Marius Zaromskis will like face Kiyoshi Tamura in a welterweight title fight at the March 22 Dream 13, which will take place at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. Zaromskis was last in action losing to Nick Diaz at Saturday’s Strikeforce: Miami, while Tamura hasn’t been in action since defeating Kazushi Sakuraba at Dynamite!! 2008. [MMAFighting]

Pictured: Marius Zaromskis

According to CFP general manager Doug Muhle, the event was a sell out with 3,200 tickets sold and they turned away another 1,000 people the night of the event. There were also over 200 people at VIP/Sponsor tables, around 30 South Carolina Commission members, at least 20 members of the press, including a crew from the local NBC affiliate, and around 100 staff, pushing total attendance in excess of 3,500 people.

Osterneck, originally from Myrtle Beach, bounced back from a recent KO loss to Gerald Harris by quickly taking his opponent, Thompson, to the ground and working to submit him. Osterneck secured a triangle on Thompson early. As Thompson tried to back out, Osterneck quickly transitioned into a fight ending armbar that left Thompson clutching his left elbow after the fight.

Featherweight Jon Owens earned a shot at the CFP featherweight belt with a first round armbar victory over Justin Dalton. Owens trains at Evolution MMA in Wilmington, North Carolina, and will likely receive his title shot against current champion, Cesar Llamas on February 27th in his home town. The losing Dalton trains at Eight Point Fitness in Winston-Salem, NC a gym that went 0-3 on the night, losing all three by stoppage.

The first professional fight of the evening was a three-round war featuring local favorite Tomar Washington earning a unanimous decision victory over Monte Hall in the best fight of the evening. Hall took round one with cage control and clinch work, but neither did much damage.

Washington turned things up in round two, however. Hall closed the distance and clinched with Washington, holding him against the cage early, sometimes grabbing on which Washington complained to the referee about. Washington took Hall to the ground, though, where he worked punches and elbows from side control before a referee stand-up. Hall clinched again and Washington drove him against the cage near Hall’s corner. As Washington’s fingers poked through the cage, Hall’s corner complained to the referee about him grabbing the fence. Washington responded to their complaints by flipping them off, then taking Hall down. Once on the ground Hall tried for a Kimura to close out the round.

In the third round the two fighters had a short striking exchange before hall clinched and pushed Washington against the cage. There he tried to work knees but landed an inadvertent groin shot the referee missed. The fighters were separated and exchanged punches before Washington got Hall’s back standing. He scooped up Hall and slammed him to the canvas. Once on the ground Washington mounted hall and rained down punches forcing hall to give up his back, however they were against the cage which helped hall avoid much real damage in the position, leading to a referee stand up. Following the stand up the fighters exchanged on their feet before Washing took Hall down, closing out the fight in his guard.

The official results for “CFP: Bash at the Beach” were:

PROFESSIONAL

• Nissen Osterneck def. Robert Thompson via submission (armbar) – Round 1
• Jon Owens def. Justin Dalton via submission (armbar) – Round 1
• Tomar Washington def. Monte Hall via unanimous decision

