And now we get to the preliminary action. Thankfully Facebook streamed all 8 preliminary fights and the stream wasn't too bad (most of the time). Definitely grateful for those free prelims so I don't have to search for the fights after the event (finding the earliest fights are usually a futile effort). We got 8 fights to cover, so let's get to it.
Jared Hamman def. CB Dollaway via TKO (Punches), Rd 2
What Happened: After very solid first round for Dollaway which saw him very nearly submit Hamman with an arm triangle and land some heavy shots from the top, Hamman came out in the second like a bat out of hell and just steamrolled Dollaway. Once he got him down he wailed on him for what seemed like forever until the stoppage.
Thoughts: Hamman really impressed at 185. I thought Dollaway had it for sure with that arm triangle, and after expending so much energy to defend himself in the first he showed no signs of fatigue in the second even after delivering enough punches to tire many guys out. He should fare well in a division where he isn't small.
Next for Hamman: He made a nice statement in his middleweight debut, and I'd like to see how he handles a well-rounded guy like Kyle Noke.
Next for Dollaway: Dollaway just can't seem to get over the hump. He needs a fight to prove whether or not he still belongs, and Tim Credeur is a good opponent.
Joseph Benavidez def. Eddie Wineland via Decision (Unanimous), Rd 3
What Happened: Benavidez was just too much for Wineland, and performed even more impressively against him than his teammate, Urijah Faber. Surprisingly deciding to keep the fight standing, Benavidez battered Wineland on the feet over 3 rounds en route to a clear-cut decision.
Thoughts: Benavidez never fails to impress, and once again shows that he can turn height and reach disadvantages into advantages. He was just too fast and seemed to come in at places Wineland didn't expect. Wineland put up a valiant effort and showed toughness, but he generally fought too timidly. He's finally developed the takedown defense to keep fights standing, now it's time for him to get aggressive.
Next for Benavidez: I know Benavidez isn't thrilled with moving to 125, but it seems a given once the flyweight division arrives. Until then he'll remain floating around the top of the bantamweight class. The winner of Brad Pickett vs Renan "Barao", or Brian Bowles, should he lose to Faber, would make for good opponents.
Next for Wineland: He has dropped two straight against top bantamweights, which he shouldn't be ashamed of. If they still want to keep him around the top, Miguel Torres would match up well. If not, maybe Takeya Mizugaki.
Ed Herman def. Kyle Noke via Submission (Inverted Heel Hook), Rd 1
What Happened: After a nice early start getting the fight to the ground by Noke, Herman proved to be too much for him on the ground, as he never let him feel safe. A bevy of submission attempts from the bottom culminated in a nice inverted heel hook that sealed the deal for Herman.
Thoughts: Very impressive performance by Herman, who showed a dangerous bottom game. Noke's stock doesn't drop far with this loss, as he had a 5 fight win streak snapped, but he was just outmatched on the ground.
Next for Herman: I remember in one post-fight interview after Chris Leben beat Aaron Simpson (I think?), Leben said that Herman was coming back with a vengeance, and that he's one of the most talented guys at 185. He might have been onto something. He should fight Costa Phillipou before jumping up in competition.
Next for Noke: His stock doesn't drop much with the loss, and I'd hate to throw Jorge Rivera out there but it makes sense to me.
Ronny Markes def. Karlos Vemola via Decision (Unanimous), Rd 3
What Happened: The decorated wrestler was out-wrestled by the jiu jitsu guy. Markes is a big guy, and showed some good technique in tiring out Vemola with a suffocating top game.
Thoughts: Least satisfying fight on the card, hands down. Markes impressed with his wrestling and not much else. Vemola looked awful on the feet, and his over-committing haymakers were part of the reason he was clinched and taken down so much. Most of the fight consisted of a tiring and frustrated Vemola being held down by Markes, who didn't show much urgency to finish the fight.
Next for Markes: It wasn't the most exciting performance, but Markes raised eyebrows with his wrestling. Fabio Maldonado or Kyle Kingsbury would make good sophomore fights for him.
Next for Vemola: Vemola's move to 205 seemingly gave him a good size and wrestling advantage over many guys in the division, but Markes quickly put a halt to that perceived advantage. He'll need to work on his stand up and MMA wrestling, and I think Ricardo Romero would be a good opponent to do that against.
Jim Hettes def. Alex Caceres via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 2
What Happened: A frenetic pace was kept throughout on the ground, with scrambles and transitions galore. Caceres showed a great deal of aggression, but it was ultimately his undoing, as he was outdone by the better wrestler and grappler. During a tie-up he was bulldogged to the ground and immediately tapped with the RNC.
Thoughts: Impressive pace kept by this fight, but it was at a cost to Caceres. I know he wants to be exciting, but he was much too wreckless in this fight. He might have had a better chance if he took a more measured approach and worked his stand up advantage instead of diving into a grappling match with someone like Hettes.
Next for Hettes: Good performance, although Caceres isn't exactly the measuring stick. Cub Swanson could be next up for him.
