The MMA Blog for hardcore and casual MMA fans alike. Feel free to voice your opinions on anything posted online. Feedback is welcomed. Comments are invited and all comments will be viewed. Your opinion counts and expect interaction from the team if you communicate with us. Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/toughsparmma or subscribe via email below to have updates sent directly to your inbox. Also download our app on Google Play! -The Tough Spar MMA Team
Pages
Popular Posts
-
Main Card: Georges St-Pierre def. Johny Hendricks via split decision Rashad Evans def. Chael Sonnen via first-round TKO Robbie Lawler def...
Friday, February 28, 2014
UFC 173: Machida Replaces Belfort in Title Fight
There has been a major change to the UFC 173 card as the main event has changed. Due to the recent NSAC changes, UFC Middleweight contender Vitor Belfort has been forced to pull out of his title fight with current Champion Chris Weidman. Vitor Belfort is perhaps the scrutinized TRT user currently signed on the UFC roster despite other big name users also using the testosterone balancing treatment. With Belfort out of the title fight with Weidman, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida has been booked as his replacement to fight for the title.
Lyoto Machida is coming off a close decision victory over former multi-promotion champion, Gegard Mousasi. Machida made his 185 lb debut at the end of 2013 after defeating top ten contender and friend, Mark Munoz. He first decided to drop to middleweight after a highly controversial decision loss to Phil Davis at UFC 163. Many felt that Machida clearly won the fight, but he still fell short on the judges' scorecards.
Lyoto Machida may only sport a 2-0 record in the UFC's Middleweight Division, but he is definitely a worthy and deserving challenger. His two fights at 185 lbs. both earned him post-fight bonuses. He earned KO of the Night over Mark Munoz and Fight of the Night in his most recent bout with Gegard Mousasi. As a Light Heavyweight, Lyoto Machida had a record of 11-4 with all of his wins clear decisions or stoppages. His four losses came by the hands of three current or former UFC champions (Mauricio Rua, Quinton Jackson and Jon Jones) and one top ten contender (Phil Davis). His fights with Mauricio Rua and Jon Jones were stoppages, but his fights with Jackson and Davis could arguably have been wins for Machida.
Machida has an evasive style similar to Anderson Silva, but with a greater emphasis on complete evasiveness and not just head movement. Machida has an unorthodox fighting style that I believe will give Weidman some trouble and make it hard for Weidman to grab a hold of him. If Weidman wants to gain a victory over Machida, He will need to somehow cut off the cage from Machida, grab him and smash him on the ground. I don't see Weidman earning a quick KO over Machida. I feel that Weidman will have to work hard for a win over Machida. He'll be playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse that usually frustrates most of Machida's opponents. Will he be able to retain the title against a man who I feel is a tougher test than Anderson Silva. Only time will tell and I am excited to find out.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
TRT No Longer Allowed in the UFC
It has been announced today that the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) will no longer allow the use of testosterone replacement therapy, commonly known as TRT, to be used in mixed martial arts competitions. The UFC, who promotes many fights in Las Vegas, stands behind the NSAC's decisions and will make TRT banned from all UFC events, even those outside of the state of Nevada.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Dos Santos Wants a Fourth Fight with Cain, Plans Summer Return
Former UFC Champion, Junior dos Santos is expected to make his UFC return sometime in this summer, but there has not been an opponent announced. The UFC offered Alistair Overeem as an opponent for him, but Overeem turned down the fight due to an injury. Junior dos Santos wants to pick up a few more wins so that he can feel that he is truly deserving of a title shot and challenge the current Heavyweight Champion, Cain Velasquez.
GIlbert Melendez Renews UFC Contract Plus More!!!
The UFC has just announced today that former Strikeforce Champion, Gilbert Melendez, will be staying with the UFC after the company has decided to match Bellator MMA's contract offer to the Melendez. Also along with the resigning of the MMA vet, the UFC has decided to give Melendez a coaching spot on the twentieth season of the Ultimate Fighter reality series, which will feature the UFC's introduction to the female Atomweight Division. He will be coaching along side current UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis. After the conclusion of the Ultimate Fighter Finale, the two men will square off against each other for the UFC Lightweight Championship.
