2013 NFL Draft grades Mel Kiper praises Ravens pans Bills

Why wait to watch this year's 2013 NFL Draft picks take their first snaps to find out how good they will be when Mel Kiper already has it all figured out The slick haired ESPN draft guru released his draft grades for all 32 teams in the NFL (ESPN Insider required).

In fairness Kiper acknowledges the silliness of trying to evaluate a draft before these players' pro careers even begin. That doesn't stop him from doling out some fun speculation nor us from breaking down what he has to say. So without further ado

Ravens Bengals and Rams had the best overall drafts

The Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals and St. Louis Rams all earned A ratings for filling team needs and finding value better than the other teams.

The Ravens had two enormous needs at middle linebacker and safety after losing Ray Lewis and Ed Reed respectively after their Super Bowl season. They filled both needs with their first two picks selecting Florida safety Matt Elam at the end of the first round and trading up to get Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown in the second round. Kiper had a lot of praise for Brown in particular calling him a steal at No. 56 overall.

The Bengals earned an A rating for the value of their draft. Kiper loved the selection of tight end Tyler Eifert at No. 21 overall even if it didn't fill a glaring need. Eifert was Kiper's No. 8 prospect on his big board and he considered the Notre Dame prospect a steal late in the first round. In the seventh the Bengals may have made another good move in Ohio State offensive tackle Reid Fragel according to Kiper.

The Rams apparently filled their needs better than any team in the draft. They were the only team to earn an A rating from Kiper in that category after selecting wide receiver Tavon Austin linebacker Alec Ogletree and safety T.J. McDonald with their first three picks. In the third round the Rams were able to find Austin's West Virginia teammate Steadman Bailey. With the two paired together the Rams crushed the WR question according to Kiper. Outside of potential reach for McDonald at No. 71 Kiper had no complaints.

Bills dissapoint

No team scored a failing grade in Kiper's mind but he wasn't afraid to dish out some criticism. The Buffalo Bills earned a C rating to earn the distinction of having the worst draft in the NFL.

Kiper gave the Bills a D for value. Unsurprisingly quarterback E.J. Manuel was the sticking point. Kiper liked the move to trade down in the first round but still didn't think Manuel was worth the No. 16 overall pick.

The bad is I just think the No. 16 pick was way too high for EJ Manuel. For me there's simply too much projection here. He needs to prove that he's capable of getting through progressions quicker and getting the ball out. He was my No. 6 ranked QB. But that was a need position and you take the guy you feel can pan out. It's just remarkable in hindsight to see the top QBs still available into Round 4.

Kiper also felt that Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso and Texas wide receiver Marquise Goodwin were potential reaches in the second and third round respectively. Both players have potential but haven't proven enough to be considered safe draft prospects according to Kiper.

Of course Bills fans disagree. The community graded the draft out at a solid B over at Buffalo Rumblings.

Chargers Packers Eagles unearth best deals

Just three teams earned Kiper's A grade for value the San Diego Chargers Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chargers' best pickups were linebacker Manti Te'o at No. 38 overall and wide receiver Keenan Allen at No. 76 overall. Both players had the tape of first round talents according to Kiper and to get them in the second and third rounds respectively is a tremendous coup.

The additions of running backs Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin were the Packers' biggest bargains according to Kiper. Lacy was the No. 1 ball carrier on Kiper's board despite entering the draft with injury concerns. Franklin meanwhile has starter potential despite falling to the fourth round. Kiper called running back a position of strength heading into the 2013 season.

Kiper felt that tight end Zach Ertz and unsurprisingly quarterback Matt Barkley were the Eagles' best finds. Ertz was Kiper's No. 2 tight end on his board and fell to the early second round for Chip Kelly. Barkley as you are probably well aware was considered a surefire top 10 prospect once upon a time.

Jets and Raiders don't drop the ball

The New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders have a reputation for making some silly decision on draft day. Both organizations made out relatively well however earning B and B grades from Kiper respectively.

Geno Smith earned some grief for slipping out of the first round and jokes were had due to the circus he is about to enter. According to Kiper however the organization should be praised for grabbing who he (and many others) felt was the best quarterback in the draft at No. 39 overall. The Jets could have made a better effort to help Smith by targeting a wide receiver or offensive lineman with one of their two first round picks but overall fans should be happy.

In fact Kiper didn't have a problem with the much maligned selection of Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson at No. 13 overall. The Jets earned a C from SB Nation's Dan Kadar on Day 1 in part because he wasn't sure where Richardson would fit along the defensive line. Kiper trusts Rex Ryan to find creative way to use the versatile defensive lineman however.

Kiper also like the Raiders' draft though he believes that the team under leveraged the No. 3 overall pick getting just a second rounder to trade down to No. 12 with the Miami Dolphins. He is also skeptical of taking D.J. Hayden in the first pick due to the cornerback's injury history though Hayden's talent is excellent. Otherwise however the Raiders got better than average value out of their 10 draft picks.

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Scenes from the 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner

Apr 28 2013

The Baltimore Sun 1 Comment Nation 2013 White House Correspondents' Dinner Barack Obama Conan O'Brien D.C. Michelle Obama Washington White House Correspondents Association

45 photos

Journalists celebrities and Washington s elite were out in full force Saturday night for the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner hosted by comedian Conan O Brien.

