The UFC on Versus Prelims delivered in a huge way, and the best part was that they were all streamed for free on Facebook (which means I actually got to see them all, hence this seperate in-depth recap). There were ups and downs, and downs and outs so lets get right down to it.
Tyson Griffin def Manny Gamburyan via Decision (Majority)
What happened: After a shaky first round that had Gamburyan playing the aggressor, Griffin put in work for two rounds using leg kicks and superior defensive wrestling to take a close decision.
Thoughts: Griffin looked decent in his return to featherweight, though he didn't make any significant waves with the performance. However, Gamburyan's a tough fight for most guys at 145, so I can't knock Griffin too much for it. Gamburyan's style of throwing mostly haymakers standing is really wearing thin, and he needs to learn to strike to set up clinches and takedowns if he wants to be more effective.
Next for Griffin: Considering he made his UFC featherweight debut against a man whose previous fight was a title shot against Jose Aldo, I figure Griffin will be placed firmly in the mix. He should get the loser of the upcoming Chad Mendez/Rani Yahya bout or the up-and-coming Dustin Poirer.
Next for Gamburyan: Gamburyan, as solid as he has proven to be at 145, needs a step down. After dropping 2 straight, a fight with Josh Grispi would determine who belongs.
Javier Vazquez def Joe Stevenson via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Stevenson just couldn't get anything going, as he was taken down early in the fight, and out-boxed later in the fight. Stevenson also showed a puzzling lack of urgency in the final round, and was content to dance around making faces at a tired Vazquez instead of going for the gusto.
Thoughts: It's sad to see, but Stevenson just doesn't have it anymore. It seems as if just overnight he turned from a solid gatekeeper at 155 to a lethargic and uninspired shell of his former self. He's been in the game for a long time, and maybe it all just caught up to him. In this fight with Vazquez he just didn't look like he wanted to be there, and managed to actually look lethargic without being tired.
Next for Vazquez: Because of injuries his best days are behind him, and he showed issues with cardio later in the fight, but Vazquez is still a solid competitor. A wrestler like Darren Elkins or Gamburyan should be on tap for him next.
Next for Stevenson: I'm fairly sure he'll be cut after his 4th consecutive loss, but if he isn't, Michihiro Omigawa may be a good match up for him.
Joe Lauzon def Curt Warburton via Submission (Kimura), Rd 1
What happened: For the first minute or so it appeared Lauzon was having trouble finding his range, then he found it in an instant, wobbling Warburton with a right and dropping him with a followup left. Always conscious of submission opportunities, Lauzon saw an opening whilst pounding away and quickly locked on a picture-perfect kimura and coaxing a tap just shy of 2 minutes in.
Thoughts: When Lauzon can find his groove early he looks like an unstoppable force, but it's when he's taken deeper into the fight that the pace he runs causes his cardio to betray him. He's looked fantastic in bouts against Warburton and Gabe Ruediger, but one can't forget his lackluster showings against Sam Stout and George Sotiropoulos, where poor cardio led to lethargic performances, and ultimately, losses.
Next for Lauzon: He claims he's now hitting his prime, and if this performance was an indicator then he's on his way to big things; but he'll need to prove it as he's shown to be inconsistent. I would love to see a rematch between Lauzon and Jeremy Stephens, but otherwise I think he should get the loser of Melvin Guillard/Shane Roller.
Next for Warburton: Honestly, I don't know much about Warburton, so he'll probably be put against someone else I don't know much about or a debuting prospect.
Rich Attonito def Daniel Roberts via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Attonito showed sharp boxing and good defensive wrestling in picking apart Roberts over 3 rounds. He nearly finished a gassed Roberts late in the fight with a headkick and punches, but Roberts showed that what he lacks in stand up and cardio, he has in heart.
Thoughts: Attonito looked good, not overly impressive, but he's making improvements in his game and looked good in his debut at 170. Roberts turns in yet another disappointing performance where his striking, though improving, is still rudimentary and lacks technique, and his cardio is troubling. He was practically a zombie for much of the third round and just took shots while backing up. One point of concern is his insistence on executing explosive, lunging strikes even when he's already tired. Those techniques take significantly more energy than standard strikes, and it's not smart to continue doing them when you're already low on gas.
