The event, which features a UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones vs.
Vitor Belfort, takes place at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. The main
card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m. ET (3:45 p.m. PT) for the preliminary card and 10 p.m. ET for the main card.
To discuss tonight's show, be sure to check out our UFC 152 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
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CHARLIE BRENNEMAN VS. KYLE NOKE
Round 1 - Dan Miragliotta is the ref for our first fight of the night. Noke fires off a left jab to open. Noke with another jab, then a high front kick, then a step-in jab by Noke. Noke has a great size advantage. And he nails him with a huge right hand. Brenneman hits the canvas. Noke is on him in a heartbeat, and he lands a few more big ones as Miragliotta looks on – and then steps in. The crowd boos a potentially premature stoppage, since Brenneman was starting to go after Noke's legs. But he was eating shots and not defending. Kyle Noke def. Charlie Brenneman via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 0:45
MITCH GAGNON VS. WALEL WATSON
Round 1 - Crowd in Toronto starting to fill in a little bit now. Josh Rosenthal draws the reffing duties for our second bout of the night. Watson has a great big height advantage. But it's a nice left from Gagnon early, sneaking inside. Superman punch from Watson is off the mark, and Gagnon counters with an absolutely huge left. He floors Watson. The crowd goes nuts for the Canadian. He gets the ground and works ground-and-pound. He lands some good punches. Then he takes Watson's back. He starts to work for a rear-naked choke and he's got it. He adjusts his grip, and eventually Watson is forced to tap. Mitch Gagnon def. Walel Watson via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 1:09
SETH BACZYNSKI VS. SIMEON THORESEN
Round 1 - John McCarthy sees his first action of the night as the third man, and we're ready to go. They touch gloves and get to work. Baczynski peppers out a leg kick, then lands a nice left. Thoresen not doing much yet, but then feels his way inside for a left of his own. Baczynski throws a high kick that is partially blocked. Thoresen taking his time, then works an outside leg kick. He moves inside, but eats a Baczynski jab. Baczynski looks a little bloodied by his nose. Thoresen gets a short clinch and looks for a knee. Thoresen ducks under and lands a nice counter right. And as Baczynski comes in, Thoresen lands again. They tie up in the middle and both look for knees, but then push off. Good leg kick from Thoresen. Couple good shots from Baczynski, but then his left hand scrapes Thoresen's eye. Thoresen will get some time, but he doesn't need much. Both guys swing and miss. Thoresen again ducks under one, then lands a good body kick. But then out of nowhere – absolutely out of nowhere – Baczynski lands a big left hand. Thoresen drops immediately to his knees. Baczynski lands a couple others on the ground, but they don't matter. Huge knockout. Seth Baczynski def. Simeon Thoresen via knockout (punch) - Round 1, 4:10
MARCUS BRIMAGE VS. JIM HETTES
Round 1 - Yves Lavigne will see his first officiating duties of the night. Touch of the gloves and we're rollin'. Brimage circles outside and throws a couple body shots, then tags Hettes nicely and Hettest briefly goes to his knees. Brimage not afraid to stand in there, and he lands another left. Hettes trying to take the fight to the ground, but Brimage wants nothing of it. Brimage again comes forward with a nice combo. Hettes comes with a knee and catches him low, but not low enough for Brimage to want a stoppage. Brimage throws hard again. Good knee attempt from Hettes has him slipping off his feet. Brimage is making Hettes look all kinds of uncomfortable. He drops him with a left and follows him to the ground. Hettes looking to tie him up with a triangle – and Brimage backs out of there and goes back to his feet. Hettes eats a few more shots, then lands a nice right of his own. Brimage again lands a few good shots. He's clearly winning teh battle on the feet and keeps coming forward. Good right from Hettes. Left hand from Brimage is on the money. Both guys look slower now, though they're both staying on the feet and slugging it out. Hettes tries to get a standing guillotine, but Brimage slips it. We're going to the second round for the first time tonight. MMAjunkie.com scores a really fun first round 10-9 for Brimage.
Round 2 - Hettes misses an early head kick and Brimage takes advantage and lands a bunch of shots before they split. Brimage's striking is looking incredibly impressive. But Hettes finally does what he wants – he gets the fight to the ground and into side control. Brimage rolls and gives his back, and Hettes looks to take advantage – but Brimage reverses and gets out of there. Jumping knee from Hettes leads to getting to the ground again. And this time he looks to keep it there. He looks for a guillotine and lets loose, but then gets a tight body triangle and has Brimage's back. He'll look for the rear-naked choke now as Brimage tries to get out of Hettes' world. Brimage tries to get back to his feet. He breaks the triangle for a time, but Hettes gets it back and has the back near the cage. Brimage is avoiding Hettes' arm under the chin for now. Brimage back up to his feet, though, in a wonderful defensive move. And soon after, he lands a nice left. Hettes lands a pair of lefts, though, and then shoots – but Brimage sprawls out of it. Brimage again backs Hettes up. Brimage did a nice job of avoiding the submission, but it's a 10-9 round for Hettes on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.
Round 3 - Fight of the Night so far for sure. Great striking from Brimage, great submission attempts from Hettes. We'll see what wins out in the last round. Good knee from Hettes is followed by a nice kick from Brimage, and then a couple more. Brimage with one to the back of the head, and Lavigne tells him to be careful there. Another leg kick from Brimage. Hettes with a couple nice jabs. Both guys are labored now with their striking and dropping their hands. Hettes just keeps coming forward through anything Brimage lands. Halfway through, it's still anyone's fight here. Hettes goes for a single and can't get it to the ground. Brimage throws a couple big ones that miss. Good left from Brimage, then another. Hettes again drops for a single, and Brimage sprawls it out. Still up for grabs with a minute left. Hettes pushing forward. Good leg kick from Brimage. Twenty seconds left. No big offensive surges from either guy. MMAjunkie.com gives a very close third to Brimage and has him winning the fight 29-28 – but it really could go either way. Marcus Brimage def. Jimy Hettes via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
LANCE BENOIST VS. SEAN PIERSON
Round 1 - Pierson with a giant ovation from his hometown Toronto faithful. Josh Rosenthal works his second fight tonight, and we're ready to go. Nice right from Benoist to open. They tie up with Pierson trying to perhaps move things to the ground. But they break. Good push kick from Benoist, and tehn a kick to teh body. Benoist with a couple body kicks, but Pierson lands a perfect counter right and drops him. He moves in and tries to do a little more damage, but Benoist gets back up. They tie up along the cage, and Pierson keeps Benoist's back there for a short time. Straight left from Benoist and then a counter from Pierson. Benoist kicks, but Pierson catches it and counters and drops Benoist to his butt. Pierson looks to move in while Benoist looks for upkicks, then an armbar, then a triangle, then an omoplata. But Pierson escapes and goes back to his feet – probably wisely. Nice scramble inside and Pierson gets the best of it with a left hand that has Benoist stumbling. He recovers, though, and Benoist ties him up. But they break with 45 seconds left. Both guys landed some good shots, but Pierson may have gotten off with the bigger ones. MMAjunkie.com will give the first to Pierson, 10-9.