AMATEUR

• Amos Collins def. Bobby Shanor via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 2
  Shanor was dominant in the first round with strong take downs and top control, but Collins took over in the second leading to the submission finish.
• Steve Chinners def. Carlos Perez via submission (rear naked choke) — Round 1
  Chinners took Perez down early and didn’t waste any time securing the fight ending choke once Perez gave up his back.
• Drew Allen Stewart def. Kenny “Abdullah” Hicks via TKO (strikes) – Round 2
  Hicks had the advantage early as they exchanged strikes, but Stewart secured a takedown and closed out round one with vicious ground and pound. In round two, Stewart wasted little time before taking the fight to the ground and finishing what he started at the end of the first round, forcing the referee to call a stop to the contest.
• Matt Williams def. Nate Yokoyama via submission (Rear Naked Choke) — Round 1
• Jordan McDonald def. Crystal Parrish via TKO (Strikes) — Round 1
  Despite looking like the more tentative fighter during introductions, McDonald quickly took Parrish to the ground, worked to a mount and rained punches forcing the referee to intervene.
• Chris Cain def. Thomas Watkins via submission (armbar) – Round 3
  Cain was dominant during all three rounds, going for multiple submission attempts from top position before securing the fight ending armbar in the third round.
• Derek Brunson def. Steve Bontatabus via TKO (strikes) – Round 1
  Brunson stormed Bontatabus knocking him down with a strong right then rained punches form top position forcing a referee stoppage in less than a minute.
• Chris Clark def. Gary Cook via TKO (strikes) — Round 2
  Clark and Cook traded head kicks in the opening round, before Clark got back control in the second and finished Cook off with punches.
• Pat Defranco def. Walker Vivian via unanimous decision
  Though he caught Vivian with a knee below the belt, Defranco used multiple guillotine attempts and ground control to earn the unanimous decision.

A matchup between Jeff Hunt and Daniel Skipper was canceled at the last minute due to a severe family emergency that called Skipper away, while a bout between Robert Abrantes and Bouathong Keolatvahn was canceled on Friday after Abrantes failed to make weight by eight pounds.

Bash at the Beach will take place on January 23, at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and is the first sanctioned MMA event to be held in the city.

Another local notable on the card is Osterneck’s training partner, heavy handed light heavyweight Tomar Washington (2-0) who will be taking on Dean Hamilton (7-1).

Full Fight Card
PROFESSIONAL

• Nissen Osterneck vs. Robert Thompson (185)
• Justin Dalton vs. Robert Jon Owens (145)
• Dean Hamilton vs. Tomar Washington (205)

AMATEUR

• Jeff Hunt vs. Daniel Marvin Skipper (185)
• Chris Cain vs. Thomas Watkins (145)
• Steve Bontatabus vs. Derek Brunson (185)
• Drew Allen Stewart vs. Kenny “Abdullah” Hicks (265)
• Pat Defranco vs. Walker Vivian (175)
• Steve Chinners vs. Carlos Perez (160)
• Nate Yokoyama vs. Matt Williams (155)
• Gary Cook vs. Chris Clark (145)
• Amos Collins vs. Bobby Shanor (155)
• Crystal Parrish vs. Jordan McDonald (115)
• Robert Abrantes vs. Bouathong Keolatvahn (135)

Shark Fights 6

Dave Herman needed just 60-seconds to stop Don Frye on Saturday in the main event of Shark Fights 6, forcing a referee stoppage at the one-minute mark of the headliner. Gerald Harris, a cast member on the Ultimate Fighter 7, knocked out former WEC and UFC fighter Nissen Osterneck in the co-main event to with the promotion’s middleweight title.

• Dave Herman def. Don Frye via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 1:00
• Gerald Harris def. Nissen Osterneck via KO (punch) — Round 1, 0:46
• Anthony Waldburger def. Pat Healy via decision
• Ran Weathers def. Phil Cardella via KO — Round 1, 0:36
• Marcus Sursa def. Isaac Villanueva via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 2:06
• Brian Humes def. Lance Friedenstein via unanimous decision
• Anselmo Martinez def. Lorenzo Borgomeo via TKO (corner stoppage) — Round 1, 5:00
• Karen Darabedyan def. Estevan Payan via TKO — Round 1, 1:20
• Robert Clayton Hantz def. Tony Castillo via decision

Arena Rumble
Spokane Arena – Spokane, Washington

Veteran Jeremy Horn submitted journeyman Jason Guida in the opening round of their headlining matchup at Saturday’s Arena Rumble event. Trevor Prangley and Lyle Beerbohm were also victorious on the card, while notables Brad Imes and Terry Martin suffered defeats at the event.

