UFC Fight Night 26’s Facebook prelims started off with a bang tonight, with Ramsey Nijem taking on James Vick. The two lightweight TUF alumni would go out to show the fans at Boston’s TD Garden Arena that they have what it takes to do more than just open the show.
UFC Fight Night 26 results: Preliminary report
Ramsey Nijem vs. Cody Donovan
Round 1 saw Ramsey Nijem land some low kicks before going for a series of takedowns. Unfortunately, on the third attempt, he left his neck exposed and Vick capitalized, catching the guillotine choke.
James Vick def. Ramsey Nijem via Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 0:58 of Round 1
Ovince St. Preux vs. Cody Donovan
The first stanza saw Donovan and OSP feel eachother out with strikes before “Donnybrook” forced St. Preux up against the cage. After doing just enough to not get broken up by the ref for around a minute, Donovan took down St. Preaux, only to get reversed and be knocked out by punches from within his guard.
Ovince St. Preux def. Cody Donovan via KO (Punches) at 2:07 of Round 1
Manny Gamburyan vs. Cole Miller
The bulk of Round 1 saw Manny trying to close the distance and land haymakers or takedowns on the much taller Miller. He wasn’t able to really do so until about 3:30 into the round. “Magrinho” was able to control “The Anvil” from his guard and eventually get to his feet, finishing the round with elbow strikes to the side and near the back of the head. 10-9 for Miller.
Second round went much like the first, except Gamburyan was gashed open by elbows from Miller, and was able to land a few takedowns, even if he couldn’t do much with them. Manny also started mixing in leg kicks, which Miller did not take well to, but still, the American Top Team product landed more on the feet, and was able to prevent Gamburyan from doing much on the ground. 10-9 for Miller in my opinion, but the judges will most likely give it to Manny.
Round 3 saw Gamburyan get Miller down early after a big shot, and control him, landing many shots while keeping the “Magrinho” on his back for most of the round. 10-9 round for “The Anvil.
Manny Gamburyan def. Cole Miller via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Daniel Pineda vs. Diego Brandao
Round 1 started off in a flurry, with both men going into this like their lives depended on it. Brandao landed more, but despite landing a takedown in the latter half of the round, was noticeably slowing. How Pineda retained consciousness is amazing, but it was not enough to win the round. 10-9 Brandao.
The second round started off in a similar fashion, but Pineda’s strategy became clear: Wear the Jackson’s MMA fighter out. And wear him out he did, even suckering Brandao into a pair of takedown attempts that led to the Texan showing great control, including a sweep off the second one that saw “The Pit” take top control and hold it for the bulk of the round. 10-9 Pineda, 19-19 overall.
Both men were gassed as we went into the 3rd round, which saw Pineda look better in the striking portion, but getting taken down at will by Brandao. The Brazilian wasn’t able to do much with his takedowns, nor was “The Pit” able to do much on the feet. However, with the sheer volume of takedowns landed, Brandao takes this 10-9. I call it 29-28 for Diego Brandao, but the judges may call it differently.
Diego Brando def. Daniel Pineda via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mike Brown vs. Steven Siler
Brown and Siler traded legkicks to start out the round, before the former WEC champ rushes in, gets caught by an uppercut from Siler, and gets pounded out.
Steven Siler def. Mike Brown via TKO (Punches) at 0:50 of Round 1
Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway
The 1st stanza saw McGregor taking an unorthodox stance, taunting and pawing at Holloway with the jab. Despite “Blessed’s” best efforts with the overhand right, he was unable to connect all that much and was outlanded 52-17. 10-9 round for McGregor.
Round 2 was more of the same to start, with Holloway taking more and more damage. He attempted a kick, but the Irishman caught the strike and took the fight to the ground and controls “Blessed” from there. 10-9 again for Conor, who’s up 20-18.
Round 3 once again saw “The Notorious” dominating on the feet and from on top, including taking mount. Holloway had no real answers for McGregor, who takes this 10-9 again. 30-27 for McGregor.
Conor McGregor def. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Brad Pickett vs. Michael McDonald
McDonald came out firing on all cylinders in the first round. He dominated “One Punch” for the majority of the round, with many pundits calling it a 10-8 round.
Round 2 saw McDonald being taken to the ground by Pickett, only to end up snatching a triangle in the latter half of the round for the victory.
Michael McDonald def. Brad Pickett via Submission (Triangle Choke) at 3:53 of R2
