot for a low takedown and landed a right hand on the break. McCall stuffed a Johnson takedown and landed hammer fists before Johnson abandoned the takedown.

Demetrious Johnson opened the second round with another single leg takedown attempt. Ian McCall landed several punches forcing Demetrious to give up on the shot. Leg kicks from Ian McCall are answered by Demetrious Johnson who threw an overhand right. McCall threw a high inside leg kick that landed to the groin forcing a stop in the action. The two fighters traded punches and the damage began to show underneath the right eye of Demetrious Johnson. McCall attempted a knee tap and they trade knees in the clinch against the fence. More dirty boxing in the clinch as Demetrious landed a big elbow on the break. McCall hit an inside trip towards the end of the round.

The two fighters traded leg kicks as the third round began. McCall thought he was high low with a knee from the clinch but the referee didn't stop the fight. Jumping knee from Demetrious Johnson allowed McCall to complete a takedown and land in side control. McCall landed decent ground and pound but Johnson was able to scramble to his feet. McCall take's Johnson's back and suplexes him to the ground. McCall sunk both hooks in and landed brutal ground and pound from the top. Demetrious regained his feet but was almost thrown again. Demetrious with a desperation shot that was stuffed by McCall. McCall closed the round throwing punches from Demetrious Johnson's back and yelling to the crowd. What an amazing fight. After the results were read Ian McCall walked right out of the cage as the crowd showered the cage with boos.

Demetrious Johnson cut down from Bantamweight to take part in the Flyweight tournament. He is now 3-1 in the UFC and 15-2 in his career. Ian McCall was widely considered to be the top Flyweight in the world entering this fight. He is now 0-1 in the UFC and 11-3 in his career.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Constantinos Philippou defeats Court McGee by Unanimous Decision. The three scorecards were 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28.

Court McGee landed an overhand right hand to open the fight as Costa Philippou circled away. Philippou responded with his own combination that had Court McGee shoot for a low takedown. McGee's body kick was countered by a right hand. Philippou landed an uppercut that found McGee's chin. Big left hook from Philippou stunned McGee. A right hand backed McGee up. Philippou did well with establishing his range in the first round that kept McGee on the defensive. The round ended with a left hook from Court that stunned Costa.

A left hook from Philippou backed McGee up at the start of the second round. Costa landed a clubbing right hand and followed it up with a stiff jab. McGee continued to stalk but was a step to slow. McGee clinched up but was unable to complete an outside leg trip. Philippou attacked with crisp boxing. McGee attempted another takedown but was stopped by a Philippou uppercut. Three punch combination landed for Philippou off of McGee's single leg attempt. Philippou landed a clean uppercut as McGee dropped for a takedown. The round ended with Philippou landing punches.

Court McGee aggressive at the opening of the third. McGee desperate for the takedown and he's gotten battered with uppercuts because of poor technique. An accidental shot to the groin caused a break in the action. Replays showed that it was was from a kick. Court McGee successful on the high crotch single lift but couldn't keep Philippou on the ground. Philippou completed a knee tap but didn't follow court to the ground. A flying knee from Court landed as did the switch kick to the head. A strong outside leg kick from Court was countered by a massive right hand. Court continued to look for the single leg and was denied on every attempt. Court threw kicks towards the end of the round and the two threw punches from the clinch as the horn sounded.

Court McGee entered the fight 3-0 in the UFC and 12-1 in his career. He is the Ultimate Fighter season 11 winner. This was his first defeat in the octagon. Constantinos Philippou came in 2-1 in the UFC and 9-2 (1) in MMA. He is now on a three fight winning streak in the promotion.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

James Te Huna defeats Aaron Rosa by TKO. The stoppage came at 2:08 in the first round.

James Te Huna attacked first with a tentative outside leg kick. Te Huna closed the distance and landed several punches in the clinch to the head an body of Aaron Rosa. The fighters clinched against the fence and Te Huna stood Rosa straight up with an uppercut. Rosa was in early trouble as Te Huna blitzed with uppercuts. An uppercut dropped Rosa and several punches on the ground was all it took for the referee to step in and stop the fight. Impressive win for Te Huna who opened up a cut over the eye of Aaron Rosa.

James Te Huna entered the fight 13-5 in his MMA career and 2-1 in the UFC. He is now riding a two fight winning streak in the promotion. Aaron Rosa entered the fight 1-1 in the UFC. He is now 1-2 in the promotion and 17-5 in his career.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Anthony Perosh defeats Nick Penner by TKO (referee stoppage). The stoppage came at 4:59 in the first round.