Next for Attonito: A solid showing at 170 nets a step up in competition. Claude Patrick could be next for Attonito.
Next for Roberts: If he doesn't get cut following this loss, James Wilkes would make for an interesting fight.
Charles Oliveira def Nik Lentz via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 2
What happened: After one of the best first rounds in recent memory in which Oliveira got the better of Lentz standing up, and went for submissions aplenty on the ground, an amazing fight was tainted by an errant illegal knee by Oliveira, directly leading to his submission victory.
Thoughts: This really was a tragic outcome. Oliveira looked great standing up and on the ground, and was surely well on his way to winning the fight (fairly) until he threw a blatant illegal knee to the head of a downed Lentz, hurting him badly and allowing Oliveira to finish. Oliveira was very apologetic and insisted that it was accidental, but most of the blame falls on the referee, who was standing right in front of the action and had no reaction to the illegal move. Oliveira looked fantastic, and Lentz didn't look to bad either, but I wouldn't be surprised if this fight is ruled a no contest after it is reviewed by the commission.
Next for Oliveira: If the fight is ruled a no contest, a rematch should be in order. Hell, even if it isn't I still think there should be a rematch. If not, Oliveira should get the winner of George Sotiropoulos/Rafael dos Anjos.
Next for Lentz: Win or lose, you can't deny Lentz was impressive in running up a 5-0-1 record in his first 6 UFC bouts, and you have to respect his work ethic and humble demeanor. If a rematch with Oliveira doesn't happen, he should take on the loser of Sotiropoulos/dos Anjos, and if he wins he should get off the prelims.
Ricardo Lamas def Matt Grice via TKO (Head Kick and Punches), Rd 1
What happened: A fairly even fight, with Lamas having a slight edge standing, until he blasted Grice with a headkick. Grice tried as best he could to stay in the fight, but follow-up punches sealed the deal.
Thoughts: Both fighters looked fairly solid up until the end, with Lamas proving to be the superior stand up fighter. Grice is now 1-4 in the UFC and may face termination, but Lamas should be a nice addition to the 145 lb weight class.
Next for Lamas: Perhaps Javier Vazquez, what with Lamas' wrestling background.
Next for Grice: A pink slip. Or Joe Stevenson, for a pink slip.
Michael Johnson def Edward Faaloloto via TKO (Punches), Rd 1
What happened: Faaloloto looked good early, showing a lot of aggression and landing some good strikes, but that pace seemed to take its toll on him, as he quickly slowed down. Johnson took full advantage of this, showing off his improved striking and scoring the TKO>
Thoughts: For a second it looked as if Faaloloto might pull off a mild upset, but his cardio betrayed him. Johnson made some nice improvements, and they carried him to an impressive victory. He's still got some things to fix, such as his clinch work and striking defense, but he's making progress.
Next for Johnson: No idea where he goes from here, that's what Joe Silva is for.
Next for Faaloloto: If he sticks around, give him Warburton.
Monday, June 27, 2011
UFC on Versus 4 Recap: The Main Card
One of the best UFC events of 2011 saw everything from improbable finishes to controversial ones. Even with several spots of questionable refereeing, the quality of action was enough to allow UFC on Versus 3 to shine. Here is my recap of the main card.
Chieck Kongo def Patrick Barry via KO (Punch), Rd 1
What happened: After a short feeling out process, Barry got off to an incredible start, dropping Kongo and almost finishing him twice. But just as it seemed the end was on hand Kongo, wobbly legs and all, unleashed a right hook behind the ear and a follow up right uppercut that shut Barry's lights off immediately. It was a comeback from the brink so sudden you really could miss it if you blinked.
Thoughts: People are quick to be high on Kongo for this victory, and they should be, but the also must remember that Barry very well could have finished him. Kongo's lack of defense may not do him any favors against other hard hitters. Still, he showed explosive punching power while still visibly rocked, which is very impressive. Barry's only obvious mistake is that he maybe underestimated how gone Kongo really was.
