Check out our UFC Fight Night play by play featuring the main event of Alvarez vs Poirier 2.
The UFC is back in Calgary for the second time. The main card looks like one of the better ones that has been on Fox in recent memory. It’s also the second to last UFC on Fox show before the UFC takes their fights to ESPN.
Olivier Aubin-Mercier Vs Alexander Hernandez
Hernandez is starting fast. He’s trying to cut off the cage and trap him. Aubin-Mercier is starting a bit slow, maybe saving his energy or hoping that Hernandez gasses out. Aubin-Mercier landed a great knee and followed it up with a lead left (he’s southpaw). Hernandez spent the last two minutes of the round trying for the takedown and he did get it, though Aubin-Mercier was up quickly. Solid round for both.
Hernandez started the second with an immediate takedown. Aubin-Mercier grabbed an arm bar and it looked like it could’ve been dangerous for Hernandez. But when they were back on their feet, he was pressing the action again, going for the takedown.
Hernandez has a crazy motor on him. Aubin-Mercier could never really get into what he wanted to do because he was always on his heels with Hernandez is pursuit. The round started with a low knee by Hernandez. With Hernandez on top and working, the referee stood them up. That’s the second time he’s done that where Hernandez was working. Aubin-Mercier swept Hernandez and then got a takedown. He may need to finish, unless he thinks he won the first round. Hernandez took a couple deep breaths and then exploded and did a pro wrestling crucifix on Aubin-Mercier and then got his back. He ended up the round not getting the choke, but still punching him in the face.
Winner: Alexander Hernandez by way of unanimous decision
The scores were 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.
Tecia Torres Vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk
Just about the entire first round was in the clinch, with Jędrzejczyk pushing Torres against the back of the cage. Torres tried to get a takedown late to no avail.
They both traded great right hands. Jędrzejczyk is controlling things a bit more, and staying on the outside. There was a late exchange that Torres won that may have won her the round.
Jędrzejczyk is able to stay on the outside and land right hands. Torres hasn’t been able to get on the inside like she was able to late in the second. Torres got a takedown, but couldn’t take advantage of it. She pushed Jędrzejczyk back to the cage and they were back in the clinch game. Torres needed to throw more, but Jędrzejczyk’s length and leg kicks made it hard. I have Jędrzejczyk winning two rounds to one.
Winner: Joanna Jędrzejczyk by way of unanimous decision
Jeremy Stephens Vs Jose Aldo
This was an amazing first round. Aldo got the first big punch in, but Stephens fired back with some big shots and it looked like Aldo was in trouble. But he started throwing haymakers of his own back and Stephens started to back up. Stephens’ face was bloody. Aldo threw two body shots and the second one was a dig with his left hand and Stephens buckled and went down. Aldo followed him up on the ground and finished him. Great moment for Aldo.
THAT BODY SHOT THO‼️‼️‼️‼️#UFCCalgary pic.twitter.com/DCsFHlqwsy
— S T E V E (@MMA_Relevant) July 29, 2018
Winner: Jose Aldo by way of 1st round TKO
Dustin Poirier Vs Eddie Alvarez
Alvarez fought a very smart first round. He kept his distance and was in and out with both kicks and punches. Poirier is the taller and longer fighter, but his punches aren’t as quick. There’s some load up time in his windup. Alvarez probably won a close round, but Poirier ended well.
Poirier had a guillotine early and it looked tight. He couldn’t hold it but went for it again. Alvarez had him up against the cage and was sitting up and dropped a Dusty Rhodes elbow on Poirier’s shoulder/trap area. The referee stopped the fight and called a standup for the illegal blow. That was the worst thing for Alvarez. Poirier landed six left hands in a row and Alvarez had to backpedal. Poirier kneed him low, but the referee didn’t see it and soon, the fight was stopped.
Winner: Dustin Poirier by way of 2nd round TKO