WHO: Alexis Davis vs. Jessica Eye, Raphael Assuncao vs. Pedro Munhoz, Cody Gibson vs. Aljamain Sterling, Zach Makovsky vs. Josh Sampo
WHAT: UFC 170: Rousey vs. McMann results — Fox Sports 1 preliminary card
WHERE: Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada
WHEN: Saturday, February 22nd, 2014
Alexis Davis vs. Jessica Eye — Bantamweight bout
The ladies came out slugging in this one. The first round consisted of Eye using her quick and vicious boxing to get inside on Davis’ long kicks and counter her clinch game. The action on the feet was going Eye’s way but Davis hit a late takedown and closed the round throwing punches from on top.
Davis didn’t wait long to enforce her grappling in the second, hitting a trip from the clinch early and riding out the entire round in top position. Eye assailed Davis on the feet with a sense of urgency in the final stretch, landing tight and sharp combos from close range and staving off Davis’ takedowns, though Davis was still effective from range with her kicks. This was a razor-thin contest that was probably decided by the first-round scoring.
- Alexis Davis defeats Jessica Eye by split decision (28-29, 29-28 x 2)
Raphael Assuncao vs. Pedro Munhoz — Bantamweight bout
Despite suffering the first loss of his professional career, newcomer Munhoz proved he belongs at the top level with a gutsy performance against the surging Assuncao. Munhoz got Assuncao’s attention early with constant forward movement and crisp inside low kicks that likely played a role in Assuncao’s change of stance.
Assuncao balanced out Munhoz’s long-range torrent with stiff, straight punches in the pocket that packed some mustard. Munhoz dropped for a leg lock in the second round but was otherwise unable to implement his grappling game, and Assuncao’s handiwork was the difference maker. This one was closer than the scores reflect.
- Raphael Assuncao defeats Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Cody Gibson vs. Aljamain Sterling — Bantamweight bout
UFC debutantes Cody Gibson and Aljamain Sterling battled in a back-and-forth match that went to the judges. Sterling showed some of the striking panache he’s been lauded for in the first stanza but wrestling dictated the remainder, as Gibson was able to clock some top time in the second after persisting with takedowns before Sterling turned the tables with a top-side assault throughout the bulk of the third, ending the fight throwing strikes from back mount.
- Aljamain Sterling defeats Cody Gibson by unanimous decision (29-28 x 3)
Zach Makovsky vs. Josh Sampo — Flyweight bout
After upsetting the venerable Scott Jorgenson in his Octagon premiere, former Bellator champ Zach Makovsky registered another stellar performance in his sophomore effort. Makovsky’s improved striking and silky smooth takedowns were synchronized beautifully in what was a fairly one-sided affair. “Fun Size” used quick lateral movement while slicing in left high kicks and straight left hands, occasionally swooping deep into Sampo’s hips for fluid takedowns. Sampo was competitive but ultimately unable to establish himself or find his rhythm.
- Zach Makovsky defeats Josh Sampo by unanimous decision (30-27 x 2, 29-28)
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