Griffin stonewalls Jackson
Griffin upsets 'Rampage' Jackson for UFC light-heavy championship

Octagonside by Anthony Springer Jr & Victor Perea
Photography by Chris Cozzone

Forrest Griffin went from The Ultimate Fighter to UFC Light Heavyweight champion Saturday, outlasting Quentin “Rampage” Jackson to earn a stunning victory by unanimous decision.

The sold-out crowd was on their feet from the outset as both men received thunderous applauses during the ring entrances. With anticipation in the building running high, the five-round championship fight started off with a bang with both men exchanging heavy leather.

The crowd became electrified late in the first round when the former champion floored the original Ultimate Fighter and attempted to finish the fight early, reminiscent of his previous victory over Chuck Liddell.

However, the former police officer remained resilient, recovering quickly and rising to his feet, to the approval of the crowd before the round came to a close.

Round two was all Forrest Griffin—and it, momentarily, looked like the end of Rampage. Griffin secured a takedown seconds into the round and kept Jackson in unfamiliar territory—on his back. It was here that Griffin was at his best in the fight, keeping Rampage frustrated with a ground-and-pound attack and also attempted to pull off what many believe is impossible: a submission. After sinking in a kimura that would have the average light heavyweight fighter say “uncle.” Jackson survived the scare, but Griffin clearly and decisively won the round.

Forrest’s improved striking skills and constant pressure would prove to be the difference maker in the end. Jackson landed the heavier shots, but was unable to secure the knockout, while Griffin continued to push the pace. Though criticized for not being a hard hitter, Griffin remained consistent with his punches and kept Jackson guessing with repeated leg kicks, which seemed to take a toll on Jackson, who had his legs iced between rounds.

The physical onslaught by Griffin relegated the usually exciting Jackson to the role of counterpuncher, with Jackson’s greatest moment coming via a slam after Griffin attempted an arm bar.

In pre-fight interviews, Jackson vowed that the judges would not be needed on July 5, but as the bell that signaled the fifth and final round rang, the fight could have gone either way. As the crowd stood to their feet, Forrest fired out of the corner as though the fight just began, quickly taking the center of the Octagon.

Despite the bone jarring shots Rampage delivered, Forrest was undeterred, finishing strong, while leaving the crowd undecided and split on the eventual winner.

The judges scored the bout 48-46, 48-49, and 48-49 for Griffin, who cracked the stacked light heavyweight division wide open on his way to becoming 16-4.

“I’ve already cried in the Octagon once, so I’m not gonna do that shit again,” Griffin said after being announced the winner.

The always humble fighter was quick to acknowledge his hard hitting opponent as well. “I’m not trying to sound like a tough guy, but every f--- punch he threw hurt.”

Always the joker in victory and defeat, Rampage bowed out gracefully, congratulating Griffin on fighting the better battle.

“He just whooped my ass,” he said jokingly. “Whenever you step in the Octagon, it’s a 50/50 chance you might get your ass whooped.” —Anthony Springer Jr.

Cote ekes out Almedia in snoozer

In an uneventful and uninspiring match with middleweight title implications, Patrick Cote earned a split decision over Ricardo Almeida.

On paper, the bout could have easily been one of the best fights of the evening, but if styles make fights, this one was disastrous from the beginning. With Almeida owning a clear advantage on the ground via jiu-jitsu and Cote being the better man on the feet, both men went through the entire fight avoiding the other man’s strengths.

Almeida was able to work his jiu-jitsu in the opening round, nearly catching Cote with a guillotine in the opening seconds, before pulling guard. The bulk of the first round would be spent on the mat, giving the early edge to Almeida, who appeared to be fighting an overly cautious “Predator.”

The second and third rounds saw Cote get into his groove, as the fight would remain standing. Cote was able to get into his groove, but unable to land a fight defining shot—something he’s been known for throughout his lengthy UFC career. Where punches failed for Cote, he scored some points with leg kicks, staggering Almeida several times in the final round and with a fight that could have gone either way after Almeida secured a late takedown, Cote thwarted a late submission attempt to finish the fight on top.

