The Road to UFC semfinals go down today from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, and MMA Ecosystem is cageside to bring fans live results.
After the opening round unfolded in Shanghai last May, sixteen fighters are left in the field to compete for a shot at a UFC contract. Top Asian prospects from China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines enter the semifinal round of the tournament before the finals later this year.
Chinese fighters make up a whopping seven of the sixteen tournament fighters, while Japan is in second with three competitors. Most of those fighters train at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, and could very well sweep their way into the finals.
Angad Bisht and Ruel Pañales are the two fighters representing their countries (India and the Philippines, respectively), and the Pañales will be the first fighter from the Philippines to ever make it to the semifinals.
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ROAD TO UFC SEMIFINALS RESULTS, EPISODE 5:
Flyweight non-tournament fight: Yan Qihui vs. Danni McCormack
Yan Qihui with a strong head kick to start things off. McCormack looking for the shot. Yan steps in with a short right hand. A left hook from McCormack lands flush, and follows it up with another straight left. She's working the body of Yan with kicks, but Yan responds with a flurry. McCormack drives Yan to the cage, but they separate. Now Yan shooting, but is blocked. Left hook on the money for Yan. MMA Ecosystem scores round one 10-9 for McCormack.
McCormack starts round two with the kicks. Danni drags Yan to the ground but Yan pops right back up. Yan missing a lot on her punches, but tags McCormack with a left hook. McCormack, on command from her coach, throws a teep kick to the face but Yan catches it and throws her to the ground. Yan has the standing RNC position briefly but Danni shucks her off. Now McCormack working to drag Yan down. McCormack working that straight left well on Yan. After a body kick from Yan, McCormack drives in to drag Yan down again, but can't keep her down. They separate by Danni is relentless with the body kicks. A flurry to end the round, and McCormack has the fight 20-18 on my scorecard.
Yan catches McCormack with a straight when she stepped in for a kick. McCoarmack back to with kicks to the body and legs. Yan looking to return fire with the kicks, but she may be slowing. Yan throws a right hook, and McCormack ducks under lands a beautiful takedown. Now she has the back of Yan, working for a finish! But Yan able to turn to her back, but McCormack has her mounted. Yan is leaking badly from the face, it's not looking good for her. McCormack now pounding away. Back to their feet, and McCormack gets her down again. One minute left and McCormack could end this. Yan is a zombie and rises to her feet and throws hands. Phone booth fighting to end things, and that was a war.
10-8 for McCormack, who should take the fight 30-26.
Danni McCormack def. Yan Qihui via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-27)
Flyweight semifinal: Kiru Singh Sahota vs. Ruel Pañales
Pañales opens by pushing Sahota to the cage, working for a single leg. Sahota reverses him and it's a stalemate other than a few rogue shoulder strikes. They break and now Sahota trying to use his range on Pañales. Kiru standing to connect on some of these range strikes and Pañales looks to tie up. A THUDDING body kick from Sahota, who's really landing in high volume now. Round one goes to Kiru Singh Sahota 10-9 on MMA Ecosystem's scorecard.
Round two begins with Pañales immediately shooting KSS to the cage, only to get reversed again. Now Sahota working hard for the takedown, transitioning from a single leg to a double. He gets Pañales down to a knee and punches the face along the way. They break, and Pañales lands a clean straight punch that knocks Sahota back. Doesn't seem to damage him too much, but Pañales clearly has some confidence now. Sahota trying to disrupt that but pressing in with punches and clinching against the fence. Pañales gets out and Sahota is back at range throwing body kicks and range punches. Two clean straight right hands blast Pañales, who is able to get Sahota down on a botched spinning kick. Sahota works for an armbar, but time runs out. Better round for Pañales, but still 10-9 for Sahota, who is up 20-18.
Sahota starting round three strong with a flurry of punches that backs Pañales up to the cage. Pañales punches out, and we're back to the center of the cage. Crushing body kick from Sahota, and Pañales throws one back. The two clinch again against the cage, trading position until they break with two minutes left. Straight right to left hook combination may be the best of the night so far for Sahota, but Pañales wearing the damage really well. Little bit of lull to end things, but KSS ends with a straight right. He should take the round 10-9, and the fight 30-27.
