UFC 169 results, photos: Abel Trujillo KOs Jamie Varner in wild slugfest

NEWARK, N.J. – After one of the more lackluster preliminary cards in UFC history, Abel Trujillo and Jamie Varner woke up New Jerseyans with a wild slugfest.

Trujillo appeared headed for the wrong end of a highlight reel, but he turned out an amazing come-from-behind win.

The lightweight bout opened up the main card of today’s UFC 169 event at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. It aired on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Varner announced his presence with a stiff jab, which prompted a pair of charges from Trujillo. The former WEC champ added a straight right to the equation, and the action settled into a bull-and-matador routine, with Varner looking for sports to counter and Trujillo swinging hard.

Trujillo eventually tired of his role and closed for a clinch. But it was Varner that grappled his way to the back and then segued to a north-south choke. Trujillo gave a thumbs up and toughed it out, though, and Varner was forced to reset. An angry Trujillo charged for revenge, and the two clashed in fierce exchanges for the remainder of the opening frame.

Trujillo charged again to open the second, and again, Varner worked counters. Varner was the first to score, landing a left hand that wobbled Trujillo, who fired back as the two threw caution to the wind as the two swung for the fences.

It was Trujillo that first went to the mat, and Varner leapt in for the finish. The two recovered to their feet, and again, a firefight erupted. Varner appeared to have the upper hand, but it also was clear he was exhausted, which proved to be his downfall.

As Varner walked Trujillo down and loaded a left hook, Trujillo snuck in a right hook that sent Varner face-first to the canvas at the 2:32 mark of the round.

“It was an exciting fight with two guys fighting toe to toe,” Trujillo said. “I always trust my power. I always knew I could knock him out. After this win, I’m looking forward to fighting the toughest guys in my division. The ones that could get me close to the title shot such as (Donald) ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone or Nate Diaz. I’m ready to get the gold.”

Trujillo (12-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC) now enjoys back-to-back stoppage wins, while Varner (21-9-1 MMA, 3-4 UFC) has dropped two straight and dips into a losing UFC record.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 169 results include:

• Abel Trujillo def. Jamie Varner via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 2:32
• Alan Patrick def. John Makdessi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Chris Cariaso def. Danny Martinez via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Nick Catone def. Tom Watson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
• Al Iaquinta def. Kevin Lee via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-27)
• Clint Hester def. Andy Enz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
• Rashid Magomedov def. Tony Martin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Neil Magny def. Gasan Umalatov via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

For complete coverage of UFC 169, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.

John Morgan and Matt Erickson contributed to this report on-site in Newark.