UFC 222 failed to live up to it’s potential.
The UFC returned to Pay Per View Saturday night with a card headlined by the Women’s Featherweight Title matchup and Champion Cris Cyborg (20-1 1NC Women’s Featherweight Champion). The UFC was live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Nevada for UFC 222. They brought with it the Women’s Featherweight title matchup main event featuring Cris Cyborg and UFC newcomer Yana Kunitskaya (10-4 1NC). In the co-main event we had a #1 contender showdown as Frankie “The Answer” Edgar (21-6-1 #2 Ranked Featherweight) took on Brian “T-City” Ortega (14-0 1NC #3 Ranked Featherweight). This was not exactly the most entertaining night of fights. We had a lot of razor-thin decisions, that wasn’t very fun to watch. We did, however, see some serious emergences of potential stars as we got into the main card. With 12 fights to recap let’s jump into it.
We started off at Light Heavyweight on UFC Fight Pass as Jordan Johnson (9-0) took on Adam “The Prototype” Milstead (8-2). Johnson came out and ripped a hard leg kick. Milstead returned fire with a nice right hand that got Johnson’s attention. Milstead was searching for the overhand right to finish his combinations. Johnson was trying to work leg kicks in, and was being very patient with his strikes. Johnson threw another low kick, and Milstead landed two hard right hands that connected. Johnson looked for a takedown, but Milstead stopped it. Johnson kept moving forward, and went for and grabbed a hold of Milstead looking for a takedown. Johnson started holding Milstead against the cage and Johnson was front kicking the calf of Milstead. Off the cage Milstead landed a hard elbow that backed Johnson off. In the next exchange Johnson landed a hard uppercut that backed Milstead up against the cage. Johnson ended the round with knees to the body against the cage. Johnson was trying to land a little more early, and again was rushing in to try and clinch with Milstead against the fence. Johnson just continued to pepper shots to the head and body against the cage. Milstead ripped 3 hard right hands off the cage, but Johnson was content with having Milstead pressed up against the cage and working the body. The referee then stopped and separated them for some reason despite Johnson constantly working. Milstead landed a hard right hand that Johnson had to eat, but Johnson scooped around his back and landed a takedown. Johnson could only keep him down for maybe 30 seconds before Milstead got back to his feet. Johnson kept him pressed up against the fence and was landing shots to the head and body. The referee stopped the action again and separated them. Johnson landed a nice straight left and a low kick prior to the end of the round. We started round 3 with a big exchange, but nothing landing. Milstead landed a hard overhand right, but Johnson moved forward for a takedown. Milstead got away, and was back to the center of the cage landing a nice straight left. Milstead landed another big overhand right, but Johnson stayed up. These guys were in the center of the Octagon. Johnson landed a nice straight left hand. Milstead had a nice amount of blood pouring down his face, and Johnson went for a takedown and finally secured it. Milstead did get back to his feet, but Johnson was keeping him pressed up against the cage. Milstead got loose and landed a nice knee to the body, but opened himself up for a trip attempt. Milstead broke his way away and ripped a few big punches as the round and fight came to an end. The judges scored this one 29-28, 27-30, and 29-28 for the split decision winner Jordan Johnson. The whacky 30-27 scorecard for Milstead is a tough look, but overall Johnson did enough to win this fight. Johnson now is still undefeated in the UFC, and he will have an opportunity to get a Top 15 opponent next.
