PRELIMS:
FEATHERWEIGHT: (BnB) “Little Evil” Jens Pulver versus (WaP) “The Anvil” Manvel Gamburyan
Result: Manvel Gamuryan via Unanimous Decision.
LIGHTWEIGHT: (WaP) Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson versus Danny Castillo
Result: Danny Costillo via TKO 1:51 into Round 1.
HEAVYWEIGHT: (BnB) Kimbo Slice versus Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva
Result: Antonio Silva via TKO 1:44 into Round 1.
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: (WaP) “The Dean of Mean” Keith Jardine versus (BnB) “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” Tito Ortiz
Result: Tito Ortiz via TKO 2:05 into Round 2.
UCL 1: Warriors at Play vs. Black N Blue
Goldberg: “And welcome to UCL 1! The Ultimate Combat League makes its debut tonight live on PPV.”
Rogan: “You’ve heard all the hype and all the gossip, but now it is time to experience the dream first hand. The world’s best fighters right here, organised into teams, split into six weight classes, and made to compete against each other.”
Goldberg: “For those who don’t know, here how it is done ...”
8 Teams
6 Weight Classes
Each Team has 1 Fighter for each Weight Class, plus 2 Alternates
Every Two Weeks, Two Teams Go Against Each Other.
Fighters Score Points for Themselves and Their Team.
Rogan: “And don’t think this is just a case of a win gets you points and a loss doesn’t, UCL has devised the points system to encourage exciting fights ...”
A fighter gets ...
5 points for finishing the fight with a knockout, submission or TKO.
4 points for winning with a unanimous, majority, or split decision.
3 points if the match ends in a doctor stoppage or disqualification.
2 points for both fighters if the fight ends in a draw.
2 points if the fighter loses a split decision.
1 point for losing a unanimous or majority decision.
0 points for losing due to TKO, knockout or submission.
0 points for both fighters if the fight is a no contest.
And for DQ, the fighter will be deducted a point.
Goldberg: “But now, let’s talk about tonight, Warriors At Play versus Black N Blue.”
Rogan: “Warriors At Play reads like a who’s-who of Mixed Martial Arts with Georges St. Pierre and Quenton Jackson not being far from Hall of Fame territory, and then you have LC Davis and Shinya Aoki who are legends in their own divisions also, though they were never a part of UFC. They also brag some excellent up-and-coming fighters in Chael Sonnen and Shane Carwin who are looking to breakout in UCL.
“Meanwhile, the aptly-named Black N Blue has gone for a mix of controversy and strength. Everyone of their first team has the ability to stop a fight no problem, with Gray Maynard going 7 fights undefeated thanks to his submission power, the young Brit, Paul Daley, having some definite stopping power in his hands, Wanderlei Silva is known all across MMA for his ferociousness, and Miguel Torres being one of the most well-known Featherweight fighters around. Then you have Lyoto Machida and Brock Lesnar, who need absolutely no introduction here. If you want a good image of this team, look at their alternates. Lesnar’s are Kimbo Slice and Bobby Lashley. One of Machida’s is Tito Ortiz. And even Gray Maynard’s alternate is the man who beat him in the semi-finals of The Ultimate Fighter, Nate Diaz.”
Goldberg: “Now, enough talking, it is time to kick off the show with what could be a masterpiece on the ground, when the DREAM legend, Shinya Aoki, takes on UFC prospect, Gray Maynard...”
LIGHTWEIGHT: (WaP) “Tobikan Judan” Shinya Aoki versus (BnB) “The Bully” Gray Maynard
Round 1: Maynard looks to be trying to wrestle from the get-go, grappling Aoki and pushing him against the cage. After a 30-second struggle, Maynard tries for the trip but Aoki blocks it, however this allows Maynard to get behind him. Aoki continues to resist Maynard’s takedown attempts as we go into the second half of the round. Maynard wrestles him back to the cage once again and throws an elbow, but Aoki reverses it and now Maynard is against the cage. Aoki tries to take Maynard down as the round comes to a close.
ANALYSIS: It was a close one. Aoki did very well to resist Maynard and came back towards the end, but The Bully controlled most of that round.
Round 2: A three punch combo from Aoki forces Maynard to get his hands up, then Aoki succeeds in the takedown! Maynard pulls guard and doesn’t let Aoki pass, but Aoki does equally well from avoiding Maynard’s underhooks. After a struggle into the second half of the round, Maynard tries to scramble into a better position, only for Aoki to secure side control! Aoki is quick to lock in the Americana and Maynard has to tap out!
RESULT: Winner, by Submission 3:19 into the Second Round, SHINYA AOKI!
(Aoki secures 5 points for himself and Warriors At Play!)
In the post-match interview, Shinya Aoki says that he respects everyone in the UCL, but he believes he is the best Lightweight fighter in the world and is going to prove that by submitting everyone he faces.
