Who were the winners at UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson? Click below to get the results for all the fights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016.
Hendricks vs Thompson | Nelson vs Rosholt | Saint Preux vs Cavalcante | Benavidez vs Makovsky | Cirkunov vs Nicholson | Pyle vs Spencer | Burkman vs Noons | Lewis vs Grabowski | Borg vs Scoggins | Lahat vs Rivas | Gall vs Jackson | Lobov vs White
UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson main card
Stephen Thompson defeats Johny Hendricks
Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson survived an early takedown by Johny Hendricks and came storming back with a barrage, which is probably an understatement, of strikes – kicks, punches, furiously fast combos – to take out the former champ by KO at 3:31 of the very first round. Thompson landed 32 of the 49 significant strikes he threw, overwhelming Hendricks with his output and awkward style. Thompson now holds the longest active win streak in the welterweight division with six straight.
More from Fight Night Las Vegas: Full results | Post-fight bonuses | Thompson pounces on Hendricks for victory | Nelson, Saint Preux and Benavidez wins take time | Gall gets job done to set up CM Punk clash | Burkman, Lewis among prelim winners | Backstage interviews: Stephen Thompson, CM Punk, Ovince Saint Preux, Joseph Benavidez, Misha Cirkunov, Diego Rivas | Octagon interviews: Stephen Thompson and Johny Hendricks, Mickey Gall | Watch: Post-fight press conference highlights
They said it:
Stephen Thompson: “Thank you very much, I came out here to put on a good show. Hopefully everyone was impressed. I knew he was going to try to get me up against the cage and setup for the takedown, but I didn’t look for the knockout, I just let it happen. Hopefully I’ll get that title shot baby, that’s what I want!”
Johny Hendricks: “I hesitated. Whenever I closed the distance, he moved away. Hats off, he was the better man tonight. Congratulations Stephen. He did an awesome job tonight, but I’ll be back. It’s a new start and I just have to move forward.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- UFC analyst Joe Rogan previews the main event
- UFC Senior Vice President for Talent Relations Joe Silva previews the clash
- Former champ Hendricks ready for hungry Thompson, who's eyeing title
- Dragon Ball Z? Tenacious D? Inside Thompson's world
- Hendricks still motivated ahead of Thompson fight
- Watch: 'Wonderboy's' Rise
- Watch: Johny Hendricks - A New Man
- Watch KO of the Week: Stephen Thompson vs. Jake Ellenberger
- Watch: Top 5 Media Day Moments
- Watch: Hendricks, Thompson lay out gameplans for big fight
Roy Nelson defeats Jared Rosholt
Roy Nelson vs. Jared Rosholt certainly won’t be in contention for Fight of the Night honors, but Nelson needed to stop a losing skid and he did just that, out striking Rosholt to earn the unanimous decision win (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Nelson stopped both of Rosholt’s takedown attempts, forcing the wrestling standout to stay on his feet throughout the fight. Nelson improves to 22-12.
They said it:
Roy Nelson: “I worked so hard on this camp, I tried to ignite the fans and Jared is a great athlete but not a fighter and tonight I proved that. When you have to fight, I just think you have to go out there and fight. I changed his whole game and he ran the whole time so there’s nothing I can do about it. I’m like a fine wine, I just get better and better.”
Jared Rosholt: “Keeping the fight on the feet was part of the plan, but I’m more of a grinder with a wrestling background so I guess I didn’t realize I was losing as bad as I was. I was trying to use my striking more because I’m trying to be the best all-around fighter I can be.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- UFC analyst Joe Rogan previews the matchup
- Size matters as Rosholt prepares for Nelson
- Road warrior Nelson eager to get back on track at home
- Watch: The Match Up - Nelson vs. Rosholt
- UFC Senior Vice President for Talent Relations Joe Silva previews the co-main event
- Watch: Top 5 Media Day Moments
Ovince Saint Preux defeats Rafael Cavalcante
Despite what appeared to be an ankle injury suffered in the first round, Ovince Saint Preux gutted out a unanimous decision win over Rafael Feijao (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). OSP landed 119/43 (total strikes/significant strikes) to just 35/11 for Rafael Feijao, who looked completely overmatched in the fight. OSP improves to 19-7 and wins his third fight in his last four outings.
They said it:
Ovince Saint Preux: “I think in the first round he threw a right leg kick and I rolled my ankle, it’s still feeling sore but I just bit down on my mouth piece and pushed through it. I felt if I kept the pressure on Feijao I would be fine.”
Prefight reading/viewing
Joseph Benavidez defeats Zach Makovsky
Fighting for the first time with Duane Ludwig in his corner since “Bang” left Team Alpha Male, Joseph Benavidez looked quicker and sharper than in recent outings, especially in the striking department. No. 1-ranked flyweight Benavidez took No. 8-ranked Zach Makovsky to school, scoring the convincing unanimous decision victory (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Benavidez almost doubled Makovsky’s output, landing 108-56 in total strikes, and 91 of those were significant strikes for Benavidez. With Demetrious Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo announced for a flyweight title fight at UFC 197, Benavidez likely put his name atop the list of contenders following that bout.
