“The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale” took place Saturday inside The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Roy Nelson (Pictured) battered Matt Mitrione with a barrage of bombs in the show’s featured attraction. “Meathead” appeared to be in pronominal shape and his standup seemed much improved, as he continued to nail Nelson with several lethal kicks.
However, Nelson was unfazed and blistered Mitrione with a right hook that spelled the beginning of the end.
Colton Smith dominated Mike Ricci in the night’s co-main event to take the TUF 16 tournament. Smith secures his future with the UFC by winning a six-figure contract.
Quick Results (Play-by-Play):
Preliminary Card:
(Facebook)
Tim Elliott Defeated Jared Papazian via Unanimous Decision (30-25, 30-25, 30-26)
Mike Rio Defeated John Cofer via Submission (Armbar) at 4:11 in the 3rdRound
Hugo Viana Defeated Reuben Duran via TKO (Punches) at 4:05 in the 1stRound
(FUEL TV)
T.J. Waldburger Defeated Nick Catone via Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:04 in the 2ndRound
Rustam Khabilov Defeated Vinc Pichel via KO (Suplex and Punches) at 2:15 in the 1stRound
Johnny Bedford Defeated Marcos Vinicius via TKO (Strikes) at 1:00 in the 2ndRound
Mike Pyle Defeated James Head via TKO (Knee) at 1:55 in the 1stRound
Main Card:
(FX)
Dustin Poirier Defeated Jonathan Brookins via Submission (D’arce Choke) at 4:15 in the 1stRound
Jamie Varner vs. Melvin Guillard (Rescheduled for UFC 155)
Pat Barry Defeated Shane Del Rosario via KO (Punches) at :26 in the 2ndRound
Colton Smith Defeated Mike Ricci via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) (Smith wins TUF 16 welterweight tournament)
Roy Nelson Defeated Matt Mitrione via TKO (Punches) at 2:58 in the 1stRound
Fight Night Bonuses:
Fight of the Night:
Tim Elliott and Jared Papazian ($40,000/each)
Submission of the Night:
T.J. Waldburger ($40,000)
Knockout of the Night:
Pat Barry ($40,000)
Post-Fight Press Conference Notes:
According to UFC president Dana White, 2,500 fans packed the arena, garnering a live gate of $318,525.