UFC 125 Prelims On Ion

1. Brad Tavares vs. Phil Baroni

Because of Internet issues, I didn’t see much of the fight except for the end of the first round. Tavares nailed Baroni with a kick and then drilled him with a punch and Baroni went down. Tavares followed up with him and stopped him. Baroni was so out of sorts, he was grabbed the ref’s leg when it was over.

Winner: Brad Tavares by way of 1st round TKO

Phil better hope there’s a Dynamite!! show next year.

2. Dustin Poirier vs. Josh Grispi

Poirier landed a couple of front kicks to the gut and made Grispi look quite human. On his back, Grispi tried to latch onto a kimura, but never did get it. Great round for Poirier.

Poirier is really taking it to Grispi. He’s beating him on the feet, and even on the ground is able to get shots in. Grispi nearly got a triangle locked in from the bottom, but was slammed on his back. Then back on their feet, Grispi was saved by the bell. Grispi’s title shot is slipping through his fingers.

Poirier pitched the shutout. Grispi was going for submissions from the top, but never came close.

Winner: Dustin Poirier by way of unanimous decision

3. Jeremy Stephens vs. Marcus Davis

The best shot of the first round was an overhand left that wobbled Stephens. I don’t think Davis knew how hard he hit him because Stephens was staggered on a delay. He went in to follow up, but for what ever reason went to grab him for the takedown instead of following up with punches. Stephens survived.

Stephens tried to latch onto a kimura and he dropped down with Davis, but Davis fell on top of him and the fight stayed that way for most of the round. Nothing else much happened. Stephens gets credit for the takedown I would believe.

Stephens and Davis both threw right hands at the same time, but Stephens’ landed first and Davis was out. He followed up with a jumping right hand when Davis was on the ground to make sure. Davis was out cold.

Winner: Jeremy Stephens by way of 3rd round TKO