Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is all set to light the lamp on UFC on FUEL TV 7, which takes place this afternoon (Sat., Feb. 16, 2013) from Wembley Arena in London, England.
"Barao vs. McDonald" will feature temporary titleholder Renan Pegado, who is ruler of the roost while reigning bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz tends to his troublesome knee, facing off against top division prospect Michael McDonald. UFC on FUEL TV 7 will also feature a featherweight fight between top contenders Dustin Poirier vs. Cub Swanson, while Cyrille Diabate goes to war against Jimi Manuwa in light heavyweight action.
MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire card TODAY (Sat., Feb. 16, 2013), starting with the Facebook "Prelims," which are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET (noon), as well as the main card, which is slated to air at 3 p.m. ET on FUEL TV.
Many of our readers check-in before, during and after the televised action to share their thoughts on all the exciting action. Therefore, feel free to leave a comment (or seven) before you leave and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show -- it always turns out to be a great discussion.
Keep in mind that we will also be the spot for the latest news, recaps and post-fight analysis after "Barao vs. McDonald."
Without further delay, see below for the latest UFC on FUEL TV 7 results. (Note: This will go from the bottom up; therefore, scroll toward the bottom for the latest detailed round-by-round action.)
UFC ON FUEL TV 7 QUICK RESULTS:
UFC Interim Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao vs. Michael McDonald - Barao defeats McDonald via submission (arm triangle) at 3:57 of round four
Dustin Poirier vs. Cub Swanson - Swanson defeats Poirier via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27x2)
Cyrille Diabate vs. Jimi Manuwa - Manuwa defeats Diabate via TKO (calf injury) at 5:00 of round one
Gunnar Nelson vs. Jorge Santiago - Nelson defeats Santiago via unanimous decision (29-28x2, 30-27)
James Te Huna vs. Ryan Jimmo - Te Huna defeats Jimmo via unanimous decision (29-28x2, 29-27)
Che Mills vs. Matt Riddle - Riddle defeats Mills via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Terry Etim vs. Renee Forte - Forte defeats Etim via unanimous decision (29-28x2, 30-27)
Danny Castillo vs. Paul Sass - Castillo defeats Sass via unanimous decision (30-27x2, 29-28)
Josh Grispi vs. Andy Ogle - Ogle defeats Grispi via unanimous decision (30-27x3)
Stanislav Nedkov vs. Tom Watson - Watson defeats Nedkov via TKO (punches and knees) at 4:32 of round two
Vaughan Lee vs. Motonobu Tezuka - Lee defeats Tezuka via unanimous decisio (30-27x3)
Ulysses Gomez vs. Phil Harris - Harris defeats Gomez via unanimous decision (30-27x2, 29-28)
UFC ON FUEL TV 7 PLAY-BY-PLAY LIVE MAIN CARD COMMENTARY (FUEL TV):
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135 lbs.: Renan Barao vs. Michael McDonald
Round one: Spinning back kick from Barao to get things started and McDonald tries to counter with a right over the top. Barao shoots in and puts McDonald on his back, landing in side control. McDonald retains full guard and escapes to his feet the second Barao gives him space. McDonald steps forward with a heavy left hand and Barao responds but eats a right hand counter. McDonald steps forward with more big shots and Barao tags him with a left counter. Lead left from McDonald connects and he stuffs a takedown attempt from Barao. McDonald steps forward and tags Barao with some heavy shots, blasting Barao with a short left hand and dropping him briefly. Barao shoots in for a takedown and responds with some short strikes along the fence and he drags McDonald to the ground again. McDonald retains full guard but Barao stays on top until the round ends. 10-9 Barao
Round two: Barao working his left hand early and McDonald lunges forward with a heavy left of his own. Good left hand from McDonald and he steps forward with a right. Barao shoots in for a takedown and he gets it but McDonald lands an up kick and pops back to his feet. Barao comes up short on a combination and pokes McDonald in the eye. They reset and McDonald backs Barao off with a heavy pair of punches. Nice right hand from Barao and an outside leg kick. Big front kick from Barao and McDonald catches him with a right hand counter and dodges a wheel kick. 10-9 Barao
Round three: McDonald presses forward but Barao unloads with a big flurry which forces McDonald to escape. Barao pushes the pace and steps inside with a big combination, pressing McDonald into the fence and dragging him to the ground in side control. Barao attempts to mount but McDonald rolls and pushes him off, escaping to his feet. McDonald has slowed down a bit here. Front kick from Barao and they trade heavy shots, both men eating big blows but Barao lands another good right hand. Spinning back kick from Barao connects solidly as time expires. 10-9 Barao
Round four: Barao works for a takedown but can't secure it. He presses forward with some active strikes and again tries to get a takedown along the fence but is fended off. Barao is in clear stalking mode, landing a spinning back kick to the body. Barao pushes McDonald into the fence, taking McDonald down and taking his back. Barao locks in an arm triangle and McDonald is trying to fend him off. Barao has it locked in and McDonald is bleeding right now. McDonald taps!