This is exciting news for any fan of Gilbert Melendez. Melendez belongs in the UFC amongst the possible competition for him. I feel talking with Bellator was a great idea for Melendez as it led to the UFC matching his deal with Bellator and also giving him a title shot in his next fight. The title fight was a bittersweet announcement as many were looking forward to seeing UFC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo move up to Lightweight to fight Anthony Pettis, but I feel that Melendez is the most deserving challenger in the division. I look forward to seeing how Melendez will handle the unorthodox striking of the champion when they finally clash.
WSOF Canada Results
Ryan Ford def Joel Powell via knockout (Front Kick) in round one
Smealinho Rama def Steve Mocco via unanimous decision
Michael Hill def Ryan Dickson via unanimous decision
Josh Machan def Adam Lorenz via split decision
Brandt Dewsbery def Mark Drummond via rear-naked choke in round one
Preliminary Card:
Will Romero vs. Lenny Wheeler ends in "No Contest" (unintentional foul in round one)
Mike Kent def Matt Baker via split decision
Tim Hague def Lee Mein by technical knockout (Punches) in round one
Owen Carr def Maged Hammo via unanimous decision
Hakeem Dawodu def Behrang Yousefi via knockout (Punch) in round one
Roger Alves def Jemark Brady via unanimous decision
Stuart Fontaine def Justin Evans via technical knockout (Punches) in round one
Sunday, February 23, 2014
UFC 170 Results
Main Card:
Ronda Rousey def. Sara McMann via first-round TKO
Daniel Cormier def. Patrick Cummins via first-round TKO
Rory MacDonald def. Demian Maia via unanimous decision
Mike Pyle def. TJ Waldburger via third-round TKO
Stephen Thompson def. Robert Whittaker via first-round TKO
Preliminary Card:
Alexis Davis def. Jessica Eye via split decision
Raphael Assuncao def. Pedro Munhoz via unanimous decision
Aljamain Sterling def. Cody Gibson via unanimous decision
Zach Makovsky def. Josh Sampo via unanimous decision
Erik Koch def. Rafaello Oliveira via first-round TKO
Ernest Chavez def. Yosdenis Cedeno via split decision
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Cris Cyborg Planning a Drop to Bantamweight, Wants Rousey in December
Invicta FC Featherweight Champion, Cristiane Santos aka Cris Cyborg has recently announced a plan to drop down to 135 lbs this year and already has her sights on a specific opponents. Cyborg says she wants a bout with the current UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion, Ronda Rousey. When the UFC was first introducing the female bantamweight division, the UFC had a super fight between Rousey and Cyborg, but Cyborg said that she couldn't medically make the 135 lb weight requirement. Cyborg Is planning on working with her doctor so that she can make the cut in the healthiest way possible.
A drop to 135 lbs is exciting news for the UFC and WMMA community alike. Not long ago, Cyborg parted ways with her manager and UFC public enemy number one, Tito Ortiz. With Ortiz out of the way, negotiations with the UFC could begin. Dana White was unwilling to sign Cyborg as long as Ortiz was her manager. I think a fight involving Cyborg and Rousey would mean big bucks for the UFC and fireworks for MMA fans. With Rousey scheduled to fight Sarah McMann this weekend, if McMann we're to fail this weekend, Cyborg would be the next biggest threat to Rousey's belt.