Next for Kongo: Immediately after the KO, my mind went right to Shane Carwin. Carwin may be a former title challenger, but with 2 straight losses, he needs to face a middle of the pack guy like Kongo to prove he still belongs in there. He may also be a nice step up in competition for Matt Mitrione.
Next for Barry: Barry's career is still pretty young, and he has alternated wins and losses in 6 UFC appearances. Right now I think he's in a similar place as Stefan Struve in the division, and this would make for a hell of a fight. If not, I think he'd also make fireworks with Roy Nelson, who is in need of a win.
Charlie Brenneman def Rick Story via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Brenneman, to the surprise of many, out-wrestled and out-worked Story for 2 rounds before surviving a rough 3rd round, where Story threatened with a pair of tight triangle chokes. Story looked strong in the 3rd but failed to finish.
Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Story was on the verge of title contention, and would have likely gotten it with a win over Nate Marquardt, who was making his debut at 170. Nate fails to get medically cleared and is dropped from the fight (and the UFC) and Brenneman fills in. Brenneman was viewed as a much easier fight than Nate, and Story was expected to deal with him fairly easily, but it didn't happen that way. Brenneman showed superior wrestling and positioning, stole the first 2 rounds, and survived the 3rd. Many say Story may have been over-trained, having fought just 3 weeks prior, winning a decision of Thiago Alves, but I just think he was handled by a better wrestler. In some way I felt it to be poetic justice, as now Story knows what it's like to be held down and stifled long enough to win a decision.
Next for Brenneman: With the win Brenneman moves significantly up the latter, and figures to usurp Story's spot in the division. He should face the winner of Carlos Condit/Dong Hyun Kim, or maybe a returning Jon Fitch.
Next for Story: A major setback for Story, but it shouldn't set him back too far in the ranks. He could square off against the loser of Condit/Kim or the winner of Sanchez/Hughes.
Matt Brown def John Howard via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Brown simply out-worked Howard, showing much improved wrestling and submission defense, and choosing the right moments to come alive standing up.
Thoughts: This fight shows how good Brown can be if he fights smart. He didn't just go out there, try to kill his opponent, and get subbed. He kept his striking sharp, forced Howard to shoot, defended the takedowns, and became aggressive once he felt Howard tiring. It was a nice display of strategy from a normally reckless fighter. Howard may have done well to stick throwing hard leg kicks instead of working so hard for takedowns and tiring himself out, but I figure he had a reason for doing so, and Joe Rogan made it sound like a bigger issue than it probably was.
Next for Brown: An impressive win for Brown, but I don't think he should advance too much just yet. The winner of Brian Ebersole/Dennis Hallman will do.
Next for Howard: Assuming he and Daniel Roberts keep their jobs, they should fight a "loser leaves town" rematch next. If Roberts is gone, re-book Martin Kampmann.
Matt Mitrione def Christian Morecraft via KO (Punches), Rd 2
What happened: It was all Mitrione from the opening bell. Save for a couple takedowns for Morecraft and an ill-timed stand up by the ref, this fight was about Mitrione using smooth striking and hand speed to pick Morecraft apart before scoring a pimp-esque walk away knockout from a flurry of punches standing up.
Thoughts: Mitrione just keeps looking better and better. His speed and fluidity are rare things to see in such a big heavyweight, and his calm, loose demeanor are a rarity in any weight class. Morecraft was game but ultimately outgunned in this one. It would have been great to see how far Mitrione would go if he came into the game at a younger age.
Next for Mitrione: at 5-0 in the UFC (and his career), Mitrione may be still relatively new, but has earned a step up in competition. Chieck Kongo or maybe even Roy Nelson could be in the cards for him.
Next for Morecraft: Morecraft has shown to be a big strong man who can't cut it with the upper-mid level guys in the UFC. He should face the loser of the upcoming Ben Rothwell/Mark Hunt match up.