MIDDLEWEIGHT: (WaP) Chael Sonnen versus (BnB) “The Axe Murderer” Wanderlei Silva
Round 1: Sonnen looks to begin wrestling and Silva already looks uncomfortable as he is backed into the cage. Sonnen uses some dirty boxing to deliver some minor damage to the Axe Murderer. Sonnen continues to pin Silva against the cage, with Wanderlei doing little to resist. Sonnen decides to take it to the ground, but almost gets caught in a guillotine. Sonnen throws some superficial strikes, trying to keep Wanderlei from noticing his attempts to pass guard. With just a minute to go, Sonnen ends up in side control where he throws a few more strikes and a harsh knee to the hip before attempting to mount. The time runs out just as he gains the mount.
ANALYSIS: That round was all Chael Sonnen. Utter domination.
Round 2: Silva keeps his distance this time, avoiding Sonnen’s grapple attempts, but eventually counter-grapples, only to wind up right back onto the cage. Silva is working hard this time, using some dirty boxing to keep Sonnen from taking him down again. Almost the entire round is kept against the cage, Sonnen is doing nothing but holding Wanderlei there. The crowd doesn’t like this. The referee separates them with less than a minute to go. Sonnen goes straight for the grapple and we are right back to the cage. He attempts a knee, but Wanderlei counters and turns Sonnen into the cage! But he can do nothing more as time runs out.
ANALYSIS: Despite Wanderlei trying a lot harder there and Sonnen trying less, Chael still wins that round. All isn’t lost though, Wanderlei can finish this.
Round 3: Silva with a flurry of punches that are avoided by Sonnen, who connects with a counter jab. Sonnen tries to grapple, but Wanderlei shoves him off and makes space; he is beginning to look really tired though. A struggle ensues, and Sonnen winds up with his back against the cage, but he soon reverses it, despite taking a couple elbows. Sonnen is now getting tired, but all is doing right now is smothering Silva against the cage. The referee separates them once again, much to the delight of the crowd, but Sonnen wants to go right back into the same position. Time runs out as Silva avoids Sonnen’s grappling.
ANALYSIS: Sonnen must have won that round as well, meaning he has probably won the fight. It couldn’t have been over soon enough, the crowd were not liking the second and third rounds.
RESULT: Winner, by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26), CHAEL SONNEN!
(Sonnen scores 4 points for himself and Warriors At Play!)
(Silva scores 1 point for himself an Black N Blue!)
In the post-match, Sonnen apologies for not creating a very exciting match, but he couldn’t afford to make mistakes when in the Octagon against Wanderlei Silva.
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FEATHERWEIGHT: (WaP) LC Davis versus (BnB) Miguel Torres
Round 1: Torres is quick to take Davis down but doesn’t quite manage to get past Davis’ guard. Davis tries to sweep, but is forced back into position where he is hit with some punches from Torres, but Davis holds guard. The two seem to be in stalemate, with Davis never managing to sweep Torres, and Torres never managing to pass Davis’ guard. With a minute to go the ref stands them up. Torres fires a series of punches, but Davis backs away from them as the round comes to a close.
ANALYSIS: Torres definitely began stronger and looked more active, so I’d give him the round based off that. Both of them need to work harder though.
Round 2: Torres puts on the pressure by firing a few jabs, but Davis bobs and weaves. Torres goes for the takedown, but Davis blocks, so Torres pushes him against the cage where he eventually manages to trip Davis. From there we get a repeat of the first round with Torres struggling for a better position but never being able to break through Davis’ guard. The final seconds of the round tick away with nothing much being done on either side.
ANALYSIS: Much the same once again, so Torres takes that round. If he continued to stand he might have been able to separate himself from Davis.
Round 3: They exchange strikes, but neither connects. Davis avoids all of Torres’ strikes and then scores a sly one of his own. Torres’ reaction is to go right back to his wrestling strategy. Davis backs off to avoid getting involved with the grapple. They throw more punches, stepping in close to do so, and end up in the clinch where Torres takes Davis down. Torres fires punches, but none of them look like they are hurting Davis. Torres tries one last time to pass guard but he cannot beat the clock.
ANALYSIS: A much better round there, but neither had effective striking. Torres will probably take this one because he was the one on top.
RESULT: Winner, by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), MIGUEL TORRES!
(Torres scores 4 points for himself and Black N Blue!)
(Davis scores 1 point for himself and Warriors At Play!)
In the post-match, Torres and Davis embrace and say that most of the audience aren’t used to Featherweight fighting, but over the course of UCL they’ll see some of the most exciting fighters they’ll see in their life.
WELTERWEIGHT: (WaP) Georges “Rush” St. Pierre versus (BnB) Paul “Semtex” Daley
Round 1: A swift jab from Daley to begin the fight. Georges gets in close for the takedown, Daley pulls guard immediately. Georges tries for side control and Daley defends, preventing Georges somewhat, but he still ends up in half-guard. Daley holds on and attempts to sweep, but Georges blocks. Georges keeps trying to pull his leg out of half-guard to advance his position, but the young Daley does well in stopping him. Georges punches, but they do little damage to Daley, who’s only focus seems to be to survive on his back against the dangerous Georges St. Pierre. Pierre proves just too skilled and manages to get to full mount. One minute ago, can Daley hold on? Georges locks in an armbar and Daley taps.
