UFC on FOX 30 live results: Eddie Alvarez vs. Dustin Poirier 2
Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC On FOX 30: Alvarez vs. Poirier 2, emanating from the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The Octagon heads back to Calgary for the first time in six years bringing an exciting main card that should have fans in the city excited for some fun fights.
The main event is a rematch in the lightweight division as former UFC Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez takes on Dustin Poirier in what could end up being one of the best fights of 2018. Alvarez and Poirier look to finish their unfinished business from UFC 211 in May 2017, when their bout ended in a no contest after Alvarez landed illegal knees. Alvarez has a win over Justin Gaethje since then, while Poirier has scored wins over Gaethje and Anthony Pettis since.
In the co-main event, former UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo fights in his first-ever non-title UFC bout as he takes on Jeremy Stephens, who is looking to get a title shot as he goes for his fourth straight win.
Also on the main card, former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk fights in her first non-title UFC bout in over three years as she takes on Tecia Torres. In lightweight action to open the main card, Alexander Hernandez goes for his eighth straight win as he battles Olivier Aubin-Mercier, winner of four straight fights.
Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 4 p.m. Eastern time with preliminary action all the way through the main card.
UFC FIGHT PASS PRELIMS | 4 PM ET/1 PM PT
> Devin Powell (8-3, 0-2 UFC) vs. Alvaro Herrera (9-5, 1-2 UFC)
Lightweights
The Saddledome was roughly 30% full as the first fight hit the Octagon. Both guys were swinging early to try to find their striking range. Herrera wriggled out of takedown attempt along the wall and knocked down Powell with a left punch to the body. Powell kept his distance to avoid any more punches from Herrera, then countered with a pair of stiff left kicks to Herrera’s body and finished him with punches on the ground.
Official Result: Devin Powell def. Alvaro Herrara by knockout (punches) at 1:52 of the first round
> Randa Markos (#12, 8-5, 4-4 UFC) vs. Nina Ansaroff (#13, 8-5, 2-2 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights
The crowd was behind Markos, as she was announced as fighting out of Canada. Ansaroff tried to use leg kicks early, but Markos caught one and took her to the ground after briefly working on a clinch along the cage. She got Ansaroff’s back and tried to get a choke, but Ansaroff defended well and managed to get Markos off her back, then eventually battled from the bottom back to her feet. The pair traded standing strikes briefly before the round ended. 10-9 Markos.
Both fighters attempted to establish their striking in the second round. Markos attempted a takedown by going for a leg but Ansaroff managed to dodge it. Midway through the round the tentative striking from both fighters became more effective, with Markos getting the better of a few exchanges on the feet. Ansaroff avoided a second takedown late in the round, this time along the fence. Tough round to score, narrowly 10-9 Markos due to her doing a bit more damage with her strikes. 20-18 Markos through two rounds.
Markos got the better of a striking exchange early in the third round, but wasn’t able to capitalize while clinching against the fence. Ansaroff avoided a pair of takedown attempts from Markos, but wasn’t able to execute any counters standing. She ended up on top of Markos on a third takedown attempt, but wasn’t able to do much damage from that position. Narrowly 10-9 Markos by virtue of initiating more takedowns and getting the better of the striking exchanges. 30-27 Markos, but the second and third rounds could go either way due to Ansaroff defending well.
Official Result: Nina Ansaroff def. Randa Markos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
All three judges gave Ansaroff the second and third rounds.
> Dustin Ortiz (#9, 18-7, 7-5 UFC) vs. Matheus Nicolau (#12, 13-1-1, 3-0 UFC)
Flyweights
This bout was full of frenetic energy, with both fighters constantly moving and altering their footwork. Nicolau knocked Ortiz down with a leg kick that swept his leg out from under him, but Ortiz popped back up. They had a series of quick striking exchanges with Nicolau slightly getting the better of them until Ortiz dropped Nicolau with a right head-kick, then finished him with punches on the ground.
Official Result: Dustin Ortiz def. Matheus Nicolau by knockout (punches) at 3:49 of the first round
> Alexis Davis (#3, 19-7, 6-2 UFC) vs.Katlyn Chookagian (#7, 10-1, 3-1 UFC)
Women’s Flyweights
The crowd was decidedly on Davis’ side, as she’s from Canada. The entire round was spent on their feet, with five minutes of fairly even striking exchanges. Chookagian consistently intiated the exchanges and did more damage, but Davis mixed up her striking, used leg kicks more effectively, and had Chookagian backing up for much of the round. Narrowly 10-9 Chookagian.
