Photo via Getty Images

UFC Fight Night 26 took place last Saturday in Boston, and the card was full of slick submissions and devastating knockouts.

Check out some of the best finishes of the night with the videos below.

Chael Sonnen guillotines Shogun Rua

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rexhjiOL3_0

Travis Browne front kicks Alistair Overeem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G0HYU8VksI

Matt Browne grounds and pounds Mike Pyle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amTSRYq5-xw

Stevven Siler puts out Mike Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAMWS1IgyR4

Michael McDonald triangles Brad Pickett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAu8m-pBMH8

With one of the best cards presented in 2013, the UFC came to Boston at the TD Garden Arena, and marked an event of great emotion to viewers in August 17. Among the emotions were a surprise in Chael Sonnen finishing Shogun in the first round, and Alistar Overeem nearly getting by Travis Browne, who survived an onslaught to turn around and knock out the Dutchman with a devastating front kick.

The main event of UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen promised to cap off a night of great matches. Sonnen, as was expected, opened the fight with taking Shogun down. The Brazilian did not recover and the American wrestler worked from on top.

Shogun tore himself away and stood but gave up his neck to Sonnen, who do not think twice about pushing the Brazilian bring to the guard, tightening the guillotine, getting the tap out. Sonnen’s submission win was at the end of the first round.

Of course, Sonnen grabbed the microphone, issuing a challenge to Wanderlei Silva. Will this fight happen? Only time will tell.

In the co-main event, Alistair Overeem sought redemption from his loss to Antonio Silva in facing Travis Browne. Showing customary precision, Overeem began shortening the clash with fists, pressing Browne against the cage and unleashing with massive strikes. Tight punches and knees to the ribs looked as though Browne was headed to another defeat in the UFC. Yamasaki came close to stopping the fight, but did not.

Browne survived and came back to the feet. Having an opponent visibly tired, Browne saw a chance to react and did not take long to take advantage. With a precise kick, like that of Anderson Silva over Vitor Belfort, Browne dropped Overeem and not more than two punches were enough to secure a win for Travis Browne at 4:08 of the first round.

Yuri Alcantara vs. Urijah Faber

Urijah Faber entered the cage to fight Yuri Alcantara in a battle of featherweights. The clash, which was the fourth main card, started with a demonstration of the power by Alcantara, who took the fight to the ground and secured Faber’s back. From there, Alcantara landed several strikes on Faber, and a came close to getting a TKO. However, the American fighter managed to escape the grasp and turned the tides. Faber reversed position, lifted Alcantara and slammed him to the ground.

In the second round, Alcantara tried once more to start with a flurry, applying a high kick that bewildered Faber, but the experienced fighter took his opponent down and applied another series of elbows on the Brazilian, who failed to react. In the third round, more of the same: takedown, ground control and sharp elbows. The Alcantara still tried to finish, trying to save the good old Jiu-Jitsu, but without success. Judges’ decision was a unanimous decision for “The California Kid.”

Mike Brown vs. Mike Kyle 

Mike Brown took little time to finish Mike Kyle in their main card fight, getting the TKO in the first round.

Brown was able to take his opponent down and started raining punches from top control. Swining Kyle’s legs out of the way, Brown landed a fierce punch to put Kyle out cold as the veteran laid on his back. With his eyes in the back of his head, the referee stepped in and saved Kyle from further punishment.

Brown finished off Kyle at 0:29 of the opening round to get his sixth win in a row, calling out welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre in the process.

Other Main Card Results

John Howard def. Uriah Hall via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Michael Johnson def. Joe Lauzon via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)

Prelims Results

Michael McDonald def. Brad Pickett by submission (triangle) at 3:43, Round 2

Conor McGregor def. Max Holloway via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Steven Siler def. Mike Brown via KO at 0:50, Round 1

Diego Brandao def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Prelims on Facebook:

Manny Gamburyan def. Cole Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Ovince St. Preux def. Cody Donovan via knockout (punches) at 2:07, Round 1

James Vick def. Ramsey Nijem via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:58, Round 1

Phil Davis is announced the winner in a fight that many believe should have been in favor of Lyoto Machida. Photo via UFC Facebook.

Lyoto Machida got robbed. Plain and simple.

