Live Coverage From UFC 88
September 6, 2008 at 7:16 pm by Jason Hatcher in NewsFull Contact Talk is cage-side for UFC 88. Here’s the results as they happen.
Undercard Bouts:
Fight 1 – Roan Carneiro vs. Ryo Chonan: Ryo Chonan wins by split decision. Chonan carries a lot of strength in a small package.
Fight 2 – Jason Lambert vs. Jason MacDonald: Jason MacDonald wins in the second round by submission via rear naked choke. Lambert showed heart by was no match for MacDonald’s strength.
Fight 3 – Tim Boetsch vs. Michael Patt: Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch wins by TKO first round. Boetsch showed his heavy hands and strength in this comeback of sorts since his recent loss to Matt Hamill. This fight was quick and devastating. Boetsch seems destined to climb the UFC’s light heavyweight division.
Fight 4 – Kurt Pellegrino vs. Thiago Tavares: What a war! Pellegrino’s stand-up and ground skill dominated the first round. But Tavares shows the heart of a warrior by hanging on and surviving a full mount with over three minutes left in the first round. Thiago Tavares turned this fight in an even deeper war by turning the tables and clearly winning the second round on points. Boos rain down as the replay show Tavares appearing to tap at the end of round two. Pellegrino controlled the Octagon for the majority of the third round by stopping Tavares’ takedown attempts and maintaining dominant position. Kurt Pellegrino wins by unanimous decision.
Main Card (Pay-Per-View)
Fight 1 – Dong Hyun Kim vs. Matt Brown: Back-and-forth describes round one of this fight. Matt Brown was nearly choked-out in the beginning of the first by Kim but turned the tables briefly only to find Kim on his back yet again. Kim appeared to have won round one by his aggressiveness and submission attempts. Kim looked tired in round two with Brown showing more aggression. Kim dropped to the canvas a few times finding himself on the painful side of some ground-and-pound. Matt Brown looks like the winner of the second round. Round three starts a bit slow. Clearly fatigue is showing its face. This is turning into a tight fight on the scorecards. Both fighters are slower with an edge in aggressiveness going to Kim. Kim wins by split decision.
Fight 2 – Nate Marquardt vs. Martin Kampmann: If you looked away from this fight or went to the restroom, chances are you missed it. Marquardt was simply overwhelming. Getting Kampman in trouble early via strikes, Marquardt chased his prey down to go in for the kill well before the first bell rang. Marquardt wins by TKO in the first round.
Fight 3 – Rhousimar Palhares vs. Dan Henderson: The first round of this fight was explosive. Henderson landed a bomb as Pahlares tried to pull guard. On the exit, Palhares tries for an armbar and an anklelock. The exchanges are intense. Henderson shows his power and Palhares shows his jaw strength and unpredicted kicking ability. So far this is the fight of the night! Round two does not let down. Palhares comes out aggressive, kicks and slams Henderson in Henderson fashion. Palhares catches Henderson in an anklelock but Henderson survives. Henderson pulls out and walks away to the roar of a supportive and enthusiastic crowd. It’s a close fight. A war and thus far the epic battles that have made Henderson a fan favorite. The pace slows in the beginning of round three. Palhares is surprisingly utilizing kicks often in the fight. Dan Henderson shows more aggression in the last round by refusing Palhares’ repeated invitations to fight it out on the ground. Dan Henderson wins by unanimous decision.
Fight 4 – Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill – Finally the friends meet in the cage and the battle of Ohio begins. The round begins cautious. Both fighter’s trying to find their spot. Franklin throws several leg kicks. Hamill is hanging tough for the moment and avoiding any damage. The crowd boos the slow round and then suddenly Hamill scores a takedown. Rich tries for a submission but Hamill escapes. Round one is close and hard to call. Both fighters are cut as well. Round two is much busier. The fighters are exchanging hard shots. Hamill takes a low blow. The fight is paused. This fight is surprisingly close still as round two is coming close to an end. Hamill seems willing to keep this fight standing up. The crowd cheers the opening of the third round as Hamill and Franklin briefly smile and remind the audience that they are old friends. Suddenly Franklin catches Hamill with a kick to the midsection. Hamill goes down. It’s over! Hamill is hurt. The fighters then embrace in the center of the cage. Franklin wins via TKO.
Fight 5 – Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans: The energy of Philips Arena is electric. The crowd anticipation of the main fight between Liddell and Evans is quite visible and very much audible. The capicity audience favors Liddell as it reacts to The Iceman’s video image on the screens throughout the venue. The cheers and enthusiasm for this fight are intense. Surprisingly, the crowd boos Rashad Evans as he is introduced. Round one starts and the crowd screams out Chuck’s name as the two fighters measure one another up. Liddell tags Evans with a trademark looping punch that sends Evans to the cage wall. Rashad dances in mockery. Liddell seems to be stalking prey at this point. Rahsad lands a leg kick as Liddell continues to be the aggressor. Rashad seems timid as Chuck chases him down at the end of the round. Chuck tags him with a high kick and the round ends. Round two begins with Liddell immediately coming forward. He’s looking for for a knockout. Rashad comes back. The fighters exchange. Rashad catches Liddell for a moment but retreats again as Chuck moves forward again. It’s a shocking end! Rashad catches Liddell! Liddell is out hard. Rashad Evans lands a massive shot right on the button. The crowd is as much deflated as they are enthusiastic about witnessing an exciting knockout. This is an upset. A massive punch takes Liddell out and he is down on the canvas hurt and semi-conscious. Rashad Evans wins by KO in round two!
September 6th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Ok, even though I watched the fights I think it’s awesome that you are providing “live” results! Reading this is like re-watching the ppv. Thank you! I have sooo much to say about the fights tonight but will hold back for future comment banter…I will share one thought…WTF Chuck?!?!