Friday, February 21, 2014
UFC 170 Weigh-in Results
Main Card:
Ronda Rousey (135) vs. Sara McMann (135)
Daniel Cormier (205) vs. Patrick Cummins (205)
Rory MacDonald (171) vs. Demian Maia (170)
Mike Pyle (171) vs. T.J. Waldburger (171)
Stephen Thompson (170.5) vs. Robert Whittaker (170)
Preliminary Card:
Alexis Davis (135) vs. Jessica Eye (136)
Raphael Assuncao (136) vs. Pedro Munhoz (135)
Aljamaine Sterling (135.5) vs. Cody Gibson (135.5)
Zach Makovsky (125) vs. Josh Sampo (126)
Erik Koch (155) vs. Rafaello Oliveira (155)
Ernest Chavez (156) vs. Yosdenis Cedeno (155.5)
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Machida Not Opposed to Facing Jacare or Bisping
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Lyoto Machida looked great at UFC Fight Night 36 in Brazil this past weekend against Gegard Mousasi. Though it has come out that Gegard Mousasi landed more strikes than Lyoto Machida, Machida was still able to walk away with the victory. Machida felt that the win over Mousasi was enough to earn him a title shot, but he wouldn't be opposed to taking another fight until he gets the title shot. When speaking of a possible shot or future opponents, he mentioned two names. Those names were "Jacare" Souza and Michael Bisping. Michael Bisping has already signed an agreement to fight Tim Kennedy in a few months, but Jacare who also fought on the same night as Machida hasn't already agreed to face another opponent. Machida and Jacare share a common training partner in former UFC Middleweight Champion, Anderson "the Spider" Silva.
Rashad Evans Undergoing Surgery This Week
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Rashad Evans was forced to pull out of his UFC 170 fight with Daniel Cormier due to a knee injury last week. Evans who was expected to possibly be recover in as little as four weeks, will now have to undergo surgery on his now and could be looking at as long as six months before he is fully recovered.
This is a huge change from what was earlier reported. The UFC even went as far as trying to target the fight on the UFC 172 card in April, but it looks like that will not happen. An injury is definitely a huge set back for the 34-year-old fighter who still has aspirations for being the UFC champion again. Losing months of competition like this again will not help him get to the title. Rashad has all the tools to make it to another title shot, but he needs a few more wins to get there. Had he not gotten injured and he was able to stop Cormier, he would have catapulted back to the top and possibly been facing Jones shortly depending on how well Alexander Gustaffson performs in London next month against Manuwa. I hope that no matter what happens with Cormier as he faces Cummins, that the UFC is able to get this fight rescheduled.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
UFC Fight Night 36: Fight Results
Lyoto Machida def. Gegard Mousasi via unanimous decision
Ronaldo Souza def. Francis Carmont via unanimous decision
Erick Silva def. Takenori Sato via first-round TKO
Nicholas Musoke def. Viscardi Andrade via unanimous decision
Charles Oliveira def. Andy Ogle via submission (triangle choke)
Preliminary Card:
Joe Proctor def. Cristiano Marcello via unanimous decision
Rodrigo Damm def. Ivan Jorge via unanimous decision
Francisco Trinaldo def. Jesse Ronson via split decision
Iuri Alcantara def. Wilson Reis via split decision
Felipe Arantes def. Maximo Blanco via unanimous decision
Ildemar Alcantara def. Albert Tumenov via split decision
Zubaira Tukhugov def. Douglas Silva de Andrade via unanimous decision
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Invicta FC Signs Peggy Morgan and Roxanne Modafferi
All-female MMA promotion, Invicta FC, has added two TUF 18 contestants to its roster as they have signed MMA vet, Roxanne Modafferi and MMA newcomer, Peggy Morgan. Modafferi is known for her overwhelming grappling skills despite starting her martial arts training in karate as a youth. Peggy Morgan is a crisp kickboxer with impressive stand up. Both women made it into the TUF 18 house, but fell short in their first fights inside the house.
I feel that the addition of these two females will make for some interesting matchups in the Invicta Bantamweight Division. It is interesting how in recent months the UFC and Invicta have seen fighters leave one organization for the other. Dana White has great respect for Invicta FC and believes that the two organizations are beneficial to each other and I 100% agree with him. Invicta gives up-and-coming fighters a place to hone their skills while the UFC gives them the spotlight and the opportunity to fight as a career.