It’s not every day that a column of mine starts off with frustration about a bad call. After all, this is MMA and bad decisions happen from time to time. But this one at UFC 163 was way too bad.

The culprits in this fiasco were judges Sal D’Amato, Chris Watts and Rick Winter. These people, for whatever reason they felt they needed to, scored a fight for Davis when it was clearly won by Machida.

“I don’t know what they are judging,” Machida said.

I don’t think they know what they’re judging either, Lyoto.

FightMetric.com, the industry standard for measuring fight statistics, published a comprehensive breakdown of the Machida-Davis bout. Sure enough, the breakdown concluded that Machida was the more accurate striker and landed more significant blows than his opposition, and scored the bout 30-27 for Machida. Yes, 30-27.

The factor, we all assume, that the judges were looking at were the two takedowns that Davis secured at the end of the first and second rounds. The former Penn State wrestler successfully got Machida to the ground and kept him there, opening up the opportunity to rain strikes from top position.

From the outside looking in, though, the majority of strikes that Davis successfully landed were in his second takedown, whereafter he landed knees and elbows that scored him the lion’s share of his points.

Official UFC 163 scorecard for Lyoto Machida vs. Phil Davis. Image courtesy of UFC.

The first takedown was followed by striking attempts — but that’s about it, mostly just attempts. The definition of effective striking was used too loosely by two of three  judges (D’Amato and Winter) when they scored the first and second rounds.

Apart from the lack of effective striking after the takedowns, there’s the success rate of said takedowns. Davis got Machida down to the mat twice, but those two successful shots took him 10 times to accomplish. That’s a 2-for-10 performance for a 20 percent success rate. With that fact I ask you this: In what world is that considered a satisfactory ratio?

Short answer: there isn’t one.

But let’s forget about FightMetric’s statistics for a bit. How about we look at the fight for face value? In the third round, Machida looked fresh and ready to go another two rounds, stuffing every takedown attempt, while Davis looked frustrated and puzzled. Davis went 0 for 4 in takedowns during the last frame.

Shortly after the decision, when Twitter’s site traffic blew up to nuclear proportions, some began to say things, like “Never leave it in the hands of the judges.” That’s a cop out. Fighters shouldn’t have to worry about incompetence. But they do because judges are incredibly lost in a fight world that heavily depends on them having direction.

This isn’t Davis’ fault. He’s unfortunately involved in a controversial decision that pits him the winner of a fight that he fought hard in and trained hard for. Good on him.

The problem here — and this will be a problem until stupidity is erased from existence — is officials failed us. Again.

Jose Aldo got the job done. Who should he fight next? 

At UFC 163, Jose Aldo did what he does best: win.

It was nothing spectacular or mind boggling that would have made you jump out of your bar stool or off your couch, depending on where you were watching the pay-per-view. He just got the job done and capitalized when the time was right.

Before Chan Sung Jung separated his shoulder and Aldo swarmed in on him like a hungry predatory animal, questions about the champ’s cardio were asked during the main event’s broadcast. The questions, however, were unnecessary because Jung, at no point, showed any explosive flurries where Aldo had trouble keeping up.

At 23-1 and on a 16-fight win streak, Aldo is appearing to be more and more unstoppable as time goes on. And it’s not as though he has peaked and is nearing his decline any time soon. Scary thought for featherweights.

The UFC isn’t making an official announcement about Aldo’s next fight yet, but names like Ricardo Lamas, Cub Swanson and Chad Mendes are being thrown around the internet as the next in line. Swanson, in fact, already started a Twitter campaign to get his shot. Observe:

Photo via Cub Swanson’s Twitter page.

Despite Swanson’s hopes through the social media pool, Lamas is currently the most deserving challenger to the featherweight crown. With all due respect to Swanson, Aldo has already beaten him — an eight-second knockout at WEC 41 in 2009. He also lost to Lamas at the inaugural UFC on Fox event in November 2011, so it’s tough to justify Swanson getting a title shot in front of him.

Lamas, at the very least, will provide a never-before-seen challenge to Aldo. And with four wins in row in the UFC, there’s little room to boast someone else as the new challenger, regardless of Chad Mendes’ status in the official UFC rankings as No. 1 contender.

