The UFC was live from the World’s Most Famous Arena Madison Square Garden with 3 title fights on the card in the biggest night of the year.
In a card that was built to be stacked 3 champions set out to defend their belts on Pay Per View. The night got started with of course a weird situation in the New York Athletic commission in just the second fight of the evening. It almost seems like its destiny for that to happen when the FUC travels to New York State. We saw arguably a knockout of the year early, and then just straight fireworks on the main card. Titles were changing hands and the card could not have done a better job living up to the hype it had coming in. The card is by far the card of the year, and it will be tough for anything to top this one. We got 11 fights to cover so let’s jump into it.
The UFC Fight Pass prelims started the night with Aiemann Zahabi (710) and Ricardo Ramos (11-1) at 135lbs. Zahabi came out hot moving forward and was getting inside early on Ramos. Zahabi eventually pushed towards the cage and going for a takedown. In the takedown, it became a huge scramble where at certain points each fighter was on top in control. The fight got back to the feet and things were starting to settle in. Ramos was slipping punches, and actually went for a takedown, that was successful, but very briefly as Zahabi got back to his feet. Zahabi then landed a nice right hand that made Ramos go backward and almost turn away from the pressure. Zahabi got him in the clinch and had him pressed up against the cage trying to control the position. Ramos reversed the position with a judo throw and ended the round in full control of Zahabi’s back landing punches at the horn. Ramos came out landing his jab early in round 2 and looked very comfortable as we progressed. Zahabi was firing back however with a big right hand that almost seemed to stun Ramos. Ramos went for a jumping knee, but it was caught. Ramos ripped a solid uppercut once he was back on his feet. Zahabi’s jab was starting to find a home as the round was going and was opening up the nose of Ramos. Zahabi closed out with one more very hard jab right before the bell. Zahabi came out aggressive in round 2 landing multiple shots over and over on the feet. Ramos fired back with an uppercut, but Zahabi was getting the better in every exchange. Zahabi continued to move forward and had Ramos against the cage. Ramos threw a spinning back elbow that landed and then just seconds later threw another one that absolutely turned the lights off on Zahabi. Ramos is such a dangerous striker. Mixing that with his grappling makes him one of the most dangerous prospects moving forward in the division.
A Heavyweight showdown closed out the UFC Fight Pass prelims as Aleksei “The Boa Constrictor” Oleinik (52-11-1 #9 Ranked Heavyweight) took on Curtis “Razor” Blaydes (8-1 1NC #12 Ranked Heavyweight). Blaydes came right out with a double leg takedown, that was successful, but he immediately backed off and got back to his feet. Once back on the feet they were trading low kicks. They both had clinches and were trading digging body shots. Oleinik threw a spinning back fist that missed and opened up a takedown for Blaydes. Oleinik immediately went for an arm, but Blaydes escaped. They got back to the feet and Blaydes got it right back to the mat. Oleinik threatened with a triangle, but Blaydes escaped and transitioned to side control Oleinik got back to the feet and they were trading haymakers. They both had the back of each other’s heads and were trading uppercuts. Blaydes ripped a big right uppercut that landed and knocked Oleinik to his back. He managed to survive and get back to his feet after continuing to eat a ton of shots. Blaydes continued to dominate as the round ended with big shots that hurt Oleinik and sent him back to his corner in a big haze as the round ended. Round 2 started off with immediately walking right back into the fire. They were trading heavy shots and Blaydes was the one with the advantage. Oleinik continued to eat big shots including a big uppercut. Blaydes was being backed up, and eventually shot in for a takedown and secured it. Oleinik went for an armbar and Blaydes escaped. As he got out of the way Blaydes threw a kick towards the head of the opponent that seemed to graze his head. The fight was stopped and on the replay, it was barely a clip of his head. The doctor stopped the fight, and they used the replay system. For the first time ever. The decision came down and it was then determined that Blaydes was given the win via TKO. This was such a weird ending and yet another black eye on the New York Commission. Blaydes looked very good for what it is worth, and he was winning the fight even it wasn’t stopped at that point.