Round 2 - Benoist with a left hand, but they quickly tie up along the cage. After they break, it's Benoist in the center, and he throws a high kick that is blocked. Good left from Benoist, but Pierson lands a counter right. Good leg kick from Benoist, but Pierson gets a nice takedown. He ties up Benoist's neck for now. He rolls him to his back, but can't keep him there. Benoist back to his feet, but eats a knee for his troubles. Superman punch attempt from Benoist, but Pierson clips him with the counter and puts him on his knees for a second. Straight left from Pierson is on the money. Benoist tries to come inside, but there's not much there. Four-punch combo from Benoist, and all four land nicely. Body kick lands for Benoist. It's another fairly close round, but MMAjunkie.com will give it to Pierson again, 10-9.
Round 3 - A few front kicks from Benoist are countered by Pierson, and then another one is caught by Pierson. But both fighters land good punches following it up. Pierson lands a leg kick, but he very clearly mouths an "Owww!" May have hurt himself. Pierson looks to the clock after a short stoppage for a barely low blow. Good right from Pierson. Then a left is met with a Benoist elbow. Benoist is getting inside with some decent shots, and Pierson is perhaps even more marked up on his face than Benoist is. Benoist tries a knee, but it's not there. Benoist with a couple kicks, one to the leg, one to the body. Right jab from Pierson. Benoist catches Pierson with a big shot and Pierson stumbles and hits the turf. Benoist moves in and starts working the ground and pound. Rosenthal taking a close look. Pierson survives, but he soon gives his back. Benoist takes it and looks to finish, but Pierson gets back to his feet. His legs are rubber. Pierson survives, but he'll lose the frame. MMAjunkie.com scores the third for Benoist 10-9, and has the fight for Pierson 29-28 – but it all might hinge on that close second round. Sean Pierson def. Lance Benoist via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
EVAN DUNHAM VS. T.J. GRANT
Round 1 - Dan Miragliotta is the ref for this lightweight action. Grant, from Canada, gets the big ovation from the crowd, naturally. No glove touch. Dunham gets inside with a nice uppercut. Tries it again and lands a nice combination. Grant looks for a knee, and it backs Dunham up. Inside leg kick from Dunham. Grant answers with a punch and an inside leg kick of his own. Right hand from Grant lands, and he follows with an uppercut. But Dunham answers with a left. Both guys with punches inside, and Grant finishes with a knee. Grant doing the pushing from the center with Dunham on the outside. Crisp right lands from Grant. They're trading big punches. Dunham slips, and Grant takes advantage with a kick. They collide and Dunham eats a kick to the head. Grant landing nicely inside. Dunham smiles and walks through it. Total slugfest so far. Inside leg kick from Grant. They tie up and Grant lands a big right. He ties up Dunham's neck and then lands a right-left combo. But with 40 seconds left, Dunham shoots for a double and he gets it. Grant on his back in full guard. Dunham stands up, then tries to dive back in for some punches. The takedown from Dunham was nice, but it's a 10-9 round for Grant on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - Dunham tries to kick high, then lands an outside leg kick. Good set of exchanges 50 seconds in with both guys landing. They move to the other side of the octagon and bomb at each other again. Big knee from Grant lands, and Dunham is just sliced wide open. He smiles right in Grant's face, just as the blood starts to flow from the middle of his forehead. Right after the knee, Grant landed some more punches. Grant will start to work on it as the blood comes right down the middle between Dunham's eyes. Grant looks for a single, but it's not there. Dunham fires back on the fence, and Grant comes with a bunch, too. Dunham shakes his head and blood goes flying. Grant lands back-to-back knees, and the cut is looking pretty grisly. Dunham with some nice punches. Grant nearly lands a head kick, but Dunham gets a takedown. We'll see what he can do with it. He's got Grant up on the cage. Grant gets back to his feet, and Dunham looks to land a head kick. Valiant effort from Dunham, and we'll see what the doc says about the cut. But it's a 10-9 second round for Grant on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 3 - Grant will go right to work on Dunham's cut. It's massive. The Vaseline on the cut hasn't lasted more than 20 seconds. Good combination from Dunham along the fence. He may need to finish this fight to win it. Dunham may be slightly fresher. Grant catches a Dunham kick, but can't do anything with it. Halfway through, Grant lands a nice right hand. Again they swing kicks and punches. Dunham wants to shoot, but he bails out of it. Flying knee from Dunham just misses. Dunham now stuffs a Grant takedown attempt. Kick from Dunham is caught. Dunham sticks his tongue out at Grant. They keep swinging. Dunham wants the takedown and Grant stuffs it. This has clearly become the "Fight of the Night" leader so far. Dunham shoots and gets a takedown, but into guard. It's Dunham's third takedown. Is that enough? Dunham will finish on top. MMAjunkie.com gives the third to Dunham, 10-9, but has Grant 29-28 in a close fight. T.J. Grant def. Evan Dunham via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
VINNY MAGALHAES VS. IGOR POKRAJAC
Round 1 - "Big" John McCarthy is the third gentleman in the cage for this one. They tie up quickly. Pokrajac pushes it to the cage. Magalhaes looks for a knee. Magalhaes has a good position on Pokrajac, though, and is able to get a takedown. And then he lands a couple nice punches from up top. Pokrajac is back in guard and he controls Magalhaes' wrists nicely. Pokrajac working elbows from the bottom, but Magalhaes moves to the side and looks for an armbar. He has to let it go, though, and Pokrajac winds up in top with Magalhaes in guard. Magalhaes looks for a triangle from rubber guard. But Magalhaes lets Pokrajac back to his feet. Pokrajac comes forward, but Magalhaes ducks under. Good right from Pokrajac at the close. But it's a 10-9 first round for Magalhaes on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - They tied up again, and the fight hits the ground. It's pokrajac on top, but Magalhaes looks for a triangle. He tries to switch it to an armbar. But Magalhaes flips Pokrajac over just perfectly and gets that armbar, and Pokrajac is tapping like crazy very quickly. Just a gorgeous move from a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion. Magalhaes wins in his first fight in the UFC since UFC 97. Vinny Magalhaes def. Igor Pokrajac via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 1:14
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS. CUB SWANSON
Round 1 - We kick off the pay-per-view with a fun featherweight contest (though technically it's a catch weight since Oliveira was over by 0.2 pounds). Yves Lavigne is our ref. They touch gloves and we start it off. Jab from Oliveira. Then he misses a front kick. Looping right hand from Swanson misses. Oliveira with a nice takedown. He works from half guard, but Swanson quickly back into guard. Swanson gets back to his feet, though. Swanson misses and Oliveira comes forward, but can't land much. Oliveira looks for a Thai clinch and a knee, but not much there. Halfway through, we're standing in the middle. And then boom. Swanson lands a left hook to the body that hurts Oliveira, and Swanson brings a giant left hand – Oliveira stands for a second, but then Oliveira just crumbles. Swanson shows great restraint and just stands over the top of him and won't land anything unnecessary. Cub Swanson def. Charles Oliveira via knockout (punches) - Round 1, 2:40
MATT HAMILL VS. ROGER HOLLETT
