By MATT BOONE
MMANEWS.COM Staff Writer
Welcome to our live round-by-round coverage of the UFC 126 “Silva vs. Belfort” event from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Make sure to refresh this page every few moments for updated UFC 126 play-by-play results throughout the evening, LIVE here at MMANEWS.COM!
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NON-TELEVISED PRELIM FIGHTS:
Mike Pierce vs. Kenny Robertson
Round 1: The welterweight division matchup starts off with Referee Herb Dean shown in the center of the octagon. Both men move quickly from the corners and come out exchanging quick jabs. Mike Pierce is able to intiate an early lockup with Robertson. Pierce drags Robertson down to the mat. Robertson attempts to fight off the takedown as much as possible and is able to work his way back to a standing position with Pierce. Pierce refuses to give up Robertson's back at the fence. Robertson not taking many hits that connect, or cause much damage for that matter. Both men are seperated as not much action is going on. Robertson fires a strong right hand but is again clinched against the fence by Pierce. Pierce gets a good right hand on Robertson that connects to his abdomen.
Round 2: The second round opens with a flurry of hands thrown. Robertson lands a nice right hand, however a nicer left by Pierce lands Kenny Robertson flat on the mat. Pierce leaps on Robertson and capitalizes on the situation with a stoppage.
Mike Pierce def. Kenny Robertson via TKO (punches) at 0:29 of Round 1
Kyle Kingsbury vs. Ricardo Romero
Round 1: The second bout of the evening is refereed by Ref Steve Mazzagatti for this light heavyweight matchup. The crowd begins chanting “Kingsbu” early on in the building. Kingsbury is able to successfully shift from side to side in order to make his way to the outside. Romero pushes forward however Kingsbury is able to clinch up and counters with several strong knees to the body and arms of Romero, ultimately shoving Romero into the cage. Romero takes a left straight from Kingsbury and hits the mat. Kingsbury continues to pound on Romero as Mazzagatti calls a stop to the fight.
Kyle Kingsbury def. Ricardo Romero via TKO (punches) at 0:21 of Round 1.
Paul Taylor vs. Gabe Ruediger
Round 1: Referee Kim Winslow is called for this lightweight matchup in the octagon. A brief touch of the gloves between Taylor and Ruediger sets the match off. Taylor quickly fires a right hand to the head of Ruediger followed by a clinch initiated by Ruediger as well. Taylor throws a left followed by a strong right finished off with a right low kick. Once again the men are in a clinch with Ruediger's back to the fence. Taylor attempts a takedown to no avail. Taylor clinches again with Ruediger's back to the fence once again. The men are seperated by Winslow. Ruediger once again attempts a takedown and once again fails.
Round 2: This round opens not much different than the last round with both men coming out strong trading punches. Taylor again continues to take the upperhand in the match. Ruediger attempts a low kick, to no avail as Taylor counters and pushes into the clinch. Ruediger secures a bodylock on Taylor with no where else to go with it as he's unable to get any sort of takedown. Taylor is able to spin free and moves to the back. Taylor is able to counter Ruediger's high kick attempts with a punch. Taylor is able to rush Ruediger with a couple more punches before Winslow puts a stop to the fight.
Paul Taylor def. Gabe Ruediger via knockout (strikes) at 1:42 of Round 2.
INTERNET-STREAMED PRELIM FIGHTS:
Demetrious Johnson vs. Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto
Round 1: The match opens up with both men bouncing around one another in the octagon. Yamamoto is careful to stay on the outside. Johnson throws a few low kicks. Yamamoto is able to catch Johnson with a short left. It seems as though Johnson took a low kick but he nods that he's ok, the men touch gloves and the match continues. Yamamoto misses a huge uppercut. Johnson gets the takedown. Yamamoto pins Johnson against the cage. Johnson gets a strong takedown on Yamamoto. Johnson is throwing short punches from half guard to end the first round.
