Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit are out to capture the interim welterweight title in the main event of UFC 143 on Saturday, February 4th.
The preliminary card begins on Facebook at 7:00pm ET and then moves to the FX channel for four additional bouts at 8:00pm ET. The main pay-per-view card kicks-off at 10:00pm ET. The fight results will be posted below following each bout.
UFC 143 Preliminary Card Results
Stephen Thompson vs. Dan Stittgen
Thompson defeated Stittgen by knockout at 4:13 of the first round. In his UFC debut, “Wonderboy” Thompson gets his first win with a highlight-reel head kick knockout. Check out the gif below for the knockout and Thompson’s crazy spin/flip celebration.
Image Credit to ZombieProhet
Michael Kuiper vs. Rafael Natal
Natal defeated Kuiper by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Henry Martinez vs. Matt Riddle
Riddle defeated Martinez by split decision (29-28, 28-298, 29-28). Martinez took the fight on short notice and also moved up a weight class. His counter-punching set the tone in the first round and continued through most of the second round as he got the best of the standup. Riddle began to finally take advantage of his reach advantage by mixing up his strikes with kicks in the finals 30 seconds of the second round. Takedowns where the difference in the final frame as Riddle was able to control the action on the ground, punching away on Martinez until the bell.
Chris Cope vs. Matt Brown
Brown defeated Cope by knockout at 1:19 of the second round. The first round saw most of the action in the clinch against the cage. Brown landed a single leg takedown but Cope quickly got back to his feet to minimize any damage. Brown closed out the first with a couple nice strikes which brought a smile to Cope’s face. He wouldn’t be smiling long as Brown found his range in the second with a well place overhand right that took out Cope’s equilibrium. Brown floored Cope with a left hook then finished him with a few punishing shots on the ground.
Edwin Figueroa vs. Alex Caceres
Figueroa defeated Caceres by split decision (28-27, 27-28, 28-27). A very entertaining fight that was marred by two low-blow kicks from Caceres which resulted in a two-point deduction from referee Herb Dean. Figueroa landed a crushing high kick that dropped Caceres who was able to not only recover but control the rest of the round while threatening with submissions on the ground. The third round saw most of the same as Caceres worked for multiple submissions.
Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier
Poirier defeated Holloway by triangle-arm bar submission at 3:23 of the first round. Holloway was very active from the opening bell as he traded with Poirier early. However, Poirier got the fight to the ground and was able to easily get full mount which was bad news for Holloway. From their Poirier looked for an armbar which Holloway defended but was then caught in a triangle. Poirier then turned it to a full mounted triangle armbar which forced the tap from Holloway.
UFC 143 Main Card Results
Clifford Starks vs. Ed Herman
Herman defeated Starks by rear-naked choke submission at 1:23 of the second round. The very competivie first round saw Starks land several powerful rights while Herman fired back with uppercuts and knees. Herman scored a beautiful trip takedown to full mount early in the second round. Herman was able to transition to Starks’ back where he locked in the choke.
Scott Jorgensen vs. Renan Barao
Barao defeated Jorgensen by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Barao improved his unbeaten streak to 28 straight fights behind a very active and efficient striking performance against Jorgensen. Barao controlled the fight behind leg kicks, jabs and counter-punching. Barao kept the wrestling specialist at distance as Jorgensen had difficulty establishing any consistent offense.
Mike Pierce vs. Josh Koscheck
Koscheck defeated Pierce by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29). A very close fight between the welterweight wrestlers. A majority of the action took place in the clinch with both fighters utilizing dirty boxing and short strikes. Koscheck landed two takedowns to one for Pierce but neither fighter was able to do much while on the ground.
Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson
Werdum defeated Nelson by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). There is no question that Nelson is one of the toughest fighters in the UFC. Werdum battered and bloodied Nelson with vicious knees from the clinch in the first round which set the tone for the fight. Werdum showed improved standup as he continued to punish Nelson with solid striking and a variety of kicks. It was an impressive showing for Werdum who earned his first win in the UFC since 2008.
Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz
Condit defeated Diaz by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to capture the interim welterweight title. Condit utilized an effective game-plan based on movement and counter-punching which did not allow Diaz to get off with his trademark punches-in-bunches. Condit used a variety of kicks to help defend against the stalking Diaz. He also did not allow himself to get drawn into Diaz’s game. According to CompuStrike, Condit outlanded Diaz in total strikes by 146 to 110. Condit has now won 13 of his past 14 fights and he earns a shot against welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre.
