Up-to-the-minute results from the best seats in the house at UFC 130.
LAS VEGAS — Heavy.com is next to the Octagon and ready to bring you blow-by-blow coverage of UFC 130, beginning with the preliminary portion of the card. The action is set to get underway at 3:45 pm PST / 6:45 pm EST.
Be sure to keep refreshing this page to get the results as they happen.
Renan Barao (25-1-0) vs. Cole Escovedo (17-6-0)
The opening bout of the evening featured a pair of bantamweights with impressive stories making their UFC debuts.
Escovedo battled back from a gruesome staph infection that made walking normally a challenge just a few years ago to reach the biggest stage in the sport, while Barao brought a 25 fight winning streak into this battle. In the end, Escovedo had a nice showing, but Barao’s win streak continued.
Takedowns dictated the scoring in the opening two rounds, as while Escovedo earned a slight edge in the striking, he was unable to keep the fight standing. Barao brought the fight to the ground on numerous occasions through the first two frames, taking both rounds.
In the third, Barao opened up on his feet, landing with force on the tiring Escovedo. A couple more takedowns later, the fight came to a close with Barao scoring his 26th straight win.
Official Results: Renan Barao defeats Cole Escovedo by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Chris Cariaso (11-2-0) vs. Michael McDonald (12-1-0)
McDonald continued to show why he’s not only the top prospect in the bantamweight division, but one of the best emerging talents in the sport, showcasing all his tools in another solid three round performance.
Though there are still areas where he can improve, like showing more control and patience when he has his opponent hurt, McDonald spent most of the opening two rounds showing that his hands are quickly starting rival his slick ground game.
Cariaso was at his best in the third, but it was too little, too late. The 20-year-old McDonald improves to 13-1 with the victory.
Official Result: Michael McDonald defeats Chris Cariaso by Split Decision (30-27 Cariaso, 29-28 McDonald, 29-28 McDonald)
Gleison Tibau (22-7-0) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (14-3-0)
In an all Brazilian lightweight affair, Gleison Tibau and Rafaello Oliveira wrapped up the action on Facebook.
Tibau took the opening round on the strength of a couple solid takedowns and a left hand that landed flush with Oliveira’s jaw a time or two.
The mammoth American Top Team product turned it up a notch in the second, continuing to show improvements with his striking that make his impressive ground game even more dangerous.
After tagging Oliveira with a big shot midway through the second frame, Tibau followed him to the canvas, worked to the mount and took his time securing the finish via rear naked choke.
Official Result: Gleison Tibau defeats Rafaello Oliveira by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 3:28
Kendall Grove (12-6-0) vs Tim Boetsch (12-4-0)
Grove won the staredown during the introductions, looking ready to charge across the cage as Bruce Buffer announced his name. Unfortunately for the Season 3 TUF winner, that was his best moment of the opening round.
A former light heavyweight, Boetsch used his superiors size and strength score a pair of takedowns and dictate the spacing. While many thought he would have trouble getting inside Grove’s reach, that wasn’t he case, as Boestch pushed in without trouble to take the opening round.
It was the same song in the second round, as Boetsch continued to exploit his advantages and take Grove down at will. Though he landed some solid hammerfists and a few elbows over the course of the frame, Grove was never in real danger, and Boetsch’s missed a couple of opportunities due to his lack of a submission game.
The first two rounds clearly took a lot out of Boetsch, but that didn’t make a difference, as Grove was equally tired and still unable to muster much offense. “The Barbarian” continued to win the battle on the ground, and Grove didn’t threaten once on his feet despite needing to find a finish before the final bell.
A solid middleweight debut for Boetsch.
Official Result: Tim Boetsch defeats Kendall Grove by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Miguel Torres (39-3-0) vs. Demetrious Johnson (9-1-0)
Demetrious Johnson should change his nickname to “Speedy Gonzalez” because the dude is lightning quick.
The opening round of this bantamweight showdown was a spirited positional battle on the ground, with Torres getting the best of it by a narrow margin. For grappling fans, the first was a treat to watch, as Torres transitioned well and Johnson scrambled to top position only to be threatened by Torres’ length.
It was more of the same in the second, as Johnson used his speed to close the distance and push for the takedown, only to have Torres either sweep or score from his back. As the round pressed on, Johnson remained in Torres’ guard, landing short flurries without much power. This is going to be the swing round in the fight, as Johnson’s top position but minimal action will weigh heavily in the eyes of the judges, despite Torres doing solid work off his back.
Round three was more positional grappling, with Torres working hard from his back as Johnson continued to mostly maintain position. Torres hit another sweep with two minutes left and moved into mount; his jiu jitsu is becoming even scarier under the guidance of Firas Zahabi and company at Tristar. Torres twice tried for the guillotine in the final 30 seconds before Johnson pressed forward behind him hands. As the bell sounded, Torres dropped for another choke.
Very close fight. I scored it 30-27 for Torres, though the second and third are tight.
Official Results: Demetrious Johnson defeats Miguel Torres by Unanimous Decison (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
That’s it for the preliminary action here at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. We’ve got your main card coverage coming up next.