Ali
© Marc Wickert
www.knucklepit.com
All photos copyright 2004 Zuffa LLC
Photography by Joshua Hedges
Over 20,000 fans packed into the 02 Arena in London, England for this event. “The most tickets sold to see a fight in London since 1995 between Frank Bruno and Oliver McCall,” said Mike Goldberg.
And there were some big names on this card for the British crowd to witness in action: Rampage Jackson, Dan Henderson, Mirko Cro Cop, Cheick Congo…
Great to see UFC World Heavyweight Champion, Randy Couture, looking cool, tanned and dangerous after his injury, as he co-commentated for the main event.
This was also an opportunity for Houston Alexander to prove whether he was the real deal or just a flash in the cage, having thunderstruck Keith Jardine at UFC 71: Liddell vs. Jackson.
In earlier matches:
Dennis Siver defeated Naoyuki Kotani by KO – 2.04, Round Two.
Gleison Tibau defeated Terry Etim by unanimous decision.
Thiago Silva defeated Tomasz Drwal by TKO – 4.23, Round Two.
The Battles
Houston Alexander (6’0” 203 lb) vs. Alessio Sakara (6’0” 205 lb)
– Light Heavyweight
Referee: Yves Lavigne
4.56: Houston Jabbed. They swapped leather and clinched.
4.48: Houston kneed to the body and Alessio pressed Houston’s back into the cage.
4.40: He grabbed Alexander’s right leg and took him to the mats.
4.37: Alexander scrambled to his feet, then attacked Sakara’s body and jaw with knees.
4.28: Sakara landed a left hook. They exchanged and he caught Alexander with a left and right.
4.18: The pair tied up before Houston sent Alessio crashing to the floor with a powerful right knee. He dropped on Alessio and hammered him with unrelenting fists. Yves Lavigne waved and Houston crossed his forearms, signaling “No Deal”, letting everyone know he’s determined to go all the way to the top.
Result: Houston Alezander by TKO – 1.01, Round One.
Marcus Davis (5’10” 169 lb) vs. Paul Taylor (6’0” 171 lb)
– Welterweight
Referee: Yves Lavigne
They exchanged lightning fists.
4.53: Paul leg-kicked and Marcus caught the kick. They clinched, with Paul’s back to the wire. Marcus was looking for the takedown by yanking or sweeping his opponent’s leg. Paul thwarted the attempt and they parted. The pair continued to trade – Marcus dispensing leather, Paul adding leg kicks to his arsenal.
3.54: Taylor clobbered Davis with a high kick that grounded him.
3.49: Taylor had side control and g’n’ped Davis. Yves Lavigne stepped in and came close to pulling the pin on the ‘Irish Grenade’, but held back.
3.40: Marcus weathered the storm and had Paul in half guard. Paul had his forearm across Marcus’ throat and worked to improve his position.
2.54: Davis was forced against the fence.
2.51: Taylor stood and thumped Davis with right fists.
2.48: Marcus latched onto Paul’s right leg. Both men were standing before Marcus pulled Paul to the floor.
2.17: Marcus crawled into guard.
2.00: He stood and Paul lashed up-kicks at him. Marcus dropped a right fist on Paul, and fell back into guard.
1.30: Davis spun to side control, then commenced g’n’p-ing with right fists and elbows.
1.11: Taylor rolled onto his side, but Davis shoved him back and kept raining down leather from the mount. Taylor threw fists from below, then covered up.
0.51: Paul bucked Marcus off and Marcus wrapped Paul’s right limb in an arm bar. Paul tapped.
This was a superb fight from both men and great work from Yves Lavigne.
Result: Marcus Davis by arm bar – 4.14, Round One.
Cheick Kongo (6’4” 231 lb) vs. Mirko Cro Cop (6’2” 220 lb)
– Heavyweight
Referee: Big John McCarthy
Round One
Cheick assumed the role of aggressor.
4.49: He leg-kicked whilst they tapped hands – his left mitt reaching out to southpaw Mirko’s right hand.
4.43: Cheick kicked Mirko’s inner leg.
4.40: Mirko fired off a big left glove and kicked to the body, as Cheick retreated.
4.31: Kongo kicked Cro Cop’s inner right leg before delivering a knee to the body.
4.19: He slapped another kick at Cro Cop’s inner leg.
4.03: Mirko checked the next kick from Cheick.
3.59: Kongo caught Cro Cop’s right kick, then released the foot.
3.50: Mirko kicked to the body.
