UFC Saskatoon Main Card Recap: Freak Injury Causes Quick End To Max Holloway And Charles Oliveira Bout

In one of the most anticipated match ups for the featherweight division in the UFC, the fight between Max Holloway (14-3) and Charles Oliveira (20-5) left much on the table. The fight ended quickly as Charles went for a takedown on Max but got up holding his shoulder. The fight was ended abruptly by referee Herb Dean who could tell that Charles was unable to continue. It's possible he may have pinched a nerve on the takedown, bringing an unlikely end for a fight that would set up to bring a new contender in the division. Hopefully Charles can heal up soon as this is a fight many would want to see through completion. Not the best way for Max to win, but he will take the division and possibly have a top three opponent in the near future.

Neil Magny (16-4) tasted his first defeat in a long while in his recent fight with Demian Maia. A quick turnaround was the recipe for success as he did everything right to take a victory from Erick Silva (18-6). Erick never looked comfortable in the fight and many thought he would be able to take Neil to the ground and be successful. Neil turned the tide on his opponent and found the advantage through take downs and a very well rounded game. This could be a new streak starting for Neil, and another fight that has us scratching our heads on what's next for the up and down Erick Silva.

Coming into this fight we knew Patrick Cote (22-9) and Josh Burkman (27-12) both had chins and they were tested early. These two put on fireworks but it was clear Cote held a slight edge. He landed some bruising shots more than once but Burkman stayed in his face looking for counters. After two fun rounds in the third, Cote hit Burkman on the temple and sent him to the canvas. Cote laid down some debasing elbows to finish the job.

Chad Laprise (10-1) is a fighter that many have been expecting to do big things in the 155 division. Unfortunately for him, tonight was not the night. The Brazilian Francisco Trinaldo (16-4) is always a dangerous opponent. If you can get him to the later rounds he usually gasses and gives fighters a chance for victory. That was not the case tonight as he stood toe-to-toe with Laprise and dropped him with a left midway into the first round. Trinaldo then pounced on top of Laprise to lay some heavy hammer fist. All he could do is cover up and referee Herb Dean stopped the fight. It was a very emotional win for Trinaldo and one that shows his potential to still be a threat in the division.

It was another day at the office for Olivier Aubin-Mercier (7-1) as he out grappled Sims. Oliver was able to do whatever he wanted against Tony Sims (12-3), who needed a finish in the third round. In the third round Aubin-Mercier shot for a takedown but ended up in the bottom. That allowed some hard elbows from Sims, but it wouldn't be enough as Aubin-Mercier once again took the back of Sims to grind out the win.

Valerie Letourneau (8-3) and Maryna Moroz (6-1) had a chess match of a battle to kick off the main card. Letourneau dropped Moroz early in the first round but found herself in trouble after going into her guard. She learned her lesson as in the second she made sure the fight stayed on the feet. Moroz had a few good moments in the match and had a jab that found the face of Letourneau over and over. At the end of third round Letourneau did just enough to earn a unanimous decision.

Up next for the UFC is UFC 191, which features a main event between Demetrious Johnson and John Dodson. The full results for UFC Saskatoon are listed below.

Main Card:

Max Holloway def. Charles Oliveira via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 1:39

Neil Magny def. Erick Silva via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Patrick Cote def. Josh Burkman via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:26

Francisco Trinaldo def. Chad Laprise via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:43

Olivier Aubin-Mercier def. Tony Sims via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Valerie Letourneau def. Maryna Moroz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Prelims:

Frankie Perez def. Sam Stout via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:54

Felipe Arantes def. Yves Jabouin via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:21

Nikita Krylov def. Marcos Rogerio de Lima via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:29

Chris Kelades def. Chris Beal via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)