TUF 12 Finale - Prelims Live Blog
WE ARE LIVE at the Palms in Las Vegas for 'The Ultimate Finale 12'. Spike TV will kick into action at 9PM/8c for the televised portion of the card. But there's plenty of action beforehand that you won't want to miss out on. WARNING: There are spoilers.
Later tonight, Demian Maia will face Kendall Grove. Stephan Bonnar will battle Igor Pokrajac. And in the main event to determine this season's winner of The Ultimate Fighter, Jonathan Brookins will square off against Michael Johnson. Action is already underway, so lety's get cracking.
But first, depending on when you see this, there may be SPOILERS! Come back later if this is something you're worried about!
David Branch vs. Rich Attonito
Cornerman alert: Dave Branch is seconded by John Danaher. Attonito has Howard Davis Jr. Branch is an early favorite for walkout music of the night with "Casualties of War". Eric B and Rakim for those of you under thirty. Attonito walking to what is apparently Diddy. Josh Rosenthal is your referee.
Round 1
Branch pushes Attonito into the cage early and gets a couple knees in. They break and it's back to the boxing. Raging Bull gets a hook and Branch goes to the wrestling. He gets on top of Attonito and they roll of the fence. Branch works from the high guard, Attonito scrambles but Branch keeps control, moving into half guard. Attonito gets back to his feet but Breanch controls the head and gets him back to the ground. Rich pushes off the cage and takes control, pushing Branch into the fence.
Round 2
Branch tries a hich kick and Attonito closes in with punches. Branch gets Attonito back on the cage. Danaher refers to David Branch by his full name every time. They trade knees until Branch can get behind Attonito. He's keeping control but noth much more than that. Back to the knees for Branch. Branch tries to throw but Attonito hangs on and tries to take the arm home. No dice and Branch gets side control. Branch gets away from the fence with a minute left in the round. More of Branch maintaining.
Round 3
Branch again tries the head kick. He muscles Attonito down and jumps on his back immediately. He's got Attonito's back on the fence until he dumps him on his back again. Working from guard, he drops a couple shots. Branch works to improve position, again taking Attonito's back. Attonito turns in and takes a few more shots before thinking better of it. A minute left in the fight. Branch raining down lefts from the back. Attonito stands of it but Branch is right back on him, throwing knees to the thigh from behind. Branch gets a few punches to the thigh and there's the horn.
Winner by unanimous decision, David Branch (30-27) (30-27) (30-27)
Pablo Garza vs. Fredson Paixao
History here as this is the first fight in UFC at 145.
Walkout music alert: Paixao wants to party like it's your birthday. Please make all necessary arrangements. Also, 6'1" at this weight is just scary looking, Pablo. Boos for referee Steve Mazzagatti.
Round 1
Nice leg kick by Garza and a big right hook on the cage. Paixao shoots in and EATS a flying knee. Congratulations, Mr. Garza. That one will make highlight reels. Just devastating. He dives in for an academic followup, but Mazzagatti dives in to stop the madness.
Winner by KO, Pablo Garza