3.38: Their legs clashed in mid air. Kongo slipped to the floor before springing back up. Cro Cop rushed in and latched on a Thai clinch. He delivered a left uppercut and Kongo looked to take him down. Mirko resisted, so Cheick kneed his thighs and kept him pinned against the cage.
2.31: Big John broke the stalemate.
2.26: Cheick attempted an offshore high kick, but it didn’t land. Mirko’s kick took the same course.
1.57: Cro Cop trapped Kongo’s kick, took him down and pounded from half guard.
1.43: Mirko crab-crawled Kongo across to the fence and punched his midsection, then worked to free his left leg from Cheick’s half guard.
0.51: He succeeded and got the mount.
0.08: Cheick rolled Mirko before moving into his guard, but the horse had bolted for this opening round.
Round Two
4.55: Cro Cop checked Kongo’s kick.
4.51: And again.
4.45: Kongo scored with consecutive kicks to Cro Cop’s body and was forcing him back.
4.10: Cro Cop body-kicked.
4.08: They clinched.
3.47: Cheick took Mirko down and wrangled into side control.
3.01: Mirko bucked and had Cheick in half guard.
2.49: There was a scramble and Cheick ended in guard, working elbows.
1.55: He stood and axe-kicked the grounded Mirko.
1.34: Cheick dropped back into guard.
1.07: Mirko used his powerful legs to shove Cheick away, then sprang to his feet.
1.06: Kongo tried for a takedown before they clinched.
1.01: He kneed Cro Cop twice in the gun shop. Mirko winced as Big John moved in for a closer look. A few more like that and he wouldn’t need to. Kongo then lifted his knees higher and focused on Cro Cop’s ribs.
0.34: Mirko went for a hip throw that Cheick resisted.
0.21: Big John broke them up. Cheick took Mirko in a Thai clinch and kneed some more.
Round Three
4.47: Kongo avoided a high kick.
4.35: He leg-kicked, kicked to the body, and landed a straight right. They tied up. Kongo’s knees were landing in the munitions department again, and this time Big John called time out as Crouch! Cop recovered on the floor.
4.05: Cheick connected with two kicks to the body, then one to the leg.
3.49: He launched a smacking kick to the body.
3.41: Cheick kept spitting out jabs and banged in another body kick.
3.28: Mirko wore an extra lick to the midsection and they clinched.
2.50: Big John broke them up after closely watching Cheick’s knee strikes.
2.37: Mirko body-kicked.
2.30: He leg-kicked.
2.25: Kongo intercepted Cro Cop’s axe kick with a leg kick.
2.06: They were clinched against the fence and Big John warned Kongo to keep his knees down.
1.19: They were trading when Kongo smacked a kick into Cro Cop’s body.
1.05: Cro Cop returned the strike.
1.01: Cheick latched on a Thai clinch, then followed with knees.
0.52: They exchanged kicks.
0.42: Cheick was looking for a takedown. Mirko held him in the clinch. The hooter blew.
Result: Cheick Kongo by unanimous decision.
Jess Liaudin (5’9” 170 lb) vs. Anthony Torres (5’10” 170 lb)
– Welterweight
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Jess detonated a ballistic kick that Anthony was ready for.
4.44: Jess kicked Anthony’s inner leg.
4.40: They swapped in a fury, resulting in Anthony pinning Jess against the cage.
Jess spun Anthony into the fence but ended up on the receiving end of knees and knuckles.
4.22: They were toe-to-toe.
4.11: Liaudin leg-kicked and attacked Torres with a barrage of fists.
4.00: The pair clinched – Liaudin failing with a takedown.
3.36: They were back toe-to-toe.
3.31: Jess delivered a left and right, and Anthony leg-kicked.
3.23: Jess attempted a spinning back kick, fell to the floor, then quickly regained his feet. They tied up. Anthony scored with a right uppercut and hook before they broke free.
3.16: He leg-kicked Jess, who replied with fists. They continued to trade, until…
2.59: when Liaudin put Torres on his butt with a furious combo. He leaned over the downed opponent and pounded. They scrambled and stood.
2.32: They tied up after swapping fists.
2.29: Liaudin caught Torres with two knees as Torres tagged Liaudin with an uppercut. They kept banging – both men landing heavy leather and knees.
1.26: Jess leg-kicked.
1.18: Anthony leg-kicked and Jess countered with a straight right.
1.16: Anthony went on the offensive, fists flying. Jess returned fire and put Anthony down via a left and right hook. He g’n’ped, however Anthony scrambled to his feet and tried to thump his way out of it, but Jess outgunned him.
Result: Jess Liaudin by TKO – 4.10, Round One.