Nick Penner landed a huge right hand but was countered by Anthony Perosh. Penner's left eye was damaged early from one of Perosh's strikes. Perosh took the fight to the ground but was swept by Penner. Penner ended up in mount and and landed several punches before Perosh was able to regain his feet. Perosh shot for a takedown against the fence and was able to get the fight to the ground. Perosh landed some short elbows from half guard as he passed to mount. Perosh heavy from the top landing punches to the face while Nick Penner covered up. Perosh sunk in a head-arm choke and and Penner defended well. With one second left in the round the referee waved off the fight.

The replays show that the referee gave Nick Penner opportunities to fight back and waved off the bout right before the horn.

Anthony Perosh entered the fight with two submission victories in the UFC. He is now 3-1 in the UFC and 13-6 overall. Nick Penner was making his UFC debut. He is now 0-1 in the promotion and 11-2 overall.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Steven Siler defeats Cole Miller by Unanimous Decision. The three judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28.

Steven Siler doubled up the leg kicks to open up the fight. Cole clinched up and threw knees to the thighs before looking for a clinch takedown. Siler found a home for those leg kicks early and landed punches inside. Cole had problems finding his target with his punches midway through the first round while Siler used good head movement to avoid Cole's punches. Cole landed a big right hand but Siler responded with a five punch combination. Siler handed two short punches that rocked Cole Miller. The round ended with Steven Siler working a mounted guillotine.

Body shot from Steve Siler to open the second round. Cole Miller with the Thai clinch knees but Siler broke and landed punches to the body and head. Cole with body lock and takedown attempt but Siler gets right back to his feet and landed knees on the way up. Siler landed three consecutive jabs Cole Miller stood flat footed against the fence. Cole Miller with a three punch combination but Siler responded with his own strikes. Cole finally found his range with ninety seconds left. Siler with a body shot and then a 1-2 combination that landed cleanly to the face of Cole Miller. With the round coming to a close Steve Siler looked to be the fresher fighter.

Steven Siler attacked the body in the third round. Siler landed a huge right hand that stumbled Cole Miller. Left hand from Cole Miller stood Siler straight up. Siler has abandoned leg kicks and has settled on his boxing. Siler countered Miller. Miller responded with a front kick. Cole clinched up and Steven Siler landed punches on the break. Nice jab from Cole Miller and then a body lock clinch. Knees to the legs from Miller. Siler gave up his back and Cole Miller dragged the fight to the ground. Miller passed to mount and looked for a submission before landing punches to finish the fight.

Steven Siler previously defeated Cole's brother Micah to become a contestant on the fourteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. This was his first fight in the promotion following the TUF Finale. He is 2-0 in the UFC and 20-9 overall. Cole Miller made his long awaited drop to featherweight. He is 7-4 in the UFC and 18-6 overall.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Andrew Craig defeated Kyle Noke by Unanimous Decision. The judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28.

Kyle Noke with an inside leg kick to open the fight. Noke then pushed forward and completed a takedown against the cage. He took Andrew Craig's back and looked to finish with a rear naked choke. Craig defended well and was able to regain his feet. Noke took Craig back down to the ground and looked for another rear naked choke. Craig again defended and regained his guard. Craig threw his legs up for a triangle but was unable to tighten the submission. Noke landed several elbows before Craig regained his feet. Craig landed two knees from the clinch. Big front kick landed for Noke. Noke attempted a flying knee and was countered with a hook. Craig found his range a the end of the round as Noke landed two kicks to the body.

Outside leg kick from Andrew Craig to open the second round. The two fighters traded punches at range. Craig did well cutting the cage of to land several punches. Kyle Noke shot for a high single leg and Andrew Craig landed elbows and fists to the temple. Kyle Noke was forced to drop to his back to prevent any more damage. Andrew Craig landed punches from the guard and postured up when Noke threw his legs up for a triangle. One of the elbows opened up a cut on the forehead of Kyle Noke. Andrew Craig stod up and allowed Kyle Noke to regain his feet. Switch kick from Noke landed but he slipped coming forward and the round ended with Andrew Craig landing from the top.

Noke came out tentative in the third round. He threw a front kick and Craig countered with a right hand. Noke came forward with a body punch and Craig made him pay with a two punch combination. Noke dove for a low single and Craig punished him with punches to the head. Noke was able to complete a body lock takedown but couldn't take advantage with the position. Craig wall walked off the cage and landed two punches on the release. Huge power double from Andrew Craig and with a minute left he's just battering Noke from the top. Noke threw his legs up for an armbar but Craig defends well. Noke gave up his back and Andrew Craig throwing punches from the top. The round ended with Andrew Craig attacking from top control.

Andrew Craig made his UFC debut and is now 1-0 in the organization and 7-0 in his career. He gave a shout out to Texas' Independence Day in his post-fight interview.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

TJ Waldburger defeated Jake Hecht by submission to armbar. The stoppage came at :55 in the first round.