Having Aldo fight anyone beyond Lamas the next time out would be a waste of time in developing the featherweight division into a pay-per-view powerhouse.

But when he’s paid his dues, Conor McGregor’s laser precision and incredible speed will make for an entertaining night of 145-pound action against Aldo. Imagine the striking exchange in that tilt. Oh boy.

Now we just have to wait for the champ’s broken foot to heal. I guess that’s what happens when you fight a “Zombie.”

See you in 2014, featherweight title fight.

Dememtrious Johnson (right) applies the armbar to beat John Moraga at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via Getty Images.

He’s quick, effective, strong and a well-rounded mixed martial artist. These are the reasons why Demetrious Johnson holds the UFC’s 125-pound (flyweight) title.

His only problem, it seems, is that he’s 125 pounds, fighting in a weight division that is still developing and yet to be a proven draw.

But what’s the reason behind the lack of drawing power? Well, there’s the idea that fans observe the Octagon, gazing upon fighters half their size, then say something along the lines of, “I’m twice as big as that dude. I can take him!”

But who beyond keyboard warriors will say that kind of thing? Likely few, and certainly not anyone with half a brain.

Whatever the reason for the lack of flyweight fever, the overnight ratings, according to tvbythenumbers.com, show that UFC on Fox 8 had the lowest ratings of any fight card on “big Fox” since the promotor and television station signed their landmark partnership in 2011. The average of 2.04 million viewers and .9 rating in the 18-49 age demographic are a far cry from the first UFC on Fox, which did a 5.7 million average with a 3.1 rating.

That’s the textbook definition of downslope, folks.

But, as is the usual following UFCs on Fox, now begins the wait to hear what UFC President Dana White will say in response to “dummies” and “morons” who know nothing of ratings and how they work.

Admittedly, I’m one of those alleged morons because I pay little attention to ratings. I watch the fights for fight purposes, and that’s all. But when the numbers are right there in front of my face, I can’t ignore them, regardless of how moronic I may or may not be. So they get, at the very least, a mention. Besides, that seemed to be the only thing people were talking about on Sunday morning.

The fact is that the 125-pound division is in its infancy, and casual fans still need to soak in the names, like Johnson, Benavidez and McCall, for a bit longer before getting overly excited about the flyweights. Give it time, people. After all, lightweights, who’ve been in the UFC for years now, still  to this day face an uphill ratings battle with their heavier colleagues. Just take a look at lightweight pay-per-view buys and Fox ratings in comparison to heavier main events.

So, are flyweights just mediocre fighters and that’s why they don’t draw? Of course not. Evidenced by the superb performance put on by “Mighty Mouse” in the UFC on Fox 8 main event and other fighters on previous cards, the flyweights have talent in terms of skill, speed, endurance and other characteristics. Now they just have to pay their dues and fight their way up the ladder. On thing that will help — and I write this knowing it’s easier said than done — is less decisions and more finishes.

And while we’re at it, let’s stop the “super-fight” talk. If we’re to give flyweight a chance to shine, we can’t take their title holder and have him fight a weight class higher — not just yet, anyway. It’s not as though Johnson cleared out the weight class, as there are currently 16 flyweights signed to the UFC roster. Beating four in a row, while impressive, doesn’t call for a champion versus champion showdown, especially since bantamweight has its own issues at the moment.

But that’s a whole other column.

Robbie Lawler is downright scary again at 170 pounds

Robbie Lawler (left) victorious at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via Getty Images.

Over 11 years ago, Robbie Lawler made his UFC debut, a unanimous-decision win over Aaron Riley at UFC 37. Since then, Lawler has seen his ups and downs as a mixed martial artist.

UFC on Fox 8 showed that his roller coaster career is currently on the upswing.

Upon returning to the UFC, the 12-year MMA veteran decided to drop to welterweight for the first time since 2004. The move has proven to be a positive one for him, as “Ruthless” finished two consecutive welterweight fights since dropping a weight class.

The knockout of Voelker on Saturday’s UFC on Fox broadcast, although not over a definitive top-10 fighter, showed that Lawler is approaching the upper echelon of fighters in the division, much like he was all those years ago. Without question, another win at 170 pounds will put the former middleweight in the mix with names like Demian Maia, Rory MacDonald, among others.