Round 1 - Matt Hamill returns from retirement and gets a nice ovation from the crowd. Dan Miragliotta is the ref. Hamill comes forward fast. Pushing with jabs. Big left from Hollett just off the mark. Hamill goes for an outside leg kick. Right hand over the top from Hollett, and he comes with a left hook to the body. Leg kick from Hamill. Good combo from Hamill. Hollett comes inside, ahd Hamill covers up. No takedown attempts yet from Hamill. Crowd getting a little restless. Good left from Hamill pushes Hollett back. Hollett looking for range. Hamill goes low for an easy takedown and starts working ground-and-pound. Hollett eating a bunch of shots and Hamill easily controlling on top. Hollett trying to explode back to his feet. But Hollett's eating way too many. Hollett just has nothing going on here. Hamill working to finish. Hollett pushes back to his feet, and he'll survive the round. He lands a nice right to the body as the horn sounds. It's a 10-9 round for Hamill on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - Good left from Hollett 30 seconds in, and he tries a spinning back kick that is off the mark. Left hand backs Hamaill up. Teep to the body from Hollett after fending off a Hamill takedown attempt. Hamill ducks away from a Hollett right hand. Hollett goes to the body with a left. Front kick from Hamill. Knee from Hollett just misses the mark, and Hamill uses it for a takedown. He's on top, and this doesn't bode well for Hollett. But he survives on the ground and gets back to his feet halfway through the round. Again the crowd gets a little restless. Hamill a pretty lazy takedown attempt, and Hollett easily stops it. Hamill looks tired, but Hollett isn't doing much himself. He lands a body punch. Miragliotta tells them to fight. Crowd really booing now, and Hollett tries for some spinning stuff and Hamill gets another takedown. It's another 10-9 round for Hamill, but Hollett probably has more energy going to the last.
Round 3 - Big left from Hollett is just off the mark. Right just misses. And then a shot from Hamill and an easy takedown. Hollett tries to roll out and gives his back, and he's going to eat some short punches on the ground. Crowd pretty bored with this fight. Nothing major coming from Hamill here – just punches as he controls Hollett, and Hollett unable to power back to his feet. He tries to roll out, but that's not going anywhere. Still half of the round to go. Finally, Hollett is back out. He's bleeding. But Hamill pretty quickly lands a perfect takedown and Hollett is right back on his back. Hamill works a few punches here and there, and with a minute left they'll get stood up. Hamill looks exhausted. He pushes forward, and easily puts Hollett on his back again. Hollett just can't defend the takedowns, and he never really let his hands go in the fight. Hamill will end things on top. It's an easy 10-9 round for Hamill, and MMAjunkie.com has him winning the fight 30-27. Matt Hamill def. Roger Hollett via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
MICHAEL BISPING VS. BRIAN STANN
Round 1 - Josh Rosenthal gets the ref duties for this highly anticipated middleweight bout. The faceoff at Friday's weigh-ins was worth "Fight of the Night" on its own. Good ovation for Bisping from the Toronto fans. Right to the middle. Stann with a right first. Bisping kicks to the legs. Stann moves in and they tie up. Bisping spins it around and pushes Stann's back to the fence. Bisping looking for knees, but they finally push off. Stann looks like he wants that big right. He tries to the body. Then throws a right outside leg kick. Inside leg kick from Bisping. Bisping with a nice jab, and Stann follows to the body. They both throw right hands. Bisping shots for a takedown and gets double underhooks, but Stann is able to keep it on the feet. Bisping works with Stann's back on the fence. Good inside elbow lands. Stann lands a couple as he pushes off, though. Outside leg kick from Stann is on the mark, and Bisping catches Stann low. Stann gets time, but he says he doesn't need it. They start firing at each other. And then Stann catches Bisping low. Bisping will take a little longer than Stann did. Bisping looks down and says a few words to UFC boss Dana White. They touch gloves as they start back up. Stann again goes inside with the leg kick. Good body kick from Stann. Good left from Bisping. Again Bisping will look for a takedown, but it's not there. Stann lands a nice right hand that backs Bisping up, and he runs to chase him down. That's going to give him the round on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard, 10-9.
Round 2 - Bisping again wants the takedown, and this time he gets it 40 seconds into the round. He scoops Stann up and plants him on his back, and goes right into side control. But Stann rolls over nicely and lands a big punch from up top. He's on top now and working out of Bisping's guard. Stann stands back up, but Bisping gets control back along the fence. Stann elbows his way out of there. Good right hand from Bisping as they stand back in the middle again. Stann firing off with a big right. But Bisping shoots again, and again slams him right down. Bisping tries to work on a kimura from the top, and he starts punching from side control. It's a 10-9 round for Bisping on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 3 - They trade leg kicks to open the last round. Bisping eats a couple leg kicks and then pushes forward for another takedown. Stann is up pretty quickly, though, and lands a right. Good right from Bisping. Stann answers with an outside leg kick. Stann lands a good right. But Bisping answers back with a left jab and a right hand. Stann wants the right hand. Bisping again looks for a takedown, but Stann defends. Good combo from Bisping. Good right from Bisping. Stann looking pretty marked up. Bisping again can't get a takedown. Two minutes left, and Bisping pushes Stann to the cage. They go back to the middle, and with a minute left, they both try to put something together. Bisping wants a takedown again, but again it's not there. But finally, he's able to bully Stann to the canvas. And that's probably going to seal the deal. Stann gets to his feet, and Bisping again tries to take him down. Stann will fend off that last takedown, but it won't be enough. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Bisping, and has him winning the fight 29-28. Michael Bisping def. Brian Stann via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ VS. DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON
Round 1 - Here we go. Five-rounder for the first UFC flyweight title. History in the making, and Yves Lavigne will oversee it. Benavidez throws a right, and Johnson lands a right before they tie up. Benavidez pushes Johnson forward and they clinch on the cage. Johnson looks for knees with his back on the cage. He spins out and lands a nice knee. Body shot for Benavidez. Good straight right from Johnson. Benavidez looks for a takedown, but it's not there. He lands a right on the way out. Again they tie up on the fence. Spinning backfist from Benavidez just misses the mark. Benavidez stalking and they tie each other up on the cage. Kick from Benavidez after the break. Johnson tries an inside leg kick, then lands a nice right hand. Benavidez comes forward, though. Johnson gets a nice combo off. Johnson gets a takedown at the end of the round. He'll get a 10-9 round on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - The crowd cheers a fight in the expensive seats. Fun start to the round. Benavidez looks for a kick, but it's off the mark. But a few seconds later, he lands to the body nicely. Good right hand from Benavidez. Inside leg kick from Johnson. Benavidez chases Johnson and lands a few rights to back him up. They tie up briefly, but then break. Good left from Benavidez. Johnson misses over the top, and Benavidez tries to take him down. But nothing there. Outside leg kick from Benavidez, and then a nice right hand. He looks for a single, but he can't get it and Johnson just misses a knee on Benavidez's way back up. A few good lefts from each guy. Then a nice left from Benavidez backs Johnson up, then a left-right from him. MMAjunkie.com gives Benavidez a 10-9 round.