Comedian Conan O Brien speaks during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama laughs as comedian Conan O Brien speaks during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama laughs as comedian Conan O Brien speaks during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama listens as comedian Conan O Brien speaks at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Comedian Conan O Brien speaks at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Comedian Conan O Brien smashes a gavel as he speaks during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama laughs while speaking at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) U.S. President Barack Obama tells jokes poking fun at himself as well as others during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on April 27 2013 in Washington DC. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists politicians and celebrities. (Pete Marovich Pool/Getty Images) U.S. President Barack Obama acknowledges the audience folllowing his comedic address during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on April 27 2013 in Washington DC. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists politicians and celebrities. (Pete Marovich Pool/Getty Images) U.S. President Barack Obama tells jokes poking fun at himself as well as others during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on April 27 2013 in Washington DC. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists politicians and celebrities. (Pete Marovich Pool/Getty Images) U.S. first lady Michelle Obama laughs during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner April 27 2013 in Washington DC. Obama attended the yearly dinner which is attended by journalists celebrities and politicians. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) Time Magazine s Michael Scherer (L) Comedian Conan O Brien (C) and U.S. first lady Michelle Obama raise their glasses with others for a toast during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner April 27 2013 in Washington DC. Obama attended the yearly dinner which is attended by journalists celebrities and politicians. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) Comedian Conan O Brien shakes hands with U.S. President Barack Obama after speaking at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Comedian Conan O Brien shakes hands with U.S. President Barack Obama after speaking at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Comedian Conan O Brien poses with U.S. first lady Michelle Obama during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Actor Kevin Spacey appears on screen in a skit based on the hit show House of Cards during the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on April 27 2013 in Washington DC. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists politicians and celebrities. (Pete Marovich Pool/Getty Images) Actor Kevin Spacey listens to remarks at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Director and producer Steven Spielberg attends the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Actress and singer Barbra Streisand talks to New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) Actor Patrick Stewart attends the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on April 27 2013 in Washington DC. The dinner is an annual event attended by journalists politicians and celebrities. (Pete Marovich Pool/Getty Images) Scottish actor Gerard Butler talks with guests during a party before the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jim Bourg/Reuters) Actresses Julia Louis Dreyfus (L) and Amy Poehler (R) pose with Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D WI) the first openly gay U.S. Senator in history at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jim Bourg/Reuters) Actress Nicole Kidman sits at her table at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner as Miramax Films and Weinstein Company co founder Harvey Weinstein (L) checks his phone at the start of the dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jim Bourg/Reuters) Actress Kathleen Turner (L) poses for the cameras as U.S. Representative John Dingell (D MI) (2nd R) and his wife Debbie Dingell (R) arrive on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress and comedian Amy Poehler arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Willie Robertson (R) and his wife Korie of reality TV series Duck Dynasty arrive on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Hayden Panettiere poses on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actors Hugh Dancy (L R) his wife Claire Danes and Bob Schieffer of CBS News pose on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Connie Britton arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Former NFL wide receiver Donald Driver and his wife Betina arrive on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Korie Robertson (L) and Willie Robertson (2nd L) of reality TV series Duck Dynasty arrive on the red carpet next to former Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman (R) his wife Mary Kaye (2nd R) and their son Will (3rd R) at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Jessica Pare arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Singer Jon Bon Jovi arrives on the red carpet with his wife Dorothea Hurley (L) and Arianna Huffington (R) at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Beth Behrs arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Sofia Vergara arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Megan Hilty waves on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) South Korean rapper Psy waves on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Kate Walsh arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Model Chrissy Teigen arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Kate Mara arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Kerry Washington arrives on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Television journalist George Stephanopoulos (L) of ABC News stands to one side as his wife comedian Ali Wentworth plays to the cameras on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Actress Robin Wright walks the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013.( Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) A police dog moves behind singer Katy Perry (3rd R) on the red carpet at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington April 27 2013. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Video highlights from last night s 2013 White House Correspondents Dinner

Obama pokes fun at critics media at annual press dinnerJeff Mason Reuters 8 22 a.m. EDT April 28 2013

WASHINGTON (Reuters) President Barack Obama poked fun at the media his critics and himself last night at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner a star filled event where journalists and celebrities mixed with the Washington elite.

Joined at the dinner by his wife first lady Michelle Obama the president gently knocked Republicans for not working with him on policy priorities and made a rare reference to his race when urging the opposition party to be cooperative.

I know Republicans are still sorting out what happened in 2012 but one thing they all agree on is they need to do a better job reaching out to minorities Obama said.

And look call me self centered but I can think of one minority they could start with. Hello Think of me as a trial run you know he said.

Obama a Democrat and the first black U.S. president won re election in November with overwhelming support from minority voters including blacks and Hispanics.

He took a swipe at people who have doubted his religion and accused him of being a radical leftist while he made light of his graying hair.

These days I look in the mirror and I have to admit I m not the strapping young Muslim socialist that I used to be Obama said. Time passes. You get a little gray.

The president is a Christian who was born in Hawaii but he included some material for so called birthers who falsely assert he was born abroad.