Two wins. Two knockouts. A featured bout, perhaps on a pay-per-view, against a top-five competitor isn’t completely out of question for Lawler.

Anyone up for a rematch against Nick Diaz?

Lawler and Diaz first faced off way back at UFC 47, a fight wherein Diaz got the best of his opposition by peppering Lawler with punches until it was too much. The knockout is one of the most impressive wins for Diaz in a lot of circles.

Book it, Dana White and Joe Silva. That is if Diaz is back from his pseudo retirement.

Rory MacDonald, Jake Ellenberger both hurt their stock

Rory MacDonald’s unanimous-decision win at UFC on Fox 8 wasn’t pretty.

For three rounds, Ellenberger wouldn’t “pull the trigger” in a fight where he conjured up a lot of trash talk leading into it.

If the Seattle crowd booing wasn’t enough to tell you, the bout was a disappointment.

“I did exactly what I was supposed to do,” MacDonald said at the post-fight press conference. “I kept up my end.”

Not so fast, according to Dana White. In the opinion of the UFC President, and most everyone else that watched the fight, MacDonald didn’t do anything to try and finish the fight.

“Rory didn’t do anything to try and … make a statement, not only to the world, but to the guys in that division,” White declared.

And he’s right. MacDonald, and to a further extent, Ellenberger, did nothing to live up to the pre-fight jargon that promoted the fight.

Luckily for MacDonald, he came out ahead on the scorecards, which means he’ll move closer to fighting for a title shot (if he ever agrees to fighting teammate Georges St-Pierre). But he didn’t earn any fans. And that might not be important to him for now, but it should be. Less fans equals less appeal. Less appeal equals pay-per-view less buys. Less buys means less leverage in contract negotiations, which isn’t good in the long run of things.

As for Ellenberger, there’s nothing worse than leaving a bad taste in your boss’ mouth. When White says you “did nothing” in a fight that weighed heavily on the 170-pound picture, things can’t be all that good going forward. The trash talk leading in was epic — Sonnen-like, if you will — but you have to deliver the goods if you’re going to make anything of it. That didn’t happen on Saturday night.

The road back to contender status is going to be a long one for Ellenberger.

“The Guard Past” is a post-fight column by GRACIEMAG Assistant Editor Erik Fontanez. Look for more of the same following more fights in the future.

Photo by Esther Lin for MMAFighting.com

Demetrious Johnson successfully defended his UFC flyweight title, getting a submission-win over John Moraga in the main event at UFC on Fox 8 in Seattle.

The Saturday night UFC card ended when Johnson locked on an armbar at 3:43 of the final round.

“I’m here to fight,” Johnson said in his post-fight interview. “If the finish comes to me, I’m going to take it.

“I’m just trying to keep on getting better.”

Johnson used his trademark speed to avoid strikes from Moraga in the early stages of the featured fight, landing a few of his own in response. Moraga chased him down, but Johnson eventually got the takedown and worked from top position. Johnson locked on a front choke then transitioned to a guillotine attempt, but time ran out and the first round ended.

Johnson completed a double-leg takedown to open up the second round, passing the guard moments later. “Mighty Mouse” maintained side control and landed a combination of strikes from the top. The fight returned to the feet after some scrambling, but Johnson scored another takedown and landed several more strikes on the ground, including punches and elbows, through the end of the round.

Moraga continued to have difficulty dealing with his opponent’s tenacity in the third round. Johnson brought the fight to the ground again, but Moraga found an escape soon after and brought it to a stand-up battle. He attempted a takedown of his own, but Johnson countered, secured a trip and ended up on top again. After a near finish with a kimura by Johnson, Moraga got his first takedown of the fight before the end of the round.

The fourth round had more of the same as the previous rounds, as Johnson scored yet another takedown. The 125-pound champ continued to control the fight, but Moraga landed a right hand that sent Johnson reeling. The punch was one of the only bright spots the challenger had in the fight.

Johnson recovered from the punch in the fifth round, securing his 10th takedown of the fight in the final frame. While on the ground, Johnson worked for a kimura again, but transitioned for the armbar, finishing the fight with the submission.