Final result: Renan Barao defeats Michael McDonald via submission (arm triangle) at 3:57 of round four
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145 lbs.: Dustin Poirier vs. Cub Swanson
Round one: Nice leg kick from Poirier and then another. Poirier is really working the low kicks while Swanson wants to lands that heavy right hand of his. Poirier changes levels and works for a takedown but can't secure it, landing a solid inside leg kick. Poirier ducks a hook and continues to go low with his leg kicks. Another outside leg kick from Poirier and then he counters with a crisp right hook as Swanson pressures him. Sneaky high kick from Swanson and Poirier blocks it, pushing forward with a takedown attempt. Uppercut from Swanson rocks Poirier and he's wobbly. Poirier catches a leg and takes him down. Nice right hands to the body from Poirier and Swanson escapes to his feet, throwing a knee while Poirier responds with some hooks. 10-9 Poirier
Round two: Nice leg kick from Swanson and he drops low with a big shot to the body. Big shot from Poirier wobbles Swanson but he recovers and fires back. Poirier is pressing the action here, throwing some nice left jabs and Swanson responds with a heavy body kick. Poirier shoots in for a takedown but can't get it. Swanson throws a nice head kick and steps forward with an uppercut but Poirier shoots in and dumps him on his back. Swanson locks in a shoulder lock and uses it to stand up, eating another leg kick from Poirier. Poirier scores with some nice punches and he again shoots in for a takedown, pressing Swanson against the fence while hunched over. Swanson escapes and Poirier throws a nice combination. 10-9 Poirier
Round three: Poirier shoots in for a takedown early, pressing Swanson into the fence but can't get it. They separate and Poirier connects with some really nice shots, hurting Swanson. Swanson backs up into the cage center and eats a huge left hand from Poirier. Another right hand from Poirier snaps Swanson's head back and Swanson shoots in for a takedown, dumping Poirier on his back. They scramble and Swanson takes Poirier's back. Poirier turtles and tries to get back to his feet but Swanson has booth hooks in. Swanson secures mount but Poirier pushes him off and they go back to standing. Swanson throws Poirier over his shoulder, again attacking his back on the ground. Swanson is working towards attacking Poirier's arm but Poirier escapes and drops a couple punches until the bell sounds. 10-9 Swanson
Final result: Cub Swanson defeats Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27x2)
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205 lbs.: Cyrille Diabate vs. Jimi Manuwa
Round one: Manuwa stalks early, looking for the big right hand off the get-go. Nice inside leg kick from Manuwa and they clinch. Nice left knee from Diabate but Manuwa takes him down, landing in side control. Diabate works for half guard and pops back to his feet along the fence. Nice elbow on the inside from Manuwa. They separate and Manuwa goes high with a kick and tosses Diabate to the ground before backing up. Left hook from Manuwa and then an inside leg kick. Manuwa is in clear control here. Knee from Diabate and he clinches, throwing a knee and some short elbows followed by another heavy knee. Manuwa is fired up, backing Diabate up with a combination of strikes and Diabate responds with a massive knee to the body. Manuwa uses the knee to take him down and drops a few punches before time expires. 10-9 Manuwa
The fight is stopped in between rounds as Diabate appears to have torn a calf muscle and can't continue.