Michael Bisping (6’2” 205 lb) vs. Matt Hamill (6’1” 205 lb)
– Light Heavyweight
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Round One
The crowd roared as Bruce Buffer introduced the hometown boy, Michael Bisping.
Earlier, Matt Hamill declared his being deaf would probably be an advantage, because of the reception he expected Bisping to get.
Matt rushed straight at Michael. They swapped punches and Matt popped Michael’s chin with a right. Michael backed away.
4.39: After Hamill tagged Bisping again; he put a front lock on Michael and threw sharp rights.
4.36: Bisping was free from the hold. He caught Hamill with a knee and Matt countered with a jab. He followed with a flying knee.
4.29: Michael flung a left kick and hand. They traded and Bisping continued to retreat.
4.19: Michael kicked Matt’s inner leg.
4.11: Michael brought up a knee. Matt landed a jab at the same time and caught Bisping’s leg, then took him down. He went for Michael’s back, but Bisping rolled, so Hamill connected with two rights and stood. Surprisingly, the wrestler stepped back for Bisping to stand and bang.
3.52: Michael dispatched a left and they both fired left hands.
3.47: Bisping went to kick as Hamill countered with another powerful jab. He kept his left hand in Bisping’s face. Michael began throwing his own jabs – some landed, some fell short.
2.40: Bisping attempted an inside leg kick that Matt trapped. He tugged Michael to the canvas and thumped him with a right glove. Bisping climbed to his feet and Matt fitted him with a front lock, then delivered right uppercuts.
2.21: Michael broke free and backed away.
2.14: He threw consecutive jabs and a right. But Matt blocked well with his forearms when he wasn’t on the attack.
2.04: He switched back to the offensive and ruffled Michael with a hard right. Bisping’s face was looking worse for wear from Hamill’s heavy hands.
1.45: Hamill delivered a hard stinging left. In the trading, he was outgunning Bisping with more powerful strikes. Michael had cuts around both eyes and seemed tentative with his punches.
0.43: He landed a big right and Hamill failed with a takedown.
0.17: Matt retaliated with a left and right that had Michael running away. Hamill chased him across the Octagon and whacked on another front lock. He went to administer more uppercuts, but Bisping pulled his head out of the hold and fell to the floor whilst making his escape. He then used his arms to pull himself away from the pursuing Hamill. The hooter cut the chase short.
Round Two
Hamill came out to resume his role as hunter.
4.34: Bisping threw a jabs and a cross. Hamill covered up with his forearms. Bisping dispensed an inside leg kick that Hamill caught, before diving into guard.
3.38: He progressed to half guard.
3.34: Michael surrendered his back, then stood free.
3.26: He sent up a left high kick that was taken on the arm.
2.35: They clinched. Matt unloaded an elbow and they parted.
2.01: Matt got the takedown. They stood and he seized Michael’s head in another front lock, dispatching more uppercuts before they separated. The men sparred up to the bell.
Round Three
Hamill came after Bisping, but Michael out punched him in the clash, and avoided a takedown.
4.28: They shared jabs before Hamill struck with a left and Bisping shot back an uppercut.
3.41: Bisping was out-pointing Hamill with the gloves now and warded off a takedown.
3.01: Hamill succeeded with the next takedown attempt and had Bisping against the cage.
2.50: Matt got half guard. Michael rolled and briefly offered his back before turning onto his side, then his back.
2.37: Matt stood and dropped a big right fist and fell into guard.
2.04: They stood.
1.48: Michael delivered a knee strike, but Matt trapped it and took Michael back down.
1.13: Hamill was in guard, attempting a neck crank.
0.46: He took Bisping’s back from side position. Bisping turned and Hamill assumed side control.
0.25: Michael was standing and free. They exchanged fists and Michael scored with two kicks. The bout ended.
The judges’ decision was announced, and there were plenty of boos from the London crowd – despite the outcome. This was a very controversial result.
Result: Michael Bisping by split decision.
Rampage Jackson (6’1” 204 lb) vs. Dan Henderson (6’1” 204 lb)
– Light Heavyweight Title
Referee: Big John McCarthy
PRIDE champion, Dan ‘Dangerous’ Henderson, enters the Octagon as UFC challenger, and is accompanied by Matt Lindland. Clinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, approaches the cage as UFC champion and potential cast member for the next sequel of Howling. Even the security guard next to Rampage looks stunned when the fighter stops in his tracks to roar at the ceiling. Behind Jackson, and looking a lot like Paulie from the Rocky movies, is Juanito Ibarra.