They said it:
Joseph Benavidez: “I wouldn’t say tough was the word, I would say that he was talented, very fundamental and had great coaching. He was craftier than I expected, I respect him, but once I got my timing I was the better fighter. I don’t think Cejudo earned the shot, however I’ll fight whenever and whoever. I know I have to do a lot to earn a shot since DJ has beaten me twice, but it’s inevitable that I get there.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- Benavidez changes approach with sight still set on title
- Makovsky gets chance to show championship mettle vs Benavidez
- Watch: Top 5 Media Day Moments
Misha Cirkunov defeats Alex Nicholson
Misha Cirkunov collected his second UFC win in as many outings as he used an aggressive attack on the feet and on the ground to find a rear naked choke submission win over Alex Nicholson. The choke came at 1:28 of round number two. Cirkunov landed 88 total strikes in the onslaught to only 19 for Nicholson. The Latvian fighter improves to 11-2 and a perfect 2-0 in the UFC with two finishes.
They said it:
Misha Cirkunov: “I watched a lot of tape. Everyone knows I’m a grappler so I watched a lot of video of Demian Maia and that’s where I learned that choke from. I know I had opportunities to finish in the first round, but I heard there was only 10 or 15 seconds left, so I decided to have a little fun. The division better start knowing who I am, or I’m going to come in and do the same thing to the rest of them. He’s a boxer and I saw some good knockouts in the earlier fights, so I wanted to make sure to come in and finish the fight, I’m a finisher, that’s what I do. I’m going to go home and get right back to training. This is a pit stop so to speak, I want to fight again soon and keep getting better. My next fight is up to Joe Silva, but I hope it’s in Canada so I can pay less taxes.”
Alex Nicholson: “I fought hard. Misha’s a tough guy. He stuck to his game plan and I didn’t let my hands go. He got my neck and he’s so strong, I’ve broken my jaw before and I heard it pop and I really didn’t want my jaw wired shut again so I tapped even though I never tap. There’s a winner and a loser every time, congratulations to Misha, but I’m really disappointed in myself.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- Finishing machine Misha Cirkunov is calm, cool and collected
- Watch: Alex Nicholson Wedding Proposal during weigh-ins
- Alex Nicholson ready for debut after big move at weigh-ins
Mike Pyle defeats Sean Spencer
Heading into the final round of Mike Pyle vs. Sean Spencer it looked to be anyone’s fight, but Pyle seized his opportunity when a spinning back elbow staggered Spencer and Pyle went on to swarm with knees and elbows to force the ref to stop the fight at 4:25 of round 3. Pyle breaks a two-fight losing streak.
They said it:
Mike Pyle: “I thought he had a really good chin, I felt like I hit him with things that could finish him but he pulled it together. I want to keep performing like that, I’m 40 so I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to hang with these 20-year-olds. Everything went to plan, however we did want to take him down a little bit more but I noticed he couldn’t land like he wanted to so I stuck to my range and was landing my jab.”
Sean Spencer: “I said earlier this week that I was expecting the best Mike Pyle that we’ve ever seen. For all we know he had a big epiphany and he was going to come out and show us something unreal and he did. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I can tell you now Mike Pyle is a tough guy. I came in expecting to fight the best fighter in the world, that’s what I trained for. I knew in my heart I would win and you have to have that mentality. I didn’t win the fight, but I learned something from the fight and I grew. The UFC hasn’t seen the last of me. They look for heart and determination and that’s exactly what I have.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- Watch submission of the week: Mike Pyle vs Chris Wilson
- Spencer recommitted to mission after disappointing setback
UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson FS1 prelims
Joshua Burkman defeats KJ Noons
It wasn’t the most exciting fight of the night, but it was exactly what Josh Burkman needed as he edged out a unanimous decision win (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) to break a two-fight losing streak since returning to the UFC. Burkman outlanded Noons in significant strikes, 58-39, and landed three takedowns in the fight.
They said it:
Joshua Burkman: “It feels great to be back. I would say it wasn’t the most exciting performance, but it was the best way to beat KJ Noons. His distance is something hard to gauge, he has really good head movement so I had to change my game plan a little bit; originally it was to go heavy with kicks and punches but I switched to more kicks and wrestling. I felt like my job was on the line and I was inspired to drop to lightweight because I feel like I can hang with anyone in the division.”
KJ Noons: “I thought he’d come out a bit more aggressive than that. I think dropping to lightweight took a little bit out of him.”
Prefight reading/viewing
Derrick Lewis defeats Damian Grabowski
Derrick Lewis was not messing around in his FS1 prelim matchup with Misha Grabowski. He came storming out in the first round and put it on Grabowski, who was making his UFC debut. The punishment from Lewis ultimately led to a first round TKO finish after the big man landed a huge right hand to a downed Grabowski for the win. After the fight, Lewis said he wants a top opponent and wants to keep things rolling.
They said it:
Derrick Lewis: “I wanted to come out like a beast, that’s why I threw that head kick to start. You can’t have a nickname that says you’re a beast and then not fight like one. I had one of the best training camps of my career. I don’t want to sound cliché, but I really did. I have the best coaches at 4oz Fight Club. I want a top-10 or 15 guy next, I want to start making money.”