Dropping down to Bantamweight we got Bryan “Kid Lightning” Caraway (21-9 #7 ranked Bantamweight) and Cody “Spartan” Stamann (17-1).Stamann was trying to avoid the takedown from Caraway early. Stamann was doing a good job and pounding shots at Caraway’s head as he stayed on his feet. Stamann shook him off and just missed with a hard right hand. These two were grappling back and forth, with Caraway applying the pressure. Stamann was responding with big shots however. Caraway then backed off, and came rushing forward to secure a takedown. Stamann was trying to get out, but Caraway was on top of him. Caraway transition to an inverted no arm triangle position. Caraway tried for a late kimura, but ran out of time after being in a really dominant position late in the round. We started out in round 2 with Caraway trying to work the jab, and Stamann coming back with leg kicks. Caraway was looking to change levels, but couldn’t get in. Caraway again tried to change levels, but Stamann landed a hard uppercut. The same exchange happened again, and it was a straight right from Stamann this time that connected. Caraway just continued to try and work for takedowns, but Stamann was able to stay on his feet. The counterpunches from Stamann were starting to add up in every exchange. Caraway went for another takedown, but Stamann stayed on his feet on back to back shots. Caraway had him pressed up against the cage as the round came to an end. We kicked off the third round with a shout out to Adelaide Byrd the controversial boxing judge being the judge for this matchup. Stamann ripped a hard counter right hand that backed Caraway off. Then Caraway came back with a hard right hand of his own. Caraway changed levels and latched on for a single leg takedown. Again however Stamann was able to stay on his feet and rip a knee to the body as they separated. Caraway went for another takedown, but Stamann stayed away. Caraway came forward and Stamann ripped a hard right hand. Caraway landed a nice left hand. Stamann was countering really well and forcing Caraway back. Yet Stamann stopped another takedown. Caraway came rushing forward with a right hand and uppercut. Caraway pressed forward again, and ended up pressing Stamann against the cage. Stamann went for a late takedown that Caraway turned into a guillotine as the round and fight came to an end. The judges were set to score this close fight and they came back as 29-28 Caraway, 29-28 Stamann, and 29-28 for the winner by split decision Cody Stamann. This was a hard-fought victory for Stamann who came back after a tough first round. The third round could have gone either way, but a win like this will propel him into the Top 15 at 135lbs.
Longtime UFC veteran Mike “Quicksand” Pyle (27-14-1) was next to take on Zak “The Barbarian” Ottow (16-5).Ottow immediately came out looking to engage early, but Pyle avoided the big shots early. Ottow landed a nice left hand and then a left kick to the body. Ottow continued to throw kicks and peppered in a nice leg kick. Then Ottow landed a hard straight right hand that dropped Pyle to the matt. Ottow dove on him to look to try and finish. Pyle was doing a good job staying out of trouble, but turned over and covered up and Ottow just pounded on him. Herb Dean had seen enough, and that was a wrap for Zak Ottow. That was the final fight for Mike Pyle according to him, and it’s a tough way to go out, but the former WEC Champion certainly had a great career. Ottow got a good victory coming off a tough loss, and he will be back again soon.
We jumped out to FS1 for the prelims as Ultimate Fighter Season 7 Runner-Up CB “The Doberman” Dollaway (18-9) took on Hector “Showeather” Lombard (34-9-1 1NC).These two came out a bit tentative and really feeling each other out. Dollaway threw a head kick that was blocked. Dollaway landed a hard kick to the body, and then a low leg kick comes back from Lombard. Lombard landed another hard low leg kick. Dollaway was circling around the outside trying to find an opening. Lombard landed two hard right-hand hands as Dollaway backed away. Dollaway snuck in a hard straight left hand then scampered away. Dollaway dipped in for a hard right hand to the body. Dollaway tried to throw a body kick but ate two big shots. Then as the horn sounded Dollaway landed a hard kick to the body and Lombard responded with a left-right that was after the bell and knocked Dollaway to the mat. They went to the instant replay as Dollaway was still trying to recover in the interim. The fight ended with a DQ of Hector Lombard. The win is a win for Dollaway, but that was not a way you want to win.
