Marlon Vera KOs Dominick Cruz in UFC on ESPN 41 main event
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Marlon Vera picked up a statement win against Dominick Cruz in the main event of UFCon ESPN 41.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight champion got off to a quick start, blitzing Vera (20-7-1) with punches and getting in and out. However, the power of Vera was also apparent, as « Chito » dropped Cruz (24-4) despite getting outstruck most of the round. « The Dominator » would stay out of any danger and easily control Round 2. The tide would turn as Vera would land his best punch of the fight in the third round, an overhand right that dropped Cruz, and battled back into the main event. The next round would see Vera close out the show with a sensational head kick that knocked Cruz cleanly out.
The stoppage for Vera came at 2:17 of Round 4.
Landwehr Wins Brawl Over Onama
The co-main event saw featherweights Nate Landwehr and David Onama clash.
It looked like Landwehr (10-2) was in for a long night after eating a big right hand from Onama (16-4) in the first round. However, after taking his back and landing several damaging blows, Landwehr would reverse position and survive the dangerous first frame. Despite taking damage, Landwehr was the fresher fighter and was able to take over the fight, outstriking and dominantly controlling his opponent. Landwehr would continue his assault in the final round but showboating allowed Onama to land several moments and rally back late.
After 15 minutes, the judges awarded Landwehr a majority decision win with scores of 28-28, 29-27 and 29-27.
Jauregui Outstrikes Lucindo
It was a positive Octagon debut for strawweight Yazmin Jauregui.
Neither Jauregui (9-0) or Iasmin Lucindo showed any nerves in their respective debuts as both women came out swinging and kept an active page. After a back-and-forth first frame, Jauregui would hurt Lucindo (13-5) in Round 2 to gain a decisive edge. The pace didn’t lessen in the final five minutes with both women having their moments.
After 15 minutes, Jauregui took a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.
Murzakanov Outclasses Clark
Azamat Murzakanov dominated Devin Clark to stay undefeated inside the UFC.
The striking and grappling of Murzakanov (12-0) proved to be simply too much for Clark (13-7) to deal with. « The Professional » came close to finishing the fight in the second round, but finally showed his true potential in the final round. The Russian landed a beautiful left hook to the body in Round 3 and then unleashed dozens of punches until the fight was stopped.
The fight was stopped at 1:08 of the third frame.
Cachoeira Smashes Lipski
Priscila Cachoeira is coming into her own at bantamweight.
« Zombie Girl » needed just 65 seconds to dispatch Ariane Lipski. Cachoeira (12-4) walked through Lipski (14-8) and hurt her badly with a left hook. A barrage of punches followed to secure a stoppage a minute and five seconds after the fight began.
Cachoeira has now won two straight fights.
Meerschaert Guillotine Chokes Silva
Gerald Meerschaert proved that he’s a level above Bruno Silva.
Meerschaert (35-15) started the fight strongly on the feet as he repeatedly hurt Silva (22-8) on the feet. This would continue until Round 3, which saw Meerschaert drop Silva with a gorgeous left hook. Rather than following up with punches, « GM3 » snatched a guillotine choke that forced the Brazilian to tap at 1:39 of the third frame.
Meerschaert has now won four of his last five fights inside the UFC.
UFC on ESPN 41 Prelim Results:
The featured prelim saw Angela Hill (14-12) get a comeback unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) against Lupita Godinez (8-3); Martin Buday (11-1) win a split decision over Lukasz
Brzeski (8-2-1, 1 NC) with scores of 29-28, 28-29 and 29-28; Nina Nunes (11-7) retire after earning a split verdict over Cynthia Calvillo (9-5-1) with scores of 28-29, 29-28 and 30-27; Gabriel Benitez (23-10) stop Charlie Ontiveros (11-9) with punches at 3:35 of Round 1; Tyson Nam (21-12-1) tremendously knockout Ode Osbourne (11-5, 1 NC) after a failed flying knee at 2:59 of Round 1; Josh Quinlan (6-0, 1 NC) starch Jason Witt (19-9) with a left hook after just 2:09 of action; and Da’Mon Blackshear (12-4-1) and Youssef Zalal (10-5-1) battled to a majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28).