Chieck Kongo def Patrick Barry via KO (Punch), Rd 1
What happened: After a short feeling out process, Barry got off to an incredible start, dropping Kongo and almost finishing him twice. But just as it seemed the end was on hand Kongo, wobbly legs and all, unleashed a right hook behind the ear and a follow up right uppercut that shut Barry's lights off immediately. It was a comeback from the brink so sudden you really could miss it if you blinked.
Thoughts: People are quick to be high on Kongo for this victory, and they should be, but the also must remember that Barry very well could have finished him. Kongo's lack of defense may not do him any favors against other hard hitters. Still, he showed explosive punching power while still visibly rocked, which is very impressive. Barry's only obvious mistake is that he maybe underestimated how gone Kongo really was.
Next for Kongo: Immediately after the KO, my mind went right to Shane Carwin. Carwin may be a former title challenger, but with 2 straight losses, he needs to face a middle of the pack guy like Kongo to prove he still belongs in there. He may also be a nice step up in competition for Matt Mitrione.
Next for Barry: Barry's career is still pretty young, and he has alternated wins and losses in 6 UFC appearances. Right now I think he's in a similar place as Stefan Struve in the division, and this would make for a hell of a fight. If not, I think he'd also make fireworks with Roy Nelson, who is in need of a win.
Charlie Brenneman def Rick Story via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Brenneman, to the surprise of many, out-wrestled and out-worked Story for 2 rounds before surviving a rough 3rd round, where Story threatened with a pair of tight triangle chokes. Story looked strong in the 3rd but failed to finish.
Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Story was on the verge of title contention, and would have likely gotten it with a win over Nate Marquardt, who was making his debut at 170. Nate fails to get medically cleared and is dropped from the fight (and the UFC) and Brenneman fills in. Brenneman was viewed as a much easier fight than Nate, and Story was expected to deal with him fairly easily, but it didn't happen that way. Brenneman showed superior wrestling and positioning, stole the first 2 rounds, and survived the 3rd. Many say Story may have been over-trained, having fought just 3 weeks prior, winning a decision of Thiago Alves, but I just think he was handled by a better wrestler. In some way I felt it to be poetic justice, as now Story knows what it's like to be held down and stifled long enough to win a decision.
Next for Brenneman: With the win Brenneman moves significantly up the latter, and figures to usurp Story's spot in the division. He should face the winner of Carlos Condit/Dong Hyun Kim, or maybe a returning Jon Fitch.
Next for Story: A major setback for Story, but it shouldn't set him back too far in the ranks. He could square off against the loser of Condit/Kim or the winner of Sanchez/Hughes.
Matt Brown def John Howard via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Brown simply out-worked Howard, showing much improved wrestling and submission defense, and choosing the right moments to come alive standing up.
Thoughts: This fight shows how good Brown can be if he fights smart. He didn't just go out there, try to kill his opponent, and get subbed. He kept his striking sharp, forced Howard to shoot, defended the takedowns, and became aggressive once he felt Howard tiring. It was a nice display of strategy from a normally reckless fighter. Howard may have done well to stick throwing hard leg kicks instead of working so hard for takedowns and tiring himself out, but I figure he had a reason for doing so, and Joe Rogan made it sound like a bigger issue than it probably was.
Next for Brown: An impressive win for Brown, but I don't think he should advance too much just yet. The winner of Brian Ebersole/Dennis Hallman will do.
Next for Howard: Assuming he and Daniel Roberts keep their jobs, they should fight a "loser leaves town" rematch next. If Roberts is gone, re-book Martin Kampmann.
Matt Mitrione def Christian Morecraft via KO (Punches), Rd 2
What happened: It was all Mitrione from the opening bell. Save for a couple takedowns for Morecraft and an ill-timed stand up by the ref, this fight was about Mitrione using smooth striking and hand speed to pick Morecraft apart before scoring a pimp-esque walk away knockout from a flurry of punches standing up.
Thoughts: Mitrione just keeps looking better and better. His speed and fluidity are rare things to see in such a big heavyweight, and his calm, loose demeanor are a rarity in any weight class. Morecraft was game but ultimately outgunned in this one. It would have been great to see how far Mitrione would go if he came into the game at a younger age.