• Jeremy Horn def. Jason Guida via submission (arm-triangle choke) — Round 1
• Trevor Prangley def. Dennis Reed via KO (punch) — Round 1
• Lyle Beerbohm def. Josh Martin via TKO (strikes) — Round 1
• Julio Paulino def. Terry Martin via KO (punch) — Round 3
• Josh Queen def. Brad Imes via KO (punch) — Round 3

Bitetti Combat
Maracanazinho – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ricardo Arona was victorious in his return to MMA on Saturday at Bitetti Combat, topping Marvin Eastman in the main event of the Brazil event. Paulo Filho looked unimpressive in picking up a decision win over Alex Schoenauer on the card, while Pedro Rizzo bested Jeff Monson and Murilo “Ninja” Rua stopped Alex Stiebling in other notable action.

• Ricardo Arona def. Marvin Eastman via unanimous decision
• Paulo Filho def. Alex Schoenauer via unanimous decision
• Pedro Rizzo def. Jeff Monson via unanimous decision
• Murilo “Ninja” Rua def. Alex Stiebling via TKO (strikes) — Round 1
• Milton Vieira def. Luciano Azevedo via split decision
• Fabio Maldonado def. Vitor Miranda via unanimous decision
• Glover Teixeira def. Leonardo Nascimento via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1
• Luis Dutra def. Henrique Nogueira via TKO (strikes) — Round 1
• Cassiano Tytschyo def. Fausto Black via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1
• Alexandre Pimentel def. Luciano Correa via unanimous decision

Pictured: Dave Herman

Carlos Condit and Martin Kampmann

QUICK RESULTS

• Martin Kampmann def. Carlos Condit via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Ryan Bader def. Carmelo Marrero via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Tyson Griffin def. Rafael Dos Anjos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Cole Miller def. Junie Browning via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 1:58
• Gleison Tibau def. Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Ricardo Almeida def. Matt Horwich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Brock Larson def. Jesse Sanders via submission (rear naked choke) — Round 1, 2:01
• Tim Credeur def. Nick Catone via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 2, 3:45
• Jorge Rivera def. Nissen Osterneck via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Rob Kimmons def. Joe Vedepo via submission (guillotine choke) — Round 1, 1:54
• Aaron Simpson def. Tim McKenzie via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 1:40

Carlos Condit

Twenty-two of the twenty-four fighters scheduled to be in action at UFC Fight Night 18 successfully weighed in for their bouts on Tuesday at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The event will take place at the venue on Wednesday, April 1st, and air live on Spike.

A scheduled middleweight bout between 185-pounders Ryan Jensen and Steve Steinbeiss has been scratched from UFC Fight Night 18 after Jensen failed to be medically cleared for the contest (for more details click here).

Lightweights Jeremy Stephens and Gleison Tibau will meet at a catchweight of 158-pounds after both fighters agreed to the higher weight limit in advance of Tuedsay’s weigh-ins.

None of the event’s eight main card fighters, including headliners Carlos Condit (170.5) and Martin Kampmann (170), had any difficulties making weight, though the majority did take advantage of the one-pound allowance granted for non-title fights.

The complete UFC Fight Night 18 weigh-in results were:

MAIN CARD (televised)

• 170: Carlos Condit (170.5) vs. Martin Kampmann (170)
• 205: Ryan Bader (206) vs. Carmelo Marrero (205)
• 155: Rafael dos Anjos (156) vs. Tyson Griffin (156)
• 155: Junie Browning (156) vs. Cole Miller (156)

PRELIMINARY CARD (un-televised)

• 158: Jeremy Stephens (158) vs. Gleison Tibau (156.5)
• 185: Ricardo Almeida (185.5) vs. Matt Horwich (185)
• 170: Brock Larson (171) vs. Jesse Sanders (171)
• 185: Ryan Jensen (186) vs. Steve Steinbeiss (186)*
• 185: Nick Catone (186) vs. Tim Credeur (186)
• 185: Nissen Osterneck (186) vs. Jorge Rivera (185)
• 185: Rob Kimmons (185) vs. Joe Vedepo (184)
• 185: Tim McKenzie (184.5) vs. Aaron Simpson (186)

* Canceled after Jensen failed to be medically cleared for the bout.

