TUF 9 Finale - UK Domination

The TUF 9 Finale was a sold out show at the Palms in Las Vegas. Commercials were abundant in this three hour broadcast on Spike. Despite both being seen as slight underdogs, UK's Ross Pearson and James Wilks came out TUF 9 champions.

Diego Sanchez def Clay Guida via split dec- This fight was a bloody three round war. The first round was all Sanchez as he landed big uppercuts and combinations before he nailed Guida with a perfect high kick sending him to the canvas. Guida would never stop coming throughout the fight, despite blood pouring out of his wounds.

Guida would go on to storm back in the second, getting takedowns to secure top position winning the round with his ground and pound assault. The third round was very close, with Sanchez almost getting a guillotine. Then he unleashed some serious elbows from the ground. The judges gave Sanchez a split decision victory.
*Awarded Fight of the Night Bonus.

James Wilks def DaMarques Johnson via sub (rear-naked choke) R1, 4:54- James Wilks first got some strikes in before the fight went to the ground. From there, it was all Wilks as he transitioned from submission attempt to attempt. With time running down in the first, Wilks got the back of Johnson and sunk in the winning choke. *James Wilks wins the 170 pound TUF 9 Title.

(James Wilks pictured)

Chris Lytle def Kevin Burns via unanimous dec- Burns looked to dominate in the first round, landing an uppercut that nearly had Lytle out. However, in the second and third, Lytle came back, overwhelming Burns. In the third, Lytle opened up a gash on Burns' head, and blood started to pour. All three judges awarded the fight to Lytle.
*Awarded Fight of the Night Bonus.

Ross Pearson def Andre Winner via unanimous dec- Ross Pearson took the 155 pound title in a three round scrap against Andre Winner. While working mostly in the clinch, the fighters traded shots throughout the fight. Pearson seemed to control the fight more and was awarded the decision victory.
*Pearson wins 155 pound TUF 9 Title

(Ross Pearson pictured)

Joe Stevenson def Nate Diaz via unanimous dec- Nate Diaz nearly had a deep guillotine in the first round, but that was the closest he came to victory. Stevenson was the stronger fighter, landing shots and controlling the action on the ground. Stevenson credited the win to his 6 week training camp at Greg Jackson's camp in New Mexico. "It's like having Chuck Norris in your corner, it's just unfair" remarked Stevenson post fight.

UNDERCARD

Melvin Guillard def Gleison Tibau via split dec
Brad Blackburn def Edgar Garcia via split dec
Nick Ospiczak def Frank Lester via sub (rear naked choke) R1, 3:40
Jason Dent def Cameron Dollar via sub (anaconda choke) R1, 4:46
Tomasz Drwal def Mike Ciesnolevicz via TKO (strikes) R1, 4:48
*KO of the Night Bonus