Now that UFC 135 can be logged in the books, many things were determined and decided inside the Pepsi Center of Denver, CO. FightHubTV is bringing you the results from Facebook prelims, SpikeTV undercard and the pay per view main event card below, starting off with the championship bout for the light heavyweight title.
Jon Jones (champion) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
Starting the fight by crawling towards Jackson in “monkey style” Jones was dominant for the entire fight. Landing multiple leg kicks, mixed in with spinning back elbows, hooks, jabs, kicks, etc that the Jackson’s MMA champion has at his disposal. After four rounds, Rampage was taken down early and eventually tapped to a rear naked choke, allowing Jones to successfully defend his title for the first time and setting the stage for the grudge match between himself and former friend – now foe, Rashad Evans. If health is good for both men, this fight should be added to the Dec 30 card alongside Lesnar/ Overeem.
Jon Jones def. Quinton Jackson via submission (rear nacked choke) R4; Jones and Jackson awarded $75,000 each for Fight of the Night award
Matt Hughes vs. Josh Koscheck
Coming out to the cage alongside his old team and training partners, Hughes looked ready to give it one last ride in what is his last contracted fight with the UFC. Koscheck landed the better shots and even though he was unsuccessful in his takedown attempt, he was able to land a knee that set up the TKO victory at 4:59 in round one. As the AKA fighter moves towards the upper echelon of 170lb land, Hughes said he will not retire but put himself “on the shelf” for now
Josh Koscheck def. Matt Hughes via TKO R1; Koscheck awarded $75, 000 Knockout of the Night award
Ben Rothwell vs. Mark Hunt
Two big guys took center cage and went hard until the high altitude set in and Rothwell put it into auto pilot while the PRIDE veteran looked for a near submission near the second round with an armbar. Following into the final round landing shots and avoiding takedowns, Hunt got the decision win, advancing to 7-7 overall (2-1 UFC). Next match – loser of Struve/ Barry in a loser leaves town situation.
Mark Hunt def. Ben Rothwell via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton
Another set of heavyweights come center cage and it was promising on paper to see “Hapa” get another KO victory to add to his list. Instead, we were treated to fifteen minutes of a fight that even Dana White tweeted – “not what I expected”. The win for Browne is good for his career but in the fashion stalemates his status to move into higher ranking opponents right away, maybe facing loser of Kongo/ Mittrione would be wise for a step up.
Travis Browne def. Rob Broughton via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Nate Diaz vs. Takanori Gomi
Returning to his original weight class of 155, this fight was important for Diaz to stay relevant and possibly employed with Zuffa. Meeting in the cage with the Japanese legend his brother (Nick) submitted via omoplata in years past, the pressure was on Mr. 209 to deliver. Peppering the “Fireball Kid” with punches and finding his range, his standup was looking good until it was shown up by his triangle switch to armbar submission win over Gomi in the first round.
Nate Diaz def. Takanori Gomi via submission (armbar) R1; Diaz awarded $75,000 Submission of the Night award
On the undercard portion of UFC 135 on Spike TV, Tony Ferguson showed Aaron Riley’s jaw why everyone should fear someone named “El Cucuy” (the boogeyman). Fighting through the injury in the first round, the fight was eventually stopped and Ferguson continues to show why he is a serious competitor and not some TUF contestant.
Tim Boetsch has made the best career move by dropping to middleweight and echoed the decision tonight, handing TUF 11 fighter, Nick Ring his first professional loss after pressing the action all three rounds including striking, trip takedowns and tosses from Boestch.
The prelims showcased two fights ending early and only one going the distance as Junior Assuncao def. Eddie Yagin via unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-27) Takeya Mizugaki def. Cole Escovedo via TKO (punches) R2 and James Te Huna def. Ricardo Romero via KO 0:47 R1