Final result: Jimi Manuwa defeats Cyrille Diabate via TKO (calf injury) at 5:00 of round one
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170 lbs.: Gunnar Nelson vs. Jorge Santiago
Round one: Nelson looks very loose early and Santiago has control of the cage center. Big knee from Santiago and he wings a right hand but Nelson hangs tough and throws a switch kick. Side kick from Nelson and then he drops to the leg with the same kick. Head kick from Santiago and then a knee to the body. Push kick from Nelson and a body kick and he shoots in for a takedown, putting Santiago on his back. Santiago tries to get to his feet but is denied, although he eventually works back to standing. Santiago presses forward with several hooks in combination but Nelson backs away. Santiago lands a right hand and Nelson clinches. Knee from Santiago and they break as time expires. 10-9 Santiago
Round two: Good left hand from Nelson early and Santiago slips throwing a right of his own but gets to his feet. Nelson pops Santiago with another right hand and he drops for a takedown along the fence, securing a takedown. Nelson passes to half guard and is in control here. Nice short right hands from Nelson on the ground and then a heavy left as Santiago locks up closed guard. Santiago opens his guard and tries to land an up kick but Nelson throws a nice let hand dropping down and passing to side control. Nelson passes to mount, dropping a nice right hand and then an elbow. Another elbow from Nelson and two more land before the round concludes. 10-9 Nelson
Round three: Nelson throws a kick early and Santiago lunges forward with a very nice right hand. Leg kick from Nelson and then a side kick to the body. Good right hand from Nelson and Santiago presses him into the fence, throwing some knees. Nice right elbow from Nelson and he scores with a straight left. Leg kick from Nelson and Santiago connects with a solid right hand, really turning up the aggression. Huge uppercut from Nelson and then another and Santiago responds with a right hand. Nelson presses Santiago into the fence, throwing a big knee to the body. Another uppercut from Nelson and they clinch. Santiago lands a slow right on the break and Nelson cracks him with a right hand as Santiago steps forward. Nice combination from Nelson and Santiago unloads a ig combination, cracking Nelson with a huge right hand at the final horn. 10-9 Nelson
Final result: Gunnar Nelson defeats Jorge Santiago via unanimous decision (29-28x2, 30-27)
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205 lbs.: James Te Huna vs. Ryan Jimmo
Round one: Te Huna clinches early, throwing shoulder strikes to Jimmo and the ref separates them. Huge head kick from Jimmo and Te Huna goes down! Jimmo swarms with massive punches on the ground and Te Huna is bleeding badly. Jimmo's pace slows and Te Huna works back to his feet but attempts a guillotine which allows Jimmo to take him down again. Jimmo works some strikes from above and Te Huna attacks with elbows from botttom. Jimmo stays on top until the round ends. 10-9 Jimmo
Round two: Head kick misses from Jimmo but he flashes a jab. Body kick from Jimmo and Te Huna presses him into the fence, lifting him up and working for a takedown but he can't get it. Now Jimmo takes inside position and he's looking for a potential takedown. Te Huna scores a very nice takedown, landing on top in side control. Te Huna passes to mount briefly but Jimmo retains half guard and Te Huna drops some elbows. Nice left hands from Te Huna and then some huge right hands. Te Huna is turning on the aggression, landing nice hammer fists and elbows. Big right hand from Te Huna and Jimmo throws an up kick at the end of the round. 10-9 Te Huna
Round three: Te Huna attempts a takedown but Jimmo fends it off and takes inside position along the fence. Jimmo drops for a single leg but gives up on it. Heavy uppercut from Te Huna and then a right hand as Jimmo backs off and creates space. Te Huna presses forward and they clinch, throwing a knee but Jimmo reverses the position. Another takedown from Te Huna via a body lock and he drops down some elbows. Te Huna stays on top until the end of the round. 10-9 Te Huna
Final result: James Te Huna defeats Ryan Jimmo via unanimous decision (29-28x2, 29-27)
-end-
170 lbs.: Che Mills vs. Matt Riddle
Round one: Body kick from Riddle early and he shoots in for a takedown quickly, attempting a single leg and pressing Mills into the fence. Jumping knee from Mills with his free leg and Riddle gives up on the single leg, throwing a knee to the thigh. Riddle changes levels along the fence and nearly turns the corner, driving forward and scoring a takedown. Mills works back to his feet as Riddle tries to pass guard but he's still got his back pressed against the fence. They separate and Mills lands a lead jab and a head kick is blocked but Riddle shoots in and scores another takedown but can't keep Mills down. Mills presses forward with some heavy shots but Riddle lands a right hand and again presses him into the cage. Riddle attempts a body lock takedown but can't secure it. Riddle drags Mills away from the fence and lands inside his guard with another takedown, passing to half guard. He stays on top until the round finishes. 10-9 Riddle