Round 2: Both men come out looking as fresh as if it were still the first round. Johnson fakes a shot and both men search for angles. Johnson is able to throw Yamamoto to the mat, but he's able to bounce right back up. Yamasaki calls for a timeout and warns Johnson after he hits Yamamoto with a low kick. The match starts back up. Johnson is able to duck under a punch for another takedown. Yamamoto tries to grab a guillotine but misses it. Yamamoto is back up within seconds. Johnson tries for a single but it's not there. The round ends with Yamamoto landing a potentially illegal knee as Johnson scrambles back to his feet, no foul called.
Round 3: Johnson scores a takedown early in the third round. He sets up in half mount and drives a few shoulder strikes. Yamamoto is able to wrangle his way out and get back to his feet. Both fighters flurry with no major lands. Johnson once again dives in from a distance but once again he comes up short. Johnson scores another takedown, Yamamoto scurries to his feet once again. Low kick from Johnson and yet another takedown. The fight ends with Yamamoto getting back to his feet after yet another takedown.
Demetrious Johnson def. Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 Rounds.
TELEVISED FIGHTS
Chad Mendes vs. Michihiro Omigawa
Round 1: This featherweight match-up is covered by Referee Herb Dean. Early in the match Omigawa takes stance and begins changing levels. Mendes connects with an outside leg kick. Mendes is able to duck inside though he misses a combo as Omigawa counters with a short left. Mendes attempts another takedown after a leg kick however Omigawa gets the underhook and sprawls. Mendes lands a right hand a leg kick and yet another takedown attempt. Omigawa starts moving forward on Mendes who is continuously throwing jabs. Mendes is able to bring down Omigawa with a double-leg. Omigawa gets a straight armbar from guard. Mendes backs out and allows Omigawa to his feet. Mendes ends with round with another inside leg kick.
Round 2: Both men come out and touch gloves to proceed with round two. Omigawa gets an inside leg kick on Mendes and hits him over the top with a right hand. Mendes gets Omigawa into the judoka's guard after a combo. Omigawa recovers as quick as possible and ties up. Mendes counters with a few punches before Omigawa makes his way back to his feet. Short elbows land inside for Omigawa as Mendes retaliates with the same. Mendes with several nice right hands. Mendes lands a few more leg kicks that have Omigawa backing up towards the cage. Mendes shoots a single only to get sprawled on as Omigawa drives several punches and elbows into the ribs of Mendes. Mendes gets a knee but Omigawa blocks a left high kick. Omigawa gets another left on Mendes only to have Mendes counter to end the round.
Round 3: Both Mendes and Omigawa come out trading hands early in the match. Mendes tries for a takedown only to have Omigawa sprawl and take control of the head. Omigawa drops back for a guillotine chokehold, Mendes is able to make his way out of the hold and take top. Mendes controls from half mount. Omigawa feels Mendes trying to regain his half mount. Omigawa resets on his feet. Mendes scores yet another takedown in the match with less than a minute remaining and is able to throw a few big punches from the top. Omigawa is trying for anything he can land with not much success. Mendes gets a few more good punches in to close the round.
Chad Mendes def. Michihiro Omigawa via Unaninimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 Rounds.
Paul Kelly vs. Donald Cerrone
Round 1: Cerrone with a quick takedown after Kelly swings during the glove touch. Cerrone attempts a guillotine. Cerrone gets side control on Kelly. Both men make their way back to their feet. Cerrone ducks under a punch and goes for another takedown on Kelly. A big left hook by Kelly on Cerrone. Nice leg kick by Cerrone. Nice counter leg kick by Kelly. Big looping right hand by Cerrone. Kelly with more strong punches followed by a knee. Good right hand counter by Kelly. Nice counter hook on Kelly's behalf. Cerrone trying to throw some elbows that don't connect. Takedown with Cerrone in the top position and switching to half guard. Kelly using overhooks to tie up Cerrone's arms. Cerrone lands a good elbow causing Kelly to bleed above the right eye to end round one.