I m also hard at work on plans for the Obama Library and some have suggested that we put it in my birthplace but I d rather keep it in the United States he said.

Obama made light of his own rapid rise to power by comparing himself to Republican Senator Marco Rubio a Hispanic from Florida who is touted as a potential presidential candidate in 2016.

One senator who has reached across the aisle recently is Marco Rubio but I don t know about 2016. I mean the guy has not even finished a single term in the Senate and he thinks he s ready to be president Obama joked. Kids these days.

Obama began running for president during his first term as a U.S. senator from Illinois.

In a room filled with journalists the president saved some of his most biting jokes for the press.

I know CNN has taken some knocks lately but the fact is I admire their commitment to cover all sides of a story just in case one of them happens to be accurate he said drawing applause.

Some of my former advisors have switched over to the dark side. For example David Axelrod now works for MSNBC which is a nice change of pace since MSNBC used to work for David Axelrod.

Axelrod was the chief strategist for Obama s re election campaign and a former White House adviser. MSNBC is considered to be a liberal leaning television network.

Obama also made light of his wife s new bangs drawing laughter from her when he showed mock pictures of himself with the same hairdo.

(Additional reporting by Elwina Nawaguna and Peter Cooney Editing by Paul Simao)

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NASCAR point standings after Richmond Jimmie Johnson extends lead over ...

Jimmie Johnson extended his lead in the championship standings to 43 over new second place driver Carl Edwards following his 12th place at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday night. Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kasey Kahne and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are tied for third 46points out of the top spot.

With his victory Kevin Harvick breaks into the top 10 and sits ninth 72 points behind Johnson.

After nine starts Paul Menard and Aric Almirola have also maintained their fast starts and both hold on to a provisional Chase spot heading into next Sunday's race at Talladega International Speedway.

Denny Hamlin drops to 29th in the standings 126 points out of 10th place and 71 points out of 20th. Hamlin expects to start next Sunday's race but will give way to a substitute driver at the earliest possible opportunity as he continues to recover from injuries sustained at Auto Club Speedway.

The complete NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings after Richmond can be found below

Jimmie Johnson Ldr. Carl Edwards 43 Kasey Kahne 46 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 46 Clint Bowyer 53 Brad Keselowski 59 Kyle Busch 65 Greg Biffle 71 Kevin Harvick 72 Paul Menard 72 Aric Almirola 85 Jamie McMurray 98 Matt Kenseth 102 Jeff Gordon 108 Martin Truex Jr. 112 Ryan Newman 114 Joey Logano 115 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 119 Jeff Burton 125 Kurt Busch 127 Mark Martin 136 Tony Stewart 136 Marcos Ambrose 148 Juan Pablo Montoya 160 Casey Mears 160 Danica Patrick 174 Bobby Labonte 191 Denny Hamlin 198 Dave Blaney 198 David Ragan 198

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Jon Jones stops Chael Sonnen in first round at UFC 159 USA Today

Jon Jones celebrates his victory over Chael Sonnen at UFC 159.(Photo Brad Penner USA TODAY Sports)

NEWARK N.J. While longtime middleweight Chael Sonnen was a long shot in his bid for the UFC light heavyweight title some believed that if he could get champ Jon Jones on his back he might have a chance. Quite simply though he couldn't.

Instead Jones survived a gruesome toe injury and punched out the challenger in the first round.

The light heavyweight title bout headlined Saturday night's UFC 159 event at the Prudential Center in Newark N.J. It aired on pay per view following prelims on FX and Facebook.

As promised Sonnen pushed forward quickly at the bell though it was Jones who scored the first takedown. Sonnen who recently coached opposite Jones on The Ultimate Fighter 17 scrambled up to his feet and Jones surprisingly elected to fight inside the clinch rather than use his massive reach advantage.

BISPING Wins technical decision over Belcher

McMANN Dominates in UFC's third women's fight

Several takedowns followed as Jones seemed intent to prove he was the superior wrestler. A barrage of punches and elbows followed and Sonnen was clearly in trouble as he lay on his side.

As Jones methodically picked apart the undersized challenger he pulled Sonnen's arm away and blasted him with vicious elbow strikes and a devastating knee to the body. The onslaught ripped apart Sonnen's face and referee Keith Peterson called a stop to the fight with 27 seconds left in the opening frame.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM JONES VS. SONNEN

In a bizarre turn of events as Jones celebrated his victory he looked down to notice a gruesome break of his left big toe. It quite possibly could have threatened to end the fight in freak fashion had Jones not gotten the first round stoppage.

Afterward Jones said he didn't immediately know when the injury occurred.

I don't know but when my adrenaline calms down I'm going to be in some pain tonight he said.

With the win the 25 year old Jones ties UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz's record for the most consecutive defenses of the UFC light heavyweight title at five. It also ends a months long feud with Sonnen that began with this past September's canceled UFC 151 event and continued through their stints as TUF 17 coaches.

I was just so happy to get past Chael Sonnen said Jones (18 1 MMA 12 1 UFC). Chael Sonnen's an awesome opponent. We went through a lot of drama that motivated me a lot.

