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Russian new comer Khabib Nurmagomedov lines up with Brazilian Thiago Tavares.

Heavyweights Gabe Gonzaga and Ben Rothwell return to action.

TUF Alum CB Dollaway squares off with Daniel Sarafian.

The main-event showcases top middleweight contenders Micheal Bisping and Vitor Belfort, as they vie for a title shot.

Results:

Khabib Nurmagomedov VS. Thiago Tavares:

Round 1.

The fight started as you’d expect with a feeling out period and some Octagon dancing. Khabib was the first to engage with a stiff, straight left. The two broke and danced a bit more until Khabib re-engaged in an identical fashion. The two broke once more. Khabib then landed a huge left-right combo, and swarmed his prone opponent. It didn’t take long for Khabib to finish the fight.

K. Nurmagomedov def. T. Tavares via KO at 1:55 of round 1.

Gabe Gonzaga VS. Ben Rothwell:

Round 1.

The big guys came out and were tentative to engage right off the bat, but Gonzaga didn’t wait too long before he shot for and achieved a take down. Ben didn’t stay down long, as he regained his feet almost immediately. After Rothwell stood, Gonzaga seemed happy to just hold Ben against the cage. After about a minute of zero action, the two men were separated, so they stood in the center, but Gabe tried to run him right back into the cage. Luckily for the viewers, Ben turned him around. They moved to the center, and Gabe landed three straight rights, but Ben returned an upper-cut of his own.  MMAConvert Score 10-9 Gonzaga

Round 2.

Gabe threw an immediate right, and it partially landed. Gabe threw another shot which staggered Ben, and Gabe didn’t waste a second. He pounced with a standing guillotine. Gabe dragged him to the ground where he tapped.

G. Gonzaga def. B. Rothwell via submission (choke) at 1:01 of round 2.

CB Dollaway VS. Daniel Sarafian:

Round 1.

To start, CB took control of the center of the cage and tried to keep Daniel with his back to the cage, but that didn’t last long. The pace slowed until Daniel tagged Dollaway with a punch. CB tried to engage, but Daniel ducked. Daniel then dropped CB, but Dollaway recovered very nicely. Sarafian countered CB twice with one left and one right. CB began to look confused and disheveled, as Daniel began to score more and more points, as CB stayed stagnant. The round ended with Daniel throwing and missing a head kick. MMAConvert Score 10-9 Sarafian.

Round 2.

The second round saw actual offense from CB, as he threw but missed a head kick. Sarafian answered by shoving CB into the cage and hitting him with a few punches. The two moved back to the center of the cage where Daniel tagged and staggered Dollaway, but CB was able to keep himself composed and actually landed a decent body kick. Dollaway ate a mean kick to the face after almost falling, and the two again moved  to the center of The Octagon. With a minute to go, Daniel began to dance and taunt a clearly frustrated CB Dollaway. Dollaway hurt Daniel and jumped on Daniel as he took a knee. CB came close to finishing Daniel, but time ran out, and Dollaway stole the round. MMAConvert Score 10-9 Dollaway

Round 3.

Sarafian and Dollaway both engaged with big looping punches. Dollaway ate a big time right hand and returned the favor with a shot that hurt Sarafian. Dollaway wisely took Daniel down where he moved into full mount, but Daniel was able to escape. CB scored another take down right at round 3′s half way point. CB worked his way back to full mount. CB’s gas take might have began to run dry with 1:30ish to go. Sarafian reversed and got himself into full mount. Dollaway gave his back, and Daniel shot for a rear naked. Time became an issue, as Dollaway spun himself into full guard. Daniel spun to stand, but time expired. That was a dead even round. MMAconvert Score 10-9 Dollaway

C. Dollaway def. D. Safarian via Decision (split)  (29-28, 29-28 Dollaway) (29-28 Safarian).

Michael Bisping VS. Vitor Belfort

Round 1.

The fight began with the typical lack luster feel out stage big fights usually have. The first real action came at 2:30 as the two finally engaged. Shockingly enough, Belfort seemed reluctant to let his hands go. The general consensus said that the longer the fight went on the more likely Bisping was to win. Bisping threw a spinning punch, but it was ultimately fruitless. Belfort finally opened up and hurt Micheal with a swarm of knees and punches, as the round came to a close. MMAConvert Score 10-9 Belfort

Round 2.

Belfort’s plans to counter became very clear as the second started, but Belfort was largely unsuccessful in his earlier counter attempts. Belfort landed a smashing high kick that sent Micheal down to the mat, Belfort got on top where he put the hurt on quickly and dispatched Bisping.

V. Belfort def. M. Bisping via TKO at 1:27 of round 2.

Jason “Mayhem” Miller claimed in lead-up interviews that if he was unsuccessful against C.B. Dollaway at UFC 146: Dos Santos vs. Mir that he would retire from MMA.

Well, the UFC went ahead and released Miller following the decision defeat, and even made mention of a backstage incident involving Miller the night of the card.