The FS1 prelims will kick off with Mickey Gall (4-1) and Randy “Rudeboy” Brown (10-2) at 170lbs. Brown started out coming straight out at Brown. Brown was rocking big shots at him early and was finding some good success. Gall was trying to come back at him, and eventually, there was a clinch up against the cage. Brown reversed the position and had Gall pressed up against the cage. Brown was ripping knees to the body. Brown then slammed Gall to the mat. Brown ripped two big hammer fists, but Gall worked to guard from his side control. Gall went for a kimura, but Brown escaped and got back to his feet. Brown came back down with big shots, and Gall was trying his best to control Browns limbs. Brown was keeping Gall up against the cage and was unloading elbows on Gall and opened him up bad with a flurry. Brown came right out in round 2 and rushed forward. Gall immediately went for a takedown, and it was stuffed. Brown ended up on top, but quickly Gall got the position reversed and Gall was on top. Brown went for an ommoplata, but Gall escaped and appeared to eat an illegal up kick but the fight went on. Gall was transitioning well and was on top in side control. Gall was all over Brown on the mat looking to get in position. Gall worked for a mounted crucifix and had it briefly and landed heavy elbows. Gall then went for a choke, but Brown escaped. Gall worked his way to mount, and Brown almost slipped out fully until Gall repositioned. Gall rode out the round just controlling Brown for the remainder of the time. Round 3 started with Brown moving forward again and hitting an uppercut that made Gall change levels and then Brown piled on him from top position. Gall recovered and was trying to control Browns striking on the mat. Gall was covered in blood and trying to battle his way off his back. Brown was not doing a ton of damage, but he was staying on top of him Gall was continuously warned for different things by the referee. Brown got stuck in an arm in guillotine, but he was able to survive and get his way out. With 10 seconds left they got back to their feet, but there was just nothing of note, and the fight ended with a thud. The judges’ scored this one. 29-28, 29-28, and 29-27 all fro Randy Brown. This was a great showing for Brown who showed he could also grapple when needed. He put the stifle on Gall’s hype and continued to make a name for himself.
Ovince Saint Preux (22-10 #6 Ranked Light Heavyweight) stepped in on late notice to take on Corey “Overtime” Anderson (10-4 #7 Ranked Light Heavyweight). Saint Preux came out slow and plodding, but landing stiff leg kicks to the body. He continued to move forward and ripped a straight left hand that snapped Anderson’s head back. That then led to Anderson coming across the cage with a double leg takedown that was secured. OSP battled back to his feet and was now pressed up against the cage by Anderson. OSP finally got out of his grasp and they were back in the center of the cage. Anderson came back in for another takedown, but it was stuffed. Anderson backed off and hit a spinning elbow followed by two punches and went right back for the takedown. OSP was trying to land punches and landed a well-timed knee to Anderson as he was coming in. OSP unloaded at the end of the round clipping Anderson multiple time including dropping him on his but right before time expired. OSP came right out with a huge head kick that sent Anderson’s mouthpiece flying OSP was starting to rush in and the ref stopped the fight to get his mouthpiece. Anderson was then going for the clinch game and takedowns, but OSP was just not allowing the fight to go to the ground. Anderson finally secured a takedown with half the round left to go. Anderson was relentless on his back unloading pretty good hammer fists. OSP battled back to his feet and got his hands separated. Anderson dragged him right back down to the ground and was continuing to pepper OSP with shots. It was back to the clinch game on the feet, and Anderson ripped a strong knee to the body before the round ended. OSP landed a nice jab to lead off in round 3. OSP stuffed a takedown attempt from Anderson and they were trading shots in the center of the cage. They continued to circle and trade and then out of nowhere OSP ripped a left high kick that knocked Anderson out cold in a shocking knockout. This was a huge win for OSP in a short notice spot. He is poised for another shot at a top 5 fight and could find himself one win away from another title fight.