Next for Mitrione: at 5-0 in the UFC (and his career), Mitrione may be still relatively new, but has earned a step up in competition. Chieck Kongo or maybe even Roy Nelson could be in the cards for him.
Next for Morecraft: Morecraft has shown to be a big strong man who can't cut it with the upper-mid level guys in the UFC. He should face the loser of the upcoming Ben Rothwell/Mark Hunt match up.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Strikeforce: Overeem vs Werdum Re-cap
It's been a very long time since my last post, but hopefully now that I have a bit more free time on my hands I can get back to posting on here more frequently after events. Without further ado, let's get to it!
Alistair Overeem def. Fabricio Werdum via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Overeem shut down Werdum's countless attempts to drag the fight to the ground, while getting a few shots in during the brief standing exchanges for the first 2 rounds. In round 3 Werdum became desperate, charging forward with sloppy striking that actually found its mark on several occasions, but nonetheless put Overeem in no danger. Overeem appeared to be in control most of the fight, thus taking home 30-27s on every scorecard.
Thoughts: Anderson Silva vs Thales Leites all over again. I expected Overeem to easily keep the fight standing and score a stoppage due to strikes in the 2nd round, but Werdum proved more slippery than I thought. This was a good fight for supporters and detractors of Overeem to see, since he's only been out of the first round once since bulking up dramatically and tearing through 10 opponents. Overeem has never been a well of good cardio, and in this fight he slowed down considerably by the third round. Official stats had Werdum landing more shots and winning the fight, and while it was clear he did land more strikes, this fight proved why stats are insufficient for sole use in judging fights. Werdum may have landed more, but his strikes were sloppy and lacked technique and power. Overeem on the other hand landed with less frequency, but with more accuracy and power. Moreover, Werdum's constant flopping and failed takedown attempts only served to make Overeem look like he was in control of the fight, and even more dominant than he really was, hence the 30-27s. Disappointing performances by both men, and one has to figure that Overeem's in particular gave Antonio Silva much more confidence heading into their fight.
Next for Overeem: He draws Antonio Silva in the 2nd semifinal matchup. Overeem will need to work on his cardio and defense, or Bigfoot may walk away with the upset, as he is potentially a considerably tougher fight than Werdum.
Next for Werdum: One can't fault Werdum too much for trying to get the fight to his domain, but he should know by now that constant flopping and begging rarely works against an opponent who is simply unwilling to go to the ground. This fight showed that perhaps his win over Fedor Emelianenko wasn't so much an indicator that he is a top heavyweight. A rematch against Andrei Arlovski, who has a decision victory over Werdum, will show where he really fits in the div. The loser of Kharitonov vs Barnett would also make for an entertaining fights.
Josh Barnett def Brett Rogers via Submission (Arm Triangle), Rd 2
What happened: Barnett made Rogers look like an amateur, immediately taking him down and easily mounting him in the first, content with tiring him out with smothering top control. In the second Rogers already looked off his game, as Barnett tagged him with a right hand and clinched. An ill-advised lateral drop attempt from Rogers ended with Barnett landing right in mount again. This time he finished it off with an arm triangle, which Rogers likely tapped to just as much from fatigue than from the choke itself.
Thoughts: Barnett looked solid in his first showing on American soil since roughing up Gilbert Yvel in Affliction. He handled Rogers with as much, if not more ease than Overeem did in their meeting, and I really felt he could have finished him in the first if he wanted to. For Rogers this fight proved once and for all that he just doesn't belong with the big players at heavyweight. He was rushed onto the big stage with his quick blitzing of Arlovski, his stock went up after giving Fedor a tough fight (though he was ultimately KO'd), and ever since then has looked awful; getting manhandled by Overeem in an undeserved title shot, winning a controversial decision against unheralded journeyman Ruben Villareal, and finally being dominated by Barnett.
Next for Barnett: Sergei Kharitonov in the 1st semifinal matchup. Barnett will have to stay alert and crafty on the feet, but he's durable, and once it goes to the ground he shouldn't have too much trouble securing his spot in the final.