Leg kick and left hook from TJ Waldburger. Jake Hecht threw a teep and Waldburger came forward for a takedown. Hecht attempted a japanese wizzer but Walburger threw his legs over and secured an armbar. Hecht tried rolling out but Walburger set up the submission perfectly and forced the tap out. Super impressive submission win for TJ Waldburger. Jake Hecht's arm looked jacked from the submission but he didn't show any ill effects post fight.

T.J. Waldburger made a name for himself on the Texas regional scene as one of the top welterweights in the state. He is now 3-1 in the UFC and 15-6 in his MMA career. Jake Hecht entered the UFC as a 10-2 prospect and won in his UFC debut. He is now 10-3 in his MMA career and 1-1 in the UFC.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

Daniel Pineda defeats Mackens Semerzier by submission (armbar). The stoppage came at 2:05 in the first round.

Mackens threw a leg kick early and Pineda clinched against the fence. Pineda landed knees and punches from the clinch before Mackens turned him into the fence. Pineda pushed off and the two traded punches and knees. Pineda landed a punch combination and Mackens responded with a leg kick that landed low. A left hook dropped Semerzier and Pineda just swarmed to mount. Pineda locked his legs and rolled to his back with the triangle choke. He grabbed the arm and forced Mackens Semerzier to tap.

Daniel Pineda made his UFC debut at UFC on FX 1 with a rear naked choke victory over Pat Schilling. He is now 17-7 in MMA and 2-0 in the UFC. He took the fight on short notice. Mackens was a WEC fighter who made the transition to the UFC. This is his first loss in the promotion. He is now 1-1 (1) in the UFC and 6-4 (1) overall in MMA.

SBN coverage of UFC on FX 2

In the opening fight of the Strikeforce: Tate vs Rousey Showtime broadcast, Scott Smith (17-9, 3-4 Strikeforce) takes on Lumumba Sayers (5-2, 1-1 Strikeforce) in a middleweight bout. Taking place in Columbus, Ohio on March 3rd, Strikeforce will share the weekend with the Arnold Classic. The card goes live on the premium cable network at 10 p.m ET/ 10 p.m. PT (sorry West Coast) with five great fights. This card marks Scott Smith's return to the middleweight division after an unsuccessful stint at Welterweight.

Scott Smith's MMA career has been defined by highlight reel knockouts and come from behind finishes when the cards were stacked against him. A UFC veteran who got a second chance to fight at the top level thanks to the fourth season of The Ultimate Fighter, Smith's knockout over Pete Sell forever cemented his spot in the discussion of gutsiest performances. After being released by the UFC following a 1-2 run in the promotion, Scott Coker and Rich Chou picked Smith up to round out their Middleweight division.

Smith continued to amaze fans with his ability to seemingly come back from the most desperate situations with stunning wins over Benji Radach and Cung Le. Unfortunately the damage had accumulated and his drop to welterweight was unsuccessful, being knocked out by Paul Daley and brutalized by Tarec Saffiedine to a unanimous decision loss. Smith still possesses knockout power in his hands but his ability to take a shot to give one has faded to the point that he was essentially a walking heavy bag in his last outing.

Smith's opponent, Lumumba Sayers is still very young in his MMA career. A mover by trade, Sayers has only been fighting professionally for four years. Not much is known about Sayers as he has only competed twice on the national stage. His submission grappling ability is the strongest aspect of his game as four of his five wins have come by choke. Unfortunately, he's not a strong defensive grappler and has been submitted twice as well. The last time fans saw him, he took on Antwain Britt at Strikeforce: Challengers 20 in Las Vegas. Sayers has never displayed any significant punching power but was able to knock Britt out within :28 seconds in the first round.

This fight should provide excitement to open up the broadcast. Scott Smith has rarely been in a boring fight and was a decently successful middleweight. Lumumba Sayers doesn't possess the punching power to knock Smith out but could pose a significant threat should the fight end up on the ground. I expect for us to see vintage Scott Smith with a stunning highlight reel win.

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey

Brent Brookhouse: Tate's game just plays into what Rousey wants to do a bit too much here. Rousey's striking isn't very developed, but Tate's game isn't to stand up and beat her up on the feet. Rousey will get her hands on her and will put the fight on the fight and finish things off quickly. Ronda Rousey by submission, round 1.

Anton Tabuena: I won't be surprised if Miesha Tate can win this since she will obviously have better striking than Ronda, but I just can't pick her knowing that her strong suit, wrestling, hasn't really been that dominant. I don't think she can keep things standing against a fighter like Rousey, as the Olympian has taken down far superior wrestlers and Judokas than Tate... and once it goes to the mat, it's definitely going to be, Ronda Rousey by Armbar.