Round 3 - Benavidez comes forward a little quicker this round. He throws a kick, then a left-right. Benavidez just misses a high kick. Benavidez just misses a body kick, then another – but Johnson can't catch it to capitalize much on it. Right hand from Benavidez is good, then another. Then an inside leg kick. The crowd is booing, which is kind of hard to believe. They trade and each duck under a few shots. Benavidez gets a takedown, but Johnson is up quickly. Benavidez ties him up, but they break. Good combo from Benavidez. Benavidez gets poked in the eye, it seems, and he reaches for it quickly. But Lavigne tells him he didn't see it. Again the crowd boos. Johnson with a right hand that just misses. Benavidez comes quickly right at the horn. MMAjunkie.com gives the third to Benavidez, 10-9.
Round 4 - Traded leg kicks. Johnson with a nice right hand, and then another on the counter. Right hand from Benavidez takes Johnson off his feet, and Benavidez swarms. He looks for a guillotine. He moves around and gets full mount. He's got it under the chin adn he's cranking on him. Johnson is trying to keep him at bay. And somehow, he survives. And Johnson gets a leg and tries to go for a heel hook. But Benavidez gets out of that and gets back on top in side control. Johnson, though, spins out of a possible choke attempt from Benavidez and gets back to his feet. Benavidez looks to go back to the ground, but Johnson winds up on top. Johnson can't keep him there, though, and they go back to the feet. Johnson quickly drops down for a short takedown, then lands a body kick as Benavidez gets back up. Benavidez throws, and Johnson ducks under with ease and gets a takedown and into side control. It's a tough round to score. But the knockdown and submission attempt from Benavidez have him 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 5 - Body kick from Johnson. Johnson shoots and gets a big takedown. Benavidez is right back up, but Johnson takes him down again. They trade left hands. Good riht from Benavidez. He tries to come inside, but Johnson ducks under again. Johnson again with a takedown, and right into side control. Benavidez works to get back up, and Johnson briefly has his neck. But they go back to standing with 2:15 left. Nice left hand from Benavidez. Johnson with a right hand counter. The crowd boos again with 90 seconds left. Benavidez comes forward, but misses, but then lands a counter. Benavidez looks for a shot, but it's not there. And Johnson looks for one, and it's not there. Spinning backfist from Benavidez misses. Johnson misses a big looping uppercut. Another takedown attempt isn't there for Johnson. And the fight will come to a close. So close. MMAjunkie.com gives the fifth to Johnson 10-9, but has Benavidez 48-47 in the fight. But who knows. Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
CHAMP JON JONES VS. VITOR BELFORT
Round 1 - "Big" John McCarthy will supervise the main event. This is Jones' fourth title defense. The crowd is clearly of the pro-Belfort ilk. Jones goes into his familiar squat. And we get started with Belfort throwing a head kick as Jones gets up. Jones shoots, gets a single, and gets Belfort down. Took all of about 30 seconds. Belfort grabs on, and Jones picks him up to chest-slam him .. Belfort goes for an arm bar. He's got it, but Jones has to drop Belfort on his head. But Belfort hangs on, and Jones has to really fight to get out of it. But he does. Jones is on top. But that was a major moment for Belfort right there. Jones starts to throw elbows from up top, and we've got three minutes left in the first. Belfort is cut now over his right eyes thanks to one of the elbows. Belfort will again look for an armbar, but Jones avoids it. Big punch from Jones to follow up on the left elbow. Another elbow. Doesn't look like there's much of an opportunity for Belfort to get out of this bad position, and Jones keeps coming with the elbows. Belfort tries to turn out of this spot. The crowd chants for Belfort. More big punches. Belfort tries to roll out, and Jones stands up. Belfort stays on his back. He tries to get an axe kick in. MMAjunkie.com gives the first to Jones, 10-9.
Round 2 - The doctor will come in to look at Belfort's cut. McCarthy asks Belfort if he wants to fight. Belfort says, "Yes." McCarthy says, "Then TELL him." Doc says the cut is OK. Belfort just misses a high kick. Then another. Then a left. His back's against the cage, and we'll see if he can circle out of there and get to the middle. Jones throws a kick to the knee, and then throws a spinning elbow. Head kick from Belfort is pretty good, then a couple punches back Jones up. High kick from Jones is blocked. Side kick again from Jones looking to attack Belfort's right knee. Left from Belfort misses. Jones goes back to the right leg, then again, and again. Front push kick right to the knee. Right hand from Jones is pretty good, and Belfort is in front of Jones, right in his wheelhouse. Front kick to the face from Jones is there, and then back again to the right leg. Jones drop shis hands and looks to tee off. Belfort tries to come over the top with a right hook. They tie up and Belfort pulls guard and goes right to his back, and Jones is on top and right back into his elbow-heavy comfort zone. Belfort may want Jones' arm again. The round will close with Belfort on his back looking for a late triangle, though he avoided much of the kind of damage he took in the first. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Jones again.
Round 3 - Front kick from Jones to open. Then a left kick is pretty good around the head. Push kick to the body from Jones. Left Superman punch is off the mark. Side kick to teh body is on the money and after a delay, Belfort goes down. Jones comes in with an axe kick to the body, then goes down and into Belfort's guard. Jones will back out and let Belfort up with three minutes left in the round. Spinning back kick just misses from Jones. Belfort tries to answer with a right hand, but Jones returns fire. Belfort ties things up, then pulls guard again. We'll see if he attacks this time. Belfort trying to maneuver into a spot where he can look for an arm or a triangle. Jones will look for elbows again. Jones tries to posture up and land some ground-and-pound. He tries to pass, and he gets to half-guard. Belfort eats a few elbows, and his right eye is looking pretty messy. It's another fairly easy 10-9 round for Jones on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 4 - Belfort looks very tired to start the fourth. He ducks away from a head kick and throws one of his own. Then he lands a few punches in a big exchange. Then he again pulls guard, and Jones is on top with no problem in side control. He lands some big elbows, then grabs an arm and he cranks. Not looking good for Belfort, and he has to tap. Jon Jones def. Vitor Belfort via submission (Americana) - Round 4, 0:54
Follow along with our round-by-round updates and official results beginning at approximately 6:45 p.m. ET (3:45 p.m. PT) for the preliminary card and 10 p.m. ET for the main card.