• WAMMA heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko has canceled a scheduled US press tour to begin training for his bout against Andrei Arlovski on January 24th at Affliction: Day of Reckoning.
• The UFC has released light heavyweight knockout artist Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.
• A rumored rematch between Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and Alistair Overeem has been scrapped from K-1 DYNAMITE!! 2008 on New Years Eve.

News and Notes

• The UFC has struck a deal with broadcaster Pro Sieben to return to German television ahead of an anticipated event in the country in mid-2009.
• Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell have not yet signed for their rumored headlining bout at UFC 99 in Germany and neither fighter is “thrilled” about the potential matchup, according to Franklin McNeil on ESPN’s MMA Live, which can be viewed below.
• Former UFC heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum’s hopes to fight for Affliction were dashed this week as the promotion declined to sign the recently released fighter, according to Franklin McNeil on ESPN’s MMA Live, which can be viewed below.
• 43-year-old veteran Mike Van Arsdale has begun training for a potential comeback.
• Welterweight prospect Lyman Good has signed with ESPN Deportes-broadcast Bellator Fighting Championships.
• Antonio Silva has been booked to fight Yoshihiro Nakao on January 4th at Sengoku 7 despite being suspended by the CSAC.
• Incorrect facts aside, Kimbo Slice has been named a “2008 Turkey of the Year” by SI: “Big, mean, bearded street fighter, an Internet You Tube sensation, gets a crack at a title in a hugely hyped mixed martial arts bout after only three pro fights, faces a last-minute replacement and — of course — has his big, mean, bearded head handed to him 14 seconds later. Snorrrrre.”
• DREAM middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi will face Musashi and Tatsuya Kawajiri will take on Kozo Takeda in K-1 kickboxing rules bouts at K-1 DYNAMITE!! 2008.
• Light heavyweight Steve Steinbeiss and middleweight Nissen Osterneck will both make the jump from the WEC to the UFC.
• Heavyweight Cain Velasquez will return to action following a recent knee surgery in February, according to ESPN’s MMA Live, which can be viewed below.
• Disgraced heavyweight Kimbo Slice will likely make an appearance at a K-1 event on December 6th in Japan and is expected to announce that he’ll begin competing for the promotion in March.
• Thales Leites says he’d accept a fight against Demian Maia: “I’d accept a fight, I’m a professional. Demian is a great fighter and has been doing a great job in UFC. It’s possible that they put this fight, because the belt is with a Brazilian guy and we’re growing, so they can put this fight to take one of the Brazilians from the top.”

Links

• UFC.com takes a look at Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s seven defining moments.

Videos

MMA Live Episode 29:

Michael Bisping talks Rashad Evans, MMA media, The Ultimate Fighter, and more:

Quinton Jackson talks UFC 92 Wanderlei Silva rematch:

Trailer for UFC 92: The Ultimate 2008:

Fedor Emelianenko teaching striking:

Brown, who upset title-holder Urijah Faber via first-round TKO in the WEC 36 main event, has been suspended indefinitely after suffering torn cartilage between his ribs during the bout. Brown, who had to be helped out of the octagon as a result of the injury, is expected to be out of action for 4-6 weeks and will require a doctor’s clearance before being cleared to fight.

Faber, Jens Pulver, Nissen Osterneck, Jonathan Brookins, and Rafael Dias all received 30 day precautionary suspensions from the commission as a result of their technical knockout losses.

David Avellan, who was knocked out in just 18-seconds by Aaron Simpson, has been suspended for 60 days for precautionary reasons.

For complete WEC 36 results click here.

WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber clashes with Mike Brown in this evening’s main event, while WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho rematches Chael Sonnen in a three-round, non-title contest after Filho failed to make weight for the contest.

QUICK RESULTS

• Mike Brown def. Urijah Faber (c) via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 2:23
  WEC Featherweight Championship
• Chael Sonen def. Paulo Filho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  Three-round, non-title bout
• Leonard Garcia def. Jens Pulver via TKO (strikes) — Round1, 1:12
• Jake Rosholt def. Nissen Osterneck via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 3:48
• Donald Cerrone def. Rob McCullough via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
• Aaron Simpson def. David Avellan via KO (strikes) — Round 1, 0:18
• Jose Aldo def. Justin Brookins via TKO (strikes) — Round 3, 0:45
• Carmelo Marrero def. Steve Steinbeiss via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
• Danny Castillo def. Rafael Dias via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 2:54
• Rani Yahya def. Yoshiro Maeda via submission (guillotine) — Round 1, 3:30

EXTENDED RESULTS

MIKE BROWN VS. URIJAH FABER (C)
WEC FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Round 1 – They touch gloves and Faber misses with a straight kick to open the action. Overhand right and left by Faber, followed by a straight right. Head kick by Faber is blocked. Brown has Faber retreating with a pair of punches and they clinch. Brown has double underhooks and looks for the takedown but instead they move the center of the cage and Faber lands a knee. Brown connects and Faber trips to the canvas but is quickly back on his feet. Brown works for a single and catches Faber with a right then drops him to the canvas with a left. Faber does his best to cover up but Brown is relentless and finishes the champion off with strikes on the ground to claim the WEC featherweight title.

Mike Brown def. Urijah Faber (c) via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 2:23

CHAEL SONNEN VS. PAULO FILHO

Round 1 – Filho looks for an early takedown, but Sonnen sprawls and works punches from the top. Filho continues to push for the takedown but Sonnen defends and Sonnen returns to his feet and tags Filho with punches when he follows. Filho goes to the canvas and Sonnen stands and drops punches. Sonnen briefly follows Filho to the ground and works ground and pound from half guard but quickly returns to his feet. Filho grabs a leg but Sonnen pulls out. The crowd grows restless as Sonnen continues to pepper Filho with kicks and punches for the remainder of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Sonnen.

Round 2 – Filho goes for another takedown, but ends up on his back with Sonnen in guard. Sonnen makes Filho get back to his feet. Sonnen knocks him to the canvas with a hard kick, but again forces him to stand up. Another kick by Sonnen and Filho pulls guard, but he’s again prompted to get back up. Sonnen dances around Filho, peppering strikes. Another takedown attempt by Filho, but Sonnen sprawls. Filho attempts to remain on the ground but Sonnen again prompts him to stand. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Sonnen.

Round 3 – It’s more on the same in the third as Filho can’t seem to find his rythym and continues to try to take the action to the ground, but Sonnen refuses and keeps the fight standing for nearly the entire duration while moving and throwing punches. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Sonnen and the fight 30-27 Sonnen.

Chael Sonen def. Paulo Filho via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

JENS PULVER VS. LEONARD GARCIA

Round 1 – Pulver moves forward and both fighter exchanges combos then circle. Pulver closes the distance and has Garcia against the fence but Garcia connects and Pulver is hurt and retreats to the fence. Garcia follows up with more punches and Pulver is unable to recover and the referee quickly stops the bout. An impressive performance by Garcia, but a disappointing fight given its hype.

Leonard Garcia def. Jens Pulver via TKO (strikes) — Round1, 1:12

JAKE ROSHOLT VS. NISSEN OSTERNECK

Round 1 – Osterneck connects early with punches, but he’s too aggressive and Rosholt takes him to the canvas. Working from side control Rosholt connects with punches then takes Osterneck’s back but his opponent reclaims guard. Back on his feet Osterneck connects with more punch combos. Rosholt clinches but they separate and Osterneck again connects, forcing Rosholt to take him to the canvas again. From side control Rosholt connects with punches and knees. More ground and pound from Rosholt before he takes Osterneck’s back late and continues to pound away. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Rosholt.