CAGE WARRIORS 64: PENNINGTON VS TAIT
Friday, February 14, 2014
Gilbert Melendez Signs with Bellator
It seems that former Strikeforce and WEC Lightweight Champion, Gilbert Melendez has decided take matters into his own hands in regards to his UFC contract issue as he has been signed to Bellator. UFC Lightweight contender Melendez has been battling with the UFC to come to contract agreements for a while now. Michael Chandler the former Bellator Lightweight Champion had already called out the UFC star before anythung was finalized with Bellator. With Melendez signing a multifight contract is is possible that the two of them might clash.
As a die-hard UFC follower I am sad to hear that Melendez will no longer be in the UFC, but I am glad that he is going to Bellator and not a smaller organization. I hate to think of such a great talent like Melendez leaving the UFC over a contract dispute, but I think that he will surely be tested as Bellator has the nest lightweight division outside the UFC. I wish him luck and I hope that we will see him again in the UFC. The UFC still has the ability to match Bellator's offer by way of Gilbert Melendez's current contract under the UFC.
UFC Fight Night 36 Weigh-in Results
Ronaldo Souza (185) vs. Francis Carmont (185)
Erick Silva (170) vs. Takenori Sato (170)
Viscardi Andrade (170) vs. Nicholas Musoke (170)
Charles Oliveira (143) vs. Andy Ogle (146)
Cristiano Marcello (156) vs. Joe Proctor (155)
Rodrigo Damm (156) vs. Ivan Jorge (156)
Francisco Trinaldo (155) vs. Jesse Ronson (156)
Iuri Alcantara (136) vs. Wilson Reis (135)
Felipe Arantes (146) vs. Maximo Blanco (145)
Ildemar Alcantara (171) vs. Albert Tumenov (170)
Douglas Silva de Andrade (145) vs. Zubair Tuhugov (146)
UFC 168: Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate
Chandler Wants Melendez in Bellator
Former Bellator Lightweight Champion, Michael Chandler, has expressed an interest in facing Gilbert Melendez if he jumps the UFC ship and heads over to Bellator MMA. Chandler tweeted:
Seeing this news about @GilbertMelendez has me excited. Who wants to see me welcome him to @BellatorMMA after I beat Eddie?
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 13, 2014
I would be heavily interested in seeing a clash between Chandler and Melendez, but as much as I would love to see this, I'd prefer to see Gilbert stay in the UFC and eventually fight for the belt. If Melendez does decide to leave the UFC I would love to see him face Chandler or Eddie Alvarez for the title. If Melendez were to move to Bellator and beat one or both of these men, it would further solidify his top 5 status in the world at 155 lbs. The Lightweight division is the most talented division in all of MMA and Bellator has the second best Lightweight division after the UFC.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Melendez May Be Leaving the UFC
UFC President Dana White, has publicly come out about the status of former Strikeforce Lightweight Champion Gilbert Melendez and his relationship with the UFC. White has stated that he has a good relationship Gilbert Melendez, but is frustrated with the management team of Melendez. White says that Melendez may need to start looking at other organizations for employment hinting at fhe fact that he might not get re-signed by the UFC. Melendez's last fight with the UFC and Zuffa on his contract was against Diego Sanchez at UFC 166 in Houston, Texas.
I really hope that Melendez is able to come to terms with the UFC so that we can continue to seem him fight amongst the best fighters in the world in his weight class. Melendez has the potential to be the UFC Lightweight Champion and some feel that he should've been the current UFC Lightweight Champion as some felt he beat Henderson when they squared off for the title. Melendez is a real gem in the UFC and represents the best of the best at 155 lbs.
The UFC Just May Get Another High Level Strawweight
Very soon we will be seeing 115 lb female Strawweights inside the Octagon. The UFC has already acquired a who's-who of competitors in the UFC's coming strawweight division. The show will introduce us to the division by putting together the first season of the Ultimate Fighter that will include and all female cast of competitors featuring some of Invicta FC's biggest names including current Invicta Strawweight Champion, Carla Esparza. The women on the show will compete until there are two women left to square off for the inaugural UFC Strawweight Championship at the finale. Now it seems that another big name from Invicta may be joining the cast as well.