RESULT: Winner, by Submission 4:26 into the First Round, GEORGES ST. PIERRE!
(Georges scores 5 points for himself and Warriors At Play!)
In the post-match, Georges says in this stage of his career his goal is to prove his is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He promises to get five points from all of his fights.
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HEAVYWEIGHT: (WaP) Shane Carwin versus (BnB) Brock Lesnar
Round 1: Lesnar throws a couple of jabs at the beginning of the round, connecting with both of them. Carwin responds with some quick punches of his own. Lesnar continues to swing, scoring with one crisp jab. Both guys keep throwing, but very few shots seem to make any form of damage. Lesnar launches a few stinging shots, triggering Carwin’s takedown attempt that puts Lesnar on his back. Carwin lands some strong ground and pound, forcing Lesnar to cover up as the round comes to a finish.
ANALYSIS: These guys aren’t holding back. Carwin took that round thanks to his strong finish.
Round 2: Lesnar plays tactics, using a hit and run style, always stepping back to assess the situation. Carwin allows Lesnar to circle, which eats into the clock and makes the crowd restless. Carwin eventually steps forward and hits a flurry of punches and Lesnar swiftly responds with a punch of his own. Lesnar lands more punches, which clearly scares Carwin and makes him rush in for the takedown. Lesnar pulls guard and stops Carwin from advancing his position. Carwin hits some elbows, but never a clean shot, as the final seconds tick away.
ANALYSIS: Could go either way, but the takedown definitely scored Carwin points. You’d think Lesnar would be first to go for the takedown?
Round 3: More punches thrown in a repeat of round two, but when Carwin takes Lesnar down this time he immediately throws a punch that rocks Lesnar. Lesnar is in trouble. Carwin goes for the mount but Lesnar keeps his head and resists it. He shoves Carwin off, buying himself some time, but Shane gets right back onto him. He looks for side control and only manages half-guard. Lesnar struggles and eventually throws Carwin off of him. They stand once more and unload on each other and the round ends.
ANALYSIS: Neither man could stop the other, both fought hard.
RESULT: Winner, by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), SHANE CARWIN!
(Carwin scores 4 points for himself and Warriors at Play!)
(Lesnar scores 1 point for himself and Black N Blue!)
In the post-fight, Lesnar gets angry and leaves to Octagon without shaking hands with Carwin. Carwin says he pulled out a surprise victory tonight, but the best is yet to be seen.
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LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: (WaP) Quinton “Rampage” Jackson versus (BnB) Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida
Round 1: The Dragon circles Rampage as they scout each other. Lyoto throws a body kick, but Jackson sees it coming and hits a flurry of counter punches. Lyoto side steps to avoid being hit with the bombs Rampage is throwing, and fends him off with some successful body kicks. Both launch strikes at each other until they end up in a clinch. They push away and circle each other once again. Rampage goes for a big punch, but Machida avoids it and hits a quick combination of punches. Hard leg kick from Machida followed by a barrage of punches, he is doing well to avoid Jackson’s offense. Machida continues to block and dodge, waiting for Rampage to finish before nailing a crisp strike of his own. Another combination of punches and another leg kick, the effects of which can be seen in Rampage’s stance. Machida ends strong with a body kick and a punch to the cheek.
ANALYSIS: Wow. Both guys aren’t holding back, but it is Rampage who is taking all the punishment here.
Round 2: Jackson starts well by avoiding Machida’s punches and hitting a few of his own. The Dragon soon returns the favour though, hitting a harsh jab following by a brutal string of punches, eventually knocking Rampage down. Rampage recovers quickly and goes into a defensive position, waiting for Machida to make a move; which he does, jumping right on top of Jackson. Jackson scrambles to avoid being on the bottom, but fails to get on top, resulting in both men standing once again. Rampage gets his wits about him and circles Lyoto, who is in waiting for the moment. Rampage explodes with a superman punch, but takes a kick in the ribs for his trouble. Jackson circles once more, running out the clock, but is forced to act on Lyoto’s advance and throws a kick of his own, but Lyoto counters with an uppercut and dazes Rampage. The toll goes to end the round.
ANALYSIS: A narrow escape by Rampage, he was rocked. Lyoto Machida is out classing him right now.
Round 3: You can tell Rampage is hurt as his strike seem to lack all effectiveness. Lyoto advances on him to force the issue and after a quick succession of strikes from both sides it is Machida who sneaks in the stinging blows. Machida methodically steps back and waits for the circle Rampage to make his move. Rampage comes forward and takes a kick in the shin, causing him to limp and fall victim to another flurry of punches. Lyoto goes for the money shot, catching Rampage square in the jaw! Rampage is out cold!
RESULT: Winner, by Knockout 4:51 into the Third Round, LYOTO MACHIDA!
(Machida scores 5 points for himself and Black N Blue!)
In the post-match, Rampage embraces Lyoto Machida and says The Dragon is the best fighter in the world. Machida says Rampage is always a test, but after tonight he is confident he can win the Light Heavyweight league.
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HONOURS
Fight of the Night: Rampage/Dragon
Knockout of the Night: Lyoto Machida
Submission of the Night: Shinya Aoki
