By Jaime C. Feal
Vitor Belfort once again delighted his home country with a stunning highlight reel knockout. After a tentative start, the only meaningful exchange ended in Belfort destroying Henderson with a left head kick for the finish. In the co-main event, Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira defeated Daniel Sarafian. Starting off the main card, Jeremy “Lil’ Heathen” Stephens scored a stunning upset knockout over TUF Brazil winner Rony Jason. As Jason was loading up on a right hand in the first round, Stephens countered with a perfectly timed head kick that put Jason out cold. With the big win Stephens moved to 2-0 since dropping down to the featherweight division. Next up, Brandon “Ruckus” Thatch continued his string of victories by knocking out Brazilian Paulo Thiago in the first round. A crushing knee to the liver crumbled Thiago, who tapped while turtled up to the strike. Thatch has looked amazing thus far in the UFC, but needs to face a wrestler who can put him on his back and test his ground game.
Light Heavyweight Division (205 lbs.):
Rafael “Feijao” Calvacante (11-4, 0-1 UFC) vs. Igor Pokrajac (25-10, 4-5 UFC)
Round 1:
Feijao gets tagged early by some good punches from Pokrajac. Feijao is backed to the cage, and Pokrajac is leaning on him and working dirty boxing. Feijao gets the Thai clinch, and starts destroying Pokrajac with knees to the head Pokrajac covers up, but Feijao is relentless with the knees, and Pokrajac falls down clearly hurt. Feijao pounces with a few hard right hands to seal the deal, earning the impressive first round victory.
Rafael “Feijao” Calvacante wins by TKO at 1:18 of Round 1.
Light Heavyweight Division (205 lbs.):
Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira (6-2, 2-0 UFC) vs. Daniel Sarafian (8-3, 1-1 UFC)
Round 1:
Sarafian quickly closing the distance, Mutante trying to keep him at bay with a front kick. Sarafian has Ferreira against the cage now, with double underhooks secured. Sarafian looking for a trip takedown, but Ferreira defending well. Ref breaks the fighters, Sarafian lands a good combo. Mutante goes for a double leg, but Sarafian denies him. Sarafian drops down and tries for a guillotine choke, but bails on it and stands back up.Good body kicks from Ferreira. Big high kick from Ferreira to finish the round. 10-9 round for Ferreira
Round 2:
Two inside leg kicks land for Sarafian. Ferreira shoots for a double leg and gets Sarafian down. Ferreira looking to pass the guard, but cannot. Crowd begins to boo due to the stalemate. Sarafian is cut over his right eye. Sarafian gets back to his feet, and lands a big right hand that stuns Ferreira. Mutante shoots in again for a double leg, and lands in half guard. Ferreira threatening with an arm triangle choke. The ref breaks up the position, questionable decision. Fight resumes standing, but not much happening as the round ends. 10-9 round for Ferreira.
Round 3:
Big straight right finds the mark for Sarafian. Now Ferreira starting to land good kicks, but gets caught by Sarafian with more hard punches. Another big takedown for Ferreira, working from half guard. Mutante looking to pass into side control. Ferreira unable to pass but landing some ground and pound. Ref once again stands the fighters up, much to the delight of the crowd. Ferreira immediately lands another double leg takedown, crowd boos loudly. Sarafian working to stand back up. Sarafian stands up, but Ferreira has his back standing, with both hooks in. Ferreira trying to finish with a rear-naked choke, but it’s not under the chin, and Sarafian survives. 10-9 round for Ferreira.
The judges scores the fight 29-28 Sarafian, 30-27 Ferreira, and 30-28 Ferreira for the winner by split decision Cezar “Mutante” Ferreira.
Light Heavyweight Division (205 lbs.):
Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (23-10, 12-6 UFC) vs. Dan Henderson (29-10, 6-4 UFC)
Round 1:
Both legends circle and wait for the other to throw for almost a minute, each showing tons of respect. Henderson ducks down and reluctantly throws a right, and Belfort crushes him with a left uppercut. Hendo drops and Vitor is all over him with heavy punches. Henderson somehow manages to get to his feet, but before he can regain his wits he gets nailed by a left head kick that again drops him on his back. Vitor goes to pounce for the finish, but the ref is already there to stop the fight.
Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort wins by TKO at 1:17 of Round 1.