UFC on FOX 13 Preliminary Card Live Results: Jedrzejczyk Takes Controversial Decision

UFC on FOX 13 went down tonight (Saturday December 13th, 2014) with a star-studded line up from the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Before the blockbuster main card kicked off, fans were treated to several preliminary bouts.

Exciting women’s strawweights Claudia Gadelha and Joanna Jedrzejczyk went at it in the feature prelim bout in a battle of undefeated top prospects. Gadelha secured a takedown and controlled Jedrzejczyk for most of the round, but Jedrzejczyk landed a huge uppercut that dropped Gadelha in the last ten seconds to take the round. Gadelha bounced back and scored three takedowns in the second to win the round. At the start of the third the two women accidently head butted causing a huge gash over Gadelha’s eye. However, Gadela pushed forward and scored more takedowns. Although appearing to have lost, Jedrzejczyk takes a shocking split decision win.

Former flyweight title challenger John Moraga took on Willie Gates, as both men looked to stay afloat in the top heavy division. Gates, a heavy underdog, had his work well and truly cut out for him against Moraga, who fought on his home soil. Both men came out throwing a plethora of kicks. After a second low kick from gates, Moraga looked at the ref and thought they were taking a break, but Gates dropped him with a right hand. Gates quickly tried for a rear naked choke, but Moraga was able to survive a very dangerous position. Moraga continued to land leg kicks in round two as well as pressuring gates up against the cage to take the round. In the final round, Moraga was able to score a takedown and land some big shots which eventually led to a rear naked choke win.

UFC old schooler and Bellator MMA veteran Joe Riggs looked to make a triumphant return as he faced fellow resurgent star Ben Saunders. “Diesel” was able to secure a big double leg, but his head hard on the ground and hurt his neck which forced him to tap. Saunders takes the victory.

Former WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner looked to dust off Drew Dober at 155 pounds. Dober was able to take Varner down early in the first and quickly take the mount. Varner turned to his back where Dober sunk in a rear naked choke for the victory. After the fight, Varner retired after a long career of fighting, and left his gloves in the center of the octagon.

Derek Brunson withdrew from his middleweight bout with Ed Herman due to a “stomach issue.”

Mini juggernaut Joe Ellenberger duked it out with Bryan Barberena at lightweight, with each man feeling each other out before Ellenberger was able to secure a takedown. Back on the feet, Ellenberger landed a big right hand followed by another takedown. Unable to keep Barberena down, the round ended with Mini Juggernaut winning the stand up battle and ultimately the first round.

The second round started with Barberena being more aggressive, but Ellenberger landing multiple uppercuts in a fast flurry. Barberena began to avoid Ellenberger’s big shots, landing some solid leg kicks and combos of his own. Barberena seemed to open up more and put more pressue on Ellenberger, landing more shots and stealing the second round. Ellenberger, having trouble with Barberena’s stand up, secured a takedown to start the third round, but once again unable to control Barberena on the ground. Barberena then landed two big shots and a knee to knock mini juggernaut down. He followed it up with a flurry of punches and elbows to put Ellenberger away and secure a TKO victory in his UFC debut.

David Michaud and Garrett Whiteley fought at lightweight, with Michaud stalking Whitely down with several strong uppercuts. Whiteley had some decent counters, but Michaud secured the round with a late takedown. Muchaud ragdolled Whiteley in the second, but ate a short elbow from the bottom that opened up a cut that sprayed blood all over the octagon. Whitely threw more volume at a tired Michaud in the third, scoring some decent combos before Michaud got two takedowns. Ultimately Michaud took home unanimous decision victory.

Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo finally made his long-awaited octagon debut when he returned to bantamweight against Dustin Kimura. Cejudo came out aggressive with his kickboxing in the first, landing some sharp kicks and dropping Kimura with a huge right hand. Cejudo kept the pressure on in the second, landing varied kicks, knees, and counters. “The Messenger” neutralized Kimura in the third, missing on two takedowns but winning a clear-cut unanimous decision with his striking.

Anthony Birchak and Ian Entwistle kicked off the Fight Pass preliminary card at bantamweight. Entwistle immediately went for his trademark leglocks, twisting and turning to get the submission from a heel hook.

Preliminary Card (Fox Sports 1, 5 PM ET/2 PM PT):

Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Claudia Gadelha via unanimous decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

John Moraga def. Willie Gates via R3 submission (rear naked choke, 4:06)

Ben Saunders def. Joe Riggs via R1 tap out due to injury (0:57)

Drew Dober def. Jamie Varner via R1 submission (rear naked choke, 1:52)

Bryan Barberena def. Joe Ellenberger via R3 TKO (strikes, 3:24)

Preliminary Card (Fight Pass, 4 PM ET/1 PM PT):

David Michaud def. Garrett Whiteley via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Henry Cejudo def. Dustin Kimura via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Ian Entwistle def. Anthony Birchak via R1 submission (heel hook, 1:04)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas for USA TODAY Sports