What a night!
Bantamweights: Mike Easton defeated Ivan Menjvar by unanimous decision…I was slightly bored for a while, and it was obvious who won the fight. I expect to see Mike Easton as an up and coming fighter.
Featherweights: Chad Mendes defeated Cody McKenzie via TKO (punches)…quick fight! Cody McKenzie to me looked like he needs to bulk up a little more, he just seemed weak and I somewhat expected more from him.
Welterweights: Demian Maia defeated Dong Hyun Kim via TKO (painful looking injury)…that was a painful looking knock-out…the way Kim landed on the mat (almost face first into the fence) and got his rib(s) injured in the process made this fight end quickly. Even Maia said he thinks that Kim landed funny!
Middleweights: Cung Le defeated Patrick Cote via unanimous decision…for a 40 year old to fight for 15 minutes, props! This was the bloodiest fight of the night (on the main card, in my opinion).
Light Heavyweight: Forrest Griffin defeated Tito Ortiz via unanimous decision…Tito Ortiz, hall of famer, who went from glory days to almost washed up, made a comeback and then, unfortunately, RETIRED with a loss, but, he made the fight go the distance and ROCKED Forrest multiple times! I think if Ortiz had taken advantage of the moments where Forrest was stumbling/had been rocked pretty hard quick enough, maybe the odds would’ve been more in Ortiz’s favor. I think that Forrest storming out of the Octagon after the 3rd round was really unprofessional of him, but, I’m glad he came back and paid his respects to Tito Ortiz.
Middleweights: Anderson Silva defeated Chael Sonnen via TKO (strikes)…I was so nervous for this fight. The moment I’ve been waiting almost 2 years for finally was here. Chael wasted no time in getting Anderson to the ground for some ground and pound, but I wished that Chael had thrown more hard hitting and destructive blows while he had control and opportunity to do so, to set Anderson back, or even knock him out! Anderson wasn’t even phased, which was crazy. Anderson got to Chael in the second round, and Chael staying on the ground rather than getting up quickly was what led to the knock-out, otherwise, I feel that this fight would’ve gone on longer, and maybe we would’ve seen a new middleweight champion of the world. But for now, Anderson remains the best in the world, and there’s no denying that. I don’t know how many fights Anderson has left, cause no one can beat him. (So, although, this was the only rematch that we’ve wanted to see Anderson in, Chael can still be considered one of the best and has had Anderson on his back for now, 5 rounds).
I think once Anderson retires (which will probably be in the foreseeable future, still undefeated), Dana will pick contenders whom he thinks should become the new middleweight champion of the world, and whomever wins, has the belt until he is challenged in the next title fight.
I’d like to see Chael Sonnen contend for the belt, he still has a good amount of time in the UFC. Also, I admire the professionalism of Anderson Silva at the post-fight interview in the Octagon, making peace with Chael and encouraging his fans to do the same. BBQ at the spider’s house! Chael is VIP!
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