Former Invicta Atomweight Champion, Jessica Penne (11-2) has expressed interest in moving up a weight class to try out for the 20th season of the Ultimate Fighter. Penne defeated Naho Sugiyama at Invicta FC 3 in order earn the Invicta Atomweight title, but lost the title to Michelle Waterson at Invicta FC 5. Penne recovered from that loss by defeating Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc at Invicta FC 6 by securing a first round rear-naked choke.
New Partnership Announcement!
Tough Spar MMA is proud to announce that we have a new partner in the world as we have teamed up with Richards MMA from all the way across the pond! Be sure to visit Richards MMA for all of your up-to-the-minute news, fight previews and reviews. We would also like to welcome Jack Richards to our team of content creators. We are excited to have him and the talent that he brings on board. Be sure to look out for insightful articles from Jack and Richards MMA on the Tough Spar MMA site.
Confirmed: Daniel Cormier WILL fight at UFC 170
UFC 173 Update: Chael Sonnen vs. Wanderlei Silva Rescheduled
Overeem Not Ready for JDS
It has been reported that former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem has turned down a fight with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos, who is expected to return sometime in May of this year. Overeem and JDS we're originally scheduled to fight for Dos Santos' belt at after Overeem overwhelmed Brock Lesner in their clash for the number one contender spot. The fight was later scrapped, when Overeem was suspended for the use of PEDs following his fight with Lesner. This time around the fight may not occur due to an injury that Overeem is claiming to claiming to have.
Overeem says that an injury is keeping him from facing Junior Dos Santos and many believe that he is just scared of JDS. I believe the injury is legitimate considering Overeem's toughness. Overeem has no reason to run from JDS. Overeem has faced some of the toughest guys in the world in his MMA career as well as his kickboxing career. I really hope that this fight can come together sometime soon because I believe that it is the biggest fight that the UFC has available with the champ Cain Velasquez out due to a shoulder injury. The fight would be perhaps one of the biggest fights between two strikers in the UFC Heavyweight division. It would pit JDS's pure power boxing against Overeem's many striking tools.
Overeem has more tools at his disposal in the striking and clinch game, but I give the greater KO power to Junior Dos Santos. This is a dream fight for the fans as long as Overeem doesn't go out there to "not lose" and pressures Dos Santos.
UFC 170: Rashad Evans Out of Cormier Fight Due to Injury
Fox Sports Analyst and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Rashad Evans has fallen to injury this week and will not be able to compete in a contest with Daniel Cormier next weekend at UFC 170. The UFC has decided to do away with the bout for now. It is rumored that the UFC may possibly be targeting the bout for UFC 172 if Evans is healthy.
In the meantime, Daniel Cormier has took to Twitter to ask for possible replacement opponents calling out Chael Sonnen and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. He has also asked to maybe take a fight at heavyweight. Both men already have opponents in the next few months, but Sonnen replied saying that he was up for filling in for Evans. It is unlikely that the UFC will book a replacement opponent on such short notice with UFC 170 right around the corner, a little over a week away.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
UFC Introduces Performance of the Night Award
The UFC has announced that they will be putting a new post-fight bonus into play for all future UFC events. To those of you who are new in the MMA/UFC community, the at the end of each UFC event fighters from that are night who compete are eligible for three separate post-fight bonuses of $50,000. The three categories are Fight of the Night, Knockout of the Night and Submission of the Night.
Fight of the Night goes to the participants of the most entertaining fight from that particular event. The two fighters that put on the most exciting contest both receive the post-fight bonus. The Knockout of the Night bonus goes to the individual who delivers the best KO/TKO of the night. Like the Knockout of the Night award, Submission of the Night will go to the person who locks in the best submission of the night.