Kiru Singh Sahota def. Ruel Pañales via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Bantamweight semifinal: Yoo Soo Young vs. Daermisi Zhawupasi
Here we go in a battle of entertaining grapplers! Daermisi stalking with leg kicks but Yoo connects hard on a body punch. Daermisi throws a combo and Yoo ducks under, taking him down with a double-leg. Scrambles ensue and Daermisi explodes out to his feet. Good jabs from Yoo, and Zhawupasi is bleeding a bit from the nose. Massive throw from Yoo, and he's got his man down, but Zhawupasi won't be controlled. Clinching against the cage, Daermisi then lands a trip on Yoo. He can't keep him down either, but lands some knees on the way up. Reset back to the center with forty-five seconds left. Strong leg kick from Yoo, but Daermisi responds with an uppercut. Yoo drags Zhawupasi down to end the round, taking an action-packed round 10-9 on the MMA Ecosystem scorecard.
These two are slugging it out to start round two. Zhawupasi lands a brilliant left hook that staggers Yoo, and the two continue in the cage center. Yoo working the jab well, and a lot of redness on the face of Daermisi. Brief single-leg attempt from Yoo, and Daermisi stumbles and its a hook in the chaos. Daermisi breathing gout of his mouth but still pushing, and drops Yoo to knee with a straight punch. A nice overhand right flush for Daermisi. A firefight between the two looks to have gone to Daermisi, and this round is close. Another overhand right from Zhawupasi. He takes round two, and I've got this tied 19-19 after two.
Yoo Soo Young seems to want to bring this to the ground for round three. Body kick and a job from Daermisi, who's now controlling the pace of the fight. Yoo catches a low kick from Daermisi for takedown, and after a scramble, gets Daermisi on his back. Half guard for Yoo. Zhawupasi keeps popping up but gets drug down again and again. They rise to the feet and meaningful damage from either could seal the fight with a minute and half left. Yoo landing jabs, and Daermisi may be hitting a wall. He's pushing Yoo to the cage in the last minute, and the two scramble to end the fight. Yoo Soo Young takes the final round, and the fight 29-28 for me.
Yoo Soo Young def. Daermisi Zhawupasi via Split Decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Flyweight semifinal: Choi Dong Hoon vs. Angad Bisht
Choi opens with a strong calf kick. Body kick from Choi, but Bisht responds with a hard left hook. Choi grabs a leg and tosses Bisht to the mat, but Bisht is back up. Choi is already bleeding from from the nose, something must have connected hard in that scramble. A hard right hook from Choi. Now Bisht is stalking Choi, and connects with a right hook of his own before clinching against the cage. A close round with only a few meaningful strikes, but MMA Ecosystem has it 10-9 for Bisht in the first.
Straight left from Choi to start round two. Low kicks from Choi, which are dangerously close to the groin every time. Now Choi is whipping the calf kicks in succession, and Bisht trying to counter with straight punches. A kick from Choi finally goes low and we've got a timeout.
Bisht is good to go and Choi is back on the calf kicks. Choi looking to clinch and use that judo black belt, but Bisht's strength is too much and he gets reversed. Angad grabs a single leg and lifts Choi, but Choi escapes. Massive right hook from Choi drops Bisht, and Choi pounces and gets his man in a reverse crucifix. Bisht works out of it and now has the back of Choi, his sweet spot. The round ends and Choi takes round two, tying things 19-19.
The two hug it out to start the third, but Choi ends the good will with the leg kicks. Choi eats hook from Bisht and responds with a clinch attempt, Bisht escapes, and Choi lands a combo. Strong straight right from Bisht we're halfway through the third. Choi probably landing more volume at this point but Bisht hitting harder. Bisht advancing with punches, Choi turns his back, and Bisht pursues. Straight right landing a lot for Bisht now. Two right hooks from Choi drop Bisht, who immediately looks to lock in a heel hook in the fray. Choi is able to pull out and Bisht takes the back to end it. Really admirable performance from Bisht, but Choi should take the round 10-9, and the fight 29-28.
Choi Dong Hoon def. Angad Bisht via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bantamweight semifinal: Tokitaka Nakanishi vs. Baergeng Jieleyisi
Our second bantamweight semifinal! Baergeng clocks Nakanishi clean with a straight right immediately, staggering his Japanese opponent. Jieleyisi advances and gets him on his back. He's in a bad spot, but eventually rolls through to take the top position against Baergeng. Baergeng trying to escape from the full guard, and Tokitaka takes the back in the process. Full control from Nakanishi, but no offense so far. The round ends, I'm giving the round 10-9 to Jieleyisi based on the punch that dropped Nakanishi.
Nakanishi must have gotten the message in between rounds, because his opens round two with a wild flurry on Jieleyisi. A double-leg from Tokitaka gets Baergeng to the mat, and we're in full guard against the cage. Baergeng rises to his feet, and a knee downstairs briefly pauses the action. The fight restarts and Nakanishi pushing with punching combinations, but Baergeng's counter rights are staggering Tokitaka once again. Ninety seconds left and Jieleyisi has Nakanishi against the cage. Baergeng throws a high knee over the shoulder of Nakanishi, and lands some left hooks to follow it up.
