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.
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