The UFC has decided to do away with the Knockout and Submission of the Night bonuses and replace them with the Performance of the Night award which will go to the individual who had the best individual performance of the night.
I think that this is certainly a great move on the UFC's part in awarding the best performance of the night. I like all fight fans like a knockout every so often, but sometimes a fighter may not score a KO or submission, but simply outclasses their opponent in such a dominant fashion that deserves recognition.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
UFC Abu Dhabi: Headlined by Nogueira vs. Nelson
On April 11th the UFC will be heading to Abu Dhabi for the second time in its 20 year existence. It has been made official that the UFC will have heavyweights Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira and Roy Nelson square off as the headlining fight for UFC Fight Night 39.
Sarah Kaufman Returns to Action in Quebec
UFC Bantamweight star, Sarah Kaufman was last seen in the Octagon at UFC 166 in Houston. Kaufman met Jessica "Evil" Eye in a slufest on the preliminary card on Fox Sports 1. The two went at it for fifteen minutes with a controversial decision victory giving Eye the win despite what seemed like an obvious win Kaufman. The decision victory was then overturned recently two a no contest after Eye failed a drug test and tested positive for marijuana.
Now Kaufman will have the opportunity to prove herself in the cageagain against WMMA vet and recent TUF 18 contestant, Shana Baszler. The two on will clash at the UFC TUF Nations Finale in Quebec, Canada.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Khabib Nurmagomedov Finally Has an Opponent
After hearing that the news of a possible Gilbert Melendez and Khabib Nurmagomedov showdown being pulled from UFC 170, the MMA community has been waiting around for a while now to get a replacement for Melendez. It has been announced that Rafael dos Anjos has been scheduled to face Nurmagomedov at UFC on Fox 11.
Aldo/Pettis Could Be on the Horizon
It appears that UFC President Dana White is getting closer to putting together a clash between current UFC Champions Jose Aldo and Anthony Pettis. Jose Aldo is the current Featherweight Champion (145 lbs) and Anthony Pettis is the current Lightweight Champion (155 lbs). Earlier this week, it was revealed that both champions were not able to come to an agreement as to which weight class the fight was going to take place. Neither man wanted to go to the other man's weight class. Aldo's camp insisted on meeting in the middle at 150 lbs, but Aldo's camp only wanted to meet at 155lbs and if the fight couldn't happen at Lightweight, Pettis would move on. With White's intervention it looks like the fight will be occurring at 155lbs with Aldo moving up in weight to fight Pettis. If the fight goes through, Aldo will have to vacate his title, but if Aldo loses to Pettis he will be granted an immediate rematch against whoever picks up his vacant title. Dana White is thinking that a match between Cub Swanson and Chad Mendes would make for the best match for the vacant title.
Machida May Get Weidman/Belfort Winner
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Cerrone and Barboza Set for Battle
Two of the UFC's best finishers in the Lightweight division have agreed to go to war at UFC on Fox 11. Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone and Edson Barboza will be having what will likely be a stand-up war.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
UFC 172: Official Fight Card as of 2/4/14
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones will be defending his championship for the seventh time against Brazilian striking standout Glover Teixeira on April 26th in Baltimore, Maryland. If you haven't checked out the official fight card recently below we have the up-to-date fight card. Fight order is not final.
Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira
Anthony Johnson vs. Phil Davis
Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine
Luke Rockhold vs. Tim Boetsch
Joseph Benavidez vs. Tim Elliott
Joe Ellenberger vs. Yancy Medeiros
Max Holloway vs. Andre Fili
Bethe Correia vs. Jessamyn Duke
Jones and Weidman Both Interested in Super Fight
It seems that current UFC Champions Jon Jones and Chris Weidman both share an interest in competing with one another in a potential super fight. Before you quote us in saying that this is going to happen soon, please realize that the two only share an interest and have not made steps towards trying to make this fight happen.
