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Welcome to F4WOnline.com’s live coverage of UFC 202: Diaz vs. McGregor 2 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Arguably the biggest event of the year for the UFC, this event is headlined by the anticipated rematch between Nate Diaz and UFC Welterweight Champion Conor McGregor. McGregor will seek revenge after suffering a submission loss at the hands of Diaz at UFC 196 in March, and they go at it again at 170 pounds.

The co-main event is a light heavyweight bout that could determine the next title challenger as Anthony Johnson takes on Glover Teixeira.

Follow along with our live coverage of the event beginning at 6:30 PM eastern time with preliminary action all the way thru the main card.

– UFC 202 Observer Panel Predictions
– UFC 202 DFS Playbook

PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS- 6:30 PM ET/3:30 PM PT)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS
ALBERTO UDA (9-1, 0-1 UFC) VS. MARVIN VETTORI (10-2, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- They traded takedowns early. Uda did good work holding Vettori in his guard and playing defense on the top control from Vettori. Vettori started to land and Uda wasn’t doing much to get up or defending well, but he did cut Vettori open with an elbow. Uda was more stalling on the bottom and not going for submissions and Vettori started landing more as the round went on. Vettori was able to get to his feet and started pouring on punches from the top before taking the back and getting a guillotine choke in and forcing Uda to tap out to get the win in his UFC debut.

Official Result- Marvin Vettori def. Alberto Uda by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:30 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Marvin Vettori looked like the solid prospect he is in getting his eleventh career win and first inside the Octagon. He now has six straight wins, and he is just 22-years-old. He will come along nicely and likely be featured on some European cards in the future, and this is a solid win for his debut. Alberto Uda is now 0-2 in the UFC after starting his career 9-0, and with two straight losses in both UFC bouts, being finished in both, it is likely that he will be cut and sent back to the regional promotions.

WELTERWEIGHTS
COLBY COVINGTON (9-1, 4-1 UFC) VS. MAX GRIFFIN (12-2, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- They came out swinging early. Covington was able to get a takedown and controlled from the top before Griffin got up. Covington went into grind mode against the fence and got a nice takedown into full mount. Covington controlled on the mat but he wasn’t working hard for a finish and seemed to want to ride the round out. Griffin had no answer from the bottom but tried some elbows. Covington just in full control for the round. 10-9 Covington.

ROUND 2- Covington went for a flying knee early and hurt Griffin standing but went back for the takedown and control on the top. Griffin had no answer for the top control of Covington as he was eating a lot of punches, but was never in danger of being finished early on. Covington got back into full mount and cut Griffin open. Covington just in complete control as Griffin had no offense off his back and was in survival mode. Covington with multiple takedowns and relentless pressure and Griffin was exhausted. A complete dominant round from Covington. 10-8 Covington, 20-17 Covington.

ROUND 3- Griffin had to get the finish in this round as he was clearly down two rounds. However, it was more of the same as Covington got the early takedown and went into grind mode. Griffin had zero offense as Covington started to pour on his attack more. With Griffin doing nothing and Covington landing lots of punches, it was finally stopped midway through the third round. Dominant win from Covington.

Official Result- Colby Covington def. Max Griffin by TKO (punches) at 2:18 of Round 3

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was a complete domination from Colby Covington, who moves to 5-1 in the UFC. It was the first stoppage by strikes in his career. Covington has been excellent against lower competition, and he makes claims that he wants the championship. The biggest issue with this fight, while he was dominant, is he wasn’t really going for a stoppage hard, and he should have finished this fight sooner. That griding style is going to hurt him when he faces stiffer competition. Max Griffin got dominated in his UFC debut, but it was a tall order for him in getting a tough opponent in Covington. I’d like to see him back against someone on his level, perhaps a losing fighter from some later welterweight bouts on this card.

WELTERWEIGHTS
(#7) NEIL MAGNY (18-4, 11-3 UFC) VS. LORENZ LARKIN (17-5 1 NC, 4-5 UFC)

ROUND 1- Larkin had Magny in trouble early. He dropped Magny early and started picking him apart and Magny’s lead leg was giving him fits. Larkin went so hard on Magny’s legs with kicks that Magny’s legs started bleeding. Magny’s leg was a mess. Larkin was destroying Magny standing and started landing some elbows and Dan Miragliotta stepped in and stopped the fight. Larkin looked very impressive.

Official Result- Lorenz Larkin def. Neil Magny by TKO (elbows) at 4:08 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Lorenz Larkin looked the best he ever as and he heads into free agency following this win. He is going to re-sign with the UFC and he is ready for top-15 competition. Neil Magny had never been stopped by strikes, and while he was on his way towards the top, this loss will send him back down. For Larkin, a fight against Dong Hyun Kim may be interesting for him while Magny could face someone like Tarec Saffiedine next.

