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.
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