Round 2: Kelly once again misses a flying knee however he follows with a left hook that connects. A successful kick to the body for Cerrone. Kelly charges forward for a takedown. Both men back to their feet. Cerrone with a mix of low kicks on Kelly. Cerrone makes his way into a gullotine choke with Kelly dropping back hoping to finish the match. Cerrone is able to pull himself free and lands in half-mount. Cerrone then moves on to high mount as Kelly rolls. Cerrone is able to take the back and locks in a figure four around the waist of Kelly. Kelly is still bleeding above his right eye. Cerrone locks in a rear-naked choke. Kelly tries to counter and free himself to no avail and ultimately taps.
Donald Cerrone def. Paul Kelly via Submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:48 of Round 2.
LIVE PPV FIGHTS
Miguel Torres vs. Antonio Banuelos
Round 1: Torres and Banuelos touch gloves and both men come out throwing jabs back and forth. Torres throwing a few left jabs. Banuelos with a nice right. Torres with a left kick on Banuelos. Not much action as the crowd gets relentless. Torres with a takedown on Banuelos who hops right back up. Torres lowers his stance. Another takedown attempt that goes nowhere for Banuelos. Nice right hand by Torres followed by a snappy jab. High kick by Banuelos followed by a nice swing on Torres. Not much happening in the final seconds of the round and the crowd boos.
Round 2: Right hand by Torres with a counter by Banuelos after not much action in the beginning of round two. Ref resets up the match, they touch gloves and continue. Banuelos trying to get closer to Torres with a nice right hand. Torres with light left jabs. The crowd starts to get relentless once again. Banuelos continues to duck and weavy to stay out of Torres's reach. Inside leg kick by Torres. Torres lands a nice left jab. Again with a jab on Banuelos causing him to bleed from the nose. A nice combination by Banuelos at the end of round two.
Round 3: Banuelos comes out with lots of movement. Torres sticking with the left jabs. Still both men pretty much dancing around the ring with a few jabs back and forth. The crowd begins to boo once again. Torres begins to pick up the pace a bit. Torres changes his stance momentarily but switches back and continues to throw jabs on Banuelos. Nice kick to the head by Torres. Banuelos just can't seem to get the reach. Nice right hand by Torres. Torres backing Banuelos into the cage, then they make their way back to the center of the ring. Nice combination by Banuelos in the last seconds of the round and lots of swinging on Banuelos's behalf as the bell sounds.
Miguel Torres def. Antonio Banuelos via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 Rounds.
Jake Ellenberger vs. Carlos Eduardo Rocha
Round 1: Rocha with a quick takedown early in the match. Ellenberger gets right back to his feet but is still locked up in the cage. Ellenberger with a takedown and making his way to side control. Rocha back to his feet. Rocha on top with side control on Ellenberger. Ellenberger staying tight. Rocha switches to the back and then to mount and right back to side control, transitioning smoothly. Ellenberger gets Rocha's neck and makes his way back to his feet. Rocha tries for another takedown. Spinning backfist attempt, no one there for Rocha. Rocha catches a kimura as they collide again and rolls Ellenberger to the mat. Rocha switches to a straight armbar and nearly gets it as the round comes to an end.
Round 2: Rocha leads the second round with a leg kick on Ellenberger. Ellenberger counters with a couple punches followed by a couple knees to Rocha from the clinch. Rocha tries for another takedown, Ellenberger counters with a few good jabs. Ellenberger misses with a hook and gets out quick as Rocha closes. Rocha tries to get two high kicks on Ellenberger, missing both times. Ellenbergers leaps in with a knee on Rocha. Both men miss a few potentially good punches. Ellenberger goes for a low kick. Rocha changes levels. Rocha leaps with a knee as Ellenberger closes, to no avail. Ellenberger with a nice kick to the body. Ellenberger goes for a takedown in the closing seconds of the round only to have Rocha throw up a leg for a triangle at the bell.