Another Heavyweight matchup was next with Walt “The Big Ticket” Harris (10-6) will take on Mark “The Hand of” Godbeer (13-3). Harris came out early and threw a front kick then 1-2 combination and a high kick that all came up short. Harris was throwing with bad intentions and Harris landed a straight shot from there. Harris went for a takedown and was on top of Godbeer from there. Godbeer was doing a good job controlling the arms of Harris and limiting the damage he could do from the top position. Harris continued to try and find openings to land shots on the ground, but Godbeer was staying as elusive as possible. Finally with 1 minute left Godbeer got back to his feet, and ate a big knee to the body. They were exchanging and Harris landed a low blow to Godbeer and as the referee was yelling time and coming in to separate Harris uncorked a head kick that landed square in the face of Godbeer and knocked him silly. So this fight was called, and the win was given to Mark Godbeer via Disqualification. Not much you can say about this one it was yet another weird end to a fight in the Heavyweight division tonight
Rising 155lb fighters James “The Texecutioner” Vick (12-1) and “Irish” Joe Duffy (16-3) closed out the FS1 portion of the card. Duffy came right out trying to cut off the cage and looking to pressure Vick. Vick landed the first shot of the fight with a hard body kick that was partially caught and sent Vick to his butt briefly. They were trading leg kicks and moving around the Octagon. Vick came forward with a big right hand followed by an uppercut. Duffy responded with a right hand over the top that landed strong. Vick threw a front kick that was caught and Duffy tripped him onto his back. Vick battled right back to his feet and they were back to basically kickboxing. Duffy pressed forward and had Vick pressed up against the cage briefly. Vick battled off the cage and ripped a knee to the body. Duffy went for a secured a takedown, but Vick immediately threatened a guillotine which forced Duffy to readjust and get back up to the feet. Vick moved forward landing a nice combination and a spinning body kick. They clinched up against the cage as the very close round came to a close. Round 2 started with Duffy continuing to move forward, but Vick throwing his jab. Duffy landed a stiff body kick that was partially blocked. Duffy snuck in a high kick that partially landed and made Vick shake his head as if to say it didn’t hurt him. Duffy threw a wild ax kick that missed, and then Vick started moving forward and catching Duffy. Vick was starting to land more consistently as the round was wearing on, and staying out of Duffy’s range. Vick landed a short right uppercut and sent Duffy crumpling to the mat. Vick pounded him out at the absolute horn and he had finished Joe Duffy. Vick is a scary fighter now moving to 8-1 in the UFC. He has done nothing but improve, and this win will get him in the top 15 and have a ranked opponent across the cage from him his next time out.
Paulo Costa lands a big right hard on Johny Hendrick
The Pay Per View kicked off with Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks (18-8) and Paulo “Borrachinha” Costa (11-0) in a Middleweight clash. Borrachinha came right out and landed a hard low kick. He followed it up with a strong kick to the body; Borrachinha snuck in a right hand. Costa was really working well on the outside and keeping his strikes crisp and unpredictable. Hendricks tried to jump in with a right hand, but he was unsuccessful. Borrachinha was just walking him back into the cage. Hendricks went for a takedown, but it was stuffed and he ate a big knee to the body. Costa threw a spinning wheel kick that missed, but Hendricks couldn’t capitalize and had to eat a digging hook to the body for his efforts. Costa landed a nice knee to the body and Hendricks tried for a takedown, but again was unsuccessful. Hendricks landed a good combination and Costa asked him to keep coming at him. Hendricks was picking up steam, however, Borrachinha was coming right back and closed the round with a flurry and a body kick that could be heard from outside of the arena as the round ended. Round 2 got started and Costa was coming forward and there was an eye poke from Costa. Hendricks wanted to waste no time and get the fight started. Costa was starting to pick apart Hendricks landing big punches and head kicks with regularity. Hendricks was staying involved, however, firing big shots back at him, but just didn’t have enough. Costa landed a big right hook again and Hendricks dropped, but Costa followed up on him with big shots until Big John had to step in and save the former champion. The heart of Hendricks cannot be questioned for how he fought back. Paulo Costa is one of the most intriguing prospects at 185lbs. He remains undefeated and now has 3 straight UFC wins. As the talent gets better we will see exactly how good he can be, but so far he has been spectacular.
