The last time the UFC provided a free "On Versus" card, we were treated to a memorable knockdown (and subsequent recovery) by one Chieck Kongo in their first foray into Pittsburgh. And while this live on Versus card didn't provide us with that much excitement, it did however provide an entertaining night highlighted by a stellar main card.
In the main event, Embattled Brit Dan Hardy took on American Chris Lytle. For Lytle, who announced during the weigh-ins on Saturday this would be his last fight be it win or lose, it would be the last time the Firefighter by trade and known in MMA circles as "Lights Out" would stand in the cage of competition, and he did not disappoint.
The first 10 minutes were dominated by Lytle, as he peppered the Nottingham, England native known as "The Outlaw" with numerous combinations, coaxing Hardy into nothing more than an glorified boxing contest. His shots to the midsection were precise and on target, and while Hardy managed to put Lytle in a awful predicament in the middle stanza, his trademark mohawk (which was dyed a bright orange) looked deflated, his face pale in exhaustion. With 5 minutes left to go in his career, Lytle kept throwing in the pocket with hooks and leg kicks to the midsection, Hardy doing nothing more than standing in front of the American taking shots to the chin both left and right. The Brit pushed the pace with about a minute left, and even after saying he'd stay standing, threw a wild combo and went for a desperate takedown. He unfortunately, fell prone to Lytle's guillotine, and made Hardy tap with 50 seconds left in the 3rd round.
Next for Lytle : Going home with his family, collecting his paycheque with the fire department for the next 15-20 years and retiring. Perhaps becoming a fire chief.
Next for Hardy : He's lost 4 in a row and would be gone if it hadn't been for the fact he's popular. Perhaps a fight with Charlie Brennerman.
The Co-main event featured top contender Jim Miller and former WEC lightweight champion "Bend it like" Ben Henderson to determine who's really a contender and a pretender. Through the first round, Miller looked to be just that, as he was dominating in the clinch and had Henderson in several predicaments, including a standing arm triangle with a body scissors and a kimura. Through both however, the man known for his long hair and god willing speeches calmly got through, and while the round was close, I gave it to Bendo 10-9. The next 10 minutes however were a testament to how powerful and durable Henderson truly is, using his clinch and ground and pound with several leg trips, elbowing and punching while Miller went desperately for heel hooks after leg locks. By the time the final bell rang, Henderson had his hand raised and left Miller a bloody mess, winning by unanimous decision by scores of 29-28, 30-27 and 30-26.
Next for Miller : first time he's lost to somebody not named Edgar or Maynard. Throw him in there with Donald Cerrone or the winner of Anthony Pettis and Jeremy Stephens.
Next for Henderson : I clearly have said it time and again I believe he is the best lightweight in the world right now, though he doesn't have a belt. He might only be one more fight from a title shot too, and I expect him to prove it against either Clay Guida or Melvin Guillard.
Honorable Mention : Its fitting that Lytle capped off his career with a submission. The man who's tied with Anderson Silva for most "...Of the night" bonuses with 8 wanted to be remembered, and a guillotine will clearly do that for you. Also, Ed Herman's knee bar on Kyle Kote was worth watching the prelims. Henderson might have been the most notable WEC alum making a statement with his victory over Miller, but he wasn't the only one. Donald Cerrone fought noted Brazilian prodigy Charles Oliveria, and dominated him via TKO. With the victory, he's now won 4 in a row dating back to his days in WEC, with his last loss being against Henderson. Smell trilogy anyone?
I went 2-0 on my picks for the night too, which brings me to 35-21-2 for the year. 60% overall isn't bad. Its not great, but its not bad. Plus, Rio is in 2 weeks.
Leave a comment at the bottom of the page or email me at mmarmaggeddon@gmail.com you can also follow me on twitter (like the Bellator girls do) at twitter.com/mmarmggedon.
Until next time, fight fans!
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