The second round was very much a continuation of the first. The leg kicks by Davis kept landing during their standing exchanges, though Chookagian managed to block a couple as the round wore on. Davis seemed content to keep standing in Chookagian’s striking range and eat punches in order to land leg kicks. Another very close round, narrowly leaning 10-9 Davis. 19-19 through two rounds.
Chookagian got the better of a couple early striking exchanges, landing quickly. Davis caught a leg but wasn’t able to take Chookagian down. Davis kept Chookagian backing up, but Chookagian kept doing more damage in their exchanges and was able to avoid Davis’ kicks. Davis got Chookagian down via a clinch late in the round, but wasn’t able to do any damage on the ground. 10-9 Chookagian, 29-28 Chookagian. Davis had a clear positional advantage, but Chookagian did much more damage striking.
Official Result: Katlyn Chookagian def. Alexis Davis via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
> John Makdessi (15-6, 8-6 UFC) vs. Ross Pearson (20-14 1 NC, 12-11 1 NC UFC)
Lightweights
The opening round was spent entirely on their feet. They had a series of quick striking exchanges that were fairly even. Pearson used levels well with his kicks, particularly with a few leg kicks on Makdessi’s lead leg. Pearson may have gotten the better of the exchanges, slightly, for a very narrow 10-9 edge. But Makdessi getting the round wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.
The next round was also entirely standing striking exchanges. Each man was able to get the better of a couple exchanges. On the whole, Makdessi spent the majority of the round backing up and making Pearson come to him, but also did more damage with inside punches and counters. 10-9 Makdessi.
Pearson visibly tired and slowed down in the third round, as Makdessi continued with his tactical striking and was content to pepper away at him with inside jabs and uppercuts. Makdessi caught Pearson low with a kick and the referee gave him a timeout to recover. Pearson shoved Makdessi to the fence and clinched, but couldn’t take him down. Things opened up more as the round wore on, with Pearson throwing bigger and bigger punches. Makdessi caught Pearson a couple times with nice crosses and jabs to the face, and dropped him briefly with a jab that countered a Pearson counter. Makdessi missed a spinkick late and Pearson took him down, but Makdessi ended up on top of him as the horn went. 10-9 Makdessi. Fight should be 30-27 or 29-28 Makdessi based on damage alone.
Official Result: John Makdessi def. Ross Pearson by unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-27)
Two out of three judges gave Pearson the first round. All three judges gave Makdessi the second and third rounds, with two judges (Derek Cleary and Chris Lee) giving him the third by 10-8 margins.
FOX PRELIMS | 6 PM ET/3 PM PT
> Gadzhimurad Antigulov (#15, 20-4, 2-0 UFC) vs. Ion Cutelaba (13-3 1 NC, 2-2 UFC)
Light Heavyweights
Antigulov got a takedown right away. Cutelaba eventually shoved him off with a kick, but Antigulov went right back at him and got his back briefly before Cutelaba wriggled free of that position. Antigulov kept pressuring, but Cutelaba countered with some knees to Antigulov’s face. Cutelaba got some solid punches in on Antigulov along the fence. Antigulov briefly responded with a few of his own, but Cutelaba continued with punches and elbow to a standing (but fairly non-responsive) Antigulov before the referee jumped in to end it.
Official Result: Ion Cutelaba def. Gadzhimurad Antigulov by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:25 of the first round
> Kajan Johnson (23-12-1, 4-1 UFC) vs. Islam Makhachev (15-1, 4-1 UFC)
Lightweights
As you’d expect, the crowd was firmly in Johnson’s corner (as he’s another Canadian). The standing portion early on involved Makhachev stalking Johnson, and Johnson occasionally creating separation with some weak leg kicks to get breathing room. For his part, Makhachev seemed to respect Johnson’s striking and didn’t get too close. Makhachev eventually got a takedown along the cage and worked for position, throwing punches and elbows on the ground. Faced with taking punishment or trying to escape, Johnson tried to use his legs to grab Makhachev and pull him away. But Makhachev anticipated that and used the brief window to grab Johnson’s arm and slap on an armbar. Johnson quickly submitted.
Official Result: Islam Makhachev def. Kajan Johnson by submission (armbar) at 4:43 of the first round
In his post-fight interview, Makhachev said he should fight somebody in the top 15, and joked or he would like to fight Brock Lesnar.