To discuss tonight's show, be sure to check out our UFC 152 discussion thread. You can also get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporter Matt Erickson (@MMAjunkieMatt) on Twitter.
Enjoy the fights, everyone.
CHARLIE BRENNEMAN VS. KYLE NOKE
Round 1 - Dan Miragliotta is the ref for our first fight of the night. Noke fires off a left jab to open. Noke with another jab, then a high front kick, then a step-in jab by Noke. Noke has a great size advantage. And he nails him with a huge right hand. Brenneman hits the canvas. Noke is on him in a heartbeat, and he lands a few more big ones as Miragliotta looks on – and then steps in. The crowd boos a potentially premature stoppage, since Brenneman was starting to go after Noke's legs. But he was eating shots and not defending. Kyle Noke def. Charlie Brenneman via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 0:45
MITCH GAGNON VS. WALEL WATSON
Round 1 - Crowd in Toronto starting to fill in a little bit now. Josh Rosenthal draws the reffing duties for our second bout of the night. Watson has a great big height advantage. But it's a nice left from Gagnon early, sneaking inside. Superman punch from Watson is off the mark, and Gagnon counters with an absolutely huge left. He floors Watson. The crowd goes nuts for the Canadian. He gets the ground and works ground-and-pound. He lands some good punches. Then he takes Watson's back. He starts to work for a rear-naked choke and he's got it. He adjusts his grip, and eventually Watson is forced to tap. Mitch Gagnon def. Walel Watson via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 1:09
SETH BACZYNSKI VS. SIMEON THORESEN
Round 1 - John McCarthy sees his first action of the night as the third man, and we're ready to go. They touch gloves and get to work. Baczynski peppers out a leg kick, then lands a nice left. Thoresen not doing much yet, but then feels his way inside for a left of his own. Baczynski throws a high kick that is partially blocked. Thoresen taking his time, then works an outside leg kick. He moves inside, but eats a Baczynski jab. Baczynski looks a little bloodied by his nose. Thoresen gets a short clinch and looks for a knee. Thoresen ducks under and lands a nice counter right. And as Baczynski comes in, Thoresen lands again. They tie up in the middle and both look for knees, but then push off. Good leg kick from Thoresen. Couple good shots from Baczynski, but then his left hand scrapes Thoresen's eye. Thoresen will get some time, but he doesn't need much. Both guys swing and miss. Thoresen again ducks under one, then lands a good body kick. But then out of nowhere – absolutely out of nowhere – Baczynski lands a big left hand. Thoresen drops immediately to his knees. Baczynski lands a couple others on the ground, but they don't matter. Huge knockout. Seth Baczynski def. Simeon Thoresen via knockout (punch) - Round 1, 4:10
MARCUS BRIMAGE VS. JIM HETTES
Round 1 - Yves Lavigne will see his first officiating duties of the night. Touch of the gloves and we're rollin'. Brimage circles outside and throws a couple body shots, then tags Hettes nicely and Hettest briefly goes to his knees. Brimage not afraid to stand in there, and he lands another left. Hettes trying to take the fight to the ground, but Brimage wants nothing of it. Brimage again comes forward with a nice combo. Hettes comes with a knee and catches him low, but not low enough for Brimage to want a stoppage. Brimage throws hard again. Good knee attempt from Hettes has him slipping off his feet. Brimage is making Hettes look all kinds of uncomfortable. He drops him with a left and follows him to the ground. Hettes looking to tie him up with a triangle – and Brimage backs out of there and goes back to his feet. Hettes eats a few more shots, then lands a nice right of his own. Brimage again lands a few good shots. He's clearly winning teh battle on the feet and keeps coming forward. Good right from Hettes. Left hand from Brimage is on the money. Both guys look slower now, though they're both staying on the feet and slugging it out. Hettes tries to get a standing guillotine, but Brimage slips it. We're going to the second round for the first time tonight. MMAjunkie.com scores a really fun first round 10-9 for Brimage.
Round 2 - Hettes misses an early head kick and Brimage takes advantage and lands a bunch of shots before they split. Brimage's striking is looking incredibly impressive. But Hettes finally does what he wants – he gets the fight to the ground and into side control. Brimage rolls and gives his back, and Hettes looks to take advantage – but Brimage reverses and gets out of there. Jumping knee from Hettes leads to getting to the ground again. And this time he looks to keep it there. He looks for a guillotine and lets loose, but then gets a tight body triangle and has Brimage's back. He'll look for the rear-naked choke now as Brimage tries to get out of Hettes' world. Brimage tries to get back to his feet. He breaks the triangle for a time, but Hettes gets it back and has the back near the cage. Brimage is avoiding Hettes' arm under the chin for now. Brimage back up to his feet, though, in a wonderful defensive move. And soon after, he lands a nice left. Hettes lands a pair of lefts, though, and then shoots – but Brimage sprawls out of it. Brimage again backs Hettes up. Brimage did a nice job of avoiding the submission, but it's a 10-9 round for Hettes on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard.
Round 3 - Fight of the Night so far for sure. Great striking from Brimage, great submission attempts from Hettes. We'll see what wins out in the last round. Good knee from Hettes is followed by a nice kick from Brimage, and then a couple more. Brimage with one to the back of the head, and Lavigne tells him to be careful there. Another leg kick from Brimage. Hettes with a couple nice jabs. Both guys are labored now with their striking and dropping their hands. Hettes just keeps coming forward through anything Brimage lands. Halfway through, it's still anyone's fight here. Hettes goes for a single and can't get it to the ground. Brimage throws a couple big ones that miss. Good left from Brimage, then another. Hettes again drops for a single, and Brimage sprawls it out. Still up for grabs with a minute left. Hettes pushing forward. Good leg kick from Brimage. Twenty seconds left. No big offensive surges from either guy. MMAjunkie.com gives a very close third to Brimage and has him winning the fight 29-28 – but it really could go either way. Marcus Brimage def. Jimy Hettes via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
LANCE BENOIST VS. SEAN PIERSON
Round 1 - Pierson with a giant ovation from his hometown Toronto faithful. Josh Rosenthal works his second fight tonight, and we're ready to go. Nice right from Benoist to open. They tie up with Pierson trying to perhaps move things to the ground. But they break. Good push kick from Benoist, and tehn a kick to teh body. Benoist with a couple body kicks, but Pierson lands a perfect counter right and drops him. He moves in and tries to do a little more damage, but Benoist gets back up. They tie up along the cage, and Pierson keeps Benoist's back there for a short time. Straight left from Benoist and then a counter from Pierson. Benoist kicks, but Pierson catches it and counters and drops Benoist to his butt. Pierson looks to move in while Benoist looks for upkicks, then an armbar, then a triangle, then an omoplata. But Pierson escapes and goes back to his feet – probably wisely. Nice scramble inside and Pierson gets the best of it with a left hand that has Benoist stumbling. He recovers, though, and Benoist ties him up. But they break with 45 seconds left. Both guys landed some good shots, but Pierson may have gotten off with the bigger ones. MMAjunkie.com will give the first to Pierson, 10-9.
