UFC Fight Night 25 took place at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, in New Orleans. UFC Fight Night 25 featured a main event bout between Jake Ellenberger and Jake Shields and a co-main event bout between Ultimate Fighter winner Court McGee and Dongi Yang.
Ellenberger Finishes Shields
Just three weeks ago Jake Shields received the worst news of his life: he found out that his father had just passed away. Shields never thought about pulling out of the fight but one must question how mentally focused he was for tonight’s battle.
As soon as the bell sounded Shields moved forward and looked to close the distance but he could not match Ellenberger’s striking game. After a few short exchanges, Shields attempted to move forward and go for the clinch. This was the beginning of the end for Shields; as he came forward Ellenberger caught him with a knee to the chest and then a second knee to the face the sent Shields to the canvas. Ellenberger immediately jumped on Shields and continued to pound on him until the referee ended the fight.
Ellenberger becomes the first person to ever finish Jake Shields and he did so by TKO in the round one.
McGee Wins Decision
Ultimate Fighter winner Court McGee was able to use his superior conditioning and a relentless attack to outlast Dongi Yang and earn a unanimous decision victory.
In a fight that was very evenly matched between a wrestler and a judo practitioner, McGee was able to out-strike Yang and secure several takedowns to secure his victory. In round one Yang came out firing, throwing punches and leg kicks that would find their mark. He was able to land some solid punches and nice inside leg kicks but McGee would not be deterred.
For three rounds McGee was able to out-strike, out-grapple and out-work Yang and by the midpoint of the second round McGee’s superior conditioning took over. As Yang began to tire and slow down McGee was able to pick up the pace, scoring take downs and pressuring Yang in the striking game. In the end McGee’s relentless pace was just too much for Yang to deal with.
McGee wins by Unanimous Decision.
Koch hands Brookins his first UFC defeat
Two of the top prospects in the featherweight division went head to head, and former Ultimate Fighter winner Jonathan Brookins and Erik Koch lived up to the hype.
For three rounds these two went back and forth, exchanging punches and trying to impose their wills. It was clear from the beginning that Brookins wanted to get this fight to the ground and attempt to work his submission game but Koch had other ideas.
Throughout the fight Koch was able to use his superior striking to stand on the outside and score points. Brookins spent the majority of the fight trying to work the clinch and smother Koch up against the cage while working for a takedown. As aggressive as Brookins’ takedowns were, Koch’s defense was just as good. For the majority of the fight Koch was able to stuff Brookins’ takedowns attempts; even when he was taken down he was able to get up immediately not giving Brookins a chance to work for a submission. While Brookins constantly worked for the takedown Koch was able to fend it off and score points in the judge’s eyes.
When the final bell sounded it was Koch that walked away the unanimous decision victory.
Belcher dismantles McDonald
Alan Belcher has been out of action for over 16 months due to an eye injury that almost ended his career. Tonight at UFC Fight Night 25, Belcher returned to action and showed the world that he is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division by completely dominating Jason McDonald.
McDonald, who suffered a career threatening injury of his own, looked to immediately take the fight to the ground. Early in round one while working in the clinch, McDonald attempted slam Belcher but instead wound up on his back with Belcher in his guard.
From there Belcher took over, landing vicious punches and elbows that had McDonald seeing stars. McDonald, who has an excellent ground game, was able to offer little resistance to the brutal attack from Belcher. After minutes of being beaten McDonald attempted to roll to his side and protect himself but after numerous punches landed by Belcher the referee was forced to step in and save McDonald from further punishment.
Belcher defeats McDonald by first round TKO.
MAIN CARD (Spike TV)
- Jake Ellenberger def. Jake Shields via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 0:53
- Court McGee def. Dongi Yang via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-28)
- Erik Koch def. Jonathan Brookins via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
- Alan Belcher def. Jason MacDonald via verbal submission (punches) – Round 1, 3:48
PRELIMINARY CARD (Facebook)
- Vagner Rocha def. Cody McKenzie via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:49
- Evan Dunham def. Shamar Bailey via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Lance Benoist def. Matt Riddle via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ken Stone def. Donny Walker via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:40
- Seth Baczynski def. Clay Harvison via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:12
- T.J. Waldburger def. Mike Stumpf via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:52
- Robert Peralta def. Mike Lullo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Justin Edwards def. Jorge Lopez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