Fraser Coffeen: I don't buy the idea that Rousey is invincible. She's incredible on the ground, and at the takedown from the clinch, but her ability to secure that clinch could still use some work. Against a precision striker, she'll struggle to grab the clinch, and she'll pay. But Miesha Tate? Not that precision striker. Ronda Rousey by armbar, round 1

Ben Thapa: I don't think a precision striker would beat Ronda. She needs to get straight up kneed in the gut as punishment for the upright judo-ish stance she loves so much. That's where Cyborg could come in (if she can make 135 by hook or crook). Miesha is going to drive forwards into Ronda for takedowns as the rush and adrenaline kicks in. Ronda knows exactly how to toss people doing that and then armbar them lickity-split. I'd love to see Miesha work some Dan Hardy-like armbar defense and work her way out while retaining top position. Hoping I get to see that here before Ronda adjusts and gets that arm even faster. Rousey, sub, Round 2.

Tim Burke: Sarah Kaufman has a chance to beat Ronda. Miesha Tate? No way. This fight is so easy to call that some MMA pundits and I weren't debating the winner, or even the finish. We were debating what minute of the first round the sub happens. Most took the first. I took the second. Ronda Rousey by armbar.

T.P. Grant: Man everyone is picking Rousey. I thought at least someone would pick Tate. Don't look at me, there is just something I like about Rousey. Tate is the better striker, but I don't think she has the accuracy or power to put Rousey down as she comes into the clinch. On the mat, I think Tate is very able, but if Rousey is on top she has a massive advantage. I think at some point the former Judo Olympian grabs onto an arm. Ronda by Armbar.

Dallas Winston: Mr. Grant, I am that someone. I was initially thinking Rousey, like everyone else seems to be, but Miesha is consistently under-rated and has really earned my respect. She's far from a one-dimensional wrestler and has good submission knowledge and defense, she defeated a reputable Judoka in Hitomi Akano -- which was her second fight of the evening -- and she's far more experienced. Miesha Tate by decision.

David Castillo: Rousey is simply one of those fighters who will get by on one dimension at the highest levels because that dimension is simply that good. Her transitions are phenomenal, and I honestly think Tate is gonna get clowned. Tate's game is too blue collar for Ronda, resume be damned. Ronda Rousey by armbar.

Staff Picking Tate: Dallas
Staff Picking Rousey: Fraser, Thapa, Tim, Grant, Anton, KJ, David, Roth, Brookhouse

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

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On March 3rd, Strikeforce will hold its second event of 2012 during the weekend of the Arnold Classic. Headlining the card is a title fight between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey for the Strikeforce women's bantamweight title. The card was originally scheduled to host the finals of the Heavyweight Grand Prix but Daniel Cormier's hand injury prevented the fight from coming together. The event will also be the second on a renewed deal with Showtime that sees the premium cable network airing every fight across its stable of channels. The night of fights begins with the prelims airing on Showtime Extreme.

Sarah Kaufman vs Alexis Davis

In the final fight of the Showtime Extreme portion of the card, Sarah Kaufman (14-1, 5-1 Strikeforce) takes on fellow Canadian Alexis Davis (11-4, 2-0 Strikeforce). Sarah Kaufman is the former bantamweight champion who feels overlooked with the arrival of Ronda Rousey. A talented grappler, Kaufman's sole defeat is to Marloes Coenen by armbar at Strikeforce: San Jose. She was last seen against Liz Carmouche at Strikeforce: Voelker vs Bowling III this past summer. A grinder by nature, the biggest knock against her is that she doesn't look to finish fights or put opponents in dangerous situations.

Alexis Davis made her Strikeforce debut with a unanimous decisions over Julie Kedzie at Strikeforce: Fedor vs Henderson. She followed up her successful debut with a TKO win over highly touted Amanda Nunes at Strikeforce: Barnett vs Kharitonov. Davis holds a black belt in Japanese Jiu Jitsu and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and used her ground skills to keep pressure on her opponents while on the ground. Alexis is a former flyweight and is one of the smaller bantamweights in the division. The one big criticism against her is that she's never been victorious when faced with a tough opponent.

This is actually a rematch of a fight that took place in 2007. It was Alexis' debut against a then 3-0 Sarah Kaufman. Sarah Kaufman finished Alexis Davis in the third round. Since the fight both fighters have made improvements but the more obvious is Alexis Davis who has grown into a well rounded fighter. As far as match ups go this is as even as we've seen booked in WMMA. A slight advantage on the ground would go to Davis but the wrestling and punching power are in Kaufman's favor. Expect Sarah Kaufman to use top positional control to cruise to a Unanimous Decision victory.

More after the jump...

SBN coverage of Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey

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