The stoppage, according to color commentator Joe Rogan, is the latest finish in UFC history with 1:17 left in the fight.

With the win, Johnson improves his record to 18-2-1, unbeaten in the UFC since dropping to 125 pounds.

MacDonald decisions Ellenberger in less-than-exciting co-main event

Rory MacDonald scored a unanimous-decision win over Jake Ellenberger at UFC on Fox 8. Photo via MMAWeekly.com.

Rory MacDonald used a tactical approach, earning a unanimous decision over Jake Ellenberger in their UFC on Fox 8 main event on Saturday.

MacDonald went to his jab to score on the feet for the majority of three rounds, convincing the judges of seeing the bout in his favor with scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27.

The match opened up with both fighters being very calculated. MacDonald used his jab to keep his opponent at bay, while Ellenberger attacked with a few flurries when countering. MacDonald broke away every time his opponent attempted to clinch and continued to use the jab to win the opening round.

MacDonald continued to use the jab in the second round. Ellenberger attempted a takedown halfway through the frame, but MacDonald stuffed it and successfully landed an uppercut. Working from the outside, Ellenberger didn’t close any distance between himself and MacDonald to land any significant strikes. The second round ended with a chorus of boos from the Seattle crowd.

As the third round began, MacDonald kept Ellenberger at a distance until the final minute of the fight. With the first takedown of the bout, Ellenberger gained top position and attempted landing strikes from guard. It ended up being too late, however, and time expired.

The win improves MacDonald’s record to 15-1, and is now in serious consideration for a UFC title shot against his teammate, 170-pound champ Georges St-Pierre. MacDonald, though, has avoided committing to a fight with GSP due to their close relationship.

Lawler dominates Voelker, finishes with head kick

Robbie Lawler knocked out Bobby Voelker in their UFC on Fox 8 main card bout, landing a head kick at 0:24 of the second round.

Lawler controlled the contest from beginning to end, giving Voelker little opportunity to mount any offense throughout.

The two welterweights exchanged strikes early, but Lawler scored a takedown to gain the first advantage. After returning to the feet, Lawler pressed Voelker against the cage and landed strikes, cutting Voelker open across the bridge of the nose. Lawler continued to pick away at his opponent with a mixture of punches, kicks and knees through the end of the opening round.

The second round came and went within seconds, as Lawler landed a head kick that sent Voelker dropping to the mat. After Lawler landed one more punch for good measure, the referee stepped in to put a stop to the contest.

The win marks Lawler’s second in a row since returning to the UFC, with the previous victory being a stoppage of former welterweight title challenger Josh Koscheck.

Carmouche finishes off Andrade in main card opener

Liz Carmouche finished Jessica Andrade in the second round of the first main card fight at UFC on Fox 8, finishing her opponent at the 3:57 mark.

Carmouche took early control of the match, clinching with Andrade against the cage then taking her down to the mat. Andrade found an opportunity for a submission, but chose to finish out the round by holding a guillotine attempt for the better part of the last half of the round.

Carmouche got the fight to the ground again in the second round where she smothered her opponent with punches and elbows from mount, eventually getting the TKO stoppage.

Read the undercard results below:

• Jorge Masvidal def. Michael Chiesa by submission (D’Arce choke) at 4:59, Round 2
• Danny Castillo def. Tim Means by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Melvin Guillard def. Mac Danzig by KO (hammer fists) at 2:47, Round 2
• Daron Cruickshank def Yves Edwards by split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
• Ed Herman def. Trevor Smith by split decision (27-30, 30-27, 29-28)
• Germain de Randamie def. Julie Kedzie by split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
• Justin Salas def. Aaron Riley by spli decision (29-28 , 28-29, 29-28)
• Yaotzin Meza def. John Albert via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:49, Round 2

Vitor Belfort knocks out Luke Rockhold in the main event of UFC on FX 8 in Brazil. Photo via UFC Facebook.

Vitor Belfort is truly a phenomenon. Star of numerous UFC events in Brazil, the middleweight proved why he is considered one of the best in the UFC with a first-round knockout of Luke Rockhold. 