PRELIMINARY CARD (FOX SPORTS 1- 8 PM ET/5 PM PT)

WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHTS
(#13) RANDA MARKOS (6-3, 3-2 UFC) VS. CORTNEY CASEY (5-3, 1-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- It took a minute for these ladies to get going but Casey was able to get on the attack early. Markos then went into takedown mode and had Casey in a bad position. Markos was landing punches from a headlock but Casey was able to reverse position for a moment. Markos got back on top and Casey was attacking with the arm and got the armbar and Casey submitted Markos. Big win for Casey.

Official Result- Cortney Casey def. Randa Markos by submission (armbar) at 4:34 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Cortney Casey has now won two straight after losing her first two UFC bouts. She has scored finishes in both fights. Casey should find herself in the next set of rankings and a match-up against the winner of next week’s bout between Paige VanZant and Bec Rawlings would be a nice next fight. Randa Markos is now 3-3 in her UFC career, but this is the first time she has been stopped. She is still developing as this was just her tenth career fight, but a step down in competition would be best for her. She isn’t in danger of being cut, but needs a bounce back fight. A fellow TUF castmate, Angela Magana, might be good for her.

FEATHERWEIGHTS
ARTEM LOBOV (11-12-1 1 NC, 0-2 UFC) VS. CHRIS AVILA (5-2, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Lobov came out as the aggressor as he had Avila circling around the fence. Lobov was switching stances and keeping a distance and he was keeping Avila guessing. Avila would think takedown but Lobov had it defended and went to leg kicks. Lobov continued to chop at the legs and it opened up some left hands. Avila didn’t have much of an attack for Lobov, who countered whatever Avila threw well. Lobov really showed his experience over Avila and had him pinned against the fence at the end. 10-9 Lobov.

ROUND 2- Lobov went right after the legs with kicks. Avila throwing short punches but Lobov is ducking away from them all. Lobov is controlling the cage and continually backing Avila up with kicks. This fight really slowed down in this round and Avila looked gassed. Lobov continued on the attack of the legs and was landing the combos. Lobov did a lot of damage to the lead leg of Avila in that round. 10-9 Lobov, 20-18 Lobov.

ROUND 3- Lobov went back after the legs of Avila. Avila tried a clinch but Lobov was able to shake him off. Lobov did suffer a cut on his head. Avila started to land punches but right away Lobov went back on the attack of the legs. This fight has been really boring. Lobov slipped and Avila went on top but decided to get back to his feet and not take advantage of the situation. Lobov landed more and should get the win. 10-9 Lobov, 30-27 Lobov.

Official Result- Artem Lobov def. Chris Avila by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was a boring fight. Artem Lobov used his experience well but he still isn’t a UFC caliber fighter at this stage with just a .500 record. He will get another fight but it’s going to be tough to see him defeating a quality opponent. Chris Avila looked not ready for the UFC and it wouldn’t surprise me if he were one-and-done in the UFC. He needs some more seasoning if he is going to be back.

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHTS
(#8) RAQUEL PENNINGTON (7-5, 4-2 UFC) VS. ELIZABETH PHILLIPS (5-3, 1-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- They had a clinch battle early and Phillips was getting the advantage. It was a grind in the clinch for most of the round and each woman landed some shots. Neither was able to take advantage until they broke. Pennington was able to get the takedown against the fence late in the round but Phillips was able to get back to her feet and had the neck. The late takedown likely got Pennington the round and she landed a flurry at the end. 10-9 Pennington.

ROUND 2- Pennington started off the second round how she ended the first by pressing forward and getting the better of the clinch. Pennington grabbed the neck and went for a choke but didn’t have it in. Phillips escaped and was in side control but they got to their feet. Phillips tried to work for takedowns but Pennington was defending well. Pennington got a late takedown again and went to work with elbows but didn’t get the finish. It got her the round though. 10-9 Pennington, 20-18 Pennington.

ROUND 3- More of the same in the final round as Pennington controlled the pace and got an early takedown. Phillips took a deep breath and gave up her back and Pennington went to work. Pennington went for a choke but Phillips was defending well and scrambled out but Pennington got into full mount. Pennington locked up an arm-triangle from the bottom but didn’t get the submission. Phillips ended up on top and started to look for the finish but there wasn’t enough time left as Pennington took back over in the last 25 seconds. 10-9 Pennington, 30-27 Pennington.

Official Result- Raquel Pennington def. Elizabeth Phillips by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- This was a solid win by Raquel Pennington. It was a step down from recent competition, but she now has a three-fight win streak and is 4-1 in her last five fights. She has let it be known that she wants to avenge her losses, so a rematch with Holly Holm may be a good time to happen right now. Other than that, a fight against Sara McMann would be a good one as well. Elizabeth Phillips now falls to 1-3 in her UFC career and she didn’t do much offensively in this bout. It is tough to say if we will see her in the UFC again, but she has solid skills. Perhaps a bout with Invicta may revive her.

