Lineker fails to impose his game and is defeated by Bagautinov at UFC 169

Bagautinov (photo) beat Lineker at UFC 169. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

John Lineker had his streak of four wins in the UFC flyweight division broken this Saturday (February 1st), in New Jersey, in the United States. The Brazilian was unable to successfully avoid Ali Bagautinov's takedown game and was defeated by unanimous decision from the judges in the second fight of the UFC 169 main card.

In the opening seconds of the fight, Lineker tried to corner his rival and use his heavy right hand, but was taken down. Bagautinov worked ground and pound, although without great effectiveness. When he got up, the Russian gave Lineker the opportunity to try a heel hook, which was saved. Then, it was Bagautinov's turn to attempt the coup, also without success. The fight then returned to striking.

When Lineker went for a knee, Bagautinov took him down again, this time landing with his guard passed. Lineker replaced half guard, but was exposed to the Russian's attacks. The Brazilian tried a kimura, but was unable to free Bagautinov's arm in time in the round.

The second period began again with Lineker trying to surround Bagautinov, who unsuccessfully tried to take down the Brazilian. Lineker looked for striking, and Bagautinov responded in kind. In the final seconds there was a more frank exchange, although without any more efficient blows.

In the opening minute of the third round, Bagautinov managed to take Lineker down and stabilize the position. He then tried to go for mount, but gave Lineker the chance to try a kimura. While defending, Bagautinov elbowed the Brazilian in the ribs. Lineker stood up for a few moments, but was taken to the ground again. The Brazilian used the fence to get up, returning to striking. Bagautinov, avoiding the fight on his feet, threw himself at Lineker's legs and managed another takedown. Lineker then tried another heel hook in the final seconds, but Bagautinov, with his position defended, mocked him.

All three judges saw Bagautinov win two rounds to one, giving the Russian his third consecutive UFC victory. Now, he has a record of 13 wins and two losses in professional MMA. Lineker lost for the second time in the organization, as he had been beaten by Louis Gaudinot on his debut in 2012.

Overeem shakes off his bad form and sinks Mir in a warm fight

In the “fight of the desperate” of the night, alistair overeem dominated Frank mir for all 15 minutes of the fight and recovered from the recent negative campaign within the UFC.

After two minutes of activity, the fighters were in the clinch when Overeem landed a powerful knee to Mir's face, who fell. The Dutchman went forward to end the fight, although without the same momentum he usually displays. Mir then managed to get up, sought the clinch and went for an ankle lock, without success. The fight remained on the ground until the end of the round, with Overeem timidly working with strikes from the guard.

In the second round, Mir looked for the clinch again, although he was unable to take Overeem to the ground. Shortly afterwards, however, the American was successful, immediately going for a guillotine choke. The blow seemed adjusted, but Overeem escaped. The Dutchman again worked with strikes from the guard, while Mir seemed passive. When he attempted an armbar, Overeem got up, returning to striking. However, there was no more time for anything in the second round.

In the final five minutes, Mir pulled the fight into guard, though Overeem quickly got back to his feet. The North American insisted on taking the fight to the ground, and the Dutchman, this time, accepted. Overeem started working punches and elbows on the ground and pound, and Mir did little to react. With a minute left in the fight, Overeem got up, looking for striking again. Mir, bloodied, did little, while the Dutchman called his rival to fight.

Thus, Overeem achieved victory according to the judges' scores, being considered the winner in all rounds. He recovers from the defeats suffered by Antonio Pezão and Travis Browne, while Mir accumulated his fourth defeat in a row – previously, he had lost to Junior Gypsy, Daniel Cormier and Josh Barnett.

In historic fight, Trujillo knocks out Varner to open the main card 

The UFC 169 main card couldn't have started in a better way. Abel Trujillo and Jamie Varner starred in one of the most intense fights seen in recent UFC history, full of twists and turns and with an ending that lived up to expectations.

The fight started with intense striking immediately, although many blows went unnoticed. However, the impression was already that, for the first time on the night, there would be no need for the judges to score.

Two minutes into the action, Trujillo tried to take the fight to the ground, but Varner reversed his position and landed on top. He took Trujillo's back, then attempted a choke. Trujillo signaled with his hands that he was okay, which caused Varner to give up the position. Trujillo managed to get up, and, wanting to take advantage of the loss, he attacked Varner, rousing the crowd.

The second round also started with a strong rhythm. After moments of exchange, Trujillo felt Varner's blows, almost going to the canvas. However, when he was about to finish the fight, Varner had a moment of haste, let his guard down and was surprised by a powerful right cross, resulting in the knockout.

It was Trujillo's second consecutive victory, as he had surpassed Roger Bowling in December. Varner suffered his second consecutive setback and the first knockout in his long MMA career.

MAIN CARD:

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Renan Barao vs Urijah faber;

Featherweight (up to 66 kg): José Aldo vs. Ricardo Lamas;

Heavy weight (up to 120 kg): alistair overeem derrotou Frank mir in the unanimous decision of the judges (30 x 27, 30 x 27, 30 x 27);

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Ali Bagautinov defeated John lineker in the unanimous decision of the judges (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 29 x 28);

Lightweight (up to 70 kg):  Abel Trujillo knocked out Jamie Varner in R2;

PRELIMINARY CARD:

Light weight (up to 70 kg): Alan Nuguettedefeated John makdessi in the unanimous decision of the judges (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 30 x 27);

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Chris Cariaso defeated Danny Martinez by unanimous decision (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 29 x 28);

Middleweight (up to 84 kg): Nick Catone defeated Tom Watson by split decision (29 x 28, 28 x 29 and 30 x 27);

Light weight (up to 70 kg): To the fifth derrotou Kevin Lee in the unanimous decision of the judges (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 28 x 27);

Middleweight (up to 84 kg): Clint Hester defeated Andy Enz by unanimous decision (30 x 27, 30 x 27 and 30 x 26);

Lightweight (up to 70 kg): Rashid Magomedov defeated Tony Martin by unanimous decision (29 x 28, 29 x 28 and 29 x 28);

Welterweight (up to 77 kg): Neil Magny defeated Gasan Umalatov via unanimous decision (29 x 28, 30 x 27 and 30 x 27).