The rescheduled bout form a few weeks ago was next as Bantamweight as John “The Magician” Dodson (21-9 #8 Ranked Bantamweight) met Pedro “The Young Punisher” Munhoz (15-3 1 NC #10 Ranked Bantamweight).Dodson came out with a short left hand, and Munhoz missed with a low kick. Dodson landed a hard right hand to the body. Dodson skillfully avoided a body kick and fired off shots. Dodson continued to move forward and land again. Dodson was really doing a good job moving around and firing good shots including a hard knee to the body. Dodson caught another body kick and dumped Munhoz to the mat. Dodson ran forward again with a few left hands. Munhoz landed a hard leg kick, but Dodson landed two hard shots including a right hand that finished the combination. Munhoz threw a front kick that landed to the body. Dodson landed a few short punches just prior to the round coming to an end. We started round 2 with a nice exchange. Dodson continued to get the better of all the exchanges. Dodson’s defense was also really on point avoiding all the kicks from Munhoz that were coming for his body. Munhoz did land a hard right hand as Dodson circled around. Dodson again caught a body kick and landed a right hand in return. Munhoz landed another hard right hand on Dodson. The short combinations and slide away of Dodson was really making Munhoz off balance. Munhoz finally threw a head kick, but it was mostly blocked by Dodson. Munhoz then hit Dodson in the groin as Dodson went for a superman kick and we had a short break just prior to the round coming to an end. The third round started with a hard right hand from Munhoz that back Dodson up. As he started to swarm he again hit Dodson in the groin. After a short break Munhoz again started moving forward. Dodson landed a hard combination and moved away. Dodson blocked another head kick and then dipped in with a combination that finished with a hard left. Dodson peppered more left hands to Munhoz. Dodson did it again with even more left hands. Munhoz continued to chase Dodson around the cage, but Dodson was adding in shots in every exchange. Munhoz was starting to really turn up the heat-throwing knees at Dodson. Then the change of levels from Munhoz scored him a takedown very late in the round and fight. Munhoz was keeping him down, but didn’t start doing any damage until some knees. Dodson escaped and the two let it all hang out with power shots prior to the bell. The judges had to score another close fight and came back with scores of 29-28 Munhoz, 30-27 Dodson, and 29-28 for the split decision winner John Dodson. Dodson did enough to outpoint Munhoz without landing the power shots. Dodson is still always a top contender in the division, and he will get another Top 10 guy next.
Two Lightweights did battle next as Beneil Dariush (14-4-1 #12 Ranked Lightweight) took on short notice UFC newcomer Alexander “The Great” Hernandez (9-1).Hernandez came out firing with kicks to the body. Dariush responded with a body kick. Hernandez smashed two more right hands to the chin of Dariush. He was able to respond with another body kick. Then out of nowhere, Hernandez came firing in with a huge left hand that floored Dariush. Hernandez just dove right on Dariush and was pounding him until the referee pulled him off. This was a debut that honestly could not have gone any better for Alexander Hernandez. On 10 days notice against a guy who has been in the UFC for a long time most certainly this man took advantage of the opportunity. He sure has serious power, and it will be interesting to see if he ends up in Top 15 after a knockout like this.
The much anticipated UFC debut of Mackenzie Dern (6-0) was next as she took on Ashley “SpiderMonkey” Yoder (5-5). Dern came right out and landed a few leg kicks and then immediately grabbed the fight to the clinch against the cage. Yoder was keeping herself on the feet against the cage, but not doing a lot to try and get out of the position. Yoder was able to separate and land a hard leg kick. Yoder followed up with a body kick and Dern came back with punches over the top. Dern came rushing in again with punches and pressed it back into the clinch. Yoder was again able to push off the cage, and they were exchanging shots. Dern threw a head kick that missed, but popper Yoder with a jab. Yoder landed a nice inside leg kick and left hand just prior to the round coming to an end. We started round 2 with Dern moving forward, but Yoder was landing. Yoder landed a hard low kick, but Dern responded with a hard right hand over the top that connected. Dern immediately dove into the clinch and had Yoder pressed up against the fence. They separated and Dern came forward, but a left hand from Yoder dropped Dern to the mat. Dern recovered quickly and got back to her feet. They were back in the flow of the striking in the center of the Octagon. Dern went for a late double leg takedown, but Yoder stayed on her feet and we ended the round with Yoder pressed up against the fence. We jump into round 3 and Yoder was trying to apply the pressure. Dern however came in and ripped a big right hand over the top against the fence. Dern then ripped a nice elbow on the break, and then it was Yoder pushing Dern against the fence on the other side of the Octagon. Yoder stayed on her feet and got the separation. Dern landed a nice right hand cross in an exchange. Two more hard leg kicks from Dern came next. Dern then changed levels and scored a double leg takedown. Dern then immediately transitioned to Yoder’s back and was searching for a rear naked choke while also hammering her with punches. Dern locked in a rear naked choke, but wasn’t fully under the chin and Yoder was able to escape. Yoder was able to survive, but Dern ended that fight very strong. The judges scored this one 29-28 Yoder, 29-28 Dern, and 29-28 for the winner by split decision Mackenzie Dern. The debut for Dern was solid, she certainly needs work on some of her standup, but we saw her ground game, and it was very impressive even with it being that late in the fight. Dern is most certainly going to have a chance to be a real star at 115lbs with that game.
