Is anybody in the mood for three Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title fights? Well, you're in luck. UFC's New York City invasion is in full-swing tonight (Sat., Nov. 12, 2016), featuring a highly-anticipated Lightweight championship bout between Eddie Alvarez and Featherweight champion Conor McGregor, a Welterweight scrap between current 170-pound king Tyron Woodley and the mesmerizing Stephen Thompson, and a women's Atrawweight tilt between champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and fellow Polish striker Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Indeed, UFC 205, which takes place inside, Madison Square Garden, will deliver three match ups made in combat heaven and an incredible opportunity for the promotion to set "The Big Apple" ablaze on arrival. But, before the premier bouts get underway on pay-per-view (PPV) at 10 p.m. ET, a portion of UFC 205's "Prelims" undercard action will go down exclusively on FOX Sports 1 starting at 8p.m. ET. Find out what happened right here as the UFC 205 FS1 undercard recaps roll in real-time:
Frankie Edgar vs. Jeremy Stephens
Former UFC lightweight champion Edgar (21-5-1) took center stage on the "Prelims" when he met rising featherweight contender Stephens (25-13). It was Edgar who controlled the distance on the feet early, showcasing the same footwork that made him a champion so many years ago. But in Round 2, Stephens landed a huge head kick that dropped Edgar and then followed that up with a knee as he ran in. From there, Edgar was in cruise control before threatening with two guillotines before the end of the round. In the remaining five minutes, Edgar controlled the pace of the fight, taking Stephens down and scoring points at every turn. In the end, "The Answer" powered through a huge scare to earn the unanimous decision won.
A HUGE 2nd rd kick from @LiLHeathenMMA, but it wasn't enough to keep @FrankieEdgar down.
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 13, 2016
What. A. Fight. #UFC205 https://t.co/RqEAiNgPwK
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Michael Johnson
Undefeated Russian sensation Nurmagomedov (24-0) tried to maintain his winning ways opposite lightweight staple Johnson (17-11). Johnson opened up the first round on fire, hitting Nurmagomedov with combinations and crisp body shots from the outside. Nurmagomedov was hurt but landed a huge takedown to take control. From there, the wrestler battered "Menace" with serious ground-and-pound. While Johnson offered a decent guillotine attempt in Round 2, Nurmagomedov continued to destroy him with punches from top control. Nurmagomedov inflicted even more punishment over the last five minutes, ending his efforts with a third-round submission via kimura.
Absolute domination. @TeamKhabib stays undefeated in punishing fashion. #UFC205 https://t.co/VztgRd3D9z
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 13, 2016
Rafael Natal vs. Tim Boetsch
UFC veterans Natal (21-8-1) and Boetsch (20-10) mixed it up in an underrated middleweight bout that looked good on paper. The first round saw both fighters getting some shots off, including a spinning back fist by Boetsch that cut Natal below the left eye. After Boetsch closed the distance against the cage and Natal willing exchanged, "The Barbarian" landed a vicious right hand that crippled the New Yorker to the canvas. Boetsch would land a few more good shots from top position to earn the crushing knockout finish.
SAVAGE. The heavy hitters are HERE. @TimBoetsch makes it two knockouts in two fights on @FS1! #UFC205 https://t.co/IBsu2dtRCa
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 13, 2016
Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad
In the first FS1 preliminary bout, 24-year-old Luque (11-5-1) locked horns with former Titan FC champion Muhammad (10-2). It didn't take long for Luque to benefit from exchanges inside, landing a huge counter left hand that dropped Muhammad. From there, Luque landed some solid insurance shots before earning the first-round knockout finish.
BOOM. And we're underway! @VicenteLuqueMMA starts the night with a punishing KO. #UFC205 https://t.co/ZZLJgpKyoA
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) November 13, 2016