BANTAMWEIGHTS
(#8) CODY GARBRANDT (9-0, 4-0 UFC) VS. (#11) TAKEYA MIZUGAKI (21-9-2, 8-4 UFC)

ROUND 1- Cody Garbrandt dropped Mizugaki quickly and won in the first minute after landing a lot of punches. Big, impressive win by Garbrandt.

Official Result- Cody Garbrandt def. Takeya Mizugaki by TKO (punches) at :48 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Cody Garbrandt gets his third straight first-round knockout win, and is now 10-0 in his career and 5-0 in his UFC career. He has been taking shots at UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz, and while T.J. Dillashaw and Bryan Caraway are also in contention, neither man has been as impressive as Garbrandt. Him against Cruz is probably the best match-up they can make, and he wants that title shot. It is time to make that fight. Takeya Mizugaki is still a solid gatekeeper in the division, but he is never going to be able to fight for a title. He will still get more opportunities in the UFC and he is a quality fighter still.

MAIN CARD (PPV- 10 PM ET/7 PM PT)

WELTERWEIGHTS
TIM MEANS (25-7-1, 7-4 UFC) VS. SABAH HOMASI (11-5, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Means was using his long range well early before getting taken down. They got to their feet and both men were swinging and Homasi started to take big breaths early. Homasi got another takedown but started eating elbows as he wasn’t doing anything. Means cut Homasi open big with an elbow. Means started teeing off on Homasi at the end of the round and Means had a big finish to the round. 10-9 Means.

ROUND 2- Means came out for the second round strong as Homasi was fading. Means started teeing off with elbows and knees and Homasi was bleeding pretty badly. Homasi was surviving some big shots in the first half of the round. Homasi was is full survival mode and bleeding heavily and after Means started landing more punches Herb Dean finally stepped in and stopped the fight and Means scores the big win.

Official Result- Tim Means def. Sabah Homasi by TKO (strikes) at 2:56 of Round 2

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Tim Means looked incredible and had an amazing performance. He is now 5-1 in his last six fights and is on the cusp of top-15 contention. He hard sharp combinations and worked the elbows well and was able to get off the mat when taken down. A fight with Jake Ellenberger next may be a good test for him. Sabah Homasi gave a good showing but took the fight on very short notice. He will get another chance and hopefully with a full camp as he is a solid addition to the lower level at 170 pounds.

WELTERWEIGHTS
HYUN GYU LIM (13-5-1, 3-2 UFC) VS. MIKE PERRY (7-0, 0-0 UFC)

ROUND 1- Perry came out strong looking to get inside the long range of Lim. Perry dropped Lim and instead of working for the finish he went into the guard. Lim made a mistake though and Perry got him pinned on the bottom. Perry dropped Lim once again and had him in a lot of trouble but Lim somehow survived. Perry dropped him one more time and finally finished him off to get a huge win in his UFC debut.

Official Result- Mike Perry def. Hyun Gyu Lim by TKO (punches) at 3:38 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Mike Perry had an impressive debut dropping Hyun Gyu Lim three times. He is undefeated and now has eight wins, all by stoppage. He had a star-making performance and is going to be a solid prospect in the welterweight division. As long as he keeps developing, the sky is the limit for him. Lim is a tough opponent, and he has some exciting fights. He won’t ever fight for a title, but he will be an exciting addition to any card.

WELTERWEIGHTS
(#9) RICK STORY (19-8, 12-6 UFC) VS. (#14, #6 LW) DONALD CERRONE (30-7 1 NC, 17-4 UFC)

ROUND 1- Cerrone actually took Story down early but Story got to his feet and took Cerrone down. Cerrone looked for submissions but Story escaped out of them. Cerrone did a nice escape to get back to his feet. Cerrone is getting the better of the striking exchanges. Cerrone tagged Story late in the round. Story had not much of an answer for the striking exchanges as Cerrone has more weapons on the feet and is a very accurate striker. Story may have gotten a big takedown but Cerrone got the round late with the striking. 10-9 Cerrone.

ROUND 2- Story tried for the takedowns as he has no answer for Cerrone on the feet. Cerrone had Story in trouble with a body combination followed by a head kick and finished him off with big punches on the ground. Huge win for Cerrone.