We kicked off the Pay Per View card at Women’s Bantamweight with Cat “Alpha” Zingano (9-3 #6 Ranked Women’s Bantamweight) and Ketlen “Fenomeno” Vieira (10-0 #5 Ranked Women’s Bantamweight).Zingano was coming out trying land early. Vieira got her own right hand in. Zingano came forward again and we ended up clinched against the cage. Vieira was landing well on the counter punches but overcommitted and it led to a takedown from Zingano. Vieira was able to get immediately back to her feet, and they were back to moving around the cage. Zingano was throwing body kicks, but Vieira was countering really well. ZIngano landed a hard knee to the body in the clinch, and then landed another. Vieira got separation, and again was stalking forward. They each traded knees, and Vieira moved the fight to the mat with her first takedown of the fight. Vieira dominated the fight on the floor for the remainder of the round and peppered ZIngano occasionally with shots. We headed into round 2 as ZIngano came rushing in Vieira grabbed her and used a judo throw to drop ZIngano to the mat. Vieira hopped right on and was in mount. Vieira was searching for an arm triangle, but could not get it fully on, and ZIngano was able to push off Vieira and escape the position. Vieira got to her feet ate an up kick, but dove back in and stayed on top of Zingano. Vieira was just all over her on the mat, with every once in a while Zingano looking for a submission from the bottom. Vieira, however, was just too much on the top for ZIngano. She was not doing a ton damage, but the control was big. Zingano pushed her up and landed a hard body kick from the bottom just prior to the round ending. These two came out firing in round 3 with ZIngano landing two hard right hands. They were really trading, and ZIngano appeared to injure her foot on a checked kick and Vieira was able to score a takedown. Vieira was just all over her again in top control. Zingano was able to sneak out and get back to her feet, and unloading right hands against the cage. Vieira grabbed a hold of her and we had the clinch against the cage. The referee separated the clinch, and with just under a minute they were back in the middle of the Octagon. ZIngano was rushing forward and landed a really hard head kick, and just kept trying to land big right hands. Vieira grabbed on to clinch, and Zingano landed a few hard knees, but that was the end of the fight. The judges scored this one 29-28 Vieira, 29-28 ZIngano, and 29-28 Vieira. There is almost no way this was a split decision. Vieira was able to dominate during multiple parts of this fight. She now set her up for a potential shot at the 135lb title.