PHOTOS TOP SHOTS FROM UFC 159

Last SlideNext Slide

Meanwhile Sonnen (27 13 1 MMA 6 6 UFC) has now fallen short in three UFC title fights in his past five appearances which included a pair of defeats to middleweight champ Anderson Silva. He remained gracious in defeat and hinted that his fighting days may be done.

He's an excellent fighter Sonnen said. I have no problem with the decision or the stoppage. He's very powerful. When he went for the kill he never stopped. I thought I was alright but I think he's the better fighter. ... I'm not going to be one of the guys to hang around. If there's not a road to the title then this sport isn't for me. I believe that was probably my last opportunity.

Complete UFC 159 results

Champion Jon Jones def. Chael Sonnen via TKO (strikes) Round 1 4 33

Michael Bisping def. Alan Belcher via technical decision (30 27 30 27 29 28)

Roy Nelson def. Cheick Kongo via knockout (punch) Round 1 2 03

Phil Davis def. Vinny Magalhaes via unanimous decision (30 27 30 27 29 28)

Pat Healy def. Jim Miller via submission (rear naked choke) Round 3 4 02

Rustam Khabilov def. Yancy Medeiros via TKO (thumb injury) Round 1 2 32

Ovince St. Preux def. Gian Villante via majority technical decision (30 28 30 29 29 29) Round 3 0 33

Sara McMann def. Sheila Gaff via TKO (strikes) Round 1 4 06

Bryan Caraway def. Johnny Bedford via submission (guillotine choke) Round 3 4 44

Cody McKenzie def. Leonard Garcia via unanimous decision (29 28 30 27 30 27)

Steven Siler def. Kurt Holobaugh via unanimous decision (29 28 29 28 29 28)

Contributing Matt Erickson. Morgan and Erickson write for MMAjunkie.com part of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group.

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UFC 159 fight blog

Jon Jones vs Chael Sonnen

Round 1

Jones lands a takedown immediately. Sonnen gets back to his feet and connects with a couple dirty boxing punches. Jones has Sonnen pressed against the fence. Sonnen is on his back and Jones is throwing dangerous elbows. Sonnen is back to his feet but Jones isn't letting go. Jones is wearing down Sonnen. Jones throws a spinning back elbow but Sonnen doesn't react. Jones SLAMS Sonnen to the ground. Bones is postured above Sonnen and connects with a shot. Jones goes for more elbows. Sonnen almost positions himself with an armbar but loses it quick and his back is to the champion. Not good. Jones rushes him and knees his body and follows up with a bunch of other punches. Referee stops the fight. The deed is done. Jones retains fight over.

Official Result Jones wins via TKO at 3 33 in Round 1.

Michael Bisping vs Alan Belcher

Round 3

The opening seconds of this round is a bit more active than the last two which is a good thing. It's bringing this crowd back to life. Just as I type that things slow down. Bisping's overhand right is doing work. It's not that the action is slow because it's not. Both men are doing work but they're just not connecting much. Bisping catches Belcher twice in a row. Painful sounding right from Bisping. Bisping locks up Belcher and pushes him against the fence but within seconds they asre separated. Bisping throws a hook and looks like he caught Belcher's eye bad. Belcher is on the ground writhing in pain. He's bloodied. Referee calls it. Fight over. Three doctor stoppages in one night FUN

Official Result Bisping wins via technical unanimous decision (30 27 30 27 29 28)

Round 2

Once again both men are quick to get to the center of the octagon. Belcher gives Bisping a nice body kick. Belcher connects with a body shot and Bisping answers with a punch of his own. Belcher's leg receives a decent kick. Belcher went for a big overhand right but overshot Bisping and got popped with a nice 1 2. Bisping throws his nicest combination of the bout but nothing really connected all he hit was hand. Bisping nails Belcher with a right and a left which temporarily stops the crowd from booing. Belcher shoots but gets stuffed. A lot of punches thrown in the last ten seconds and Bisping connected with a majority of them.

Score 10 9 Bisping 20 18 Bisping

Round 1

Long feeling out process where not much connects besides a shot to the balls. Belcher gets inspired by the USA chants and connects with an overhand right. Oblique kick to Bisping. Those always looks painful. Another minute passes without any solid shots and the crowd starts to boo. Bisping is cornering Belcher a lot. He pops Belcher with a straight. Belcher accidentally pokes Bisping in the eye. Fight is resumed after a brief pause. Bisping pops Belcher after Belcher throws a kick and he stumbles back but nothing comes of it. Horn sounds.

Score 10 9 Bisping

Roy Nelson vs Cheick Kongo

Round 1

Cheick Kongo may be one of the scariest human beings I've met. He is built like a monster but is very polite. Fight starts and Kongo's back is already against the fence. Nelson isn't even working for anything here. Now he's looking for a trip takedown but doesn't have any success with it. Referee breaks them up and the action is back in the middle. Nelson CRACKS Kongo with an overhand right Fight OVER.

Official Result Nelson wins via KO at 2 03 in Round 1.

