Arona beat “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (16-10-1), who nearly missed the fight due to Brazilian visa miscommunications. The win was Arona’s first MMA fight since getting KO’d in round one versus “African Assassin” Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4) at PRIDE 34 in Tokyo in April 2007. Arona had turned to professional surfing during his hiatus from fighting, but is now devoted to MMA.

Filho, himself on course for a sort of comeback after a disappointing conclusion to his WEC stint last year, beat Alex Schoenauer (13-10) controversially. Filho’s hometown crowd booed the judges’ decision.

Fellow Brazlian “Rock” Pedro Rizzo (17-9) also scored a three-round UD over “Snowman” Jeff Monson (31-9) in a rematch Rizzo had won by TKO at Art of War 3 in Dallas in September 2007.

“Ninja” Murilo Rua (17-10-1) TKO’d Alex Stiebling (18-11-1) in the first round with a head kick followed up with a barrage of punches.

The Pit’s Glover Teixeira (8-2) submitted “Chocolate” Leonardo Lucio Nascimento (7-7) in a guillotine choke in the first round.

Fabio Maldonado (5-1) won a three-round UD over Vitor Miranda (1-2).

Milton Vieira (9-6-1) won a three-round split decision over Luciano Azevedo (13-7).

“Besouro” Luis Dutra, Jr. (1-0) TKO’d “Chocolate” Henrique Nogueira (5-5-1) with punches in round one.

Cassiano Tytschyo (6-3) submitted Fausto Black (1-2) in a guillotine choke in round one.

“Pulga” Alexandre Pimental (2-0) won a UD over “Yzzy” Luciano Corea (1-2).

Maximum Fighting Championship CEO Mark Pavelich, who wouldn’t confirm the Eastman v MacDonald fight Thursday, did confirm the Lutter v MacDonald fight Saturday.

Lutter hasn’t fought since getting TKO’d by “Ace” Rich Franklin (26-4) at UFC 83 in Montréal in April 2008 and subsequently getting axed by the UFC. He underwent knee surgery on his right knee in October 2008.

MacDonald was cut from the UFC last May after getting TKO’d in the first round by “Rock” Nathan Quarry (11-3) at UFC 97 in Montréal.

Eastman has not replied to Fighters.com’s request for information about his claim he was scheduled to fight MacDonald.

Maximum Fighting Championship CEO Mark Pavelich replied to Fighters.com’s request for confirmation, “This is not confirmed.” However, MacDonald mentioned in a 4 July blog post at Sportsnet Ontario that Pavelich had offered the fight to both fighters, but Eastman had declined to drop from 205 pounds to 185 pounds to fight MacDonald at middleweight.

“[Eastman] apparently said he can’t come down to that weight any more,” MacDonald wrote. “But he fought Denis Kang at 185 two fights ago, so I don’t know that I believe that.

“He wants to fight at a catchweight of 195. But I’d say that’s just to give him an advantage of not having to cut as much. I probably weigh more than him right now.”

Eastman didn’t indicate the weight at which he’ll figh MacDonald in October.

MacDonald was cut from the UFC last May after getting TKO’d in the first round by “Rock” Nathan Quarry (11-3) at UFC 97 in Montréal. He went 5-5 over two-and-a-half years with the UFC.

Eastman TKO’d Aron Lofton (6-2) in the second round at MFC 21 in Edmonton last May and is scheduled to welcome “Brazilian Tiger” Ricardo Arona (13-5) back to active competition at Bitetti Combat IV in Rio de Janeiro 12 September. Eastman has compiled a 1-4 record in sporadic Octagon action.

MacDonald lost a unanimous decision to Eastman at World Extreme Fighting 14 in Las Vegas in 2005.

Eastman said, “I had surgery on 24 June and will be out of action for three months.”

Eastman suffered the injury during his 1:08-TKO loss to “Massacre” Andrew McFedries (7-3) 21 June in Las Vegas.

“Got a thumb in the left eye and I could not see at all.  Thats the fight game.  I lost fair and square,” Eastman said.

The fight was the last on Eastman’s UFC contract; and, he has indicated his intention to leave the big show, but promised, “The Beastman will be back in full-force, 100%.”

The future shines brilliantly for The Ultimate Fighter’s newest blast into the mainstream consciousness, Amir Sadollah (1-0).

In his professional debut, Sadollah tapped “Doberman” CB Dollaway (6-1) in an armbar at 3:02 of round one to win the seventh season of the popular SpikeTV reality show contest.

“Nightmare” Diego Sanchez (19-2), one of the two original Ultimate Fighters, looked physically fitter than ever in his third-round TKO of American Top Team’s Luigi Fioravanti (12-4) at 4:07.

After back-to-back “embarrasing” losses, “Spyder” Kendall Grove (9-5), TUF 3 champion, recaptured past glory in a three-round split decision over former UFC titlist Evan Tanner (32-8).

The likeable young TUF walk-on from Virginia, Sadollah, versus the cocky All-American favorite, Dollaway, was a rematch of an exhibition fight fought on the final episode of last season’s The Ultimate Fighter.