A pivotal 170lb matchup was up next as former title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (14-1-1 #2 Ranked Welterweight) took on Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal (32-13 #4 Ranked Welterweight). Thompson came right out in his typical karate style and was trying to cut off the cage for Masvidal. Thompson threw a high kick that was blocked. Masvidal was trying to throw kicks to his lead leg, but the sidekicks from Thompson were keeping him at bay. Thompson was picking his spots and hit a nice 1-2 combination with his hands. Masvidal ripped a nice body kick. Thompson responded back with a hard and fast right hand that connected on Thompson’s chin. Thompson hit a front leg side kick that put Masvidal on his butt. Masvidal stood right up and landed two quick hard low leg kicks. Thompson was moving to his right and ripped a hard left hand that made contact with Masvidal’s chin. Starting off round 2 Thompson continued to move forward early throwing body kicks. Masvidal went for a takedown, but Thompson stuffed the takedown and had to eat several shots from Masvidal before he could escape back to the center of the cage. Thompson sidestepped a landed a big right hand that sent Masvidal to the mat. Thompson made Masvidal stand up and was continuing to time his punches. Thompson was staying away from Masvidal and continuing to sneak in and land combinations and kicks to the body. Masvidal landed another big body kick and a follow-up punch on Thompson. Wonderboy recovered quickly and came right back landing big shots including a big left hand with just under 10 seconds. Thompson avoided another combination from Masvidal just as the round horn sounded. Round 3 started with a nice low kick from Masvidal. Thompson was able to stop a takedown shot from Masvidal. Thompson stepped in with a nice right-left combination and then stayed back on the outside. Thompson went for a spinning wheel kick that Masvidal was able to avoid. They traded body kicks. Thompson hit another combination with his hands. Masvidal reached for a single leg that Thompson was able to avoid. Masvidal was just moving forward covered up as Thompson continued to get out of the way. They both traded leg kicks and Thompson landed a left hand. Wonderboy was still moving all around the Octagon despite all the leg kicks from Masvidal. Thompson caught a body kick from Masvidal and dumped him onto his back as the round and fight came to an end. The judges’ scored this one 30-26, 30-27, and 30-27 all for Stephen Thompson. Wonderboy made a great comeback after 2 very tough fights for the title. This puts his name right back in title contention. The shot won’t be his next after losing twice to current champion Tryon “The Chosen One” Woodley (18-3-1 Welterweight Champion), but he is most likely 1 win away from being undeniable.
The first of three title fights was next as Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-1 Women’s Strawweight Champion) looked to tie the female title defense record held by “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (12-2 #5 Ranked Women’s Bantamweight) as she took on “Thug” Rose Namajunas (8-3 #4 Ranked Women’s Strawweight). Rose came right out and ripped a solid low kick and was trying to stay out of range early. Rose landed a left hand and was moving away from Joanna. Joanna was starting to throw combinations and land them as the round wore on. Rose then rushed forward and threw huge right hand over the top that sent the champ to the mat. Rose jumped on top of her, but Joanna regrouped and got back to her feet quickly. Rose was continuing to move forward and ripped a gigantic left hand that sent the champion back into the cage on her back. Rose hopped on and Joanna tried to roll and survive, but Namajunas was all over the champion. Big John stepped in and stopped the fight as Joanna tapped and we have ourselves a new champion. This was such an impressive win for Rose Namajunas. To knockout, someone who had been so dominant like Joanna is almost unfathomable. Rose already was known for an outstanding ground game, but to have knockout power along with it was just so impressive. At 25 years old Rose has a chance for a very long title reign in this division where she has now beat the best of the best it has to offer. Literally one of the best moments you are going to see in sports.