Recently, “Mayhem” was a guest on The MMA Hour where he talked about his retirement and the incident in question.

“Yeah, I said I would (retire) and so I am. I didn’t get the job done and that’s what I’m saying. I’m done for right now. Who knows what the future holds, but at the same time, what’s the point?”

As for the incident, Miller said, “It was my mask. Burt (Watson) suddenly started yelling about my mask. I had a gas mask for the troops underneath my paper bag, and Burt started telling me right as I’m walking out for the fight. I’m trying to get focused instead of arguing about a paper bag. Maybe it was my fault. I thought we had an understanding once I started walking out to the cage and then now I’m working. I wish I could have heard about it before it would be easier to deal with. But here I am walking to the cage and suddenly I started getting yelled at. I’m like, ‘What, I’m trying to focus here.’ Whatever. Thing don’t always go the way you want. That’s life.”

Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

MMA Fighting and FUEL TV’s Ariel Helwani caught up with Junior dos Santos, Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez, Roy Nelson, Stipe Miocic, Stefan Struve, Dan Hardy, Jamie Varner, CB Dollaway, Paul Sass, Glover Teixeira and Mike Brown to talk about their fights at UFC 146.

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Jason “Mayhem” Miller was on a short leash coming into his fight against CB Dollaway tonight at UFC 146.

He needed an impressive performance to get back in Dana White’s good graces following his disappointing performance against Michael Bisping late last year. Instead, he dropped a unanimous decision to Dollaway in a lackluster fight.

That alone was reason enough to expect a pink slip from the UFC, however an “incident” backstage following the fight apparently sped that process up.

Dana White wouldn’t get into the specifics of what went down, other than saying it was ”just some bulls–t that I don’t want to talk about. We’re on a crazy string here of dumb bulls–t.” However, he did say he was going to release Mayhem anyways, regardless of what occurred backstage.

Photo credit: Esther Lin for MMA Fighting

UFC 146 takes place tonight from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. The all-heavyweight main card airs live on PPV at 10pm ET, with the preliminary card airing at approximately 6pm ET on the UFC’s Facebook page, and on FX at 8pm ET.

In the main event, the UFC heavyweight title is on the line as Junior “Cigano” dos Santos takes on heavyweight mainstay Frank Mir.

Former champion Cain Velasquez takes on top Strikeforce heavyweight Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.

Two of the most eccentric and amusing heavyweights meet in the octagon as Dave Herman takes on Roy “Big Country” Nelson.

Undefeated heavyweight prospects Stipe Miocic and Shane del Rosario square off.

And rounding out the main card, Lavar Johnson continues his unlikely run through the heavyweight division as he takes on Stefan Struve.

Results and recap after the jump.

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I’m all for an all-heavyweight card, as long as it’s in the UFC and ONLY in the UFC, but it really seems like people are overlooking a really stacked and awesome undercard for UFC 146. I can actually say, I’m more excited for this FX quality card than I am to see a bunch of predictable, but violent, heavyweight bouts. So, here is my excited and hopeful look at what may very well be the best undercard of the year.

-Mike Brown vs. Daniel Pineda

In the night’s opening contest, former #1 featherweight Mike Brown looks for some consistency after falling from the featherweight throne. While age might not be on his side, I like Mike Brown in this fight. Pineda has thrown down some serious beatings in his two UFC bouts. He definitely has a future in the division, but Mike Brown is the kind of old man who can, and will, beat down a younger fella just to say he did. Brown by submission.

-Paul Sass vs. Jacob Volkmann

The undefeated submission specialist Paul Sass has had his fair share of wins, but enough is enough. Never has he faced such a stifling and controversial character as he does in Volkmann. Jacob Volkmann’s ground game is so scary that even the secret service are watching him. Volkmann believes he’s always fighting for his job, and I have it on good authority that he’s planning to call out his employers after he beats Sass, which he will, by unanimous decision.

-Glover Teixeira vs. Kyle Kingsbury

Glover finally makes his UFC debut, and I don’t have much else to say other than it’s going to be an impressive one. He’s going to beat Kingsbury’s face into the mat. Don’t be surprised if Kingsbury resembles a pile of mashed potatoes after about 90 seconds. A pressure washer will be required to remove his stain from the mat. You get it.

-Duane Ludwig vs. Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy has been the victim of one the most hilarious and quick declines in the UFC. From challenging for the welterweight title to dropping four straight, the one-time top 170 pound contender undoubtedly needs a win if he wants to avoid a spot on the next Cage Warriors card. Luckily for him, he’s fighting Duane Ludwig. Ludwig isn’t quite what he used to be, and while he still has the technical advantage in most places against Hardy, he’s just not going to offer much to a motivated, desperate, and excited Dan Hardy. “The Outlaw” takes this on points, less he lands some jaw dropping left hook.

