UFC 209 is down a pretty important fight, but Saturday still should be a fun night of mixed martial arts at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
The headliner is the welterweight championship rematch between titleholder Tyron Woodley and challenger Stephen Thompson. The two faced off in an instant classic at UFC 205, although it unfortunately ended in a draw. But they’ll get a second chance to wow fight fans Saturday night, and hopefully, we’ll get a decision this time.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson were supposed to fight for the interim lightweight title and a probable future chance at Conor McGregor, but it was cancelled after Nurmagomedov was rushed to the hospital due to weight management problems.
The (updated) main card will kick off at 10 p.m. ET, but fans can enjoy plenty of preliminary fights in the meantime.
We will have real-time results for every UFC 209 fight, as well as round-by-round analysis for Woodley vs. Thompson right here on our live blog. You also can watch all the action here.
Tyron Woodley Vs. Stephen Thompson Round-By-Round Commentary
Pre-Fight
The fighters are in the octagon. It’s finally time for Woodley vs. Thompson 2.
First Round
Despite all the history, the fighters spent most of the first half of the round feeling each other out. Thompson especially was very patient. “Wonderboy” had a nice combination near the cage with about 1:30 remaining. The crowd was looking for a bit more action than they got. Woodley had a kick combination with about 30 seconds left. Not much to see there, as there only were six combined significant strikes. That seems like good news for Thompson.
Second Round
Woodley started to land some punches in the opening minute. Thompson followed with a couple of punches of his own, though. Woodley looks like he’s exerting a lot of energy, although there hasn’t been a lot of significant strikes. He did get one right hand in, which busted Thompson open a bit. Thompson had a nice round kick to Woodley’s face, but the champion got the last strike in with a kick to Thompson’s body.
Third Round
Woodley went for a takedown early by grabbing the leg, and he eventually got Thompson down. Woodley had the challenger in a position where he got in multiple shots seemingly at will. Thompson got out of it, but Woodley had another knee to the body. Thompson landed a combination with about one minute left, and he followed up with some body shots to make up a bit of ground late.
Fourth Round
Woodley had a nice flurry of punches in the first minute. Wow! And a wheel kick from Thompson might have been the highlight of the bout so far. The fighters then seemed to trade significant strikes. This fight very well could be tied, or Woodley might need a knockout. It all comes down to the final five minutes.
Fifth Round
Woodley looked ready to pounce, but Thompson successfully stalled early on. Woodley went for it, but Thompson avoided it and got in a kick. That story continued over the next few minutes. Thompson had some more high kicks with under two minutes left. Woodley continued to look ready to strike, and he got Thompson down with an incredible sequence of strikes that almost led to a knockout. It all comes down to the judges, and that sequence might have sealed it for Woodley.
Result
And still! Woodley retains his welterweight title by majority decision, 48-47, 47-47, 48-47.
Main Card
Tyron Woodley def. Stephen Thompson, via majority decision (48-47, 47-47, 48-47)
David Teymur def. Lando Vannata, via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Daniel Kelly def. Rashad Evans, via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Cynthia Calvillo def. Amanda Cooper, via submission (Round 2, 3:19)
Alistair Overeem def. Mark Hunt, via KO (round 3, 1:44)
FS1 Prelims
Marcin Tybura def. Luis Henrique, via TKO (Round 3, 3:46)
Darren Elkins def. Mirsad Bektic, via TKO (Round 3, 3:19)
Iuri Alcantara def. Luke Sanders, via submission (Round 2, 3:13)
Mark Godbeer def. Daniel Spitz, via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims
Tyson Pedro def. Paul Craig, via TKO (Round 1, 4:10)
Albert Morales def. Andre Soukhamthath, via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Click to watch UFC 209 online >>
Thumbnail photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