Phil Davis vs Vinny Magalhaes

Round 3

Davis is very confident at the opening of this round as he is throwing combinations freely. Nothing major happens for a good minute until Davis threw Magalhaes to the ground. About three minutes into the round Davis finally bobbled Magalhaes' head with a hard hook. Then a straight right. Magalhaes has a good chin so I don't think these punches are going to do much to him. Davis is going to have to catch him off guard with a good shot. Magalhaes goes for another takedown Davis runs away Magalhaes invites Davis to the ground and Davis declines the invitation. Back to their feet. Not much happens after that. Horn sounds. Phil Davis all night.

Score 10 9 Davis 30 27 Davis

Official Result Davis wins via unanimous decision (30 27 30 27 29 28)

Round 2

Davis really wants to land the overhand right. Davis is looking to take down Magalhaes which is an interesting move. He lands the takedown and lets him back up. Davis finally connects with a straight right. Magalhaes hits a leg kick but gets popped with a counter jab that makes him rethink his distance. Magalhaes softly pats Davis on the head with a hook not much damage done with that one. Davis punching from a lot of different angles that is catching Magalhaes off guard and it's rather impressive. In a scramble Magalhaes tried to grab Davis but the sweat makes it slippery and nothing comes of it. Horn sounds crowd half cheers and half groans.

Score 10 9 Davis 20 18 Davis

Round 1

Both men are throwing heavy hands. Magalhaes hits a leg kick. Magalhaes back is against the cage and Davis hits body shots. Magalhaes nails another leg kick. Davis connects with a shot that sends Magalhaes back a bit but he bounces off the cage and recovers. Magalhaes blocks a hook. Magalhaes catches Davis leg and drags him down and has his back Davis is in a bad place. Not for long however as he escapes and stands back up. Referee brings them back to their feet. Davis is dictating where this fight is going Magalhaes constantly has his back against the fence. The crowd is offering very good advice like touch that body . Davis connects with a straight kick to Magalhaes body. Magalhaes says he got poked in the eye but the referee didn t see it the fight goes on without a pause. The round ends with Magalhaes backing up.

Score Davis 10 9

Cole Miller vs Pat Healy

Round 3

The crowd is on their feet ready for the round to start. Miller stuffs a takedown. A bit of a scramble takes place but nothing comes of it and they're back on their feet. Just as Healy lands a hook Miller finally succeeds with the leg kick/hook combo he's been looking for. Healy lands a takedown. He is 4 for 5 tonight. Healy eventually passes into full mount. Miller tries to twist out of there but Healy has him where he wants him. Miller is trying to wall walk up but he's leaving his head susceptible to shots. Healy has Miller's back and it looks like he has a rear naked choke locked in. He wrenches blood is pouring out of Miller's face and the referee puts a stop to the fight.

Official Result Healy wins via submission (RNC) at 4 02 of Round 3 (despite Bruce Buffer's brief mistake).

Round 2

From the first few seconds their strategies are clear Miller is looking for headshots and Healy is looking to take the fight to the ground. Healy nails an elbow after separating from a clinch. Miller is looking to repeat the success of his leg kick/hook combination he had early on in the first round but he hasn't been successful since. Healy throws Miller down to the ground. Miller had an arm locked up for a bit which caused a lull in action. Both are struggling to lock in anything serious. Healy looks like he has a choke synched in but Miller escapes and is now on top of Healy in a north south position. Miller is tenderizing Healy's sides with body shots. Horn sounds with Miller's back against the cage.

Score 10 9 Healy 19 19 even

Round 1

Miller connects the first shot of the fight with a right straight. Miller sweeps Healy's leg out from under him with a kick but he recovers. Miller connects with a right hook. Healy gets taken down and Miller jumps on top of him and is now in Healy's open guard. Healy works on locking in an armbar but Miller escapes. Good scramble and Miller is on top of Healy's back working some kind of armbar or kimura. He's in good position for an armbar. Miller doesn't has it so he lets it go and they are back to their feet. Healy hits a decent uppercut after ignoring a leg kick then lands a takedown. Healy has Miller's back however he has no hooks in. Miller makes it back to his feet only to get slammed down hard Healy now has Miller's back but Miller turns around and ends up on top Miller clobbers Healy at the end of the round almost thought that one was over.

Score 10 9 Miller

Rustam Khabilov vs Yancy Medeiros

Round 1

Yancy is coming in with his strikes in very good angles. He hits a good leg kick. Rustam is picking his shots carefully. Yancy nails a leg kick Rustam kind of counters with a hook but he turns it into a takedown and he has Yancy's back. Not for long however as they are both back on their feet after a scramble. Fight pauses and fight is called off. Yancy's finger looks to be broken Maybe a dislocation Either way fight is over. Called off.

Upon further review that thumb is BEYOND broken. Ouch.

Official Result Khabilov wins via TKO (ref stoppage due to injury) at 2 32 in the first round

Gian Villante vs Ovince St. Preux

Round 3

St. Preux clobbers Villante with a hook but accidentally pokes him in the eye. This looks bad it's already swelling up. Referee calls the fight the crowd is pissed.