Both men share a sudden meteoric rise to stardom on their way to becoming champions. Both men are strong offensive and defensive wrestlers who also have the ability to strike with guys who are considered to have better stand up skills. This would be an interesting fight if it were to occur down the road after Weidman has at least 3 to 4 more title defense under his belt and both men are still champions a few years from now. Now just wouldn't be the time for this fight to occur. Had Silva not lost the UFC title at UFC 162 or possibly regained it at UFC 168, the Silva Jones fight would have been perfect.
UFC 170: Daniel Cormier Update
UFC 169: Event Recap
Last night was not one of the best cards that the UFC has put on in recent years. It was a night that went to many decisions and didn't really leave me impressed. As an avid fight fan and blogger it is mandatory that I watch the fight, but I had determined that I wasn't going to watch the fight at all because I had a feeling that it wasn't going to be pleasing. I'll be completely honest and say that I am not a fan whatsoever of the UFC's Bantamweight division and had no interest in watching Faber fight and come up short for the third time for the belt. Contrary to how I felt about the event, I felt obligated to watch anyways as I haven't missed a PPV fight that I was home for in quite some time.
Let's begin with the Fox Sports 1 Prelims:
The first bout on the Fox Sports 1 card was perhaps one of my favorite fights on the card as it had two young guns in the UFC's Lightweight Division squaring off against one another. The two young men went toe to toe with each other with great technical striking. Al Iaquinta was almost submitted with a tight choke from Lee, but managed to escape and win a close, but obvious unanimous decision victory.
The only other fight that stood out on the card was another Lightweight bout between Tristar Gym's John Makdessi and Brazilian Alan Patrick. It was a fight that pitted a lengthy grappler in Patrick and a stout striker in Makdessi. It was a bout that saw Makdessi get work his way through Patrick's reach and close the distance. It was a fight in which you could give the first round to Patrick, but the last two rounds were definitely Makdessi's rounds. After the fight went the distance, somehow the judges gave probably the worst decision since Phil Davis being granted the decision win over Lyoto Machida at UFC 163. It was TERRIBLE judging of a clear-cut decision that really should have went to Makdessi.
The final results for the prelims are as follows:
The next fight was the first of the two title fights scheduled for the night. Jose Aldo was slated to compete against Ricardo Lamas for the UFC Featherweight Championship. Aldo did what he does best. He brilliantly counter-struck Lamas for five rounds. It's that simple and doesn't really require much of an elaborate paragraph on what occurred. It won't be a fight that most people remember as the next Melendez-Sanchez, but if you enjoy watching a champion take no damage and outclass an opponent like I do, then this was your kind of fight. Aldo destroyed Lamas with the leg kicks that he was unable to deliver to Korean Zombie due to the broken foot he sustained in the first round of his fight at UFC 163. As a huge fan of Jose Aldo's leg kick's I was pleased with his performance. His approach to the fight was cautious, but still interesting. Aldo used all of his skills to avoid many takedowns and didn't give up a single round. Hopefully Dana White puts together the fight between Aldo and Pettis that he had hinted at not long ago.
The main event was very anti climactic as former WEC Featherweight Champion Urijah Faber and UFC Bantamweight Champion Renan Barao. The fight only lasted for one round and was stopped prematurely by referee Herb Dean. The fight was stopped after Faber had been rocked by a beautiful punch thrown by Barao sent Faber to the mat. Barao rushed in to put the nail in the coffin for the victory, but Faber was able to grab a hold of Barao's leg with his right hand and defend punches with his left hand. Faber also threw up a thumbs up to show that he was okay. It is hard to determine whether or not Dean could see the thumbs up. As a man who is tired of watching Urijah Faber fall short in title fights since losing his WEC crown to Brown (see WEC 41, WEC 48, UFC 132 and UFC 149) I can honestly say that Faber didn't truly lose this fight. Herb Dean is an excellent referee, but he stopped the fight too early. Even though I don't want to see Faber fight the belt again in a way I feel that a rematch could be justified.
Thoughts?