Belfort started to fight more aggressively, breaking up and landing hard shots to his opponent. With a spinning back kick, the Brazilian knocked Rockhold down, following that up with strikes on the ground to close out the fight. 

Belfort needed just over two minutes to knock out the last Strikeforce champion. When interviewed, the victor said he only wants to continue doing what he loves, which is to fight, and get many more victories. In addition, Belfort asked the audience to support Anderson Silva in his next challenge against Chris Weidman on July 6. Is he thinking of facing the winner of this match?

Photo via UFC Facebook

“Jacare” Souza delights fans, subs Chris Camozzi in first round

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza has Jiu-Jitsu in his DNA.

The black belt entered the Arena Jaragua dancing excitedly. The fight began, Camozzi managed to land a high kick that full-on hit the face of Brazilian, but Jacare was only waiting for the right time to take the fight where he likes: The ground.

When he widened the gap, it was only a matter of time. With Jacare transitioning from mount, he locked on the arm triangle. The Brazilian sank in the choke — a particularly tight one — quickly finishing his opponent at the 3:08 mark of the first round.

Following the win, Jacare was asked, if given the chance, who he would like to face between Vitor Belfort and Luke Rockhold. He replied: “The Winner.”

Rafael dos Anjos gets controversial decision over Evan Dunham

Although the scores read 29-28 across the board, most the of the MMA world disputed the outcome of the Rafael dos Anjos-Evan Dunham fight.

Despite the protest from the fans and most analysts, dos Anjos agreed with the judges’ scores.

“I lost my balance in the first round and was taken down,” he said, adding, “but I was confident I had won the second and the third rounds.”

Rafael Natal grabs unanimous decision over former Jiu-Jitsu rival

The two faced each other in the Jiu-Jitsu world years ago as brown belts, and met again on Saturday in the Octagon.

Rafael Natal and João Zeferino went back and forth in the 50/50 guard in the first round, but Zeferino had no energy for the two remaining rounds, giving Natal the chance to outwork him for the unanimous decision, 30-27, 29-28 and 29-28.

Here are the full results for the UFC on FX 8 card:

Main Card (FX):

Vitor Belfort def. Luke Rockhold via KO (spinning back kick, strikes) at 2:32, R1
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza def. Chris Camozzi via submission (arm triangle) at 3:37, R1
Rafael dos Anjos def. Evan Dunham via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Rafael Natal def. João Zeferino via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Preliminary Card (Fuel TV):

Nik Lentz def. Hacran Dias via unanimous decision (28-27, 29-28 x2)
Francisco Trinaldo def. Mike Rio via submission (arm triangle) at 3:08, R1
Gleison Tibau def. John Cholish via submission (guillotine) at 2:34, R2
Paulo Thiago def. Mitchel Prazeres via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Yuri Alcantara def. Iliarde Santos via TKO (strikes) at 2:31, R1
Fabio Maldonado def. Roger Hollet via unanimous decision (29-27 x2, 29-28)

Preliminary Card (Facebook):

John Lineker def. Azamat Gashimov via TKO (strikes) at 1:07, R2
Jussier Formiga def. Chris Cariaso via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Lucas Martins def. Jeremy Larsen via knockout (punch) at 0:13, R3

Photo by Esther Lin/Forza LLC/Forza LLC via Getty Images

Strikeforce’s doors came to a close for the final time with Tarec Saffiedine defeating Nate Marquardt for the company’s welterweight title Saturday night in Oklahoma City.

Saffiedine brutalized Marquardt’s lead leg for the majority of the five-round affair, earning the unanimous decision with scores of 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46.

“I’ve been training so hard for so long. It’s unbelievable,” said the newly-crowned champion following his win. “I can’t believe I’m wearing the belt right now.”

Both fighters started out the fight conservatively, measuring each other on the feet. There weren’t many significant strikes from either fighter until Saffiedine began landing leg kicks on the way to winning the opening frame.

Marquardt picked up the offense in the second round, taking his opponent down once in the frame. Saffiedine continued to land leg kicks, but Marquardt controlled the pace for the greater part of the round.

Saffiedine’s confidence grew as the fight went on, pressing the action and landing more leg kicks as the third round was underway. The Belgian fighter clinched with his opponent on several occasions, applying numerous punches and knees from that position.

