Fight Night 21 - Big Country

Ultimate Fight Night 21 brought some bigtime action in its two hour run-time. Roy "Big Country" Nelson firmly entrenched himself in the title picture with a big time knock out over Stefan Struve. Kenny Florian took a giant leap back into the lightweight title picture by submitting Pride legend Takanori Gomi.

Kenny Florian def Takanori Gomi via sub (RNC) R1, 2:52- Florian looked crisp with his jab and boxing throughout the fight. Gomi routinely was outclassed, not being able to get his counter hook going.

In the third round, Florian got the fight to the ground, landed in mount, and got the rear naked choke for the victory. Florian may get a fight next with Gray Maynard, Jim Miller, Tyson Griffin or George Sotiropoulos to get closer to a rematch with BJ Penn.
*Florian wins submission of the night bonus

Roy Nelson def Stefan Struve via KO (strikes) R1, 0:39- Roy Nelson was throwing overhand rights from the start, landing a big one off of a Struve jab. Nelson's last punch landed flush, crumpling the 6'10 fighter to the canvas. Expect Nelson to get Cheick Kongo, Cro Cop, Pat Barry or a rematch with Ben Rothwell.
*Nelson wins KO of the night bonus

Jorge Rivera def Nate Quarry via TKO (strikes) R2, 0:29- Jorge was able to work his right hand throughout the fight, smashing Quarry routinely in the chin. Quarry was content to throw leg kicks, but they didn't help. After being wobbled numerous times in the first, Rivera crumpled Quarry again in the second.

Ross Pearson def Dennis Siver via unanimous dec- In an entertaining bout that featured ample kickboxing, Ross Pearson was able to connect on more punches throughout the bout. Siver looked to be the more sloppy fighter, but did land one trademark spinning back kick during the bout. In the third, Ross sealed the win with a takedown.
*Pearson and Siver win fight of the night bonuses

Gleison Tibau def Caol Uno via TKO (punches) R1, 4:13- Gleison dominated the entire fight from start to finish with his power punching. Uno looked to stay low and stick and move, but he was unable to avoid Tibau strikes.

UNDERCARD

Andre Winner def Rafaello Oliveira via unanimous dec
Jacob Volkmann def Ronys Torres via split dec
Nik Lentz def Rob Emerson via unanimous dec
Yushin Okami def Lucio Linhares via TKO (stoppage) R2, 2:47
Gerald Harris def Mario Miranda via TKO (punches) R1, 4:49
Charlie Brenneman def Jason High via unanimous dec