10-9 for Baergeng Jieleyisi, who is up 20-18.
Tokitaka Nakanishi starting round three with calf kicks, but Baergeng choosing to clinch. Jieleyisi drops down to the front headlock position against Nakanishi. He's working the guillotine but there's a bit of a stalemate. Now he's transitioned it to a D'Arce, but Nakanishi escapes to end up on bottom again. From the open guard position, Nakanishi is attempting an omoplata, but the momentum is stalling. One minute left and referee Mark Smith stands them up. A nice knee from Nakanishi but Jieleyisi takes him right back down. The fight ends.
MMA Ecosystem scores the fight 30-27 for Baergeng Jieleyisi.
Baergeng Jieleyisi def. Tokitaka Nakanishi via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
ROAD TO UFC SEMIFINALS RESULTS, EPISODE 6:
Catchweight (174lbs) non-tournament fight: Samandar Murodov vs. Jonathan Piersma
Low kicks back and forth to start this catchweight fight. A takedown from Murodov sees Piersma rise back to his feet, but back down on his back again. Butterfly hooks for Piersma. Not much from Murodov in the way of damage save for a few body punches. Murodov stands and Piersma grabs the heel for a submission. Murodov steps out and maneuvers to half guard. Another heel hook attempt from Piersma, and Murodov rolls out- but now on his back, and Piersma rolls to take his back now. Rear naked choke attempt from Piersma, but time's going to run out. 10-9 for Samandar Murodov based mostly off control.
Big winging overhand right from Piersma to start the second. He then goes for the takedown, but Murodov ends up on top but in a guillotine attempt. Murodov is out and taking the back of his man. Piersma trying to roll out but Murodov always a step ahead. Finally some punches from back mount for Murodov. Two minutes left and Murodov is doing just enough from the back to not be stood up, but he could use some urgency. Piersma trying to stand to stand but Murodov just drags him back down. Heel hook attempt from Piersma, and Herb Dean chides Murodov to grabbing the fence to pull out of it. 10-9 for Murodov, who's up 20-18.
Herb Dean brings in a translator to warn Murodov of fence grabs before the third round. The time begins and Piersma shoots for a takedown. No dice and Murodov returns with a trip of his own and gets Piersma down into half guard. Now we're in full guard and things are slowing down again. Piersma throws up an omoplata but Murodov slides out and takes the back. Piersma trying to scramble out and stand but Murodov keeps escaping advancing to the back. Piersma attempts a guillotine in the last ten but it's too late. Murodov should have a clean sweep at 30-27.
Samandar Murodov def. Jonathan Piersma via Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Strawweight semifinal: Feng Xiaocan vs. Miki Motono II
Not much action to start but Feng leading the dance with some low kicks. Straight left lands for Feng, who's got a sizable reach advantage. Motono catches a kick and trips Feng to the ground. Referee Chris Tognoni pauses the action due to an upkick from Feng, but doesn't seem to be too consequential. The fight restarted on the feet and Feng peppering the legs of Motono, who's showing a lot of redness. Solid jab from Feng lands. Motono unable to get inside and eating a lot of volume for her efforts. 10-9 for Feng Xiaocan in round one.
Motono trying to find Feng in round two but still coming up short. Two-one combo lands for Feng. Motono manages to land a hook on one of her advances but Feng is firing back, and landing over and over. Motono on the back foot and drives in for a takedown. Feng is on a knee briefly but using her massive frame to get Motono against the cage, and circles out. Jab-cross-left hook combo from Feng is there, and the two have a stalemate for the remainder of the round. I've got Feng Xiaocan comfortably up 20-18 after two.
Round three sees Feng Xiaocan opening with a jab-cross, and Motono still whiffing. Another jab-cross from Feng and Motono is pushing hard to get her opponent to the mat. Feng's hips are strong, but Motono able to finally get the trip and has Feng on her back in full guard. Feng uses the cage to get back to her feet and circles out, that has to be frustrating for Miki Motono. Motono getting wild and Feng is catching her when she does with punches. A single leg from Motono, who turns the corner and gets it, settling into half guard. Oh, now Motono has Feng in a mounted guillotine and that looks tight! The face of Feng is turning colors, but times runs out! Nice finish for Motono, but Feng Xiaocan should take the fight, 29-28.