Marquardt began to show fatigue in the fourth round, and Saffiedine solidified the win with a takedown in the fifth on the way to the unanimous decision.

Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, who started the promotion in 1985 as a kickboxing organization, shared his thoughts on Saturday’s fights being the company’s last. The Zuffa-owned organization will shut down, which, according to the executive, is a tough pill to swallow.

“It’s a tough thing, but I’m so happy for these guys who fought tonight,” Coker said following the final Strikeforce card. “It’s time.”

Coker added that he’ll forever be in debt to Showtime, Strikeforce’s broadcast partner, for taking a chance on what was once a regional promotion, putting them on the national stage through the premium cable channel.

With the win, Saffiedine will likely be headed to the UFC. Marquardt, who was once in the UFC, will also make his transition back to the world’s leading MMA promotion.

Photo by Esther Lin/Forza LLC/Forza LLC via Getty Images

Daniel Cormier vs. Dion Staring

In what was a lopsided victory, Daniel Cormier toppled Dion Staring by technical knockout in the second round of their co-main event on Saturday.

Cormier shut his opponent out, getting the stoppage at 4:02 of the round. Cormier earned the dominant win, but it was the announcement of his plans going forward that got the most attention, calling out Frank Mir and Jon Jones for his first two fights in the UFC.

“Right now, April 20 on FOX … Frank Mir, let’s do it,” he said in his post-fight interview. “I’m going to let Jon [Jones] defend his belt on April 27 and kick his ass in the Fall.”

Cormier also said during his post-fight speech that he signed his UFC contract. Originally, Mir and Cormier were supposed to fight in a November Strikeforce card, but the former UFC heavyweight champion was injured, leaving Cormier with no opponent. The fight’s cancelation prompted the scrubbing of the entire card — the second Strikeforce event cancelation in as many months.

No announcements were made confirming Cormier’s debut UFC fight.

Josh Barnett vs. Nandor Guelmino 

Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett made quick work of Nandor Guelmino, submitting his opponent in the first round of their Strikeforce fight.

Barnett took Guelmino down, secured full mount and locked on the arm triangle to finish the fight at 2:11 of the opening round.

In the middle of a pro wrestling-like speech in his post fight interview, Barnett said he doesn’t know if he’ll be a part of the UFC after the last Strikeforce card.

“No idea where I’m going to end up,” Barnett said.

It’s unclear if the UFC is willing to negotiate a contract with Barnett, as UFC president Dana White recently said, much like Barnett, that he has no idea if the heavyweight will come back to the Las Vegas-based organization.

Gegard Mousasi vs. Mike Kyle 

Gegard Mousasi submitted Mike Kyle in the first round of their main card fight at Strikeforce’s final event.

The Dutch-Armenian fighter applied a successful takedown, locking on a rear-naked choke at 4:09 of the opening frame. Mousasi credited a rediscovered focus for his win on Saturday night.

“I got more professional,” he said in his post-fight interview, adding that he got out of his comfort zone to produce the win.

Mousasi is likely to move over to the UFC, where, as we reported on GRACIEMAG.com, he’d like to face light heavyweight contenders like Alexander Gustafsson, Lyoto Machida and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua.

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. Ed Herman 

Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza beat Ed Herman in the first round of Strikeforce’s opening fight on the main card.

Jacare put his Jiu-Jitsu to use, putting Herman on his back before mounting the UFC veteran and slapping on the kimura. Herman was forced to tap out at 3:10 of the opening round.

The evening’s preliminary fights results are as follows:

• Ryan Couture defeated K.J. Noons by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
• Tim Kennedy defeated Trevor Smith by submission (guillotine choke) at 1:36, Round 3
• Pat Healy defeated Kurt Holobaugh by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Roger Gracie defeated Anthony Smith by submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:16, Round 2

Cain Velasquez punches Junior dos Santos during their heavyweight championship fight at UFC 155 on December 29, 2012 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Cain Velasquez dominated UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos, earning back the title belt in the main event at UFC 155 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Velasquez smothered dos Santos, taking the belt back from the man who took it from him at the first UFC on FOX event in November 2011.