Next for Caceres: Provided he gets another chance in the Octagon, it's tough to see where he goes from here. He was overmatched against Mackens Sermezier, and dropped the ball against Hettes. Maybe they should shoot for Leonard Garcia again.
Cole Miller def. TJ O'Brien via Submission (Guillotine), Rd 2
What Happened: After a measured first round where O'Brien began to find his range, Miller found his range and capitalized on it in the second, dropping O'Brien and quickly locking in a guillotine choke with a body triangle.
Thoughts: O'Brien did well in the first round, but in the end he once again looked like he had no business in the Octagon. Just like in his debut against Paul Kelly, once things got bad for him he was toast. Miller was a finisher as usual, jumping on the opportunity once he saw one.
Next for Miller: Miller is in an interesting spot, as he proves once again that he is a solid lightweight but he can never string together enough wins to net himself top competition. He and Charles Oliveira could put on a hell of a fight.
Next for O'Brien: As it turns out most of the lightweights I would pair him with were apparently released from the UFC after their recent losses. I guess he could get the loser of Cody McKenzie vs Wagner Rocha, provided they're kept around. Hell, provided O'Brien is kept around after this loss.
Jacob Volkmann def. Danny Castillo via Decision (Unanimous)
What Happened: Nip-tuck standard issue wrestling fueled decision by Volkmann.
Thoughts: Not much to say, really. Volkmann is the better wrestler and outwrestled a game Castillo for 3 rounds.
Next for Volkmann: He's in a spot where he's got a some choices. Charles Oliveira,Cole Miller, the winner of Edson Barbosa vs Ross Pearson, and many others make for viable next match ups for Volkmann.
Next for Castillo: Castillo didn't look bad in this fight, he was just stifled by a great wrestler. He should look to rebound against Kamal Shalorus, or in a rematch against Shane Roller.
Edwin Figueroa def. Jason Reinhardt via TKO (Elbows and Punches), Rd 2
What Happened: Reinhardt looked decent in the beginning, but quickly wilted as Figueroa found his groove and started his onslaught. Slow to rise at the end of the first round, it looked to be just a matter of time before he was finished off; it was.
Thoughts: Figueroa impressed yet again, and Reinhardt unimpressed yet again. Reinhardt looks to be on the tail-end of his career, while Figueroa is just getting started and could have a bright future in the UFC.
Next for Figueroa: Ivan Menjivar would make for an exciting fight.
Next for Reinhardt: At 41 years and an 0-3 run in the UFC where he's been utterly unimpressive, I'd be very surprised if he wasn't cut. If for some reason he isn't, Charlie Valencia. Loser leaves town.
Monday, August 15, 2011
UFC on Versus 5 Recap: The Main Card
Boy am I glad I'm not a betting man. I admittedly did atrociously in my picks tonight, but everyone has an off-night right? Maybe holding the event on Sunday instead of the usual Saturday night messed with my mojo. Either way it was a good night of fights with some good action and a few interesting surprises. So on with it:
Chris Lytle def. Dan Hardy via Submission (Guillotine), Rd 3
What Happened: Staying true to their words until the last minute, Hardy and Lytle put on a stand up war and tested each other's chins. An unexpected (and ill-advised) takedown by Hardy with a minute left in the fight sealed his fate as, he was immediately caught in a guillotine and submitted. Earlier we learned that this would be Lytle's last MMA bout.
Thoughts: What a way to go out for Lytle. Not only does he retire with an impressive win, but he snags two post fight bonuses (sub and fight of the night) AND a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Talk about going out on a high note. As soon as Hardy shot in for that takedown I knew he was making a gigantic mistake, and Lytle wasted no time in making him regret it. It didn't look as if he was getting wrecked that badly on the feet (though with the way it was going, if it had gone to decision I would've scored it 29-28 Lytle), and with his lack of grappling skills he should have known better than to take a black belt like Lytle down. Taking a training camp with Roy Nelson doesn't transform you into a grappling ace overnight.
Next for Lytle: Enjoying his bonuses, motorcycle, and extra time with his family. That was easy.
Next for Hardy: According to Lorenzo Fertitta's Twitter, Hardy will not be cut. I have mixed feelings on this, because after losing 4 straight I feel that even putting on exciting fights may not be enough. On the other hand, I feel like Hardy never should have been given his title shot or top competition in the first place until he improved his overall game. Since he's still around (and still wildly popular in the UK) he should get a winnable return fight, and Amir Sadollah might fit that mold. Loser leaves town.
Ben Henderson def. Jim Miller via Decision (Unanimous), Rd 3
What Happened: Henderson never really allowed Miller to get going, as he was just too much for him to handle in all spots. Bendo escaped and avoided numerous submission attempts, all while maintaining top control and battering Miller with vicious ground and pound en route to a lopsided decision.
Thoughts: Let's get one thing straight: I've been a big fan of Henderson since the first fight of his I watched, and I've always believed that he is underrated in the lightweight division. But this fight was the surprise of the night for me. Not because I didn't believe in Henderson, but because I thought Miller was such a tough opponent he'd never be dominated in such a fashion. I'm a fan of both guys so I tried to stay neutral, but it was hard not to pull for Miller (I have a weakness for underdogs at times) just because things seemed so bleak for him. To his credit, he never wilted, and fought until the end. He locked in a few submissions that would have tapped most lightweights. But in retrospect it almost seemed kind of foolish that he thought he could submit someone with Henderson's inhuman track record of submission escapes. Those attempts just ended up putting him in deeper waters.
