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.
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