Two Heavyweight veterans entered the cage next as Stefan “Skyscraper” Struve (32-10 #10 Ranked Heavyweight) took on former Heavyweight Champion Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski (27-15 1NC #12 Ranked Heavyweight).Arlovski landed a nice leg kick, and Struve returned with one. Arlovski just kept looking for the low kick while Struve landed a nice straight right. Arlovski was trying to break his way inside, but Struve was doing a good job staying away. Arlovski came in with a nice overhand right, and then pressed forward for a clinch and trip takedown. Arlovski was on top, but he chose to back off and force Struve to stand up. Arlovski landed another hard leg kick. Struve was walking Arlovski down and throwing right hands. Arlovski was able to avoid, and then scored another takedown. Arlovski backed up and stood up. Struve stayed on his back, and then Herb Dean forced him to stand. Struve tried for a flying knee, but Arlovski caught him in mid-air and they clinched against the cage. Arlovski landed one last throw to the mat and two hard body punches as the round ended. We headed to round 2 and it started with Struve trying to throw a hard straight right that missed. Arlovski jumped in with a superman punch and then followed up with some more inside punches. Struve threw a head kick that was blocked. Arlovski kept working the inside leg kick. They clinched, and Arlovski had Struve pressed up against the fence. Arlovski scored another takedown and overextended to find himself almost in a leg lock. Struve transitioned to now being on top against the fence. Struve now had Arlovski down and was pounding him, but Arlovski shot up and got back to his feet. Struve tried to slam Arlovski, but a small grab of the top of the Octagon kept him off his feet. Struve tried again to slam, and then tried to grab a choke, but Arlovski slid out and had Struve pressed up against the cage. Arlovski landed a hard knee and then some solid left hands. Herb Dean stepped in and separated them with 45 seconds left. Arlovski came rushing in and was poked in the eye, and the fight was halted for a moment. On the restart there was a lot of dancing, but no real action and the round came to an end. We headed to round 3 as Struve hit a hard leg kick. Arlovski came forward with a combination in return. Struve landed another hard leg kick. Struve connected with a hard right hand. Struve landed a kick to the body, and Arlovski was clearly looking for the overhand right. Arlovski eventually had the clinch against the cage, and Arlovski tried a takedown, but Struve avoided it. Then there was an eye poke from Arlovski that halted the fight briefly. Struve ripped a hard kick to the body, but then Arlovski came forward with a nice combination. Arlovski landed a hard right hand over the top. Struve hit a hard leg kick, and Arlovski grabbed for a clinch and was attempting for a late takedown. Arlovski was able to slam Struve to the mat with 1 minute left. Struve battled back to his feet, and he unloaded with shots, but Arlovski was able to avoid and grab again for the clinch. Struve pushed him off and missed wildly with a kick as the round and fight ended. We headed to the judges scorecards and they scored it 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 for the winner Andrei Arlovski. This was another technical win for the veteran Andrei Arlovski. He still remains a guy that can compete in the Heavyweight Division at his age. He will get another Top 10 fighter next after his 2nd straight win that followed a 5 fight losing streak.
Highly touted prospects “Sugar” Sean O’Malley (10-0) and Andre “The Asian Sensation” Soukhamthath (12-6) met next in the Octagon.O’Malley came out immediately switching stances and they were feeling each other out. O’Malley landed two hard leg kicks, and Soukhamthath was moving very gingerly. Soukhamthath bounced forward with a hard right hand that connected. O’Malley was working push kicks to the body as he kept moving forward. O’Malley threw a spinning wheel kick that missed. Another low outside leg kick buckled the front leg of Soukhamthath. O’Malley threw a spinning back fist that missed, and then a hard kick that smashed Soukhamthath in the face. He tried to clinch, but O’Malley pulled away. O’Malley glanced in with another right hand that landed. O’Malley just continued to move forward and a big right hand from O’Malley hurt Soukhamthath badly. O’Malley was just absolutely pouring it on and connected with a head kick. O’Malley was trying to finish, but Soukhamthath was badly hurt. O’Malley rushed to try and finish, but we ended up heading to round two. Soukhamthath was very wobbly as he headed to the stool. We started round 2 and Soukhamthath came rushing forward and missed with a big right hand. O’Malley was returning fire. O’Malley had a right hand over the top blocked. O’Malley opened up a cut on Soukhamthath’s face, but then a takedown from Soukhamthath happened. O’Malley threw up a triangle from his back, and it was getting closer to being locked in. O’Malley grabbed for an armbar, but Soukhamthath escaped and ended up in side control. O’Malley reversed the position and tried for a choke. O’Malley was back on his feet, and then dropped down into side control on Soukhamthath. O’Malley grabbed a rear naked choke late, but Soukhamthath survived. We hit round 3 and Soukhamthath came forward early. Soukhamthath grabbed for a takedown, and had him clinched up against the fence. O’Malley was able to stay on his feet, and his jab was what was doing all the damage early. O’Malley had a head kick blocked, and came down gingerly on the leg. Soukhamthath landed a hard leg kick and he wobbled. Soukhamthath decided instead to go for the takedown, and control the ground game. O’Malley was hopping on 1 foot back on the feet. One leg kick, and then another takedown attempt from Soukhamthath. O’Malley could not even stand up as the fight ended and he was in major pain. Soukhamthath’s strategy was literally unbelievable with a guy who had an apparent leg injury and instead of forcing him to stand he wrestled him and allowed him to survive. O’Malley won by decision, but the bigger story is the heart of O’Malley, and once he heals up he is going to be very fun to watch.