Round 2 - Benoist with a left hand, but they quickly tie up along the cage. After they break, it's Benoist in the center, and he throws a high kick that is blocked. Good left from Benoist, but Pierson lands a counter right. Good leg kick from Benoist, but Pierson gets a nice takedown. He ties up Benoist's neck for now. He rolls him to his back, but can't keep him there. Benoist back to his feet, but eats a knee for his troubles. Superman punch attempt from Benoist, but Pierson clips him with the counter and puts him on his knees for a second. Straight left from Pierson is on the money. Benoist tries to come inside, but there's not much there. Four-punch combo from Benoist, and all four land nicely. Body kick lands for Benoist. It's another fairly close round, but MMAjunkie.com will give it to Pierson again, 10-9.
Round 3 - A few front kicks from Benoist are countered by Pierson, and then another one is caught by Pierson. But both fighters land good punches following it up. Pierson lands a leg kick, but he very clearly mouths an "Owww!" May have hurt himself. Pierson looks to the clock after a short stoppage for a barely low blow. Good right from Pierson. Then a left is met with a Benoist elbow. Benoist is getting inside with some decent shots, and Pierson is perhaps even more marked up on his face than Benoist is. Benoist tries a knee, but it's not there. Benoist with a couple kicks, one to the leg, one to the body. Right jab from Pierson. Benoist catches Pierson with a big shot and Pierson stumbles and hits the turf. Benoist moves in and starts working the ground and pound. Rosenthal taking a close look. Pierson survives, but he soon gives his back. Benoist takes it and looks to finish, but Pierson gets back to his feet. His legs are rubber. Pierson survives, but he'll lose the frame. MMAjunkie.com scores the third for Benoist 10-9, and has the fight for Pierson 29-28 – but it all might hinge on that close second round. Sean Pierson def. Lance Benoist via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
EVAN DUNHAM VS. T.J. GRANT
Round 1 - Dan Miragliotta is the ref for this lightweight action. Grant, from Canada, gets the big ovation from the crowd, naturally. No glove touch. Dunham gets inside with a nice uppercut. Tries it again and lands a nice combination. Grant looks for a knee, and it backs Dunham up. Inside leg kick from Dunham. Grant answers with a punch and an inside leg kick of his own. Right hand from Grant lands, and he follows with an uppercut. But Dunham answers with a left. Both guys with punches inside, and Grant finishes with a knee. Grant doing the pushing from the center with Dunham on the outside. Crisp right lands from Grant. They're trading big punches. Dunham slips, and Grant takes advantage with a kick. They collide and Dunham eats a kick to the head. Grant landing nicely inside. Dunham smiles and walks through it. Total slugfest so far. Inside leg kick from Grant. They tie up and Grant lands a big right. He ties up Dunham's neck and then lands a right-left combo. But with 40 seconds left, Dunham shoots for a double and he gets it. Grant on his back in full guard. Dunham stands up, then tries to dive back in for some punches. The takedown from Dunham was nice, but it's a 10-9 round for Grant on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - Dunham tries to kick high, then lands an outside leg kick. Good set of exchanges 50 seconds in with both guys landing. They move to the other side of the octagon and bomb at each other again. Big knee from Grant lands, and Dunham is just sliced wide open. He smiles right in Grant's face, just as the blood starts to flow from the middle of his forehead. Right after the knee, Grant landed some more punches. Grant will start to work on it as the blood comes right down the middle between Dunham's eyes. Grant looks for a single, but it's not there. Dunham fires back on the fence, and Grant comes with a bunch, too. Dunham shakes his head and blood goes flying. Grant lands back-to-back knees, and the cut is looking pretty grisly. Dunham with some nice punches. Grant nearly lands a head kick, but Dunham gets a takedown. We'll see what he can do with it. He's got Grant up on the cage. Grant gets back to his feet, and Dunham looks to land a head kick. Valiant effort from Dunham, and we'll see what the doc says about the cut. But it's a 10-9 second round for Grant on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 3 - Grant will go right to work on Dunham's cut. It's massive. The Vaseline on the cut hasn't lasted more than 20 seconds. Good combination from Dunham along the fence. He may need to finish this fight to win it. Dunham may be slightly fresher. Grant catches a Dunham kick, but can't do anything with it. Halfway through, Grant lands a nice right hand. Again they swing kicks and punches. Dunham wants to shoot, but he bails out of it. Flying knee from Dunham just misses. Dunham now stuffs a Grant takedown attempt. Kick from Dunham is caught. Dunham sticks his tongue out at Grant. They keep swinging. Dunham wants the takedown and Grant stuffs it. This has clearly become the "Fight of the Night" leader so far. Dunham shoots and gets a takedown, but into guard. It's Dunham's third takedown. Is that enough? Dunham will finish on top. MMAjunkie.com gives the third to Dunham, 10-9, but has Grant 29-28 in a close fight. T.J. Grant def. Evan Dunham via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
VINNY MAGALHAES VS. IGOR POKRAJAC
Round 1 - "Big" John McCarthy is the third gentleman in the cage for this one. They tie up quickly. Pokrajac pushes it to the cage. Magalhaes looks for a knee. Magalhaes has a good position on Pokrajac, though, and is able to get a takedown. And then he lands a couple nice punches from up top. Pokrajac is back in guard and he controls Magalhaes' wrists nicely. Pokrajac working elbows from the bottom, but Magalhaes moves to the side and looks for an armbar. He has to let it go, though, and Pokrajac winds up in top with Magalhaes in guard. Magalhaes looks for a triangle from rubber guard. But Magalhaes lets Pokrajac back to his feet. Pokrajac comes forward, but Magalhaes ducks under. Good right from Pokrajac at the close. But it's a 10-9 first round for Magalhaes on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - They tied up again, and the fight hits the ground. It's pokrajac on top, but Magalhaes looks for a triangle. He tries to switch it to an armbar. But Magalhaes flips Pokrajac over just perfectly and gets that armbar, and Pokrajac is tapping like crazy very quickly. Just a gorgeous move from a Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion. Magalhaes wins in his first fight in the UFC since UFC 97. Vinny Magalhaes def. Igor Pokrajac via submission (armbar) - Round 2, 1:14
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS. CUB SWANSON
Round 1 - We kick off the pay-per-view with a fun featherweight contest (though technically it's a catch weight since Oliveira was over by 0.2 pounds). Yves Lavigne is our ref. They touch gloves and we start it off. Jab from Oliveira. Then he misses a front kick. Looping right hand from Swanson misses. Oliveira with a nice takedown. He works from half guard, but Swanson quickly back into guard. Swanson gets back to his feet, though. Swanson misses and Oliveira comes forward, but can't land much. Oliveira looks for a Thai clinch and a knee, but not much there. Halfway through, we're standing in the middle. And then boom. Swanson lands a left hook to the body that hurts Oliveira, and Swanson brings a giant left hand – Oliveira stands for a second, but then Oliveira just crumbles. Swanson shows great restraint and just stands over the top of him and won't land anything unnecessary. Cub Swanson def. Charles Oliveira via knockout (punches) - Round 1, 2:40
MATT HAMILL VS. ROGER HOLLETT
