Source: Sports Illustrated
Mir defeats Lesnar in 1st round
Ex-WWE wrestler falls in debut; Nogueira claims title
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira took the UFC interim heavyweight title, forcing former two-time champion Tim Sylvia to tap in the third round on Saturday night.
In the co-main event, former heavyweight champion Frank Mir spoiled former NCAA wrestling champion Brock Lesnar’s UCF debut, grabbing Lesnar’s leg and securing a kneebar that forced him to submit at 1:30 of the first round.
“I wasnt worried about the fight being stopped,” Mir said. “I had Brock Lesnar dropping elbows on the top of my head, but I still came through with the submission.”
Lesnar looked impressive early but was unable to overcome the more experienced ground game of the former champion.
“I came out trying to pressure Frank but he’s a world class jui-jitsu guy,” Lesnar said. “You win some, you lose some.”
Nogueira took the title vacated when Randy Couture suddenly retired from the organization.
Sylvia showed superior striking, repeatedly landing punches throughout a dominant first round. Sylvia defended Nogueira’s takedown attempts and landed effective punches in the second round.
But in the third round, Nogueira reversed a Sylvia takedown and gained side control. Sylvia was able to escape side control, only to fall directly into a guillotine choke which forced him to tap 1:28 seconds into the round.
“It took one or two rounds to find my distance until I could get a good submission,” Nogueira said. “He has very heavy hands, he is a true heavyweight, he is a giant.”
Nate Marquardt beat Jeremy Horn, finishing off the veteran of more than 100 MMA fights by guillotine choke 1:37 seconds into the second round, and Ricardo Almeida defeated Rob Yundt by guillotine choke at 1:08 in the first round.
Tyson Griffin and Gleison Tibau stood toe to toe and exchanged punches throughout the majority of their three-round fight, with each fighter landing numerous shots.
Neither fighter appeared to be hurt in the match and Tibau was able to take down Griffin on numerous occasions. However, Griffin landed the more effective strikes and took the decision with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27.
In the preliminary bouts, Chris Lytle wasted little time in finishing off Kyle Bradley. Lytle stunned the UFC newcomer just moments into the fight and never let up, knocking out Bradley just 33 seconds into the first round.
Tim Boetsch made an impressive UFC debut, defeating David Heath by TKO at 4:52 of the first round; Marvin Eastman earned his first victory inside the octagon with a decision over Terry Martin; and “The Ultimate Fighter Five” cast member Rob Emerson gained his first UFC victory, defeating Keita Nakamura by split decision.
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