Damian Grabowski: “I wanted to stand and box with him, but when we locked up I tried to pull him down but he was too heavy, so Derrick got the top position. Moving forward in my training camps I need to train with bigger training partners to prepare for a guy that size.”
Prefight reading/viewing
Justin Scoggins defeats Ray Borg
Justin Scoggins put on a striking, wrestling and jiu-jitsu clinic against Ray Borg to earn the unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-26). Scoggins’ striking was elusive and powerful – he outlanded Borg in significant strikes, 55-20. Scoggins also won the takedown battle 4-1 and defended every single of Borg’s desperation submission attempts in the fight. Scoggins wins his second in a row and may find his name in the top 15 of the flyweight division come Monday.
They said it:
Justin Scoggins: “I try not to go into a fight with a set game plan, I try to just flow into the fight. I worked a lot on my wrestling because Ray has the best top game in the flyweight division. I definitely believe that this is what the Panthers are going to do tomorrow in the Super Bowl, I’ve been saying this whole week that I’m going to win, then Panthers are going to dominate and it’s going to be a dream year for me.”
Ray Borg: “He’s a lot stronger than I expected. I wanted to get in there and go with the flow and push the pace. I’m really disappointed.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- Ray Borg planning to make an impact in flyweight division
- Scoggins ready to show full arsenal and KO power
Diego Rivas defeats Noad Lahat
Diego Rivas was on his back for the majority of the first round as Noad Lahat attacked with some killer jiu-jitsu. But the young Rivas stayed composed and when things got started in the second round, he came out with determination to make his time on the feet count. Rivas landed a highlight reel flying knee that KO’d Lahat on the spot just 23 seconds into the second round. Rivas improves to a perfect 7-0 with the big victory.
They said it:
Diego Rivas: “We were working a lot on this fight. I wasn’t expecting to finish the fight that fast, it was a hard fight. I was working hard on avoiding the ground as he has really good jiu jitsu. It’s been a long year with a lot of injuries, but I have been working on this comeback and came back with the help of my teammates. Now, I want to rest and spend some time with my family. I feel very happy, I don’t even have words to describe how I’m feeling. I trained hard with my coaches on coming back strong and finishing him with a flying knee. A big thank you to my coaches, Rafael Cordeiro and Jonathan Ortega. This win would not have been possible without them.”
Prefight reading/viewing
UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson FIGHT PASS prelims
Miss the fights? UFC FIGHT PASS has the replay here
Mickey Gall defeats Mike Jackson
It only took Mickey Gall 45 seconds to earn his date with former WWE superstar CM Punk on the UFC FIGHT PASS prelims main event of Fight Night Las Vegas. Gall landed a solid right hand that dropped Jackson. Then Gall swarmed and finished Jackson quick with a rear naked choke submission. Punk met Gall inside the Octagon and we now have the debut opponent for the crossover star.
They said it:
Mickey Gall: “It feels amazing to be here in this moment. The whole time I’ve been having a lot of fun, even the media side of things. I’ve been getting a lot more love than hate with it being my debut in the UFC. I know I’m ready for CM Punk and it was really cool to get a chance to talk with him in the Octagon, but now I’m ready to get back to training. I love to be in the gym, it’s not really a grind for me, so I’m ready to get back to it.”
Mike Jackson: “This entire experience has been great. I didn’t feel the Octagon jitters the way I know a lot of guys do, I was relaxed in there but it was clear that Mickey was the better fighter tonight.”
Prefight reading/viewing
- Watch ‘Dana White: Lookin' For a Fight’: Dana finds Mickey Gall
- Watch: CM Punk talks about Mickey Gall
- Watch: Gall, Jackson open up about clash on FIGHT PASS
- Jackson gets chance of lifetime inside Octagon
- Gall ready for bright lights, Jackson and CM Punk
- Watch: Top 5 Media Day Moments
Alex White defeats Artem Lobov
Every time Artem Lobov threw one of his signature hammers through the air, Alex White wasn’t there. White’s head movement was on point and he forced the "Russian Hammer” to work hard in what turned into a runaway win for White, who earned a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Lobov now falls to 0-2 in the UFC, as White picks up a needed win, breaking a two-fight losing streak to improve to 11-2 overall and 2-2 in the UFC.
They said it:
Alex White: “I felt pretty good after a year off. I just wanted to get back out there and get into a rhythm and get the win. Yes, there was some pressure to face Artem because of his popularity and he was an Ultimate Fighter finalist. I was also nervous because of how active Artem is. Wrestling was my game plan, but standing was to earn points. I really want to stay active after this fight so I can keep this feeling going.”
Artem Lobov: “I have a very unorthodox style. Having your hands up has never saved anyone from getting knocked out, guys who get knocked out always have their hands up. My style is different, it’s more entertaining because you never know what’s going to happen. This is the entertainment business and being remembered is what is most important and you’re going to remember me because of my style.”
Prefight reading/viewing