Round 1 - Matt Hamill returns from retirement and gets a nice ovation from the crowd. Dan Miragliotta is the ref. Hamill comes forward fast. Pushing with jabs. Big left from Hollett just off the mark. Hamill goes for an outside leg kick. Right hand over the top from Hollett, and he comes with a left hook to the body. Leg kick from Hamill. Good combo from Hamill. Hollett comes inside, ahd Hamill covers up. No takedown attempts yet from Hamill. Crowd getting a little restless. Good left from Hamill pushes Hollett back. Hollett looking for range. Hamill goes low for an easy takedown and starts working ground-and-pound. Hollett eating a bunch of shots and Hamill easily controlling on top. Hollett trying to explode back to his feet. But Hollett's eating way too many. Hollett just has nothing going on here. Hamill working to finish. Hollett pushes back to his feet, and he'll survive the round. He lands a nice right to the body as the horn sounds. It's a 10-9 round for Hamill on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - Good left from Hollett 30 seconds in, and he tries a spinning back kick that is off the mark. Left hand backs Hamaill up. Teep to the body from Hollett after fending off a Hamill takedown attempt. Hamill ducks away from a Hollett right hand. Hollett goes to the body with a left. Front kick from Hamill. Knee from Hollett just misses the mark, and Hamill uses it for a takedown. He's on top, and this doesn't bode well for Hollett. But he survives on the ground and gets back to his feet halfway through the round. Again the crowd gets a little restless. Hamill a pretty lazy takedown attempt, and Hollett easily stops it. Hamill looks tired, but Hollett isn't doing much himself. He lands a body punch. Miragliotta tells them to fight. Crowd really booing now, and Hollett tries for some spinning stuff and Hamill gets another takedown. It's another 10-9 round for Hamill, but Hollett probably has more energy going to the last.
Round 3 - Big left from Hollett is just off the mark. Right just misses. And then a shot from Hamill and an easy takedown. Hollett tries to roll out and gives his back, and he's going to eat some short punches on the ground. Crowd pretty bored with this fight. Nothing major coming from Hamill here – just punches as he controls Hollett, and Hollett unable to power back to his feet. He tries to roll out, but that's not going anywhere. Still half of the round to go. Finally, Hollett is back out. He's bleeding. But Hamill pretty quickly lands a perfect takedown and Hollett is right back on his back. Hamill works a few punches here and there, and with a minute left they'll get stood up. Hamill looks exhausted. He pushes forward, and easily puts Hollett on his back again. Hollett just can't defend the takedowns, and he never really let his hands go in the fight. Hamill will end things on top. It's an easy 10-9 round for Hamill, and MMAjunkie.com has him winning the fight 30-27. Matt Hamill def. Roger Hollett via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
MICHAEL BISPING VS. BRIAN STANN
Round 1 - Josh Rosenthal gets the ref duties for this highly anticipated middleweight bout. The faceoff at Friday's weigh-ins was worth "Fight of the Night" on its own. Good ovation for Bisping from the Toronto fans. Right to the middle. Stann with a right first. Bisping kicks to the legs. Stann moves in and they tie up. Bisping spins it around and pushes Stann's back to the fence. Bisping looking for knees, but they finally push off. Stann looks like he wants that big right. He tries to the body. Then throws a right outside leg kick. Inside leg kick from Bisping. Bisping with a nice jab, and Stann follows to the body. They both throw right hands. Bisping shots for a takedown and gets double underhooks, but Stann is able to keep it on the feet. Bisping works with Stann's back on the fence. Good inside elbow lands. Stann lands a couple as he pushes off, though. Outside leg kick from Stann is on the mark, and Bisping catches Stann low. Stann gets time, but he says he doesn't need it. They start firing at each other. And then Stann catches Bisping low. Bisping will take a little longer than Stann did. Bisping looks down and says a few words to UFC boss Dana White. They touch gloves as they start back up. Stann again goes inside with the leg kick. Good body kick from Stann. Good left from Bisping. Again Bisping will look for a takedown, but it's not there. Stann lands a nice right hand that backs Bisping up, and he runs to chase him down. That's going to give him the round on the MMAjunkie.com scorecard, 10-9.
Round 2 - Bisping again wants the takedown, and this time he gets it 40 seconds into the round. He scoops Stann up and plants him on his back, and goes right into side control. But Stann rolls over nicely and lands a big punch from up top. He's on top now and working out of Bisping's guard. Stann stands back up, but Bisping gets control back along the fence. Stann elbows his way out of there. Good right hand from Bisping as they stand back in the middle again. Stann firing off with a big right. But Bisping shoots again, and again slams him right down. Bisping tries to work on a kimura from the top, and he starts punching from side control. It's a 10-9 round for Bisping on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 3 - They trade leg kicks to open the last round. Bisping eats a couple leg kicks and then pushes forward for another takedown. Stann is up pretty quickly, though, and lands a right. Good right from Bisping. Stann answers with an outside leg kick. Stann lands a good right. But Bisping answers back with a left jab and a right hand. Stann wants the right hand. Bisping again looks for a takedown, but Stann defends. Good combo from Bisping. Good right from Bisping. Stann looking pretty marked up. Bisping again can't get a takedown. Two minutes left, and Bisping pushes Stann to the cage. They go back to the middle, and with a minute left, they both try to put something together. Bisping wants a takedown again, but again it's not there. But finally, he's able to bully Stann to the canvas. And that's probably going to seal the deal. Stann gets to his feet, and Bisping again tries to take him down. Stann will fend off that last takedown, but it won't be enough. MMAjunkie.com has it 10-9 for Bisping, and has him winning the fight 29-28. Michael Bisping def. Brian Stann via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ VS. DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON
Round 1 - Here we go. Five-rounder for the first UFC flyweight title. History in the making, and Yves Lavigne will oversee it. Benavidez throws a right, and Johnson lands a right before they tie up. Benavidez pushes Johnson forward and they clinch on the cage. Johnson looks for knees with his back on the cage. He spins out and lands a nice knee. Body shot for Benavidez. Good straight right from Johnson. Benavidez looks for a takedown, but it's not there. He lands a right on the way out. Again they tie up on the fence. Spinning backfist from Benavidez just misses the mark. Benavidez stalking and they tie each other up on the cage. Kick from Benavidez after the break. Johnson tries an inside leg kick, then lands a nice right hand. Benavidez comes forward, though. Johnson gets a nice combo off. Johnson gets a takedown at the end of the round. He'll get a 10-9 round on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 2 - The crowd cheers a fight in the expensive seats. Fun start to the round. Benavidez looks for a kick, but it's off the mark. But a few seconds later, he lands to the body nicely. Good right hand from Benavidez. Inside leg kick from Johnson. Benavidez chases Johnson and lands a few rights to back him up. They tie up briefly, but then break. Good left from Benavidez. Johnson misses over the top, and Benavidez tries to take him down. But nothing there. Outside leg kick from Benavidez, and then a nice right hand. He looks for a single, but he can't get it and Johnson just misses a knee on Benavidez's way back up. A few good lefts from each guy. Then a nice left from Benavidez backs Johnson up, then a left-right from him. MMAjunkie.com gives Benavidez a 10-9 round.