Round 2 – Rosholt takes Osterneck to the canvas early, but he falls into a submission attempt. Rosholt escapes then moves to side control. Osterneck does a good job of neutralizing most of Rosholt’s offense and the crowd boos the lack of action. The fighters get back to their feet and Osterneck has Rosholt rocked, tagging him with strikes but Osterneck is gassed and Rosholt gets a takedown after a missed spinning backfist, takes mount and works ground and pound to force the referee to halt the bout.

Jake Rosholt def. Nissen Osterneck via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 3:48

DONALD CERRONE VS. ROB MCCULLOUGH

Round 1 – McCullough and Cerrone trade punches early and McCullough quickly drops his opponent with a straight right. Cerrone quickly returns to his feet they again exchange. McCullough again drops Cerrone with a right, but he’s immediately back up and the fight resumes. Kicks from McCullough start to connect. Cerrone counters with a right the sends McCullough to the mat. Cerrone gets mount and works ground and pound, smashing McCullough with punches. McCullough nearly gives up his back but works into Cerrone’s guard. They return to their feet and McCullough is OK’d to continue due to a cut. Cerrone again drops McCullough late, but he returns to his feet and gets dropped again with another right. Cerrone again follows him to the ground, but McCullough survives. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Cerrone.

Round 2 – More of the same from the first as McCullough and Cerrone trade kicks and punches. McCullough is dropped again with a right-left combo and Cerrone takes his back but McCullough reclaims guard. Cerrone locks in an armbar but McCullough escapes. The fighters return to their feet and exchange strikes for the remainder of the round. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Cerrone.

Round 3 – McCullough and Cerrone swing for the fences to open the third, but Cerrone opts to shoot and gets a takedown. They quickly get back to their feet and continue to trade strikes. Jumping knee by Cerrone connects to McCullough’s chin and Cerrone continues to land but is unable to finish McCullough off. McCullough fires back but Cerrone is the fresher fighter and lands another knee and secures a final takedown before finishing the fight with a flurry staggering McCullough one final time before the bell sounds. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Cerrone and the fight 30-27 Cerrone.

Donald Cerrone def. Rob McCullough via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

AARON SIMPSON VS. DAVID AVELLAN

Round 1 – Simpson immediately drops Avellan with a right and finishes him off with several more punches to force the referee to step in just 18-seconds into the matchup.

Aaron Simpson def. David Avellan via KO (strikes) — Round 1, 0:18

JOSE ALDO VS. JONATHAN BROOKINS

Round 1 – Aldo dominates the opening round with crisp striking and leg kicks. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Aldo.

Round 2 – Aldo continues to pick Brookings apart with punches and kicks, forcing his opponent to unsuccessfully shoot for a takedown. Aldo continues to connects with boxing and hurts his opponent with kicks. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Aldo.

Round 3 – The third round sees Aldo throw more leg kicks, before dropping his foe to the canvas with a right. Aldo follows up and finished Brookins off with strikes on the ground.

Jose Aldo def. Justin Brookins via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 0:45

STEVE STEINBEISS VS. CARMELO MARRERO

Round 1 – After touching gloves, Steinbeiss connects first. Marrero scores a takedown but he can’t keep him down and they return to their feet. Another successful takedown for Marrero and Steinbeiss captures guard. Steinbeiss looks for a triangle but Marrero avoids. Steinbeiss again works back to his feet but Marrero promptly puts him back down. Another triangle attempt is escaped by Marrero and Steinbeiss instead works elbows late. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Marrero.