Rampage Jackson summoning the werewolves of London
Round One
Quinton throws a right hook that sails over Dan’s head.
Dan deflects Quinton into the fence, with the latter falling to his knees. He scrambles to his feet and bulldozers Dan into the cage.
4.43: They attack each other’s thighs with knee strikes.
4.16: Henderson reverses positions; pinning Jackson’s back to the wires and drives five powerful outside knees into Jackson’s left thigh. Rampage delivers hooks into the body and Dangerous counters with more nasty knees to the left thigh.
3.20: He shoulder-shrugs before they exchange leather and briefly separate.
3.10: They clinch as Dan takes Quinton’s back and delivers right hooks.
3.01: Dangerous sweeps Rampage to the floor, assuming side control.
2.18: He uses his right arm to entangle Rampage’s left arm, then elbows Quinton with his left arm.
1.59: Dan employs his legs to pin Quinton’s right arm in a crucifix. But Quinton bridges and flips his body onto Dan’s back.
1.48: Rampage rolls off and stands to trade, kneeing Dangerous in the body before they clinch.
0.35: They bang their way out of the tie, with Dan landing a heavy right uppercut and left hook.
0.29: They clinch.
Round Two
4.48: Henderson leg-kicks.
4.43: Jackson slips under a right and pops Henderson with a right uppercut.
4.15: Dan kicks Quinton’s inner leg.
4.09: They clinch before Dan sweeps Quinton to the canvas and takes side control.
2.22: Quinton turns onto his back and climbs to his feet. They tie up.
1.49: Dan sweeps Quinton’s left leg and they collapse to the floor with Quinton taking side control.
1.25: He momentarily hooks Henderson’s right arm in a crucifix and attacks with left elbows and fists.
1.11: Henderson rolls and Jackson takes half guard, throwing elbows and knuckles into Henderson’s left side. Jackson stands as the hooter blasts.
Round Three
Quinton leg-kicks.
4.10: He smacks a sharp right into Dan’s ribs.
4.03: Dangerous leg-kicks and Rampage counters with a right hook.
4.00: Dan throws a right to the body and Quinton returns rapid-fire fists.
3.55: They clinch and Dangerous dispatches a right uppercut before breaking free.
3.45: Dan scores with a right mitt and knee, but Quinton snares the knee and takes Dan down, then moves into side control.
2.34: Dangerous turns onto his side as Rampage moves to half guard. Dan traps Quinton’s left arm for a kimura, however Rampage keeps the arm tucked into his body, and strikes Dan’s body with a right fist.
2.02: Quinton repossesses his left arm.
1.42: Dangerous attempts another kimura on the offending arm.
1.25: Quinton tries to roll out of the lock but Dan keeps the lock in place – now from half guard.
1.15: The kimura is off.
0.23: Rampage sits up against the cage and Dangerous gets the mount.
0.17: Dan rolls and gives up his back. They stand and deliver up to the bell.
Round Four
They recommence in stand-up mode.
4.38: They bang it out and Henderson goes to the ground after a glancing left hook. Jackson moves into guard and Henderson tries for an arm bar. Jackson muscles out of the hold, then Dan reapplies it.
3.46: Quinton wards it off again and takes side control.
3.27: Dan turns onto his hands and knees, before Quinton rolls into half guard and continues to work his g’n’p.
1.14: Big John restarts them.
0.47: Dan is off the mark with a spinning back kick.
0.33: They trade and part.
Round Five
Dangerous throws a jab.
4.46: He leg-kicks.
4.41: Rampage gets the better of the stand off before they clinch. They rotate each other for position against the cage.
3.03: Dangerous looks for the takedown and Rampage resists.
2.54: Quinton knees to the body.
2.51: Dan lands a left elbow and they separate.
2.44: He lands an uppercut.
2.33: They exchange and Quinton leg-kicks.
2.22: Dan throws an uppercut.
2.18: He walks into a combo from Quinton.
2.10: Quinton leg-kicks.
2.07: Henderson connects with a right cross and an uppercut. They clinch and Henderson sweeps Jackson, then falls into his guard and pushes Jackson against the fence.
0.28: Quinton is upright. Dan attempts a takedown and cops a knee as Quinton resists going down.
0.20: Rampage takes Dangerous down and works from half guard.
0.09: Dangerous rises. Rampage forces him down, then stands over Dangerous and rains down punches. The hooter blows. Both men made this a great battle.
Result: Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson by unanimous Decision.
COMING UP: UFC 76
For more on UFC: www.ufc.tv.
Arianny
