Although I didn't like many of the results, UFC 123 was a hell of an event. We witnessed one career rise out of the ashes and another potentially fall into them. Add to that an action packed title affair and lots of finishes and you've got some happy fans.
Dominick Cruz (c) def Urijah Faber via Decision (Unanimous)
What Happened: Faber had a nice start and some good spots in the fight, landing solid shots and even rocking and dropping Cruz on a couple occasions, but in the end was out-hustled by the ever-moving Cruz and dropped a close decision.
Thoughts: Great fight, it went pretty much just as I thought it would. Urijah did well throughout, but ultimately couldn't figure out Cruz's herky-jerky movement, well timed takedowns, and great takedown defense. He was game as he always is, and in my eyes it was even going into the 5th, but Cruz fought with the greater urgency and really took the final round and the fight. And whoever scored the fight 50-45 Cruz was on crack.
Next for Cruz: Some would like to see an immediate rubber match; I think Faber should win at least another fight first. Until then, I say Demitri Johnson has pulled together enough of a streak to test his mettle against the champ.
Next for Faber: I mentioned above that there is desire for a rubber match, and it would be another great fight, but I think he should fight Brian Bowles or Miguel Torres if Bowles gets the next shot.
Chris Leben def Wanderlei Silva via KO (Punches), Rd 1
What Happened: Wanderlei ran out of the gates swinging like the wild man of his Pride days, tagging Leben with a good shot, but Leben fired back (as he does when tagged) and rocked Silva with a shot behind the ear. Silva grabbed a clinch, but a few uppercuts up the middle put him face down on the canvas, and follow-up punches sealed the deal. It wasn't quite the slugfest everyone hoped for because it only lasted 27 seconds.
Thoughts: What the hell happened the Wanderlei that decided to change up his style because his old aggression cant cut it anymore? You know, the smart Wanderlei? That wasn't who showed up against Leben. After 16 months away, it looked like he was just too eager to fight. Running in throwing wild hooks with your chin up in the air doesn't work anymore, and for a couple fights it looked like he realized that. Wanderlei is my favorite fighter, and the reason I got hooked on MMA, and it stung to see him go out like that when I know he could have at least been competitive if he just came out smart. From the moment this match-up was announced I was nervous for Silva because I knew there was a good chance he'd get knocked out. Imagine my surprise when I discover that an overwhelming majority of odds-makers, MMA news sites, and fight fans alike picked Silva to win. I was hoping more than anything they were right, but I just couldn't see it realistically. But man I wish they were right.
Next for Leben: Leben did what he does, and there was no time to really take anything away from it. Since his last few opponents have opted to slug with him, we need to be reminded that he does have some other skills. Next up should be Demian Maia or Vitor Belfort, should he get past Yoshihiro Akiyama.
Next for Silva: It's not even fun watching him fight anymore because of the nervousness over the possibility of him getting knocked out again. It took a good number of shots from Leben to put him out, but he did go out. I'd say it's time for him to hang 'em up because he has nothing left to prove, but it's not my say. If he does get another fight it should be against Jorge Santiago, who I think is just about at Silva's level; and if it were up to me it'd be his retirement fight.
Dennis Siver def Matt Wiman via Decision (Unanimous)
What Happened: Over a hotly contested 3 rounds, we saw Siver get the better of the stand up, and Siver score takedowns. Although he didn't do much with them in the 1st and 3rd rounds, he dropped nasty elbows in the 2nd that cut Siver up and were clearly the most damaging offense of the fight. Siver was awarded the fight based on the other two rounds, which were much closer than that 2nd.
Thoughts: First off, I scored the fight 29-28 Siver, and I think all the talk of Wiman getting robbed are utterly ridiculous. He lost the fight based on the scoring system. Yes, he did the most damage, but he did all of it in one round; and it was not enough for a 10-8, as Siver was bloody but nowhere near being finished. The other two rounds were close, but you can pretty much whittle them do Siver soundly out-striking Wiman (he even out-struck him in the 2nd), and Wiman scoring takedowns and doing nothing with them. Sounds to me like he stole two rounds. Cry about the scoring all you want, Wiman lost a close decision. A close one. No robbery.
Next for Siver: Although his ground game is phenomenal, Charles Oliveira will gladly strike with Siver (which will produce fireworks). If Oliveira does try and take it to the ground we'll see how well Siver can keep it standing (he did great against Sotiropoulos). If not, Donald Cerrone if he makes it past Paul Taylor unscathed.
Next for Wiman: He shouldn't fall far, as he had a good performance and was just edged out. Nik Lentz might make a good target for his aggressive style.
Tito Ortiz def Ryan Bader via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Rd 1
What Happened: Bader had no time to trade punches and takedowns with Ortiz caught him with a right that sent him stumbling to the canvas. By the time he regained his wits, Ortiz had already slapped on the guillotine that would end his night.
Thoughts: Talk about upset. Tito was a 4-to-1 underdog going into this fight, and rightfully so, as on paper Bader is basically Tito with a better wrestling pedigree, better hands, and KO power. It was pretty ironic that a punch from Tito dropped Bader. Either way, I've been saying Bader was overrated since he won the Ultimate Fighter, and I never found him that impressive. Not to take anything away from Tito, who I actually dislike, but he performed well and revitalized his career for the time being.
Next for Ortiz: The winner of Rich Franklin/Lil Nog is the only fight that really makes sense for him. He wants Forrest Griffin again, but he's the only one.
Next for Bader: Tough loss for Bader, who has gone from top 10 undefeated prospect to losing his last two fights in dominant fashion. Losing the Jon Jones was nothing to be ashamed of, but this is a fight he needed to win. How about we welcome Brandon Vera back to the octagon against Bader?
Carlos Condit def Dong Hyun Kim via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches), Rd 1
What Happened: Kim got one early and effortless takedown, and Condit promptly swept him and ended up on top. After making it back up to his feet, Condit threw a beautiful flying knee that hit Kim flush on the jaw, sending him backwards in a seated position against the fence. Condit flurried on a dazed Kim and got the win.
Thoughts: Stellar performance by Condit, while Kim was shown why his limited style may not cut it at the higher level in the division. It pretty much went the opposite of how I thought: Kim would use his judo to score takedowns and his stifling top game to take the first 2 rounds before fading in the 3rd, but taking a decision. And I knew Condit is a great finisher (26 finishes in 27 wins...yeah I think so), but I just didn't see him doing that to Kim.
Next for Condit: He could very well get the next title shot against the winner of Georges St. Pierre/Nick Diaz. I think it might suit him to fight the winner of Jake Shields/Jake Ellenberger, Jon Fitch, or even Josh Koscheck to show that he can handle a good wrestler in the top 10...because he'll need to.
Next for Kim: Tough loss, but it's the first of his career, and there's no shame to losing to Condit. He may look to rebound against the winner of Mike Pierce/Johny Hendricks or Rick Story.
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