In the Co-Main event of the evening we had former Lightweight Champion Frankie “The Answer” Edgar (21-6-1 #2 Ranked Featherweight) take on Brian “T-City” Ortega (14-0 1NC #3 Ranked Featherweight).Edgar came right out and ran towards Ortega, but then backed off looking to settle in. Edgar was pressuring Ortega and landed a few nice shots. Ortega landed a jab, but again it was Edgar moving forward. Edgar dipped in and landed a hard overhand right. He added a short let that connected. Edgar cashed in with a few more right hands. In the exchanges, it was Edgar getting more shots in. Ortega landed a few kicks and a hard body kick, but Edgar came right back forward at him. Edgar landed another combination and avoided a head kick. Edgar dipped in and Ortega grabbed for a front headlock, but Edgar slipped out. Edgar attempted to change levels, and Ortega landed a hard left elbow that stumbled Edgar. A head kick came next and Edgar was stumbled. Frankie tried to close the distance, and an uppercut from Ortega floored Edgar. Ortega hopped on and landed two hard hammer fists before the referee saved Frankie Edgar. Brian Ortega has now officially arrived. A first-round stoppage finish over a sure-fire UFC Hall of Famer who was still at the top of his game is undeniable. That type of knockout power mixed with world class Jiu Jitsu is a dangerous prospect for the 145lb division. Edgar again will miss out on his shot to get his hands on that 145lb title, and it is a situation where taking a short notice fight after his championship fight was scrapped due to injury seriously backfired.
The main event was upon us as Cris Cyborg (20-1 1NC Women’s Featherweight Champion) welcomed UFC newcomer Yana Kunitskaya (10-4 1NC) to the Featherweight Division. Cyborg immediately came forward and landed a hard right hand over the top that hurt Kunitskaya. However, Kunitskaya grabbed for a takedown and took Cyborg down. Kunitskaya tried to stay on top, but Cyborg battled to her feet. Kunitskaya held on and tried to take her back, but Cyborg rose back to her feet and made this to the clinch. They were exchanging knees in the clinch, and Kunitskaya tried to change levels for a takedown. Cyborg landed a hard knee and broke away. Cyborg rushed forward and landed some serious hard punches. The overhand right followed by a left hook dropped Kunitskaya. Kunitskaya got up, however, but Cyborg came rushing again. Cyborg knocked her down, and just started pounding on her pressed up against the fence, and Herb Dean had seen enough. This is exactly what was expected of Cyborg, a first-round finish of a fighter she just absolutely could over power. She overcame some brief adversity and got the job done. The UFC needs to really hype her up, and get a legitimate Featherweight to take her on because she is just battering the Bantamweights they keep getting. Obviously, there is talk of the Super Fight between Amanda “Lioness” Nunes (15-4 Women’s Bantamweight Champion) which would be fun, but that is still a very very winnable fight for Cyborg.
This night was not exactly the best night of fights. We certainly had some fun ones, but from an overall fan experience, the card under-delivered. The main card had some solid matchups, with the Sean O’Malley victory on one leg and the vicious knockout from Brian Ortega. Cyborg did her thing, but that was expected, impressive, but expected. The problem with Cyborg is we need legit 145lb contenders, not Bantamweights that move up to fight her. That takes nothing away from her because was very impressive again, it’s more for the UFC to get the most out of this. The UFC takes a two-week break, which has been very rare, and returns on St. Patrick’s Day with a UFC Fight Night featuring a Heavyweight Showdown between Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (23-7-1 #3 Ranked Heavyweight) and Alexander “Drago” Volkov (29-6 #8 Ranked Heavyweight).