Cote’s victory guarantees him a title shot against current champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva. —Anthony Springer Jr.

Stevenson survives scare, submits Tibau

In a scheduled three-round lightweight battle, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master Gleison Tibau welcomed Joe “Daddy” Stevenson back to the group of lightweight contenders after his defeat at the hands of UFC Lightweight Champion BJ Penn in January.

Stevenson who moved his camp back to California following a long stint in the fight capital of the world, came out strong, landing a big right hand that sent a stumbling Tibau back peddling in what appeared could be the beginning of the end. Stevenson earned a double leg take down where Tibau scrambled in a beautiful display of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Tibau transitioned during the scramble taking hold of Stevenson’s right arm in a leg hold known as an omoplata. As Tibau twisted away, putting an incredible amount of pressure on the shoulder and elbow joints of Stevenson, Referee Steve Mazzagatti looked on closely, ready to see a tapout from the former title challenger.

The crowd stood still waiting for the tapout that surely had to come as Stevenson would clearly need the jaws of life to escape the submission attempt. Instead, Stevenson stopped the hold from twisting any further and sat there unable to move for three minutes constantly giving the referee thumbs up. Tibau was unable to further tighten the hold and Stevenson was not going to tap yet. The fighters stayed put for nearly three minutes until the round ended.

The second round started with both fighters striking, Stevenson shot and the two clinched along the fence as Stevenson failed to get a takedown. After several moments along the fence Tibau earned a single leg sweep, though Stevenson quickly got off the ground. In a quick pace, once in the middle of the Octagon, Tibau gained the upper hand and earned a double leg take down. After short scramble Tibau gets full mount as it appeared Stevenson was going to be in trouble. Stevenson however worked his way out from under his adversary and Tibau failed to capitalize on a big opportunity—unknowingly it would be his last. Back on their feet, Tibau again shot for a double leg take down. Stevenson, surely expecting it, quickly threw down a guillotine and sunk it deep as he fell to his back. In no time, Stevenson tightened the hold forcing Tibau to tap out at 2:57 of the second round.

Koscheck bloodies Lytle

In what was certainly the bloodiest bout of the evening, Josh Koscheck put on a dominating performance en route to a unanimous decision over Chris Lytle.

From the outset, it was clear that the two men respected each other, with the opening round beginning with a seesaw battle of punches and kicks—though neither man was able to land a major shot. True to form, the college wrestling standout returned to his roots, taking “Lights Out” down at will. On the ground, it was all Kos, all the time, as Lytle looked like a fish out of water, unable to answer a punishing ground and pound attack that left a nasty cut over the brawler’s eye.

Koscheck, previously criticized for a lack of MMA skill outside of wrestling, showed incredible submission defense, battling out of three guillotine chokes and one kimura.

Needing a stoppage to get the victory, Lytle came out swinging in round three, catching Koscheck with several heavy shots, which delighted the sold out Mandalay Bay Events Center crowd. The final ten seconds offered the most post-Independence Day fireworks, with the two men slugging it out in the corner of the cage as time expired.

The judges scored the bout 30-26, 29-27, and 28-30. Despite the performance, Koscheck was booed mercilessly when the decision was announced. —Anthony Springer Jr.

Griffin dominates Aurelio

The opening pay-per-view bout of the evening showcased a renowned wrestler against a jiu-jitsu expert in what was expected to be a ground battle. Thanks to the improved striking and willingness to entertain, Tyson Griffin won the hearts of the crowd as he kicked and punched his way to victory over Marcus “Maximus” Aurelio in a three round lightweight contest.

For nearly a minute, beginning the first round, two of the UFC’s top lightweight contenders shadowboxed as the crowd impatiently showered them with boos. Sporting the ever present “Condom Depot” advertisement on the back of fighters’ shorts, Griffin pushed the action as he had Aurelio on his back with three minutes left in the opening round. Griffin threw strikes downward as Aurelio looked for submissions from his back. A small cut formed over the right eye of Aurelio as Griffin worked from the top. Once back on their feet, Griffin appeared to be winning the stand up battle, landing several hard left uppercuts to the body, then going upstairs before finishing the combination with a leg kick. Griffin’s superior striking was a real testament to the skill it takes to be an elite mixed martial artist. Aurelio closed the distance and clinched as the round came to a close.