Round 3 - Benavidez comes forward a little quicker this round. He throws a kick, then a left-right. Benavidez just misses a high kick. Benavidez just misses a body kick, then another – but Johnson can't catch it to capitalize much on it. Right hand from Benavidez is good, then another. Then an inside leg kick. The crowd is booing, which is kind of hard to believe. They trade and each duck under a few shots. Benavidez gets a takedown, but Johnson is up quickly. Benavidez ties him up, but they break. Good combo from Benavidez. Benavidez gets poked in the eye, it seems, and he reaches for it quickly. But Lavigne tells him he didn't see it. Again the crowd boos. Johnson with a right hand that just misses. Benavidez comes quickly right at the horn. MMAjunkie.com gives the third to Benavidez, 10-9.
Round 4 - Traded leg kicks. Johnson with a nice right hand, and then another on the counter. Right hand from Benavidez takes Johnson off his feet, and Benavidez swarms. He looks for a guillotine. He moves around and gets full mount. He's got it under the chin adn he's cranking on him. Johnson is trying to keep him at bay. And somehow, he survives. And Johnson gets a leg and tries to go for a heel hook. But Benavidez gets out of that and gets back on top in side control. Johnson, though, spins out of a possible choke attempt from Benavidez and gets back to his feet. Benavidez looks to go back to the ground, but Johnson winds up on top. Johnson can't keep him there, though, and they go back to the feet. Johnson quickly drops down for a short takedown, then lands a body kick as Benavidez gets back up. Benavidez throws, and Johnson ducks under with ease and gets a takedown and into side control. It's a tough round to score. But the knockdown and submission attempt from Benavidez have him 10-9 on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 5 - Body kick from Johnson. Johnson shoots and gets a big takedown. Benavidez is right back up, but Johnson takes him down again. They trade left hands. Good riht from Benavidez. He tries to come inside, but Johnson ducks under again. Johnson again with a takedown, and right into side control. Benavidez works to get back up, and Johnson briefly has his neck. But they go back to standing with 2:15 left. Nice left hand from Benavidez. Johnson with a right hand counter. The crowd boos again with 90 seconds left. Benavidez comes forward, but misses, but then lands a counter. Benavidez looks for a shot, but it's not there. And Johnson looks for one, and it's not there. Spinning backfist from Benavidez misses. Johnson misses a big looping uppercut. Another takedown attempt isn't there for Johnson. And the fight will come to a close. So close. MMAjunkie.com gives the fifth to Johnson 10-9, but has Benavidez 48-47 in the fight. But who knows. Demetrious Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
CHAMP JON JONES VS. VITOR BELFORT
Round 1 - "Big" John McCarthy will supervise the main event. This is Jones' fourth title defense. The crowd is clearly of the pro-Belfort ilk. Jones goes into his familiar squat. And we get started with Belfort throwing a head kick as Jones gets up. Jones shoots, gets a single, and gets Belfort down. Took all of about 30 seconds. Belfort grabs on, and Jones picks him up to chest-slam him .. Belfort goes for an arm bar. He's got it, but Jones has to drop Belfort on his head. But Belfort hangs on, and Jones has to really fight to get out of it. But he does. Jones is on top. But that was a major moment for Belfort right there. Jones starts to throw elbows from up top, and we've got three minutes left in the first. Belfort is cut now over his right eyes thanks to one of the elbows. Belfort will again look for an armbar, but Jones avoids it. Big punch from Jones to follow up on the left elbow. Another elbow. Doesn't look like there's much of an opportunity for Belfort to get out of this bad position, and Jones keeps coming with the elbows. Belfort tries to turn out of this spot. The crowd chants for Belfort. More big punches. Belfort tries to roll out, and Jones stands up. Belfort stays on his back. He tries to get an axe kick in. MMAjunkie.com gives the first to Jones, 10-9.
Round 2 - The doctor will come in to look at Belfort's cut. McCarthy asks Belfort if he wants to fight. Belfort says, "Yes." McCarthy says, "Then TELL him." Doc says the cut is OK. Belfort just misses a high kick. Then another. Then a left. His back's against the cage, and we'll see if he can circle out of there and get to the middle. Jones throws a kick to the knee, and then throws a spinning elbow. Head kick from Belfort is pretty good, then a couple punches back Jones up. High kick from Jones is blocked. Side kick again from Jones looking to attack Belfort's right knee. Left from Belfort misses. Jones goes back to the right leg, then again, and again. Front push kick right to the knee. Right hand from Jones is pretty good, and Belfort is in front of Jones, right in his wheelhouse. Front kick to the face from Jones is there, and then back again to the right leg. Jones drop shis hands and looks to tee off. Belfort tries to come over the top with a right hook. They tie up and Belfort pulls guard and goes right to his back, and Jones is on top and right back into his elbow-heavy comfort zone. Belfort may want Jones' arm again. The round will close with Belfort on his back looking for a late triangle, though he avoided much of the kind of damage he took in the first. MMAjunkie.com scores it 10-9 for Jones again.
Round 3 - Front kick from Jones to open. Then a left kick is pretty good around the head. Push kick to the body from Jones. Left Superman punch is off the mark. Side kick to teh body is on the money and after a delay, Belfort goes down. Jones comes in with an axe kick to the body, then goes down and into Belfort's guard. Jones will back out and let Belfort up with three minutes left in the round. Spinning back kick just misses from Jones. Belfort tries to answer with a right hand, but Jones returns fire. Belfort ties things up, then pulls guard again. We'll see if he attacks this time. Belfort trying to maneuver into a spot where he can look for an arm or a triangle. Jones will look for elbows again. Jones tries to posture up and land some ground-and-pound. He tries to pass, and he gets to half-guard. Belfort eats a few elbows, and his right eye is looking pretty messy. It's another fairly easy 10-9 round for Jones on the MMAjunkie.com card.
Round 4 - Belfort looks very tired to start the fourth. He ducks away from a head kick and throws one of his own. Then he lands a few punches in a big exchange. Then he again pulls guard, and Jones is on top with no problem in side control. He lands some big elbows, then grabs an arm and he cranks. Not looking good for Belfort, and he has to tap. Jon Jones def. Vitor Belfort via submission (Americana) - Round 4, 0:54