Next for Rogers: Rogers needs a major step down to build himself back up to the monster he appeared to be when he was knocking out scrubs the majority of his career. He may prove a similar foil to Jeff Monson that Daniel Cormier did. If not, Mike Kyle always seems willing to move up to HW and lose to bigger guys.
Jorge Masvidal def KJ Noons via Decision (unanimous)
What happened: In what I found to be the most surprising bout of the evening, Masvidal dominated Noons en route to an easy decision victory, in what could prove to be a lightweight title eliminator. He used his reach to batter Noons from the outside, and well-timed leg kicks to take him off balance when he tried to close the distance; it was arguably the most impressive fight of his career in terms of gameplanning. Noons showed the toughness and heart that proves why he's still a valuable commodity at LW. After being dropped with a headkick and blasted with follow-up punches late in the first, he not only survived but even continued to bring the fight to Masvidal until the final bell. He tried to mount a late comeback, as Masvidal had tired in the third, but it was too little, too late. I thought Noons would hold a boxing advantage here, but Masvidal's range, leg kicks, and wrestling proved to be too much for him.
Next for Masvidal: He has a few options here. With JZ Cavalcante/Justin Wilcox ending in a no contest, Masvidal appears to be a front-runner for a title fight against Gilbert Melendez. I personally don't think that is a fight he'll win at this point, what with his cardio (he didn't do much for the first 2 rounds to justify being gassed in the 3rd against Noons), and he'll need every bit of it against Melendez. Another option for him would be to take on the winner of the upcoming Josh Thomson vs Maximo Blanco fight, which could then earn him a title shot.
Next for Noons: Despite the beating he took, he's still a player in the Strikeforce LW division. Billy Evangelista would make for a solid next match for him.
Daniel Cormier def Jeff Monson via Decision (Unanimous)
What Happened: Cormier surprised by choosing to show off his vastly improved striking, and none of his considerable wrestling, against the veteran Monson. Without shooting for one takedown, Cormier battered the durable Monson all over the cage while stopping his clinch and takedown attempts. It was a great performance that went a long way in showing Cormier's evolution from wrestler to mixed martial artist. Monson on the other hand showed heart but looked flat from early on, realizing that he didn't have much to offer Cormier. He may have been expecting Cormier to take the fight to the ground, where he excels. Without his BJJ at his disposal, there wasn't much Monson could do to Cormier.
Next for Cormier: Cormier is one of the few prospects who are brought up the right way, and after running a 7-0 professional record he took his first step up in competition and passed with flying colors. It's time for him to step up once more. Provided his "prospect vs prospect" fight with Shane del Rosario isn't rebooked when the latter is healed, Cormier should take on one of the lesser members of the grand prix. Fights against Arlovski or Rogers could do well to boost his status even further.
Next for Monson: Monson got into the game when being a grappler with a wrestling base was a great recipe for success. The game has since evolved, and Monson has not. When he cant take opponents down and submit or control them, he's like a fish out of water. However, there are still guys who will happily oblige him on the ground/aren't as adept at keeping it from going there. Werdum or Bobby Lashley could prove good matchups for him.
Chad Griggs def Valentijn Overeem via Submission (Punches), Rd 1
What happened: It was the story of Overeem's career, and yet another good chapter in Griggs' still developing one. Overeem, at 29-26, is no stranger to buckling under pressure, and that's exactly what he did. Following a beautiful lateral drop, Griggs moved to a dominant position and started unloading on Overeem, who could do nothing but turtle up under him. Griggs didn't appear to be landing too flush, but was pooring it on when the ref stopped the fight. What was initially viewed as a premature stoppage turned out to be even worse (for Overeem), as the replay showed Overeem tapping to Griggs' partially blocked strikes. Another breakout performance for Griggs, and another unsurprisingly disappointing one from Overeem.
Next for Griggs: Griggs has gone up against 3 opponents who were supposed to beat him, and walked away with 3 stoppage victories. It's time for him to step up. Daniel Cormier or Shane del Rosario could be perfect opponents for the burgeoning heavyweight, who is smallish like they are.