Official Result St. Preux wins via majority technical decision due to eye poke stoppage (30 28 30 29 29 29)

Round 2

St. Preux has a bit of a scare after getting knocked down but he gets right back up. Villante is making the leg kicks a big part of his offense. Both fighters are cautious of each other's power which is leading to each man picking and choosing their shots carefully. Every single time someone is pinned against the cage the crowd yells KNEE . It's cute. Villante feigns a superman punch that seems like it would have connected. Villante is sticking with the leg kicks as we are four minutes into the round. St. Preux connects with a left hook to silent the crowd as they start to boo. St. Preux hits a nice body shot. St. Preux whiffs on a spinning back kick. Slow round.

Score 10 9 St. Preux 20 18 St. Preux

Round 1

Villante and St. Preux trade leg kicks. St. Preux goes for a body kick but it's caught. Villante pushes St. Preux against the cage. St. Preux stuffs the takedown with the assist of grabbing the top of the cage. Villante connects with the first hard hit of the fight which is a headkick but St. Preux comes back with a fury of his own Villante pushes St. Preux against the cage but gets hit with a knee to the gut and then has the tables turned on him. Villante pushes off St. Preux and they are back in the middle of the octagon. Fight pauses to cut some unwrapped wrist wraps. Fight resumes but not much action happens afterwards. I'd give the round to St. Preux he dictated where the fight went more.

Score 10 9 St. Preux

Sara McMann vs Sheila Gaff

Round 1

McMann opens up the round with an explosive takedown. After that not too much action happening. Nobody is advancing. McMann postures up and tries to throw some shots but nothing dangerous connects. Three minutes in now and McMann is still in the same position. We have the first boos for a women fight in the UFC. Referee stands them up and Gaff is very active. McMann eats a bit of a knee and lands another takedown she has Gaff in the crucifix and is throwing bombs. Gaff is eating shot after shot and she is trying to defend herself but is trapped. She eats one shot too many and the fight is over McMann gets the victory. First TKO of the night goes to the girls. Good job ladies.

Official Result McMann wins via TKO stoppage (strikes) at 4 06 of Round 1

Bryan Caraway vs Johnny Bedford

Round 3

Caraway hits a nice straight about a minute into the round then gets his eye poked. Referee doesn't stop the fight and there's no mention of it. Odd. Bedford almost keeps getting cracked with counters but pulls back just in time. Caraway shoots Bedford defends and is on top. Scramble and now Caraway is on top. Bedford almost locks in a triangle and an armbar but Caraway is aware and safely escapes. Caraway is not trying to advance with purpose. A fan tries to start an ECW chant but fails. Wrong event buddy. Back to the fight Caraway is still on top. Caraway sinks in a guillotine out of nowhere and Bedford submits Game over man.

Official Result Caraway wins via submission (guillotine choke) at 4 44 of Round 3

Round 2

Caraway opens with a shoot and Bedford almost clobbers him with a countering knee. No dice though. Bedford hits a leaping hook first hard shot of the round. They collide heads a bit as they separate from a clinch. The action is back to how it was early on in the first both keeping their distance and not connecting much. Bedford is not hopping around like he was in the first. Caraway shoots and successfully earns a takedown. He makes a swift and nice transition to side guard only to go back into Bedford's half guard. Not much striking has happened in the last three minutes. I'm surprised the weird NJ crowd hasn't started to boo yet. Horn sounds round ends with Caraway on top swinging.

Score 10 9 Caraway 20 18 Caraway

Round 1

Bedford is bouncing around a lot and is fighting on his toes. Both throw shots but none of them are rock solid and won't do any damage. Caraway is keeping his distance. Bedford goes for a shoot Caraway backs off and hops of his back. Both hooks are in Bedford needs to think two steps ahead of every single move he tries to make. Bedford makes it back to his feet and they're in the middle of the octagon. Bedford hits a right hook body kick and another right hook that brings the crowd to life a bit. Caraway acts like he's going to shoot but changes it up to a high kick just like Leonard was doing last fight. Didn't work then and didn't work now. Caraway lands a takedown with ten seconds left. Horn sounds.

Score 10 9 Caraway

Leonard Garcia vs Cody McKenzie

Round 3 Garcia charges to the center of the octagon and lands a head kick. He's being smart and keeping his back away from the cage. Garcia is Garcia ing and throwing punches all the way from Grandma's house. It's working oddly enough. McKenzie is being more cautious. McKenzie keeps connecting with a leaping jab. Garcia keeps missing these wild shots and McKenzie just chuckled and put his hands behind his back dodged two shots and connected with three. Two minutes left at this point and things are evening up. McKenzie grabs a leg and lands a takedown. The way Garcia fell it looks more like he slipped down. Doesn't matter McKenzie is on top and is going to grind a decision victory. Impressive performance on his end.

Score 10 9 McKenzie 30 27 McKenzie

Official Result McKenzie wins via unanimous decision (29 28 30 27 30 27)

Round 2

McKenzie now seems to be on the upperhand of every grappling scramble. Little action has been seen while standing. Garcia is being taken out of his element and it is evident he is gasping for air. McKenzie is latched onto Garcia's back with a body triangle. Garcia stands up and SLAMS McKenzie on his head. Loud thud. That's about all the offense Garcia saw this round. Horn sounds.

Score McKenzie 10 9 20 18 McKenzie

Round 1

Garcia and Cody open up the bout with quite the grappling contest. A few scrambles in the round which saw each man in a dangerous position. Cody saw the most favorable position of the round however it was toward the end. He had Garcia locked in a triangle position before time expired. Close round.

