For the second week in a row, We got a main event featuring a young up and coming American, and a Brazilian legend. Also for the second consecutive week, we saw the legend fall.
And although it wasn't as dominant as what Jon Jones did to Shogun Rua just a week prior, Phil Davis will take it.
On Saturday Night, the man known as "Mr. Wonderful" used his superior wrestling technique and uncompromising ground and pound to gut out a victory over Antonio Rogerio Noguiera. While he initially struggled taking Noguiera down, after he switched from single to double legged takedowns it came much easier. Although I had Noguiera's defense of those takedowns giving him the first round, the 3 judges disagreed and Davis won unanimously on all scorecards by a 30-27 margin.
Next for Davis : The "trilogy" that's no doubt awaiting him with Jon Jones will happen. But he's still a win or 2 off from that title shot. I'd say a fight with the winner of Ryan Bader-Tito Ortiz would be an interesting one.
Next for Noguiera : He did enough to hold off on a full-time coaching career. Still sluggish, a fight with Forrest Griffin might be one that captivates people's attention.
The co-main event, we saw Anthony "Rumble" Johnson return to the ranks of welterweight to take a unanimous decision victory over former #1 contender Dan Hardy. Hardy appeared to be working on his Jiu-Jitsu, having a kimura locked in on Johnson quite a few times, but the wrestling and strength of the American proved to be too much. With the loss, Hardy has dropped 3 in a row.
Next for Johnson : Still a win or 2 from being back in the mix. Perhaps a fight with the reeling Martin Kampmann.
Next for Hardy : UFC president Dana White said that Hardy wasn't "done" following the loss. If Paulo Thiago isn't up to anything, why not?
Amir Sabdollah used his status as a constantly evolving "student" of the game to earn a submission victory over DeMarques Johnson. Johnson used his wrestling and striking to win the first round, But once Sabdollah got on top, the writing was on the wall. Trapping Johnson's arm across his face, he subsequently rained down punches at just over 3 minute mark of round 2. With no other options, Johnson was forced to tap at 3:27 of the middle stanza.
Next for Sabdollah : He needs a step up in opponent. How about trying Yoshihiro Akiyama following his return?
Next for Johnson : Jorge Rivera.
The "Fight of the Decade" rematch didn't have the fireworks the first match had, but Chan Sung Jung did provide a highlight in his victory over Leonard Garcia. The first round was more or less a technical matchup, with Garcia getting tagged by a high kick by "The Korean Zombie" although he couldn't finish. After round one, we got some flashes of the wild flurries from their first encounter in the second, with Jung securing the takedown. From there, he was able to grab top position and in a first for me, secured a "Twister", described by Joe Rogan as a "terrible submission" securing Garcia's head and squeezing on his temple. With just a second left in the 2nd, Garcia tapped, earning Jung the victory.
Next for Jung : Manny Gamburyan.
Next for Garcia : That rematch with Nam Phan.
Honorable Mention : Alex "Bruce LeRoy" Caceres' UFC career is no doubt over after he was dominated and tapped out by Mackens Semerzier at just 3:18 of the first round of his debut. I know Dana White was "rooting" for him on TUF, and the Shaolin outfit he was rocking last night was kind of cool...but his "over the top" style is something that is best suited for WWE.
Overall, 3-1 on the night for my picks. Brings me to a 14-13-1 record for the year. But what's odd is this : I'm just 6-9-1 on PPVs, but I'm 8-4 on free fights.
Bizarre huh?
Get back to me : e-mail me at mmarmaggeddon@gmail.com
Until next time, Fight fans!
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