Official Result- Donald Cerrone def. Rick Story by TKO (strikes) at 2:02 of Round 2

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Donald Cerrone has looked fantastic at 170 pounds with three straight wins, all by stoppage. He has talked about wanting to challenge Eddie Alvarez for the championship, and he called him out after the fight. Cerrone has a win over Alvarez and challenged him for UFC 205 in New York City. He hasn’t won at 155 pounds since losing to Rafael Dos Anjos in a title fight in December, but three wins over quality competition at 170 pounds is hard to overlook. Rick Story has some solid wins but falters against top competition, and he couldn’t get his style in motion against an excellent striker in Cerrone. He will go back to the drawing board and look to remain in the top-15 in the division.

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS
(#1) ANTHONY JOHNSON (21-5, 12-5 UFC) VS. (#2) GLOVER TEIXEIRA (25-4, 8-2 UFC)

ROUND 1- It took one punch and Rumble Johnson knocked Teixeira out in seconds. It was quick and violent.

Official Result- Anthony Johnson def. Glover Teixeira by knockout (punches) at :13 of Round 1

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Anthony Johnson is getting a title shot and he is the scariest fighter in the UFC. One punch can end any fight he is in as evidenced in this fight. He had Daniel Cormier in trouble when they first fought, and I see him giving Cormier a much tougher time when they next fight. 13 seconds and it was done with Teixeira being stopped for the first time in 14 years. Teixeira is still a great fighter but he’s going to have to get another couple of wins to get back into contention. His only UFC losses are to Anthony Johnson, Jon Jones and Phil Davis, and he is still a top-five fighter.

WELTERWEIGHTS
(#4 LW) NATE DIAZ (19-10, 14-8 UFC) VS. (C FW) CONOR MCGREGOR (19-3, 7-1 UFC)

ROUND 1- McGregor went after the lead leg with kicks early. He landed some left hands and knocked Diaz down with a left. McGregor landed some solid combos and is chopping away at the lead leg. Diaz had trouble landing the jab and wasn’t checking the leg kicks. Diaz also isn’t circling away from the leg kick. McGregor clipped Diaz late. A methodical round for McGregor. 10-9 McGregor.

ROUND 2- Diaz’ right leg is chewed up heading into the second. McGregor knocked Diaz down with another left hand. McGregor was picking Diaz apart on the feet with combos but Diaz started to apply pressure towards the end and had McGregor backing up. DIaz landed some big combinations and they clinched against the fence and traded for much of the end of the round. They were tagging each other. Diaz came on strong but still a round for McGregor. 10-9 McGregor, 20-18 McGregor.

ROUND 3- McGregor comes out breathing heavy. Diaz rocked McGregor with a left hand and started in the clinch. Big chants for Diaz. McGregor caught Diaz with a left hand and went back for the leg kicks. Diaz starts with the trash talking. McGregor landed an elbow in the clinch. Diaz is bleeding pretty solidly. Diaz landed a combo as they broke the clinch. They traded punches and Diaz is taunting and McGregor is tired. Diaz started pouring it on late in the round with lots of strikes landed. Diaz with a huge onslaught but McGregor survived it. 10-9 Diaz, 29-28 McGregor.

ROUND 4- McGregor landed some left hands to start this round. Diaz is a bloody mess. Both men are tired and McGregor is landing a lot of punches. Diaz went for a takedown but it was defended by McGregor. Diaz with short punches in the clinch. McGregor landed a big elbow. McGregor landed a big combination as they broke the clinch. Diaz did rock McGregor. McGregor has caught a second wind and is landing on Diaz. McGregor has Diaz hurt heading into the final round. 10-9 McGregor, 39-37 McGregor.

ROUND 5- This round will likely decide it. Diaz having a hard time seeing out of his eye. They clinched up and McGregor got the better of it. McGregor fighting smart circling out of the way and not expending energy. Diaz went for takedowns but McGregor has shown excellent takedown defense. Diaz lands a combo and McGregor circles out of the way. Diaz with the middle finger. Diaz landed a big elbow in the clinch. Diaz working hard for a takedown against the fence and can’t get it. Lots of pressure from Diaz though both are landing equally. McGregor tripped Diaz down and landed a big elbow as Diaz got up. Diaz with a big takedown at the end of the round and the fight ends. 10-9 Diaz, 48-47 McGregor.

Official Result- Conor McGregor def. Nate Diaz by majority decision (48-47, 47-47, 48-47)

INSTANT ANALYSIS- Conor McGregor fought a brilliant fight in the first two rounds picking apart Nate Diaz by attacking the leg. Diaz made an excellent comeback in the third round and this fight was interesting. It was incredibly close from the third round on, and Diaz clearly won round three and round five. It was how you scored round four as a viewer, and it was very close. It’s a good decision, as would have a 47-47. I personally thought McGregor won the fight. This is a definite fight of the year candidate, and it’s my choice for the best fight this year so far. The third fight is coming, but McGregor has other business right now.