Score 10 9 McKenzie

Steven Siler vs Kurt Holobaugh

Round 3

Both fighters are once again very active at the start of the round. Siler has his back against the cage and ate some bodyshots but nothing too serious. Siler separates after giving Holobaugh a nice knee to the face. Siler overshoots on a high kick and Holobaugh caught him off guard with a counter right. After a scramble Siler has Holobaugh's back again. Body triangle locked in. Looks like it's locked in. Siler is wrenching pretty hard but Holobaugh isn't going to give up without a fight. He pivots his body in a position to where he can push off the fence but it goes nowhere. The round ends with Siler on Holobaugh's back swinging.

Score 10 9 Siler 29 28 Siler

Official Result Siler wins via unanimous decision (29 28 29 28 29 28)

Round 2

Within ten seconds of the round Siler almost gets locked in a guillotine but he escapes and is now on top. Holobaugh pops up and is standing over Siler but gets knocked down after being in Siler's high guard. Both fighters are bloody. Holobaugh is standing over Siler again with Siler throwing upkicks. Two minutes is killed with Holobaugh trying to get in an advantageous position on top before Siler makes it back to his feet. Siler connects with a nice two punch combination. Siler is just getting the better of Holobaugh. Siler in a sense pulls guard and you can see him trying to sweep. Too late end of the round. Very close round and Holobaugh spent a lot of it on top. I'm giving it to him.

Score 10 9 Holobaugh 19 19 even

Round 1

Holobaugh is active in the opening minute and is throwing some wild punches that is leaving him open for counters. Holobaugh pressed him up against the fence and is connecting with some good elbows and they separate. Holobaugh pushes him up again on the fence but Siler is connecting with nice knees. Siler slams Holobaugh on his head and eventually gets his back. Both hooks are in. Holobaugh is protecting his neck well but he has two more minutes to defend. Holobaugh makes it back to his feet and is looking to dump Siler but Siler is hanging on tonight. Holobaugh tries to roll through Siler sticks on and sinks in a choke. Holobaugh looks to be a goner but somehow escapes after he spits up a lot of blood that didn't look good. Siler now has a body triangle locked in. Horn sounds.

Score 10 9 Siler

Main Card Jon Jones vs Chael Sonnen Michael Bisping vs Alan Belcher Roy Nelson vs Cheick Kongo Phil Davis vs Vinny Magalhaes Cole Miller vs Pat Healy

FX Prelims Rustam Khabilov vs Yancy Medeiros Gian Villante vs Ovince St. Preux Sara McMann vs Sheila Gaff Bryan Caraway vs Johnny Bedford

Online prelims Leonard Garcia vs Cody McKenzie Steven Siler vs Kurt Holobaugh

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Lakers depleted again for Game 4

Spurs Cruise To 3 0 Lead Over Lakers

EL SEGUNDO Calif. If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to take the first step toward becoming the first team in NBA history to win a series after falling down 0 3 they'll have to do it with Darius Morris Andrew Goudelock and Earl Clark in their starting lineup.

Steve Nash (hamstring) Jodie Meeks (ankle) and Steve Blake (hamstring) all will miss their second consecutive games in the Lakers' first round series against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Metta World Peace (knee) also has been ruled out.

I appreciate everyone supporting my efforts on trying to finish the season on top and contribute to the team. I guess I have to finish the season on top in a different way. I won't be able to play Sunday but it's OK. We're going to come out with the victory and then we'll move on from there. Hopefully I can get back when we get to San Antonio.

Metta World Peace via Twitter

He wanted to give it a go but he was just dragging his leg and we didn't feel like he could go coach Mike D'Antoni said of World Peace who was scoreless in 17 first half minutes in the Lakers' 120 89 loss in Game 3 on Friday.

I appreciate everyone supporting my efforts on trying to finish the season on top and contribute to the team World Peace said in a video he posted to his Twitter account Saturday. I guess I have to finish the season on top in a different way. I won't be able to play Sunday but it's OK. We're going to come out with the victory and then we'll move on from there. Hopefully I can get back when we get to San Antonio.

That would be Game 5 on Tuesday if the series goes that far. If it doesn't an interesting offseason will begin.

Dwight Howard is set to become a free agent on July 1 and has yet to inform the Lakers whether he intends to re sign or not.

I haven't thought about it Howard said after practice Saturday. We haven't talked about it.

D'Antoni given a public vote of support by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak prior to L.A.'s final game of the regular season against the Houston Rockets also sidestepped a question about what the offseason could bring.

We're worried about Sunday's game is all we're doing D'Antoni said. We're going to try to play well Sunday and try to get a win sneak a win in there.

The Spurs have won the first three games of the series by an average of 18 points and there's no denying the impact that injuries have had on the Lakers.

It's been really difficult Pau Gasol said. It's hard to play at this level of playoff basketball without your roster healthy. Not just 1 2 3 4 (players) this is five key players in our rotation and our game that are not out there with us. It's been one thing after another. It's been a rough path.

Gasol is averaging 13.3 points 12.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists in the series but said he isn't healthy either.