> Hakeem Dawodu (7-1-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Austin Arnett (15-4, 0-1 UFC)
Featherweights
Dawodu is from Calgary and was a big hometown favourite, with frequent cheers and “Hakeem” chants during the fight. Lots of circling early. Dawodu connected with some early leg kicks and wriggled free from an Arnett takedown attempt. Another Arnett attempt was stopped when Dawodu got some strikes off as he shot in on him. Arnett was open for a big strike after whiffing on a big kick, but Dawodu opted for a conservative stance and didn’t engage. 10-9 Dawodu.
Dawodu continued to get the better of striking exchanges in the second round. He mixed up his strikes and his levels, and continued to utilize kicks well – he threw leg kicks less often, but threw some head-kicks and back kicks effectively. Arnett moved forward and tried to initiate striking, but was out-classed by Dawodu. 10-9 Dawodu, 20-18 Dawodu through two rounds.
The third round was a repeat of the first two. Dawodu easily got the better of the striking exchanges, repeatedly throwing combos. Arnett tried a takedown, but Dawodu stuffed it calmly. He turned a second Arnett attempted into a clinch on the cage. Arnett seemed to have no answer for Dawodu’s speed and movement, though he never seemed overly hurt by his striking. 10-9 Dawodu, 30-27 Dawodu.
Official Result: Hakeem Dawodu def. Austin Arnett by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
> Jordan Mein (30-12, 4-4 UFC) vs. Alex Morono (14-4 1 NC, 3-1 1 NC UFC)
Welterweights
Mein is from nearby Lethbridge, Alberta, and was a big crowd favourite. Morono nearly caught Mein flat-footed with some attempted strikes as the round began, then Mein returned the favour with a flurry a few seconds later. Mein caught Morono with a kick to the chest, then was countered into a brief clinch on the cage, which was then countered again with a slick hiptoss takedown from Mein. Morono defended well from the bottom and tied up Mein, to the point where the referee stood them up. After a brief exchange on the feet, Mein took down Morono again and worked into side control, but Morono again defended well for the remainder of the round. 10-9 Mein.
Morono missed a spinning back fist. Mein caught a Morono leg kick attempt, then took him down again. This time Mein managed to lock on a head-and-arm choke but Morono broke it with some punches to Mein’s ribs. They continued to jockey for position on the ground, with Mein briefly able to post up a couple times to deliver some strikes while in Morono’s guard. 10-9 Mein, 20-18 Mein through two rounds.
Mein landed an overhand right in a striking exchange. Morono hit a spinning backfist later on that was loud but didn’t seem to do much damage. Morono cornered Mein by the cage and Mein attempted to duck under a strike, but ended up getting clipped and dropped to the mat. Morono tried to get position on top of Mein, and eventually got hold of his head with a modified guilloitine choke but Mein rolled on top of him to eventually escape. Mein worked for position on Morono and nearly grabbed a guillotine of his own, but the clock ran out on the round as the two grappled on the ground. Morono 10-9, 29-28 Mein overall.
Official Result: Jordan Mein def. Alex Morono by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
All three judges gave Mein rounds one and two, and Morono round three.
FOX MAIN CARD | 8 PM ET/5 PM PT
> Alexander Hernandez (#13, 9-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier (11-2, 7-2 UFC)
Lightweights
The opening round alternated between brief clinches along the cage and brief striking exchanges. Hernandez was aggressive throughout the round, closing the distance frequently and pressing Aubin-Mercier. Neither fighter did a ton on their feet, though, other than a handful of quick knees from either man. Hernandez took down Aubin-Mercier late in the round, but couldn’t gain much position. Hernandez 10-9.
Once again Hernandez was the aggressor, taking down Aubin-Mercier immediately along the cage. Aubin-Mercier fought back to his feet and stuffed another takedown, following up by taking down Hernandez with a flying armbar attempt. Hernandez fought from below, almost caught Aubin-Mercier with an armbar of his own but he broke free. They jockeyed for position with Hernandez ending up on top. The referee stood them up after a few slow moments on the mat. Hernandez tried another takedown, but Aubin-Mercier was able to stay on his feet. More clinching initiated by Hernandez. Hernandez couldn’t take him down, threw light punches and knees until the round ended. 10-9 Hernandez. 20-18 Hernandez.