It was time for the bad blood to be settled as Cody “No Love” Garbrandt (11-1 Bantamweight Champion) looked to settle the beef with former teammate TJ Dillashaw (16-3 #2 Ranked Bantamweight). Dillashaw came out looking to move around and was throwing multiple low kicks that were missing. Cody tried to close the distance and get inside to land shots. Dillashaw threw a looping kick and ate a few left hands coming back before getting out of the way. These two were both being very cautious with engaging and really feeling each other out as the round was going on. Dillashaw threw a body kick and Garbrandt unloaded a nice combination that pushed Dillashaw across the cage. Dillashaw threw a low kick and there was another right hand that was blocked by Dillashaw. Garbrandt was much sharper with his hands landing in tight with left hands. Dillashaw came forward again and Garbrandt ripped shots to the body that landed. Dillashaw connected with a glancing spinning back fist. Garbrandt landed a big right hand on the button and dropped Dillashaw late in the round. He tried to end it and pile on, however, the round came to a close with a bang from the champion. Dillashaw was wobbly walking back to his corner but met Cody right in the middle of the cage as round 2 started. TJ threw a big head kick that Cody ducked. TJ went for a superman punch that missed and he ate counter shots from Garbrandt. Cody shrugged off a takedown shot from Dillashaw and circled away. TJ then uncorked a head kick that sent the champion flying down to his back. Cody jumped right back to his feet and they were trading. Cody responded with a big left hand that found a home. TJ Dillashaw rushed in and came back with a huge right hand that dropped the champion. TJ jumped all over him and was able to get the finish. Dillashaw reclaimed the title he lost by the slimmest of margins. TJ Dillashaw was impressive rebounding from the end of the first round and really put a stamp on regaining his championship. The Bantamweight division is so top heavy and there are tons of contenders who are in line to take a shot at the new champion. TJ came right out after thanked Cody and then proceeded to call out Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson (27-2-1 Flyweight Champion) for dodging him and trying to set up a super fight, which would now be champion vs. champion.
The Middleweight title was set to close out the show as Michael “The Count” Bisping (31-7 Middleweight Champion) tried to defend his belt against the returning of sure-fire Hall of Famer and arguably the best Welterweight in UFC History Georges “Rush” St. Pierre (25-2). These two came right out and stood toe to toe trading jabs back and forth. GSP ripped a big right hand over the top that landed. Bisping was coming back at him with good shots. GSP landed a glancing kick to the head that did not have a ton of power behind it. GSP landed yet another right hand over the top and followed up with a stiff jab. Bisping came right back with a right hand that landed. GSP rushed forward and Bisping snuck in a short left hand. With 1 minute left in the round, GSP finally went for a takedown and secured the double leg. Bisping did not stay down long, and was back on his feet within 25 seconds taking no damage. GSP continued to rush forward landing a superman punch and pushing Bisping back towards the cage as the round ended. GSP came out ripping jabs again early in the round. Bisping came lunging forward with a kick to the body that connected. GSP landed a nice left hand, but Bisping caught a kick and returned fire. Bisping again came with a big right hand as GSP landed a low kick and it stung GSP. GSP followed a jab with a double leg takedown that landed very easily. Bisping got up very quickly. When they got separated Bisping landed another big right hand. Bisping threw a jumping head kick that GSP was forced to block. Bisping had a cup malfunction in between rounds, which had to be resolved quickly by his corner. GSP almost immediately came out with a takedown and got it. Bisping landed a good elbow from the bottom. Bisping landed another elbow that opened up a cut on GSP’s face. GSP was covered in blood as he led the champion get back to his feet. Over the next 30 seconds, they each landed big right hands. Then almost of nowhere, GSP landed a huge right hand that dropped the champion. GSP dove on top and absolutely unloaded big elbows. Bisping like a zombie was trying to survive and control the shots. Bisping rolled and gave up his back. And GSP locked in a rear naked choke that was tight immediately. Bisping refused to tap, but it was just a matter of time as Bisping went unconscious. Georges St. Pierre is now only the 4th person to ever hold a title in multiple divisions in the UFC. Who knows where the UFC goes from here but they now have one of the biggest stars the company has ever had back and wearing gold around his waist.
UFC 217 had a ton of hype and even a bit of criticism leading up to it. This card delivered and then some. The main card was filled with just thrilling fights and unbelievable finishes. Three new champions has never happened on a card until tonight. The emergence of Rose Namajunas, the recapturing of the title for TJ Dillashaw, and then the cherry on top the return of Georges St. Pierre to UFC glory made this night unforgettable. This event will certainly reignite the buzz surrounding the UFC and it came when they needed it the most. It is almost impossible to see an event surpassing this one in the near future. The guys next Saturday will have a lot to live up to on FS1 in Norfolk headlined by Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (21-5 1NC #8 Ranked Lightweight) and former champion Anthony “Showtime” Pettis (20-6) returning to his original weight class.