My foot is still bothering me said Gasol who missed a significant portion of the season with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot. I knew that was going to happen. I'm taking care of it every day but it's still limiting.

My knees are being an issue also. My patellar tendons are suffering. It's something that once the season is over I'll have to take care of and do something about because it has been limiting. But at the same time I've still been performing pretty well and I want to continue to fight continue to leave it all out there on the floor and do what I have to do.

More on the Lakers

For more news notes and analysis of the Lakers check out the Lakers Index. Blog

Gasol said his left knee is hurting more than his right but that both will require attention this summer.

We'll see what kind of treatments injections (are available) Gasol said. It's more than tendinitis it's tendinosis. There's a degeneration of the tissue and it's something that I've dealt with all year. So I'll have to do something to regenerate the tissue so I don't have to play with this pain.

Gasol said he could follow Kobe Bryant's example and fly to Germany for Regenokine therapy.

Wherever I have to go I'll go Gasol said. It's a possibility.

The four time All Star who will turn 33 in July said he is looking into non invasive procedures rather than surgery.

Find ways to regenerate the tendon tissue so I can get rid of all the dead tissue and inflammation that is there right now. I have also calcification on my insertion of my patellar (tendon) Gasol said. So it's been difficult but nothing has been easy this year so I wouldn't expect any less.

Gasol did not have as clear a picture of what would be happening to his and his teammates' status with the Lakers this summer. Gasol World Peace Blake and Bryant are all eligible to be released from the team via the NBA's amnesty provision. And Gasol knows better than most that trades are always a possibility after a deal to send him to Houston in a three way deal that would have landed the Lakers Chris Paul prior to the 2011 12 season fell through.

I'm happy and proud of how the guys have fought through what we've been through and what we've gone through Gasol said. That's what I like to see. That's what I'll keep in my mind and my heart. What happens next is totally up to the team and management. That's totally not in our hands.

What is in the depleted Lakers' hands is their Game 4 performance.

We want to win and we're not going to just quit because all the odds are against us Howard said. We're going to fight and that's the only way we know how to play.

Added D'Antoni You can't do something that everybody will talk about if everybody expects you to do it. Nobody expects us to do it so we're going to show and we're going to try to do it. And why not We've got good guys. They've battled since February getting us into this position and now we're in another big hole trying to dig out little by little. That's our mindset. We'll see if we can do it.

Recommend0 Tweet0 Comments0Email Print Subscribe Dave McMenaminESPNLosAngeles.comFollowArchive

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Depleted Lakers routed by the hot shooting Spurs

By Mark Lamport Stokes

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) It was the worst possible combination for the Los Angeles Lakers as their injury depleted line up ran into a scintillating shooting display by the San Antonio Spurs in a lop sided Game Three on Friday.

With the ailing Lakers missing their top four guards they were pounded 120 89 on their home court by the second seeded Spurs to slip 3 0 behind in their best of seven first round playoff series.

All Star forward Tim Duncan scored a game high 26 points on 12 of 16 shooting for San Antonio and guard Tony Parker weighed in with 20 as Los Angeles fell to their biggest home playoff loss in franchise history.

Parker and Duncan had great games Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni told reporters after his team had been outshot by a staggering 61 percent to 43 from the field sending the home fans streaming for the exits well before the end of the game.

Duncan was phenomenal. I thought our guys played as hard as they could play but they ran out of gas toward the end. Times are tough right now.

Pau (Gasol) and Dwight (Howard)... they were trying the best that they could do. Nobody likes it and nobody's happy but I don't fault the effort of the guys or the will that they want to do it.

Gasol completed his first playoff triple double with 11 points 13 rebounds and 10 assists and Howard added 25 points and 11 rebounds but the severely depleted Lakers line up was always likely to struggle.

With the inspirational Kobe Bryant gone for the season after Achilles tendon surgery Steve Nash sidelined with back and hip problems Steve Blake ruled out indefinitely with a strained right hamstring and Jodie Meeks missing due to a sprained left ankle the Lakers were scrambling for guards.

OFF THE PACE

Though the relatively inexperienced Darius Morris with 24 points and Andrew Goudelock with 20 fared surprisingly well after being elevated into the starting lineup Los Angeles were unable to keep pace with the four time NBA champion Spurs.

We're extremely short handed Gasol said. We've been murdered by injuries and it's tough to overcome that.

Game Four is back at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday and Spaniard Gasol knows the Lakers will have to produce something special if they are to keep the playoff series alive.

We'll see Sunday how much fight we have in us in order to give ourselves a chance and not have another 30 point loss at home he said. It's going to take a collective effort.

We have three consecutive losses to a team that's feeling more confident and more comfortable and will try to put us away Sunday and close the series. Our backs are against the wall.

For their part the Spurs will once again aim to show the injury hit Lakers no mercy as they bid to compete a series sweep.

I think we're playing fairly well San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. Every coach thinks they can play better that's what we do. We're always looking for ways to improve.

Whether the team you're playing is whole or banged up like the Lakers obviously are the team on court still wants to win.

We have to bring the energy and the professionalism to play. We've all been in situations where we've lost games when the other side is missing players. The intensity is so high already that everybody is pretty focused.

(Editing by John O'Brien)

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