Saturday’s finish was almost a replay of that fight’s end.

But, unlike the first fight, Dollaway made haste taking the samboist to his back and pounding him, opening a shallow cut on Sadollah’s forehead.

Sadollah flailed for position, eventually sucking up the “Doberman’s” left paw and swinging his legs over Dollaway’s head to secure the armbar.

Dollaway stood and remained standing as Sadollah worked the technique.

Finally, Dollaway ended the fight with a single tap causing referee Herb Dean to step in.

Sadollah leapt to his feet and threw his arms in the air.

Dollaway threw his hands out to his sides, complaining about the stoppage; but, replays clearly showed Dollaway tapping.

And, as “Kimbo Slice” Kevin Ferguson (3-0) famously said, Dollaway exhibited in his immature and ridiculous post-fight protest: “Tapping is for bitches.”

“Nightmare” Sanchez showed off a leaner physique and tighter striking game versus a pudgy and lethargic Fioravanti.

In his southpaw stance, Sanchez stalked with his right lead extended and left fist cocked, both of which he used to tag Fiorivanti, who was hesitant to engage on his feet or on the mat.

When Sanchez was able to down Fioravanti, “Nightmare’s” trademark G’n'P dominated.

But, it was Sanchez’s refurbed striking game, highlighted by a roundhouse kick, that won the fight.

In the third round, Sanchez snapped a left kick to Fioravanti’s head, sending Fioravanti backpedaling.  Sanchez followed with a flying knee flush to Fioravanti’s jaw before pounding out the stoppage with his fists.

It was do or die for both Grove and Tanner in the main event, both fighters coming off of knockout losses and at career lows.

However, 6’6″ Grove was just too physical for the former champion, Tanner.

At range, Grove launched long rights that split Tanner’s guard.

But, most of the fight was fought in the clinch, with Tanner, sporting a full beard, resembling a homeless mugger assaulting the Hawaiian for change.

Grove laid on Tanner, wearing Tanner down, while Grove split open Tanner’s head with elbows and peppered Tanner’s body with knees.

The judges ruled it a split decision “W” for Grove by scores of 30-26 twice for Grove and 29-28 once for Tanner; but, Al Lefkowitz, who scored the fight for Tanner, couldn’t have even been in the arena.

Fighters.com scored it 30-27 for Grove.

On the undercard, “McLovin” Dustin Hazelett (11-4) tapped “People’s Champion” Josh Burkman (9-6) in an armbar at 4:46 of round two.

Hazelett won “Submission of the Night”.

Lightweight brawler “King” Spencer Fisher (21-4) ground out a unanimous decision over fellow Iowan Jeremy Stephens (13-3).

TUF 7 contestant Matt Riddle (1-0) won his pro debut with a unanimous decision over Dante Rivera (10-3).

Middleweight Andrew McFedries (7-3) overwhelmed “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (15-8-1) from the bell to score a quick TKO at 1:08 of round one.

In a rematch from 2006, TUF 7 contestant Matt Brown (7-6) TKO’d TUF 6 “No Regard” Matt Arroyo (3-2) at 3:40 of round two.

Veteran “Boogieman” Dean Lister (11-5) submitted über-veteran “Gumby” Jeremy Horn (79-18-5) in a first-round guillotine choke at 3:52.

Similarly, Rob Kimmons (21-3) tapped Rob Yundt (6-2) in a first-round guillotine choke at 3:58.

As reported by Fighters.com, the main event matches grappler “The Snowman” Jeff Monson (24-7) versus wrestler Michael Russow (9-1) in a mat struggle.

“The Snowman” will fight Russow just two weeks after taking on Fighters.com’s third-ranked heavyweight “Babyface Assasin” Josh Barnett (21-5) at Sengoku II in Tokyo.

UFC fighter turned boxer Terry Martin (16-4) will fight Japanese middleweight Daiju Takase (7-11-1) before his hometown crowd.

Martin comes off UFC losses to “Crippler” Chris Leben (18-4) and “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (15-7-1), but won his boxing debut 12 April with a knockout of Ricardo Upchurch (0-2 in boxing).

Lightweight jiu-jitsu player Alberto Crane (8-2), who lost both of his UFC fights, will bounce back matched against King of the Cage vet Clay French (15-2).

IFL lightweight standout “Bartimus” Bart Palaszewski (28-11), who’s taken three tough losses consecutively, will rebound in his hometown versus Jeffrey Cox (9-5), who lost his UFC debut to “Pitbull” Manvel Gamburyan (8-2) last month in Denver.

Also on the card to be held at the Sears Centre:

“The Freak” Tony Fryklund (14-9) v Brian Gassaway (28-17-2)
Taiwan Howard (4-1) v Rory Markham (13-3)
James Giboo (11-2) v Mark Miller (8-3)
“Herc” Antoine Hayes (6-5) v “Meat Truck” Kerry Schall (21-9)
Rob Kimmons (20-3) v Hector Urbina (11-4)
Aaron Rosa (10-2) v “Killing Fields” Ron Fields (22-25-1)
Dom O’Grady (4-0) v Mike Stumpf (9-1)
Joe Jordan (39-12-2) v Ryan Williams (5-2)
Christian Reynosa (6-2) v John Hosman (7-3-1)

The match-up has not been confirmed by the UFC.