Feng Xiaocan def. Miki Motono via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight semifinal: Shin Haraguchi vs. Zhu Kangjie
Shin Haraguchi surprises no one by going straight for the takedown, working a single leg against the cage. Zhu balancing on one leg and sprawled against the cage. Zhu spins out and they reset in the center. Kangjie lands his deadly right as Haraguchi leans in, and Haraguchi drives in for the takedown against the cage again. They break and Zhu is patient for his moment. They clinch and a solid knee to the stomach of Haraguchi from Zhu. Haraguchi shoots again but Zhu is out. MMA Ecosystem leans to Zhu Kangjie in the first round, 10-9.
Strong body kick from Zhu to open the round, and who then scrambles out of a takedown from Haraguchi once again. Double-leg from Haraguchi but Zhu spins out. Haraguchi using the wizzer and gets Zhu down on his down against the cage. Haraguchi wrestles Zhu down again and takes the back, and Zhu breathing heavily out of his mouth. He explodes out and we stand at the center. Shin briefly gets Zhu down, and lands a few punches against the cage. Zhu is back up, and Haraguchi persistent. He dumps Zhu on his back to close the round. 10-9 for Haraguchi on that one, and I've got it tied 19-19.
A low blow to Haraguchi starts round three, who quickly recovers. The left hook from Haraguchi sets up the shot, but Zhu is wise to it. Shin drives in again and ultimately gets Kangjie on his belly, and he stands. But man, Shin Haraguchi is not allowing one ounce of space for Zhu Kangjie. The fighters are on their knees, and Haraguchi throwing a few punches while he tries to get Zhu down. He keeps driving and has Zhu down again, moving from crucifix to the back. They roll and Zhu Kangjie is in the crucifix, but worms his way out. Just rinse and repeat from Shin Haraguchi, who ends the round with a big slam. I've got it 29-28 for Shin Haraguchi.
Zhu Kangjie def. Shin Haraguchi via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Strawweight semifinal: Dong Huaxiang vs. Shi Ming
Our last strawweight semifinal is a China vs. China match between former training partners. A straight right from Shi is countered by a successful double leg takedown from Dong Huaxiang. Shi Ming stands and presses Dong against the cage. They break and Shi using head movement to evade Dong's punches. Straight right from Shi Ming, but Dong returns fire with a straight right. Dong attacks the takedown with a body lock and drags her opponent to the mat, working from half guard against the cage. Shi stands again and they reset with twenty second left. Body kick from Shi, and Dong responds with a jab-cross to end the round. Close round, but 10-9 on the MMA Ecosystem scorecard for Dong Huaxiang.
Round two begins, and Shi Ming throws a body kick that is caught by Dong Huaxiang. Shi ming scrambles out of the takedown attempt and we reset. Another body kick from Shi Ming lands hard. Shi throwing more but Dong seems to be blocking most of it. Dong drops for a takedown but shoots too far away, and the two clinch with Shi Ming on the inside. A low kick from Shi is countered with a nice right hook from Dong. Straight right from Shi snaps the head back for Dong, and Shi Ming should take the round 10-9, to tie the fight 19-19.
A straight right from Shi Ming lands to start the third frame. Nice one-two from Dong Huaxiang. Ming barrels forward from Dong counters her nicely. Another body kick from Shi is caught by Dong, and Dong takes her down. Shi inches to the cage wall and stands, and is able to circle out to take the center of the cage. Dong picking up the pace and catching Shi every time she moves in with a jab or hook. Nice teep kick from Shi Ming lands. Dong drops under a punch of Shi to complete the double-leg, and slowly moving from half guard to side control. In a nice reversal, Dong Huaxiang stands, Shi Ming pops up and gets Dong down. Still, I've got Dong Huaxiang taking the last round 10-9, and the fight 29-28.
Shi Ming def. Dong Huaxiang via Split Decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Featherweight semifinal: Xie Bin vs. Masuto Kawana
Kawana starts as the agressor, with Xie working to keep range. Massive overahnd left hits Xie clean, but is unfazxed. Huge overhand right and left hook drops Xie. Xie is not too badly hurt, but Kawana is working to keep him down as Xie stands. They break and Kawana laands a left hook. Right hook from Xie landing and good LORD, Kawana is maniac. He's running forward, tagging Xie with a lot of these punches. Xie circling to his right, and Kawana keeps landing with these winging punches. A right hook from Xie drops to Kawana briefly, and then a left hook shuts out the lights! Our only finish of the evening comes in the main event, and Xie Bin knocks out the last Japanese competitor in this tournament.
Xie Bin def. Masuto Kawana via KO (Left Hook) at 4:17 of R1
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