Next for Overeem: Perhaps Valentijn should leave the fighting to his little bro. It's funny that he was the one who introduced Alistair to martial arts, yet he appears to lack the mental fortitude that makes a great martial artist. If he continues, Monson could work.
Alistair Overeem def. Fabricio Werdum via Decision (Unanimous)
What happened: Overeem shut down Werdum's countless attempts to drag the fight to the ground, while getting a few shots in during the brief standing exchanges for the first 2 rounds. In round 3 Werdum became desperate, charging forward with sloppy striking that actually found its mark on several occasions, but nonetheless put Overeem in no danger. Overeem appeared to be in control most of the fight, thus taking home 30-27s on every scorecard.
Thoughts: Anderson Silva vs Thales Leites all over again. I expected Overeem to easily keep the fight standing and score a stoppage due to strikes in the 2nd round, but Werdum proved more slippery than I thought. This was a good fight for supporters and detractors of Overeem to see, since he's only been out of the first round once since bulking up dramatically and tearing through 10 opponents. Overeem has never been a well of good cardio, and in this fight he slowed down considerably by the third round. Official stats had Werdum landing more shots and winning the fight, and while it was clear he did land more strikes, this fight proved why stats are insufficient for sole use in judging fights. Werdum may have landed more, but his strikes were sloppy and lacked technique and power. Overeem on the other hand landed with less frequency, but with more accuracy and power. Moreover, Werdum's constant flopping and failed takedown attempts only served to make Overeem look like he was in control of the fight, and even more dominant than he really was, hence the 30-27s. Disappointing performances by both men, and one has to figure that Overeem's in particular gave Antonio Silva much more confidence heading into their fight.
Next for Overeem: He draws Antonio Silva in the 2nd semifinal matchup. Overeem will need to work on his cardio and defense, or Bigfoot may walk away with the upset, as he is potentially a considerably tougher fight than Werdum.
Next for Werdum: One can't fault Werdum too much for trying to get the fight to his domain, but he should know by now that constant flopping and begging rarely works against an opponent who is simply unwilling to go to the ground. This fight showed that perhaps his win over Fedor Emelianenko wasn't so much an indicator that he is a top heavyweight. A rematch against Andrei Arlovski, who has a decision victory over Werdum, will show where he really fits in the div. The loser of Kharitonov vs Barnett would also make for an entertaining fights.
Josh Barnett def Brett Rogers via Submission (Arm Triangle), Rd 2
What happened: Barnett made Rogers look like an amateur, immediately taking him down and easily mounting him in the first, content with tiring him out with smothering top control. In the second Rogers already looked off his game, as Barnett tagged him with a right hand and clinched. An ill-advised lateral drop attempt from Rogers ended with Barnett landing right in mount again. This time he finished it off with an arm triangle, which Rogers likely tapped to just as much from fatigue than from the choke itself.
Thoughts: Barnett looked solid in his first showing on American soil since roughing up Gilbert Yvel in Affliction. He handled Rogers with as much, if not more ease than Overeem did in their meeting, and I really felt he could have finished him in the first if he wanted to. For Rogers this fight proved once and for all that he just doesn't belong with the big players at heavyweight. He was rushed onto the big stage with his quick blitzing of Arlovski, his stock went up after giving Fedor a tough fight (though he was ultimately KO'd), and ever since then has looked awful; getting manhandled by Overeem in an undeserved title shot, winning a controversial decision against unheralded journeyman Ruben Villareal, and finally being dominated by Barnett.
Next for Barnett: Sergei Kharitonov in the 1st semifinal matchup. Barnett will have to stay alert and crafty on the feet, but he's durable, and once it goes to the ground he shouldn't have too much trouble securing his spot in the final.
Next for Rogers: Rogers needs a major step down to build himself back up to the monster he appeared to be when he was knocking out scrubs the majority of his career. He may prove a similar foil to Jeff Monson that Daniel Cormier did. If not, Mike Kyle always seems willing to move up to HW and lose to bigger guys.