Round 3: Rocha misses with a low kick early in the third round. Rocha with a nice counter hook after Ellenberger lands a leg kick. Ellenberger misses with a combination. Rocha misses with a spinning high kick. Rocha's kick is blocked. Rocha with another low kick on Ellenberger. Ellenberger punches in again and clinches. Rocha nails a glanching head kick. Rocha with more good leg kicks on Ellenberger.
Jake Ellenberger def. Carlos Eduardo Rocha via Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) after 3 Rounds.
Ryan Bader vs. Jon Jones
Round 1: Jones and Bader touch gloves to begin the match. Bader with a heavy overhand right on Jones. Jones with a takedown, Bader gets a guillotine on Jones. Vicious elbows by Jones. Jones tucking under the neck of Bader going for a north south choke. Jones holding on in side control. Bader back up to his feet. Both men throwing jabs. Jones with a high kick to the head of Bader. Jones once again working his ground game on Bader. Bader trying to use his right underhook to get back to his feet. Jones gets Bader's back. Big elbow by Jones. Bader trying to get an underhook on the left leg of Jones. More elbows by Jones to end the first round.
Round 2: Quick left hook by Jones early in round two. Jones with a high kick on Bader. Jones goes for a hard right, Bader counters with one of his own. Nice leg kick by Bader. Light kick by Jones on Bader. Bader trying to get the clinch and another takedown attempt. Jones with an inside lower leg kick on Bader. Jones with another nice leg kick. And again. Bader drops down with Jones on top of him. Jones working on the neck of Bader. Jones goes for a guillotine on Bader, gets it successfully causing Bader to tap.
Jon Jones def. Ryan Bader via Submission (guillotine) at 4:20 of Round 2.
Forrest Griffin vs. Rich Franklin
Round 1: Franklin comes out early with a low kick and gets a rear leg chopped out from under him by Griffin. Franklin continues to stay active from under Griffin with several short but effective punches. Griffin begins to throw some punches of his own both to the head and the body of Franklin. Franklin maintains guard. Griffin gets more blows through to the head of Franklin. Griffin lands some powerful elbows to end the round.
Round 2: Griffin comes out strong in round two with several kicks on Franklin. Franklin counters with a low kick on Griffin. Griffin desperately trying to get his hooks in on Franklin against the fence. Franklin gets to his knees only to have Griffin still holding on strong to his back. Griffin throws more punches on Franklin as he makes his way back to his feet. Griffin pulls him back down immediately. Franklin once again works his way back to his feet and Griffin just pushes him away. Franklin gets a few nice left straights on Griffin. Franklin falls to the mat when his knees fold after a strong left hook from Griffin. Griffin with a hard kick to the body of Franklin closing round two with an attack by Griffin.
Round 3: Griffin catches a kick not to far into round three and follows up with a knee without a takedown. Franklin is able to get a bodylock on Griffin. Franklin tries to take Griffin down to no avail. Griffin is able to throw Franklin down to the mat, Franklin gets right back up. Franklin is beginning to break heavy. Griffin with a nice body kick. Franklin gets a nice punch to the head of Griffin following a kick by Griffin. Griffin once again takes Franklin down to the mat. Franklin once again is able to power back to his feet. They lock up against the cage and Griffin is able to land a hook on the way out of the scuffle. Lots of back and forth to end the final round.
Forrest Griffin def. Rich Franklin via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after 3 Rounds.
Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort
Round 1: Silva circling Belfort as the match begins. The crowd getting relentless as neither wants to make the first move. Belfort with a small kick to the leg of Silva. Belfort with another kick, not too strong. Belfort with a left to the head of Silva. Silva goes for a kick, Belfort and Silva both fall to the ground and both make their way back up. Silva with a front kick to the face of Belfort knocking him to the mat. Silva with a strong ground and pound as the ref puts a stop to the match.
Anderson Silva def. Vitor Belfort via KO (front kick to the face) at 3:29 of Round 1.
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