Round two: Riddle works for a single leg takedown early and Mills throws a giant kick which nearly connects but it surrenders the takedown. Riddle passes to north-south and is looking for a choke but settles for side control. Riddle throws knees to the ribs and is working to pass to mount, dropping short right hands. More knees from Riddle and he goes back to the short right hands, mixing up his attack with a few elbows as well. Mills tries to scramble and Riddle takes his back, dropping punches and getting both hooks in. Riddle secure a body triangle and then takes the full mount. Heavy body punches from Riddle and he rides out the round in top position. 10-9 Riddle
Round three: Riddle throws a right hook that comes up short and Mills is being careful, trying to avoid surrendering a takedown. Mills opens up a bit and Riddle fires back which gets the crowd excited. Leg kick from Mills and Riddle ducks under a hook, shooting in for a single leg takedown along the fence. Mills is fending him off for now but Riddle continues his stubborn pursuit of the takedown and Mills sprawls. Whizzer from Mills to avoid a takedown and Riddle continues with his aggression, eventually putting Mills on his back and landing in his guard. Riddle passes to side control and is thinking about Kimura but Mills sweeps him and takes top position. Mills postures up and throws punches, standing up over Riddle and the ref stands them up with 25 seconds left. Mills throws a kick but Riddle shoots in and takes him down, eating a few elbows from Mills in the final 10 seconds. 10-9 Riddle
Final result: Matt Riddle defeats Che Mills via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
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UFC ON FUEL TV 7 PLAY-BY-PLAY LIVE "PRELIM" CARD COMMENTARY (FACEBOOK):
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155 lbs.: Terry Etim vs. Renee Forte
Round one: Forte opens with a superman punch and Etim responds with an outside leg kick. Etim continues with the outside leg kicks and then goes high with a head kick. Body kick from Etim and Forte tries to go over the top with a left hook but can't land clean. Forte steps forward aggressively with some heavy hooks and punches but Etim counters. Etim slips and Forte closes the distance, pushing him in the clinch. Forte controls Etim in the clinch for the majority of the remainder of the round, occasionally throwing short knees and punches. 10-9 Forte
Round two: Etim works some leg kicks early and lands an uppercut but they clinch and Forte presses him into the fence again, throwing some short knees to the legs. Forte controls Etim for a good minute before they finally separate. Big punch from Forte and Etim is wobbled. Forte presses forward and lands another heavy right hand. Forte continues the aggression and Etim drops to his back and he's hurting. Forte pounces with ground and pound but Etim defends himself from half guard for now. Forte postures up and drops some punches, passing to side control. Forte mounts and drops some punches as time expires. 10-8 Forte
Round three: Forte steps forward and Etim tries to counter but Forte lands a heavy shot and goes to the clinch. The ref separates them and Forte scores with a superman punch. Left hook counter from Etim and he throws some knees in the Thai clinch but Forte presses him into the cage again and scores a takedown. Forte is on top inside Etim's guard, dropping occasional punches. He stays on top until the round ends. 10-9 Forte
Final result: Renee Forte defeats Terry Etim via unanimous decision (29-28x2, 30-27)
-end-
155 lbs.: Danny Castillo vs. Paul Sass
Round one: Sass opens with a big right hand and Castillo lowers his head. Sass jumps on a guillotine and switches to a triangle choke in mid-air. Castillo slams Sass to the ground with authority and escapes the position but Sass is still wrapping him up and looking to catch him in something. Castillo passes to half guard but Sass retains. Castillo postures up and drops some right hands, getting to his feet and dropping down but Sass attacks with a heel hook, although Castillo rolls through and stays on top. Sass again attacks the leg but Castillo rolls through and drops some heavy hammer fists and then a nice right elbow. More elbows from Castillo and Sass threatens a leg as time expires. 10-9 Castillo