Right after the round began Aubin-Mercier was hit below the belt with a knee and was given a time out from the referee. After the time out, Hernandez took him down again. The ref stood them up again due to inactivity. Hernandez took him down again, but Aubin-Mercier gained position and battled to his feet. Aubin-Mercier took Hernandez down along the cage after some clinching. Hernandez gained position and got Aubin-Mercier’s back, but couldn’t take advantage before the round ended. 10-9 Hernandez, 30-27 Hernandez.
Official Result: Alexander Hernandez def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Two of three judges gave Hernandez the first round. Two of three judges gave Hernandez the second round. All three judges gave Hernandez the third round.
> Joanna Jedrzejczyk (#1, 14-2, 8-2 UFC) vs. Tecia Torres (#5, 10-2, 6-2 UFC)
Women’s Strawweights
Jedrzejczyk circled and threw a lot of quick strikes early. Torres closed the distance and threw some of her own, which led to some grappling along the fence. Jedrzejczyk threw some knees with her back against the cage. They continued to grapple along the cage and jockey for position, with both fighter connecting with some knees. Jedrzejczyk threw several short-distance knees to Torres’ thighs while grappling on the fence. Torres tried to take Jedrzejczyk down, but she prevented it. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk.
Jedrzejczyk threw some leg kicks. Jedrzejczyk got the better of a few striking exchanges. Torres shot for a takedown on the fence, but Jedrzejczyk stayed upright. Torres continued to be the aggressor in the fight, initiating takedown attempts and offensive exchanges, but Jedrzejczyk continued to get the better of their grappling on the fence and their striking exchanges. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 20-18 Jedrzejczyk.
Striking exchange. Jedrzejczyk got the better of a few counter-punch flurries, including an overhand right that knocked Torres back on her heels. Torres dodged a Jedrzejczyk kick and took her to the fence, but couldn’t get a takedown and she ate a couple Jedrzejczyk while grappling along the fence. Torres got a single leg takedown, but Jedrzejczyk popped back up. They continued to grapple along the fence for the remainder of the round. 10-9 Jedrzejczyk, 30-27 Jedrzejczyk.
Official Result: Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Tecia Torres by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Torres stormed out of the cage after the decision was read.
> Jose Aldo (#2, 26-4, 8-3 UFC) vs. Jeremy Stephens (#4, 28-14, 15-13 UFC)
Featherweights
Both fighters traded kicks and strikes early to try to find their range. Aldo landed a couple quick combos and the fight opened up. Stephens got the better of a few wild exchanges, including cornering Aldo along the fence and wildly swinging and throwing knees at him. Aldo escaped, though, and landed a body shot that dropped Stephens. Aldo followed him to the ground with punches. Initially Stephens was able to avoid a stoppage, but Aldo’s flurries were too ferocious and the referee jumped in for the stoppage.
Official Result: Jose Aldo def. Jeremy Stephens by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:19 of the first round
> Eddie Alvarez (#3, 29-5 1 NC, 4-2 1 NC UFC) vs. Dustin Poirier (#4, 23-5 1 NC, 15-4 1 NC UFC)
Lightweights
The opening minutes were tentative as both fighters felt each other out with some quick striking exchanges. Poirier checked a loud kick to the body from Alvarez. A leg kick from Poirier almost knocked Alvarez down, as he tried to dodge it and lost his balance. Poirier foiled an Alvarez takedown attempt. Poirer got the better of a pair of brief striking exchanges, but Alvarez followed up with a nice combination and some jabs as the round ended. Very close, 10-9 Poirier based on effective striking.
Alvarez knocked down an off-balance Poirier with a jab early, but Poirier recovered and grabbed Alvarez in a guillotine choke takedown but Alvarez was able to use the cage to avoid going all the way down and escaped. Poirier grabbed another guillotine takedown attempt, but Alvarez managed to wriggle free. Alvarez got Poirier’s back but Poirier was able to protect against an attempted rear-naked choke due to his body positioning, ending up resisting what amounted to a neck crank. Alvarez ended up on top of Poirier along the fence and landed an illegal 12-6 elbow and the referee gave Poirier a timeout to recover. Back on their feet, Poirier got the better of a striking exchange and battered Alvarez with left jabs and knees to the face. Alvarez finally went down with a left hook and the referee stopped the bout.
Official Result: Dustin Poirier def. Eddie Alvarez by technical knockout (strikes) at 4:05 of the second round.