Both fighters are coming off disappointing losses.

After a two year hiatus from professional MMA battling alcoholism, Tanner returned to the Octagon last March to be knocked cold by top middleweight “Thunder” Yushin Okami (22-4).

Grove has posted a 2-2 record since winning season three’s TUF Championship over “Short Fuse” Ed Herman (14-5).

In January, “Spider” was squashed by “El Conquistador” Jorge Rivera (15-6) in a first-round knock out.

 UFC “Beastman” Marvin Eastman (15-7-1) has let his cat out of the bag too, posting on his MySpace blog that he’ll follow-up February’s unanimous decision over Terry Martin (16-4) with a match-up against Andrew McFedries (6-3) 21 June.

McFedries was TKO’d by “The Predator” Patrick Cote (12-4) in January.

The fight will conclude Eastman’s contractual obligation to the UFC.

The fight pitted former world champions from the UFC and PRIDE, but was overshadowed by the MMA debut of former NCAA and pro wrestling champion Brock Lesnar.

Significance was also diminished by Randy Couture‘s departure from the UFC while holding the title after defeating Sylvia in March 2007.

6’8″ Sylvia pot-shotted the Sao Paulo native from the opening ding and occasionally popped a power shot in Nogueira’s mug, even dropping him with a combo in the first session and again in the second.

The Miletich-trained “Maine-iac” fiercely dominated the opening two rounds.

Stubborn Nogueira had no quit, even as his face began to swell at the end of Sylvia’s tremendous reach.

“Minotauro” attempted takedowns; but, Sylvia’s balance is exceptional for a big man.

The train from Maine derailed in the third when Nogueira’s notorious resilience muscled the battle to the mat.

“He went for the guillotine, which we knew he was going to do,” a distraught Sylvia explained post-fight.

Nogueira became the first fighter to hold both UFC and PRIDE heavyweight titles when Tim Sylvia tapped out at 1:28 of the third round.

“That’s what he does to everybody,” Sylvia echoed the sentiments of MMA faithful who’ve watched a battered Big Nog pull out seemingly impossible victories before.

Nogueira’s victory sets up a possible first defense versus French kickboxer Cheick Kongo, if Kongo can beat Heath Herring in Columbus next month.  But, both Fabricio Werdum and Andrei Arlovski have claims to the top contender-ship too.

Sylvia may be headed for a history-loaded rematch with the man who broke his arm: Frank Mir.

Another former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Mir, defended MMA’s honor against powerhouse rookie Brock Lesnar by submitting him in a kneebar at 1:30 of the first round.

Mir got dumped on his ass early by the massive Minnesotan who hovered and hammered fists and elbows.

“He was so strong!”  Mir explained in the locker room.

Tactic and technique determined the outcome though.  “It wasn’t a textbook, perfect finish, but I ended up doing it 80% right.”

80% is all it takes versus an inexperienced opponent.  As Lesnar stood to yank his arm from an armbar attempt, Mir secured a leg and rolled into a kneebar.

“Frank [Mir] and I have some unfinished business,” Tim Sylvia had taunted at a pre-fight press conference.

The high profile “W” for Mir makes that rematch marketable.

At 185-pounds, Nathan Marquardt entered the Octagon off a loss to division champ Anderson Silva to fight 79-17-5 Jeremy Horn, a late replacement opponent.

The veteran Horn absorbed punishment on the mat before nearly catching Marquardt in a gogoplata in the first round.

It was Marquardt, however, who applied a guillotine choke during a scramble and tapped Horn at 1:37 of the second round.

After a four-year hiatus from MMA, Ricardo Almeida invoked nostalgia over his earlier successes by submitting another late replacement, undefeated Alaskan Rob Yundt, in a guillotine choke at 1:08 of round one.

Almeida is a welcome addition to the scant 185-pound division.

Lightweights Tyson Griffin and Gleison Tibau tussled for three exciting rounds to open the televised card.

The shorter fighter, Griffin, popped Tibau with precise punches while Tibau seemed to take down the wrestler at will.

In the end, the judges saw it unanimously for Tyson Griffin, though Gleison Tibau lost no one’s respect.

“Lights Out” Chris Lytle treated 13-5 Kyle Bradley‘s head like a speed bag in a 33-second TKO victory.

Light heavyweight Tim Boetsch reminded MMA fans of “Tank” Abbott in tossing Oklahoman David Heath to the mat and pummelling a TKO out of him at 4:52 of round one.

Terry Martin suffered another disappointing defeat, this time in a unanimous decision to “The Beastman” Marvin Eastman.

The event opened with a spirited lightweight scrap won in split decision by Robert Emerson over Japan’s Keita Nakamura.