Round two: Sass tries to land a hook but Castillo takes him down, dropping the occasional elbow. Big armbar attempt from Sass but Castillo stands up and slams free. More punches from Castillo and the ref stands them up after a brief period of inactivity. Castillo counters Sass' aggression on the feet by shooting in and taking him down again, landing in Sass' full guard. Castillo lands a big right hand and then pours it on with some punches at the end fo the round. 10-9 Castillo
Round three: Nice right hand from Sass and he wings a spinning back kick which connects. Castillo throws a huge overhand right that grazes and Sass responds with a leg kick. Sass steps forward with a pair of hooks and Castillo changes levels for an easy takedown. Castillo attempts to posture up but eats an upkick for his effort. Sass attempts a triangle choke but Castillo slips free and passes to side control, briefly taking a detour in north south before returning to side control. Castillo drops a heavy elbow before time expires. 10-9 Castillo
Final result: Danny Castillo defeats Paul Sass via unanimous decision (30-27x2, 29-28)
-end-
145 lbs.: Josh Grispi vs. Andy Ogle
Round one: They quickly go to the canvas and Grispi is all over Ogle with submission attempts, transitioning from an armbar to a triangle to an omaplata. Ogle is in a strange position right now and he turns into Grispi trying to escape the omaplata but Grispi has a triangle choke now. Ogle drops some left hands to Grispi's head but he's still stuck in a triangle choke, although there's a bit of space. More left hands from Ogle and Grispi has loosened the submission attempt, freeing him. Ogle continues to throw left hands and Grispi has completely given up on the submission. Left elbow from Ogle and Grispi is thinking about a Kimura from bottom but he can't free the elbow. 10-9 Ogle
Round two: Left hook from Ogle and both fighters trade leg kicks. They scramble and Grispi attempt to take Ogle's back but Ogle takes top position and drops some punches, now he's thinking about a choke from behind. Ogle takes Grispi's back and drops some right hands as he's got both hooks in. Ogle tries to throw a heel kick which frees Grispi from the double hooks. Grispi turns and Ogle is now just on top in half guard. Ogle takes Grispi's back standing and they stay in a stalemate until the round concludes. 10-9 Ogle
Round three: Grispi tries to work some kicks from the outside but Ogle blasts him with a left hand followed by a liver kick and Grispi is hurt. Ogle presses forward and throws some punches, dropping for a takedown and he gets it. Grispi attempts a guillotine but gives up on it quickly. Ogle is smothering Grispi from top position, dropping occasional punches and elbows. He stays on top of Grispi for the next two minutes, remaining active enough to keep the fight on the ground until time expires. 10-9 Ogle
Final result: Andy Ogle defeats Josh Grispi via unanimous decision (30-27x3)
-end-
185 lbs.: Stanislav Nedkov vs. Tom Watson
Round one: Watson opens up pressing the action. He throws a body kick but Nedkov fires back with some hooks. Watson presses Nedkov into the fence and both men trade knees. Watson throws some heavy knees to the body and a nice elbow over the top. Another knee and elbow from Watson and Nedkov tries to back him up with some wild hooks but Watson goes right back to the clinch with more heavy knees and elbows. Watson puts Nedkov in the Thai plum and fires off some more heavy knees and Nedkov swings with a heavy body shot and comes over the top with a left hook. Watson works some short uppercuts on the inside and another knee as they separate. Low kick from Watson and he goes over the top but comes up short. Nedkov tries to fire off a right hand but Watson closes the distance and goes back to the elbows and knees from the clinch. Uppercut from Nedkov and Watson backs off. Takedwon from Nedkov and he gets on top and is pounding away with heavy hammer fists inside his guard. Big shots from Nedkov and Watson is in big trouble at the end of the round as Nedkov is really hurting him but Watson is saved by the bell. 10-9 Nedkov
Round two: Nedkov blasts Watson with a wild right hook and he takes Watson down, dropping some heavy punches. Watson tries to work his way back to his feet along the fence but Nedkov stays on top and drops a heavy right hand. Watson cagewalks back up top and Watson returns to the clinch, throwing a good knee and then another knee to the body. Huge knee to the body from Watson and Nedkov shoots in, scoring another takedown but Watson pops back to his feet along the fence. Now Watson takes inside position along the fence and is pounding away with knees, elbows and short uppercuts. More knees from Watson and Nedkov seems to be fading. Another elbow and some huge knees from Watson. Wow. Nedkov's face is a mess now, bleeding from several cuts due to the elbows and knees. Watson unloads with huge punches along the fence and a body shot drops Nedkov and Watson drops some punches and it's over. Wow!