Jorge Masvidal def KJ Noons via Decision (unanimous)
What happened: In what I found to be the most surprising bout of the evening, Masvidal dominated Noons en route to an easy decision victory, in what could prove to be a lightweight title eliminator. He used his reach to batter Noons from the outside, and well-timed leg kicks to take him off balance when he tried to close the distance; it was arguably the most impressive fight of his career in terms of gameplanning. Noons showed the toughness and heart that proves why he's still a valuable commodity at LW. After being dropped with a headkick and blasted with follow-up punches late in the first, he not only survived but even continued to bring the fight to Masvidal until the final bell. He tried to mount a late comeback, as Masvidal had tired in the third, but it was too little, too late. I thought Noons would hold a boxing advantage here, but Masvidal's range, leg kicks, and wrestling proved to be too much for him.
Next for Masvidal: He has a few options here. With JZ Cavalcante/Justin Wilcox ending in a no contest, Masvidal appears to be a front-runner for a title fight against Gilbert Melendez. I personally don't think that is a fight he'll win at this point, what with his cardio (he didn't do much for the first 2 rounds to justify being gassed in the 3rd against Noons), and he'll need every bit of it against Melendez. Another option for him would be to take on the winner of the upcoming Josh Thomson vs Maximo Blanco fight, which could then earn him a title shot.
Next for Noons: Despite the beating he took, he's still a player in the Strikeforce LW division. Billy Evangelista would make for a solid next match for him.
Daniel Cormier def Jeff Monson via Decision (Unanimous)
What Happened: Cormier surprised by choosing to show off his vastly improved striking, and none of his considerable wrestling, against the veteran Monson. Without shooting for one takedown, Cormier battered the durable Monson all over the cage while stopping his clinch and takedown attempts. It was a great performance that went a long way in showing Cormier's evolution from wrestler to mixed martial artist. Monson on the other hand showed heart but looked flat from early on, realizing that he didn't have much to offer Cormier. He may have been expecting Cormier to take the fight to the ground, where he excels. Without his BJJ at his disposal, there wasn't much Monson could do to Cormier.
Next for Cormier: Cormier is one of the few prospects who are brought up the right way, and after running a 7-0 professional record he took his first step up in competition and passed with flying colors. It's time for him to step up once more. Provided his "prospect vs prospect" fight with Shane del Rosario isn't rebooked when the latter is healed, Cormier should take on one of the lesser members of the grand prix. Fights against Arlovski or Rogers could do well to boost his status even further.
Next for Monson: Monson got into the game when being a grappler with a wrestling base was a great recipe for success. The game has since evolved, and Monson has not. When he cant take opponents down and submit or control them, he's like a fish out of water. However, there are still guys who will happily oblige him on the ground/aren't as adept at keeping it from going there. Werdum or Bobby Lashley could prove good matchups for him.
Chad Griggs def Valentijn Overeem via Submission (Punches), Rd 1
What happened: It was the story of Overeem's career, and yet another good chapter in Griggs' still developing one. Overeem, at 29-26, is no stranger to buckling under pressure, and that's exactly what he did. Following a beautiful lateral drop, Griggs moved to a dominant position and started unloading on Overeem, who could do nothing but turtle up under him. Griggs didn't appear to be landing too flush, but was pooring it on when the ref stopped the fight. What was initially viewed as a premature stoppage turned out to be even worse (for Overeem), as the replay showed Overeem tapping to Griggs' partially blocked strikes. Another breakout performance for Griggs, and another unsurprisingly disappointing one from Overeem.
Next for Griggs: Griggs has gone up against 3 opponents who were supposed to beat him, and walked away with 3 stoppage victories. It's time for him to step up. Daniel Cormier or Shane del Rosario could be perfect opponents for the burgeoning heavyweight, who is smallish like they are.
Next for Overeem: Perhaps Valentijn should leave the fighting to his little bro. It's funny that he was the one who introduced Alistair to martial arts, yet he appears to lack the mental fortitude that makes a great martial artist. If he continues, Monson could work.
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