Chael Sonnen shocks Shogun Rua, finishes Brazilian in the first round

With one of the best cards presented in 2013, the UFC came to Boston at the TD Garden Arena, and marked an event of great emotion to viewers in August 17. Among the emotions were a surprise in Chael Sonnen finishing Shogun in the first round, and Alistar Overeem nearly getting by Travis Browne, who survived an onslaught to turn around and knock out the Dutchman with a devastating front kick.

The main event of UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen promised to cap off a night of great matches. Sonnen, as was expected, opened the fight with taking Shogun down. The Brazilian did not recover and the American wrestler worked from on top.

Shogun tore himself away and stood but gave up his neck to Sonnen, who do not think twice about pushing the Brazilian bring to the guard, tightening the guillotine, getting the tap out. Sonnen’s submission win was at the end of the first round.

Of course, Sonnen grabbed the microphone, issuing a challenge to Wanderlei Silva. Will this fight happen? Only time will tell.

In the co-main event, Alistair Overeem sought redemption from his loss to Antonio Silva in facing Travis Browne. Showing customary precision, Overeem began shortening the clash with fists, pressing Browne against the cage and unleashing with massive strikes. Tight punches and knees to the ribs looked as though Browne was headed to another defeat in the UFC. Yamasaki came close to stopping the fight, but did not.

Browne survived and came back to the feet. Having an opponent visibly tired, Browne saw a chance to react and did not take long to take advantage. With a precise kick, like that of Anderson Silva over Vitor Belfort, Browne dropped Overeem and not more than two punches were enough to secure a win for Travis Browne at 4:08 of the first round.

Yuri Alcantara vs. Urijah Faber

Urijah Faber entered the cage to fight Yuri Alcantara in a battle of featherweights. The clash, which was the fourth main card, started with a demonstration of the power by Alcantara, who took the fight to the ground and secured Faber’s back. From there, Alcantara landed several strikes on Faber, and a came close to getting a TKO. However, the American fighter managed to escape the grasp and turned the tides. Faber reversed position, lifted Alcantara and slammed him to the ground.

In the second round, Alcantara tried once more to start with a flurry, applying a high kick that bewildered Faber, but the experienced fighter took his opponent down and applied another series of elbows on the Brazilian, who failed to react. In the third round, more of the same: takedown, ground control and sharp elbows. The Alcantara still tried to finish, trying to save the good old Jiu-Jitsu, but without success. Judges’ decision was a unanimous decision for “The California Kid.”

Mike Brown vs. Mike Kyle 

Mike Brown took little time to finish Mike Kyle in their main card fight, getting the TKO in the first round.

Brown was able to take his opponent down and started raining punches from top control. Swining Kyle’s legs out of the way, Brown landed a fierce punch to put Kyle out cold as the veteran laid on his back. With his eyes in the back of his head, the referee stepped in and saved Kyle from further punishment.

Brown finished off Kyle at 0:29 of the opening round to get his sixth win in a row, calling out welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre in the process.

Other Main Card Results

John Howard def. Uriah Hall via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Michael Johnson def. Joe Lauzon via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-25)

Prelims Results

Michael McDonald def. Brad Pickett by submission (triangle) at 3:43, Round 2

Conor McGregor def. Max Holloway via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

Steven Siler def. Mike Brown via KO at 0:50, Round 1

Diego Brandao def. Daniel Pineda by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Prelims on Facebook:

Manny Gamburyan def. Cole Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Ovince St. Preux def. Cody Donovan via knockout (punches) at 2:07, Round 1

James Vick def. Ramsey Nijem via submission (guillotine choke) at 0:58, Round 1