Sweeping leg kicks continued to pave the way for the ten-year-younger Griffin as the bruised Aurelio failed to find success in his counters as the second stanza opened. Chants of ‘Tyson-Tyson” filled the arena as the former California based fighter continued to break away. Aurelio clinched as he was clearly losing every exchange. Griffin then used his superior wrestling to earn two loud and powerful takedowns. Down but not out, Aurelio then worked several submission attempts, including a triangle that had the crowd on the edge of their seats fearing the end for Griffin. However Griffin fought hard and escaped all attempts, finishing the round in top control.

Entering the third it was clear Aurelio had no answer for Griffin’s striking as he was yet again tagged with a left hand counter to his beaten face. Aurelio looked for a clinch as Griffin denied him and continued his striking ways. Griffin worked the body in an excellent display of boxing as Aurelio frustratingly failed to take the fight to the ground. With under a minute to go, Aurelio was taken down hard by Griffin but made every attempt to salvage the fight by submission from his back. Griffin twice fought off good arm bar attempts from the tired Aurelio and finished the contest in the Brazilians full guard virtually unmarked.

After 15 minutes of ultimate fighting the three judges scorecard were identical 30-27 for Griffin.

“For this fight I worked with a lot of boxers with fast hands- you’ve got no choice. Get beat up or get better,” said Griffin (12-1) of his improved striking that earned him a unanimous decision. “Marcus is a tough guy and he’s never been finished, so I wanted to take my time and get the W.” With the loss the 34 year old Aurelio (16-6) will have to work hard to earn his way back to the top of a stacked UFC lightweight division. –Victor Perea

Gonzaga makes short work of McCully

Former UFC Heavyweight title challenger Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga entered the final undercard bout of the evening thinking of days past when his face adorned billboards in anticipation of main event fights. Talks of him taking the belt from then champion Randy Couture were in reality not long ago and Gonzaga had every intention to regain his shot at a title against veteran Justin McCully inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Gonzaga immediately took control of the bout with a sweeping right leg kick that took McCully off his boots and onto his back in spectacular fashion. Gonzaga quickly jumped on top of McCully and went to work. After earning full mount with more than three minutes to go, Gonzaga worked hammer fists to find an opening. From there, the Brazilian used his jiu-jitsu skills to force an Americana that warranted a quick tap from a very frustrated but outmatched McCully.

“I work hard with my jiu-jitsu, I worked really hard for this fight,” said Gonzaga (9-3), after his seemingly effortless win over McCully (8-4-2). –Victor Perea

Miller's saving grace is a triangle choke

UFC veteran Jorge Gurgel left everything he had inside the Octagon as he gave arguably his most entertaining performance in a losing effort against fellow TUF veteran Cole Miller. The younger Miller sported a four-inch height advantage along with  an apparently immeasurable reach advantage over the BJJ expert.

Unexpectedly, Gurgel came out firing on all cylinders, throwing combinations kicks and strikes in quick succession, forcing Miller to take cover. An overhand right followed by a left hook rocked Miller who stumbled back as Gurgel ran in with a flying knee. Miller wisely clinched with his back to the fence in order to recover. With both under hooks in place Gurgel took control and split off to end the round center Octagon striking, just as he started the contest.

Gurgel went back for more in the second round, showing no signs of willingness to go to the ground. Miller landed a right hand counter a minute and a half into the round and then shot for a takedown as former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin watched eagerly from Gurgel’s corner. Miller desperately tried to pass guard for nearly a minute as the Gurgel fought off his opponent’s best attempts. Later in the round, Miller again scrambled to the canvas and attempted to sink a triangle as he answered a Gurgel dominated first round with a solid round of his own.

