UFC Minneapolis results and video: Maia out-grapples Martin, Dober quickly KO’s Reyes

The UFC Minneapolis main card is in-progress and the promotion’s #12 ranked welterweight Demian Maia just won a majority decision over Anthony Rocco Martin. Maia leaned on his classic grappling abilities to win the first-two rounds on all three scorecards. Maia’s win is his second in a row as well as breaks up a four-fight winning streak for Martin. Before that, Vinc Pichel and Roosevelt Roberts went the distance in a competitive affair. In the end, it was Pichel who took over on the ground and walked away with the decision victory. After dishing out the first loss of Roberts’ career, Pichel is now 5-2 under the UFC banner.

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Also on the main card, Drew Dober earned himself a quick knockout finish of Marco Polo Reyes. He blasted his foe on the feet with heavy punches that was able to get the gig done in just 67 seconds. Believe it or not, Dober has won four of his last five fights. Opening up the main card, light heavyweight Alonzo Menifield brutally knocked out Paul Craig with ground strikes in the opening round. Menifield remains undefeated and is now 2-0 in the UFC.

Main card:

Demian Maia def. Anthony Rocco Martin by majority decision (29-28 x2, 28-28): Welterweight

Maia pressed forward and shoved his foe against the fence to start the bout. He was able to get the takedown and land some short punches as he controlled the position. Martin eventually worked his way to his feet to finish up the round on his feet. Martin looked to get his striking going in the second act but Maia was able to get the fight back down to the floor. Maia controlled from the top for a large chunk of time before the referee ultimately stood them up. Martin rolled for a guillotine and took full mount, but Maia reversed into top position before the bell sounded.

Martin did a much better job of staying on his feet in the final round. He landed some strikes here and there, but struggled to string together a damaging combo. With about a minute left in the fight, Martin clocked Maia with a heavy hand, but Maia pulled guard and escaped the round.

Vinc Pichel def. Roosevelt Roberts by unanimous decision (29-28 x3): Lightweight

Roberts was the one who pushed back Pichel to start the fight, making the most of his long strikes. Pichel landed a couple of leg kicks, but ended up getting slammed to the canvas. Pichel got back to his feet, and tried to push the pace as the round ended. Pichel scored himself a takedown in the second round and was able to control for a bit, but was unable to dish out much damage. Back on the feet, Roberts hunted for the takedown himself, but Pichel did a great job of not allowing it. Pichel even found top position in the closing moments of the round.

Pichel started strong again in the third round. He was able to secure another takedown and drop down strikes as controlled from the top. Roberts stood to his feet and Pichel jumped a standing guillotine. Roberts hung tough, escaped, and they began trading in open space. Pichel pulled out another takedown and worked over Roberts as the clock ran out.

Drew Dober def. Marco Polo Reyes by KO at 1:07 of round 1: Lightweight

Dober came out and clubbed Reyes with a flurry in the opening moments of the fight and didn’t bother letting up. He kept putting his hands all over Reyes, dropping him again and finishing the job with a hammerfist. Reyes had zero moments in this one.

Alonzo Menifield def. Paul Craig by KO at 3:19 of round 1: Light Heavyweight

Menifield came out throwing some heat before engaging in the clinch. His corner begged for him to break away and find open space, to which he finally did. Craig attempted to get the fight to the ground but Menifield was having none of it. Craig landed a slow spinning kick, and when he went to do the same move again, he fell over to his back. Menifield came flying in with a hammer that dazed Craig, and then dropped a couple more to put hm out cold.