The UFC brought it’s Fight Night series to the world famous Foxwoods Resort & Casino in Ledyard, CT last night, and overall it was an electric environment for both the fans and the fighters.
MAIN CARD:
Michael Chiesa (11-1) v. Joe Lauzon (23-10)
In the first bout of the main card, Michael Chiesa brought his hot streak to the building to face hometown favorite Joe Lauzon (who hails from Bridgewater, MA). The first round was almost even, with both fighters switching between standing & trading blows, and trying to submit each other. Lauzon was the better striker throughout the 1st as well as leading into the second round. Lazon caught Chiesa with a high knee, which opened up a huge cut above his right eye; forcing referee Herb Dean to stop the fight. Chiesa was infuriated at the ref’s decision, however it was definitely for the best–it’s hard to protect yourself with a constant stream of blood running down your face.
Decision: Joe Lauzon def. Michael Chiesa via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) R2 2:14
Derrick Lewis (11-2, 1NC) v. Matt Mitrione (7-3)
If the fight was won by looking the part, Derrick Lewis might be undefeated, and he definitely wouldn’t have any reason to feel he’d struggle last night. However, unfortunately for Lewis, fighting in the UFC is much more than being an intimidating presence. Ex-NFL player Matt Mitrione was poised, calm, and collected as he focused on his looming foe, and surprisingly made short work of “The Black Beast”. Mitrione caught Lewis with a short right hook that briefly separated Lewis from his consciousness just long enough for referee Mario Yamasaki to render Mitrione the victor. Lewis’ camp complained that their fighter was still able to continue, but when they go back and watch the tape they will see the ref did him a favor stopping the fight.
Decision: Matt Mitrione def. Derrick Lewis via KO (Punches) R1 0:41
Ben Rothwell (33-9) v. Alistair Overeem (37-13, 1NC)
Ben Rothwell was considered by many to be overmatched against Alistair Overeem, who himself is coming off of a momentum building win at UFC 169 vs Frank Mir. However, when the lights came on, Rothwell stuck true to his traditional self belief values and stood toe to toe with Overeem. He withstood plenty of heavy shots from Overeem, eventually stunning him with a flurry of punches, forcing referee Keith Peterson to intervene and call the fight.
Decision: Ben Rothwell def. Alistair Overeem via TKO (Punches) R1 2:19
MAIN EVENT
Gegard Mousasi (35-4-2) v. Jacare Souza (20-3, 1NC)
In the main event of the night, Gegard Mousasi was looking to dethrone Jacare Souza as one of the most technically sound fighters the sport has ever seen. In the early parts of the fight, Mousasi found himself trading punches with Souza and being effective. He landed a couple of shots that had Souza retreating for protection…which appeared to all be according to plan. When the fight went down to the mat, Souza proved to be the teacher leading the student. Mousasi was as good on the mat as one can be expected to be, however Souza was just that much better. Souza escaped every submission attempt by Mousasi and avoided taking any game-changing shots to critical areas. Souza remained patient until finding his opening, a guillotine Mousasi was unable to free himself from. With 40 seconds to go in the 3rd round Mousasi was forced to tap out, ending the fight and sending Souza to the W column.
Decision: Ronaldo Souza def. Gegard Mousasi via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R3 4:30
Results of the undercard fights:
-Chas Skelly def. Sean Soriano via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) R3 5:00
-Chris Beal def. Tateki Matsuda via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) R3 5:00
-Rafael Natal def. Chris Camozzi via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) R3 5:00
-Al Iaquinta def. Rodrigo Damm via TKO (Punches and Elbows) R3 2:41
-John Moraga def. Justin Scoggins via Submission (Guillotine Choke) R2 0:47