With a small cut on the inside of his right eye socket, Miller attempted a judo throw a minute into the third, but failed to finish as Gurgel scrambled his way out and to his feet. Kicks and strikes to the head continued to come towards Miller as he was running out of time to take control of his destiny. Midway through the third, Gurgel seemed to take his foot off the gas pedal and began sweeping Miller to the canvas to safely finish the contest and take the decision. Gurgel scored another takedown with just over a minute to go in the final round. The fighters scrambled and Miller surprisingly got a triangle over the head of Gurgel as he tried to stand back up from top position, with about a half minute to go. Miller’s triangle was deep and referee Yves Lavigne watched closely as the crowd erupted after Gurgel fought the deep triangle but was forced to tap.

“Not bad for a purple belt—I’m not just some redneck from Georgia,” said Miller (14-3).

“You can make anything work if you believe in yourself.

Miller who praised Gurgel (15-4) for his efforts. “George I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time, love your style you’ll be back, buddy.” –Victor Perea

Speed kills: Guillard takes out Siver

The “Young Assassin” Melvin Guillard lived up to his moniker, wasting no time dispensing his German adversary, Dennis Siver, by way of a brutal knockout 36 seconds into the first round.

From the outset, it was clear that the 25-year-old veteran came to fight, flooring Siver seconds into the round with two overhand rights. Siver would later recover, but Guillard kept the pressure on. Siver—also known for his heavy hands—was floored seconds after getting back to his feet, but there was no recovery the second time around. Guillard pounced like a wild cheetah hunting down a hapless gazelle, landing straight lefts and rights with pin point accuracy before referee Herb Dean stopped the match.

“Speed kills—it’s all or nothing,” an excited Guillard exclaimed. “He hits hard, but I hit harder.”

With the victory, Guillard improves to 39-8-3. —Anthony Springer Jr.

Buchholz survives Hill, forces a tap

The opening bout of the evening showcased TUF veteran Corey Hill along with fellow lightweight Justin Buchholz. At only 155 lbs., the 6’4” Corey Hill has an unheard of reach and height advantage against any lightweight in the UFC, putting all the more pressure on Buchholz who lost his UFC debut via first round submission in January.

Hill cashed in on his reach advantage early, landing a straight left, right hand combination that immediately reminded Buchholz he was in a fight. Hill frustrated Buchholz with constant strikes that when thrown from a mile away seems to still land. As Hill dug in with constant knees from the clinch, in a Oscar-worthy performance, Buchholz played possum, hoping Hill would jump in to finish the apparently finished fighter, as he stood hands down, hunched over. Hill didn’t take the bait, but the crowd had a laugh. A frustrated Buchholz found comfort only in his kicks, forcing Hill to eventually just grab a leg and throw the shorter man to the ground to win the exciting round.

Both fighters came out firing to start the second round. Buchholz adapted his game during the round and, expecting Hill to grab his leg during his body kicks, pulled guard upon doing so. After hitting the canvas Buchholz immediate worked on a triangle choke and the 29 year old Hill wisely got back to his feet. Once vertical, Hill picked up where he left off tagging his opponent from the outside. Buchholz continued to throw kicks to the body to wear down his adversary. Hill began to check the leg kicks and block the body kicks. That’s when the younger Buchholz threw a surprise head kick that didn’t seem possible to land on the chin of the 6’4 Hill. Unfortunately for Hill it was foot to chin and Buchholz was back in the fight. From the clinch, the fighters hit the ground where Hill, criticized for a weak ground game was able to gain top mount get side control. Before Hill could work from the top, Buchholz used the fence to gain leverage and take Hill’s back. Buchholz quickly got one hook and sunk a deep rear naked choke before he even had both hooks in. Hill rolled over face up and shortly after Buchholz had both hooks in quickly forcing Hill to tap at 3:57 of second round.

Buchholz (8-2) agreed with commentator Joe Rogan’s assessment that Hills reach gave him fits, Hill (2-1) who has an incredible amount of potential goes back to the drawing board knowing exactly what he needs to do if he wants his skill to match his potential. –Victor Perea

Bonus photos