-C.B. Dollaway vs. Jason Miller

Contrary to what he says, it’s hard to believe that Mayhem is actually looking past Dollaway. It’s more likely just trash talking to throw his opponent off. Regardless, does anyone think this is a big fight for Miller? Let’s just get rid of the gas tank issue right away by saying when he fought Bisping, that was coming off a 15 month layoff. Crappy striking? He’s been training Muay thai like a madman to prepare for his return to the octagon. Nerves? Hardly an issue at this point. Dollaway has some wrestling advantages over Mayhem, but I don’t think it’s enough to help him win. Mayhem will tap him.

-Jamie Varner vs. Edson Barboza

Varner almost retired after losing to a porn star. How the times have changed. Back in the UFC and riding a bit of a win streak, “C-4″ is back and has a lot to prove in his return to the octagon. Edson Barboza is no stepping stone, and anyone who thinks he will be their catapult back to the top is crazy. Varner has a solid wrestling base, and he can strike, but he’ll undoubtedly get outclassed for 15 minutes here.

-Diego Brandao vs. Darren Elkins

Brandao is fresh off of what may very well be the most violent series of fights in TUF history. Elkins is a good wrestler, but he isn’t much else other than that. I can’t say much more about this bout other than Brandao by murder.

Catch the prelims at some point between 6 and 7pm ET on Facebook, with the FX portion of the card starting at 8pm ET. Check back when the sun is shining for my look at the heavyweight portion of the evening. Don’t forget to share your predictions as well!

Jason “Mayhem” Miller is known as much for his outside-the-Octagon skills as he is for the ones he displays inside it.

However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t a highly-skilled mixed martial artist.

On May 26, Miller plans on showing C.B. Dollaway just how great he can be when the two square off on the prelims of UFC 146 from Las Vegas.

After a loss to Michael Bisping following a stint as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter left Miller feeling down, he went on a training mission, bettering his skills across the world. In Dollaway, “Mayhem” feels like he already has the win in the bag.

“I just look at who he’s fought in the past, and I look at – you know – I look at who he’s fought in the past, and how I match up with them, and I know that….this should be an easy night for me,” said Miller, in a recent interview with the UFC’s official website. “On top of that, I trained my ass off. I’m not gonna make this a personal thing with the guy, but at the same time, I’m not gonna pretend to respect him.”

Miller came over from Strikeforce and jumped right into The Ultimate Fighter. He was defeated by Bisping in a match he doesn’t like to talk about. Now, he’ll face Dollaway, who is in a similar position following back-to-back losses.

Photo credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog

Jason “Mayhem” Miller knows that his appearances on television have helped get him to where he is at today. However, that doesn’t mean Miller takes his fighting skills any less seriously than the next guy.

When “Mayhem” steps inside the Octagon in May to face C.B. Dollaway at UFC 146, he knows that his fighting career could hang in the balance. In fact, Miller seems to be putting that pressure on himself regardless of what others thing, as he told MMA Uncensored Live Thursday night.

I’m on my own chopping block. If I lose to him, I’m quitting! I don’t even deserve to be in there! There’s not an easy fight. In the UFC, there’s no easy fight. He doesn’t deserve to be in there with me, and I’ll prove it. We’re both in a similar spot in our career I guess. We’re both on the chopping block. That’s fine. I’m really happy with that.

Miller last fought late in 2011, falling to Michael Bisping. The two were coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, but Miller was unable to stay with the Brit after the first round. In Dollaway, the host of MTV’s Bully Beatdown will be going against another tireless worker who has excellent conditioning.

Photo credit: Dave Mandel/Sherdog

Jason “Mayhem” Miller is going to get another shot in the UFC.

The UFC announced today that Mayhem will take on CB Dollaway at UFC 146 following what Dana White deemed to be an awful performance against Michael Bisping at the TUF 14 Finale.

UFC president Dana White today confirmed the first fight – one between fan favorites – officially set for UFC 146, set to take place over Memorial Day weekend.

“Ultimate Fighter runner-up C.B. ‘The Doberman’ Dollaway has verbally agreed to face recent Ultimate Fighter coach Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller in a middleweight bout at UFC 146 this May in Las Vegas,” he said.

This could very well be a loser leaves town match. Dollaway is coming off back-to-back losses and well, we all know how Dana felt about Mayhem’s last performance. Mayhem’s overwhelming fan support is probably the only reason he still has a job in the UFC, but that will only take him so far. They both need this win and they both need it pretty bad.

UFC 146 will take place on Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas and is expected to feature a heavyweight championship bout between champion Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem.

Image via Dave Mandel for Sherdog

UFC on Versus 3 took place earlier this evening at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

In the main event, Diego Sanchez and Martin Kampmann faced off in a welterweight bout.

Mark Munoz met CB Dollaway in a middleweight match-up.

Chris Weidman made his UFC debut against Alessio Sakara.

Brian Bowles and Damacio Page met in a bantamweight rematch.

Results, thoughts, bonuses and live gate (when available) after the jump.

Live chat in the comments below.

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