The UFC on FOX 18 event took place on Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey, at the Prudential Center. The main event saw Anthony Johnson starch Ryan Bader in the first round via TKO. Bader shot in for a single leg takedown almost immediately from too far out and saw Johnson sprawl beautifully, then transition to his back. Bader never attempted to get back to his feet which would ultimately prove to be his undoing. Johnson eventually mounted Bader and pounded him out.
Ben Rothwell won a fight via submission for the second time in a row after getting schooled on the feet. Josh Barnett used a jab and straight left to bloody Rothwell’s face in the first round, and continued to do it for the second round before going for a takedown which allowed Rothwell to lock in a choke. It was really more of a neck crank, but the move forced Barnett to tap in MMA for the very first time.
Yuri Alcantara and Jimmie Rivera fought in a fight that was more like a sparring match. Rivera was the more active fighter, pressuring Alcantara and getting a couple of big slams. Alcantara landed some nice kicks to the body, but ultimately the judges awarded Rivera the unanimous decision.
The hype on Sage Northcutt came to a screeching halt on Saturday night. Bryan Barberena submitted him in the second round with a weird arm triangle choke. The choke was locked in with Barberena on the wrong side and almost no leverage, but it was enough for Northcutt to tap. Northcutt won the first round, outstriking Barbarena and cutting him in the process. However, the second round saw Northcutt give up a takedown and Barbarena landing short elbows and punches from half-guard before ultimately getting the submission.