“This fight is the hardest fight I’ve ever been through,” Velasquez said following the win at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. “I was so tired, but I kept thinking in my head — do it, do it, do it.”

Velasquez pressured the champion early and pushed the pace. A huge right hand dropped dos Santos, and the challenger continued to land strikes from top position. Velasquez secured several takedowns and decimated the champ in the first round.

Velasquez continued his assault in the second round. He scored more takedowns, punishing dos Santos in all aspects. The champion had little offense to offer and was noticeably wobbly throughout the round.

Cain Velasquez punches Junior dos Santos during their heavyweight championship fight at UFC 155 on December 29, 2012 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Dos Santos threw more strikes in the third round, but Velasquez continued to push forward. The challenger landed another right hand that sent dos Santos reeling back to the fence. Velasquez landed several more punches in the clinch and won the round.

Velasquez landed two more takedowns in the first half of the fourth round, continuing to show his dominance of dos Santos. Visibly exhausted, JDS defended himself as Velasquez pressed with the clinch against the cage through the end of the time period.

Dos Santos defended a takedown early on in the fifth round, and landed a left hand to the body of his opponent. Velasquez, however, took the champ down halfway through the round and worked from top position. JDS brought the fight back to the feet, but Velasquez continued to smother him, landing a headkick in the final minute to cap off the performance.

“I just know he’s going to be back stronger,” the newly-crowned champion said. “We’ll have to get better. That’s the name of the game.”

Dos Santos, experiencing his first loss in the octagon, said that it’s usual for him to take a punch like the one Velasquez landed in the first round — a punch that the now-former heavyweight champ never appeared to recover from.

In defeat, dos Santos vowed to Velasquez that he’d return to get back what was taken from him on Saturday night.

“I’m going to come back and I’m going to take my belt again,” JDS said following the fight.

The UFC 155 main event between dos Santos and Velasquez was a rematch of their first fight at UFC on FOX from last year. Dos Santos knocked Velasquez out in 64 seconds in their first meeting to earn the title.

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Jim Miller flexes during the UFC 155 weigh-in on December 28, 2012 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Jim Miller outlasted Joe Lauzon in a bloody affair, earning the unanimous decision in their co-main event at UFC 155 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Miller and Lauzon delighted the crowd, but it was Miller who was favored in the judges’ eyes with scores of 29-28, 29-28 and 29-28.

“[He’s] one of the toughest fighters in the world,” Miller said of Lauzon following the win.

Miller worked his striking, busting open his opponent’s face and forcing the doctors to check to see if he can continue. After an okay from the doctor, the fight resumed and Miller continued the onslaught to win the round.

The second round had Miller shooting in and getting the take down. From guard, Miller worked his way into half guard, but Lauzon reversed position. Now in Miller’s guard, Lauzon bled and worked to score points before a scramble to the feet near the end of the round.

Lauzon began to capitalize as Miller looked more tired in the third round. He nearly sank an ankle lock, as well as a front choke just before the fight time expired, and the crowd cheered on the fighters with one of the more entertaining fights of the card.

With the win, Miller gets back on the winning track after dropping his last outing to Nate Diaz. Lauzon drops back in the losing side of things after submitting Jamie Varner in his last fight.

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Constantinos Philippou weighs in during the official UFC 154 weigh in at New City Gas on November 16, 2012 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Costa Philippou stopped Tim Boetsch in the third round of their UFC 155 main card bout Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Philippou recovered from being rocked early in the fight to get the technical knockout at 2:11 of the final round.

Boetsch and Philippou clinched for long periods, but it was a front kick by Boetsch that made the biggest impact in the first round. Philippou fell back, but recovered as the two went into the second frame.

Boetsch somehow injured himself in the first round, but continued on in the second. Philippou landed an accidental eye poke halfway through the period, but resumed fighting, getting taken down shortly after. Philippou worked his ground and pound, bloodying up his opponent and landing consecutive elbows until the end of the round.

Philippou continued his assault as Boetsch began to have trouble seeing through his blood-covered face. Boetsch pulled guard three times in the third round before Philippou landed enough strikes for the referee to step in and stop the contest.

With the win, Philippou wins his fourth straight fight, while Boetsch loses his first fight since dropping to middleweight.

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