Round 2 – Steinbeiss opens with a punch-kick combo and Marrero counters then gets another takedown. Marrero passes then works a kimura, before briefly taking mount. Steinbeiss gets back into half guard and then returns to his feet. They separate and Steinbeiss connects with the jab, so Marrero shoots again. Steinbeiss evades and Marrero slips to the canvas late in exhaustion. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Marrero.

Round 3 – Marrero is gassed to start the final frame and Steinbeiss capitalizes early and connects with punches. Marerro tries to get the fight to the ground but Steinbeiss resists and they remain on their feet. Marrero finally gets a takedown, captures mount, and works a guillotine. Steinbeiss escapes and Marerro tags him with an elbow but Steinbess gets him guard back before the end of the bout. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Steinbeiss and the fight 29-28 Marrero.

Carmelo Marrero def. Steve Steinbeiss via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

DANNY CASTILLO VS. RAFAEL DIAS

Round 1 – Castillo misses with early punches and Dias counters with straight punches that connect. Castillo shoots for a takedown but Dias defends and they return to their feet where Dias tries for a takedown of his own but Castillo sprawls. Castillo connects with a uppercut and Dias stumbles to the canvas but the referee quickly stands them up. Both fighters trade punches, then Dias looks for a guillotine from the clinch but Castillo evades. More punches from both fighters late. MMAFrenzy.com scores the round 10-9 Dias.

Round 2 – Castillo works a jab to open the second, but Dias shoots and secures a takedown. Dias stacks him and throws punches. Submission attempts by Castillo from the bottom, but he’s unable to secure anything. They scramble and Dias briefly takes his back, but Castillo claims the top then they return to their feet. Dias attempts another takedown but ends up on his back and Castillo reigns down punches, forcing the referee to intervene.

Danny Castillo def. Rafael Dias via TKO (strikes) — Round 2, 2:54

RANI YAHYA VS. YOSHIRO MAEDA

Round 1 – Yahya shoots early and the fighters clinch against the fence. Maeda grabs a guillotine and it’s deep, nearly forcing Yahya to submit before eventually escaping. Back in the clinch, Yahya secures a guillotine of his own and forces Maeda to tap.

Rany Yahya def. Yoshiro Maeda via submission (gulliotine) — Round 1, 3:30

WEC featherweight champion Urijah Faber weighed in under the 145-pound featherweight limit at 144.5 pounds on his initial weigh-in attempt, while challenger Mike Brown missed the limit by one-half of a pound on his first try, but successfully weighed in at 145 pounds on his second attempt.

WEC middleweight champion Paulo Filho, meanwhile, made headlines for all the wrong reasons on Tuesday, missing the 185-pound middleweight limit by an astonishing 7 pounds, weighing in at 192 pounds. On a second weigh-in attempt two hours later he had shed 3 pounds, dropping to 189, but remained 4 pounds over the contracted weight. Challenger Chael Sonnen successfully weighed in at 184.5 pounds and the bout will go on as a three-round, non-title clash with Sonnen receiving 25% of Filho’s purse as penalty for failing to make weight.

Rani Yahya also failed to make weight for his bantamweight bout against Yoshiro Maeda, weighing in one pound over the 136 allowed bantamweight limit. Maeda has agreed to fight Yahya at 137 pounds and fight will go on as scheduled.

WEC 36 WEIGH-IN RESULTS

• Mike Brown (145) vs. Urijah Faber (144.5)
• Chael Sonnen (184.5) vs. Paulo Filho (189)
• Leonard Garcia (145.5) vs. Jens Pulver (144)
• Nissen Osterneck (184.5) vs. Jake Rosholt (185.5)
• Donald Cerrone (156) vs. Rob McCullough (155.5)
• Steve Steinbeiss (202) vs. Carmelo Marrero (206)
• Rani Yahya (137) vs. Yoshiro Maeda (135)
• Aaron Simpson (184.5) vs. David Avellan (185)
• Jonathan Brookins (146) vs. Jose Aldo (146)
• Rafael Dias (155) vs. Danny Castillo (156)