An outstanding preliminary card took place from the HP Pavilion in anticipation of the four fight main card which will air on the FOX network.
Below we will give you results and quotes from the winners and some of the losers from the preliminary action.
Chad Mendes def. Darren Elkins by TKO (Punches) at 1:08 of Round 1
Chad Mendes
“It was a quick finish and if I could do that every time, I would. Overall, I got in there and I felt great. After the Aldo fight, I really worked on my standup-I’m just starting to find myself in the standup world. Props to Darren for taking the fight on short notice. I knew he was tough. He’s a tough, tough dude, but I just stuck to what I knew. It was another first round finish, and hopefully there’s more of those to come. I don’t know if people are afraid to fight me, it’s a chance to beat me and a chance to move up in title contention. I want to remain active because you only have so much time to remain active in the sport, but I’d like to wait for the winner of the Aldo vs. Pettis fight. I want that belt.”
Darren Elkins
“I had a great training camp coming into tonight. Chad is a tough guy. He caught me and did his job putting me away. Hats off to him.”
Francis Carmont def. Lorenz Larkin by Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28)
Francis Carmont
“He’s a tough guy and he’s hard to push around. He’s a great fighter. He didn’t hurt me at all and he didn’t take me down easily. I’m just happy to win the fight.”
Lorenz Larkin
“I fought my heart out. He tested me to the fullest. Out of all my fights, I learned the most from this one. I also think it was my best fight technical wise, even though it didn’t go my way. I’ll work harder and be back soon.”
Myles Jury def. Ramsey Nijem by KO (Punches) at 1:02 of Round 2
Myles Jury
“I’ve never finished anyone quite like that. I was lost in that moment and when you see them fall down, you just go in there to finish. Honestly, it just feels like you’re hitting mitts. I didn’t force anything, it’s all just technique. I’m a timing fighter and it was hard to string it together because he’s very unorthodox. I do this because I like to. I really don’t care where I fit in as far as the next fight. I’m ready for whatever. I don’t care what people say, I’m just happy to be here doing what I love.”
Joseph Benavidez def. Darren Uyenoyama by TKO (Punches) at 4:50 of Round 2
Joseph Benavidez
“I felt good everywhere. I was able to go to the ground with an elite grappler and I actually felt stronger, especially from the top. I look for the body shots because they work and they hurt. When you wake up in the morning after a knockout you don’t feel anything but after a body shot you’re definitely feeling it. I faked the big right hand and was able to connect. My awesome coaches Duane Ludwig and Jimmy Gifford were yelling that he was hurt so I went in to swarm him. Thanks to Darren for getting in there with me and to the fans for all their support. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
Darren Uyenoyama
“This is the best camp I’ve had to date. I was moving well and came in with all the tools. In my opinion Joseph is the best and most well rounded 125 pounder in the world, whether he has the belt or not. Honestly, I was a little in awe of the fact that I was actually fighting him. You try to get mentally prepared for a fight like this but potentially being in title contention with a win really keeps you up at night. I got caught looking and I have to work harder. Hats off to Joseph on a great fight.”
Jorge Masvidal def. Tim Means by Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28)
Jorge Masvidal
“I was just kind of out of it before this fight but I woke up once I got in there. I was on top all three rounds so I didn’t think I’d lose any rounds, but whatever. That’s why you can’t leave it to the judges. When I got cut I wasn’t hurting. I didn’t get dazed or anything. It fired me up and I was trying to cut him back. I train with some great wrestlers, so I pick up a lot from them. The plan was to strike with him and expose his weaknesses but the wrestling worked out. It was awesome being able to sit out in guard and throw some shots at him. I may have some ligament damage in my arm, so I’ll have the doc check it out. I didn’t perform how I should’ve but each fight I’ll be able to improve my performance and ability dramatically. I want any top ten guys as soon as possible.”
Tim Means
“I really didn’t expect him to shoot as many take downs as he did. I thought we would go in there and slug it out like he has in the past. He was able to get some really deep single legs that I should’ve defended much better. I don’t look at this as a huge disappointment because the crowd was in it the whole time and we really gave them what they came to see. Jorge is a seasoned guy and he was better tonight. I’ll go back to the drawing board and grow from this.”
T.J. Dillashaw def. Hugo Viana by TKO (Punches) at 4:22 of Round 1
TJ Dillashaw
“I felt good and calm – just tried to keep my movement going. I knew I had a fast opponent, I knew Hugo was tough. I just tried to keep it fast paced.”
Anthony Njokuani def. Roger Bowling by KO (Punches) at 2:52 of Round 2
Anthony Njokuani
“That felt so good. I lost the last three times I was in California, and I made it clear I was going to end that streak. I’m so glad I’m back now.”
Yoel Romero def. Clifford Starks by KO (Flying Knee) at 1:32 of Round 1
Yoel Romero
“It feels so good to finally be in the UFC. It was my dream to be here someday so I’m glad that I finally get to prove that I’ve deserved to be here all along. After I had neck surgery last year it was a very difficult time. I had to talk to my family and refocus to get where I am now. God was telling me that this was what is next. I’m 100 percent and healthy so I’m ready to go whenever Dana White and the UFC want me to get back in there.”
