On Saturday, Jan. 30, the UFC hosted UFC on Fox 18: Johnson vs. Bader from the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
In the night’s main event, former title challenger Anthony “Rumble” Johnson took on The Ultimate Fighter season eight winner Ryan Bader in a light heavyweight duel. Johnson rebounded from a title defeat to current champion Daniel Cormier by knocking out Englishman Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191 in September. Prior to the Cormier loss, Rumble had reeled off nine straight wins. Bader, meanwhile, had moved into title talk with five straight wins. In his most recent outing, Bader topped former titleholder Rashad Evans by unanimous decision at UFC 192.
The 13-fight event kicked off Saturday with three preliminary card bouts streaming live on UFC Fight Pass at 3:30 p.m. ET. Six additional preliminary card bouts aired live on Fox Sports 1 at 5 p.m. ET, with the four-fight main card taking place at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Ben Rothwell def. Josh Barnett by submission (guillotine choke). Round 2, 3:48
Jimmie Rivera def. Iuri Alcantara by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Bryan Barberena def. Sage Northcutt by submission (arm-triangle choke). Round 2, 3:06
Tarec Saffiedine def. Jake Ellenberger by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Carlos Diego Ferreira def. Olivier Aubin-Mercier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Rafael Natal def. Kevin Casey by TKO (punches). Round 3, 3:37
Wilson Reis def. Dustin Ortiz by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Alexander Yakovlev def. George Sullivan by knockout (punch). Round 1, 3:59
Alex Caceres def. Masio Fullen by unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Randy Brown def. Matt Dwyer by unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Damon Jackson vs. Levan Makashvili ruled a majority draw (29-27 Jackson, 28-28, 28-28)
Tony Martin def. Felipe Olivieri by submission (rear-naked choke). Round 3, 3:02