First up on the pay-per-view portion of the card is a pair of lightweights, with Hermes Franca taking on Jamie Varner. The Brazilian Franca seemed to be destined for big things in 2004, had a horrible 2005, and rebounded with three wins in smaller groups and a solid win at UFC 61. Phoenix's Varner, who is 21 is making his UFC debut and is undefeated.

Doesn't look like a sellout at Mandalay Bay. All the upper deck seats are filled, but there are empties in the lower bowl, which likely means the higher-priced seats were a tough sell for this one.

The 31-year old Franca is a sub for Spencer Fisher, who pulled out with a back injury. Big John McCarthy is the ref.

Not much doing in the first minute, aside from Franca missing a wild swing. Varner tries for a single leg and gets the takedown, but walks into a choke, which Varner escapes. Varner gets up and breaks Franca's guard with a big right. Varner gets up again and hits a series of shots and tries to wear down Franca's guard with kicks to the leg, then he tags Varner again. Varner nearly walks into an armlock. They're back on their feet with two minutes left, Franca stalking Varner. Varner attempts a takedown, Franca ends up on top. But Varner reverses. But again, Franca nearly sunk in a choke. Varner stands up again, Franca gets up. Round ends with a few more jabs. Good action in round one, Varner got the better of things so I give him this one, but several times his aggression nearly caused him to walk into submissions and he'll need to be more careful.

Varner walks into a knee to start the second, but Varner manages to hang on to Franca's leg and score a takedown, which he follows with a couple punches. Varner gets up and waits on Franca to get up. They get tangles and Varner ends up on top again, with Franca trying to sink in a choke.  Varner nearly walks into an armlock, but slithers out of it and ends back up on top of Franca. Franca barely avoids a nasty punch. More ground and pound from Varner, midway through the round. Varner getting his shots in, but Franca still defending. McCarthy calls for a standup, Varner punches him and scores a double-leg and continues on the offensive. Franca scores a reversal with a minute left and scores several nasty punches. But Varner throws Franca off. Huge ovation from the crowd for both fighters. Varner finishes on top again and clearly wins round 2.

Round three, Franca has to get a knockout or submission to win it. Varner tries to trap Franca in the corner early but escapes and Varner eats a couple monster knees. He's dazed. Franca's going for the kill. Varner is running. McCarthy took a point away from Varner for running, as he should, but he might have just cost Varner his chance at the fight, as he was going in for the kill. Franca with another huge knee. Varner is on top of Franca, but doing nothing. Varner leaves himself open for an armlock and, Franca sinks it in, and Varner taps.

Sensational third round for Franca. What a gritty performance. Varner gassed and Franca just kept going. Taking a point away from Varner could have ended up controversial, because Franca appeared on the verge of winning at the time, but Franca made things moot. Fantastic opener. Franca just announced it is his birthday. Happy birthday, Hermes.