UFC 138: Munoz Stops Leben, Barao Submits Pickett In Thrilling Card

MAIN CARD

Terry Etim d. Edward Faaloloto via submission (round 1, 0:15): After four decisions in five fights, Terry Etim reenergized the home crown in scintillating fashion. His fight with Eddie Faaloloto lasted just 17 seconds after the Hawaiian ate a body kick and was caught in an arm-in guillotine to complete what Joe Rogan described as a “perfect” performance from the Liverpool fighter.

Anthony Perosh d. Cyrille Diabate via submission, round 2: Anthony Perosh withstood a barrage of painful body kicks in the first round en route to earning a submission victory over Cyrille Diabaté. The tall Frenchman stalked the Australian from the opening seconds and landed strikes from range, but an attempted uppercut in the second round took the fight to the ground. After Diabaté defended an attempted arm triangle, Perish transitioned to the back and sunk in the submission.

Thiago Alves d. Papy Abedi via submission (round 1, 3:32): UFC newcomer Papy Abedi paid the price for standing in with a superior striker in his fight against Thiago Alves. The Swedish judo black belt threw reckless punches early on to try and create an opening and had success in walking his opponent backwards. However, the more experienced kickboxer timed a left hook perfectly to drop the European and swiftly took control. Soon after he took Abedi’s back and showed submission skills of his own to sink the choke and force a tap.

Renan Barão d. Brad Pickett via submission (round 1, 4:09): London’s Brad Pickett appeared inconsolable after becoming the latest victim of Brazil’s Renan Barão. After the Brit was greeted by a hero’s welcome from the sell-out crowd in Birmingham, he raced out of the traps from the first second he was out-struck. The South American, known primarily as a submission artist, was quicker to the punch in almost every instance and constantly knocked back Pickett’s head. A powerful knee eventually took the fight to the ground where Barão quickly took the back and showed precise technique to lock in a rear naked choke. Dominick Cruz could have a new number one contender for his bantamweight title based on this stellar showing.

Mark Munoz d. Chris Leben via TKO (end of round 2): Mark Munoz moved higher up the middleweight rankings, although not in the manner he may have wanted, after two rounds of frenetic action in the main event. Fan favourite Chris Leben walked through a series of punches in the first round and fought valiantly to escape from his opponent’s strong top control. Leben was cut in the second after another barrage of ground and pound but appeared to be able to continue after surviving one check from the doctor. However, while the fight continued until the end of the round, Leben then told his corner he could not continue, and the fight was called off and ruled in favor of Munoz.

After the fight, Munoz said that while Anderson Silva was his friend, he wants a shot at the middleweight title.