Final result: Tom Watson defeats Stanislav Nedkov via TKO (punches and knees) at 4:32 in round two
-end-
135 lbs.: Vaughan Lee vs. Motonobu Tezuka
Round one: Inside leg kick from Lee gets things started and Tezuka responds with an outside kick. Tezuka presses Lee against the cage, eating a big knee from Lee in the process, although he's got the inside position. Lee backs Tezuka off using a whizzer and throwing another knee. Lee steps forward with a big combination, doubling up with his right hook and Tezuka wants nothing to do with the stand up, shooting in for a single leg takedown attempt but Lee is fending him off against the fence. They separate and Tezuka again shoots in for a takedown but can't get it. 10-9 Lee
Round two: Tezuka works for a takedown again and drops to the canvas but Lee takes top position. Tezuka is working for a leg lock from deep half guard and he's working on a potential heel hook but Lee is still on top. They scramble and Tezuka works a takedown and lands inside Lee's guard along the fence. Tezuka isn't doing much from inside Lee's guard and Lee stands up along the fence. Spinning back fist from Tezuka and they separate. Lee steps forward with a body punch and a head kick which just misses. Push kick from Lee and Tezuka grabs a single leg working for a takedown again but Lee is fending him off as time expires. Lee couldn't do much that round so it's 10-9 Tezuka
Round three: Tezuka presses forward but Lee lands a nice left hand then a solid right jab. Leg kick from Tezuka and Lee responds with a 1-2 combination. Lee backs towards the fence and Tezuka shoots in for a takedown but Lee fends him off throwing a few body shots, a knee and a push kick on the break. Another jab from Lee and Tezuka shoots in for a takedown once more as Lee drops some short elbows. The crowd is getting a bit restless at Tezuka's strategy and the ref separates them. Tezuka shoots in once more and can't get it. 10-9 Lee
Final result: Vaughan Lee defeats Motonobu Tezuka via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
-end-
125 lbs.: Ulysses Gomez vs. Phil Harris
Round one: Gomez opens with a pair of inside leg kicks and then an outside kick. More kicks from Gomez and that seems to be his early strategy here. Harris tries to go over the top with a right hand but he comes up short and Gomez goes right back to the inside leg kick. Another kick from Gomez and this one goes a tad low. They reset and Harris takes Gomez down, dropping a couple right hands but Gomez scrambles back to his feet and goes right back to his low kicks. Harris steps inside with a right hand but Gomez responds and then lands a heavy body kick. Gomez shoots in for a single leg and they scramble at the end of the round where he briefly lands in top position. 10-9 Gomez
Round two: Harris is the aggressor early on as Gomez tries to continue with the leg kicks but Harris has found his range a bit and he's starting to land his punches better. Harris is starting to counter effectively with his punches and he throws a nice right hand to the body and then a right over the top. Gomez shoots in for a takedown but Harris stuffs it and unloads a knee. Counter left hand from Harris as Gomez throws a kick. Flying knee from Gomez and then a solid leg kick. Another leg kick from Gomez connects at the end of the round. 10-9 Harris
Round three: Harris takes control of the cage center this time and Gomez is trying to work his leg kicks from the outsidde but Harris is countering him effectively now with the left hand every time he starts to throw. Nice left hand from Harris and Gomez slips pretty badly. More counter shots from Harris and he's taking away all the effectiveness of Gomez's strikes. Harris is really turning it on here as time is running out in the fight. 10-9 Harris
Final result: Phil Harris defeats Ulysses Gomez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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