Next for Henderson: With this upset, he is thrust into the realm of top contenders at lightweight. Provided Melvin Guillard gets past Joe Lauzon, he would make the perfect opponent for a title eliminator. Clay Guida may also be a viable choice.
Next for Miller: It was at tough loss, but with a 7 fight win streak prior to this, he didn't fall far down the ladder. The winner of Anthony Pettis vs Jeremy Stephens or Donald Cerrone would make for solid match ups, as would Clay Guida if Zuffa brass doesn't feel he's quite ready for a title eliminator.
Donald Cerrone def. Charles Oliveira via TKO (Punches), Rd 1
What Happened: Oliveira looked relatively sharp, but a slight step behind the more battle-tested Cerrone in their brief encounter. Cerrone kept him at bay with hard leg kicks and picked his shots until an uppercut to the body caused Oliveira to drop to the ground and fish for a leg. Cerrone, who is usually a slow starter, decided to pull the trigger and rain down punches while Oliveira covered up until the ref saw enough and made the save.
Thoughts: I always like a good finish, but I was a bit disappointed that this one wasn't a competitive war. I like watching both guys fight and they both go in there to get it done no matter where the fight goes. I would have also liked to see it go to the ground, what with both guys being so good there. Nonetheless, a great win for Cerrone, and a pretty tough loss for Oliveira.
Next for Cerrone: Cerrone has flown a bit under the radar and put together some impressive performances as of late. It's about time he gets a step up against someone proven in the UFC. Jim Miller, the winner of Pettis vs Stephens, or the winner of Denis Siver vs Sam Stout should be in his immediate future.
Next for Oliveira: After two breakout performances in the UFC, it appeared as if Oliveira might have been prime for a fast-tracking up the lightweight ladder. Disappointing losses to Jim Miller and Cerrone have shown that those thoughts were premature. Still, his dominant performance against Nik Nentz showed that he still belongs against solid competition, illegal knee notwithstanding. A slight step back in competition against someone like George Sotiropoulos or Yves Edwards might be in the cards; and there's always a rematch against Lentz.
Duane Ludwig def. Amir Sadollah via Decision (Unanimous), Rd 3
What Happened: Ludwig put on a kickboxing clinic, as he battered Sadollah with accurate counter-punching and took a lopsided decision.
Thoughts: I'm definitely not trying to take anything away from Ludwig, he looked great, but Sadollah didn't look like what I'm used to seeing. Granted, Ludwig is definitely the best striker he's faced; but even so, he didn't look as sharp as he usually does. He usually displays great defense, making sure to always keep his hands high; in this fight he kept them relatively low, and didn't seem as concerned with protecting himself during his combos. Ludwig is a much more decorated kickboxer though, so maybe this is just what happens when you throw Sadollah in there with a good striker. On paper Sadollah had the wrestling and grappling edge and even those things weren't working in his favor, forcing him to stay standing and take a beating. He showed heart and determination in trying to rally back in the 3rd, but it was too late.
Next for Ludwig: Ludwig may have put on an impressive performance against Sadollah, but his best days are definitely behind him, and his UFC tenure suggests that he won't have to go much further up in competition before he hits a wall in the welterweight division. With that said, he's good for some fun fights and as an upper-mid level gatekeeper. Martin Kampmann has fallen on some hard times of late, and Ludwig would be a good indicator of whether or not he still belongs in the mix. With his improving takedown defense he could also prove a good barometer for guys like John Hathaway and Matt Riddle as well.
Next for Sadollah: It appears Sadollah has hit a bit of a wall. Before this fight it appeared he had the striking to give everyone fits, and the one hole in his game was his lack of wrestling. Ludwig showed that his striking needs improvement as well, and that he's not quite as far along as we thought. His technical style of striking would make for an interesting pair with Dan Hardy's brawling, and with the both of them looking quite disappointing as of late, they may need to fight it out to determine who belongs in the company.
Chris Lytle def. Dan Hardy via Submission (Guillotine), Rd 3
What Happened: Staying true to their words until the last minute, Hardy and Lytle put on a stand up war and tested each other's chins. An unexpected (and ill-advised) takedown by Hardy with a minute left in the fight sealed his fate as, he was immediately caught in a guillotine and submitted. Earlier we learned that this would be Lytle's last MMA bout.
Thoughts: What a way to go out for Lytle. Not only does he retire with an impressive win, but he snags two post fight bonuses (sub and fight of the night) AND a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Talk about going out on a high note. As soon as Hardy shot in for that takedown I knew he was making a gigantic mistake, and Lytle wasted no time in making him regret it. It didn't look as if he was getting wrecked that badly on the feet (though with the way it was going, if it had gone to decision I would've scored it 29-28 Lytle), and with his lack of grappling skills he should have known better than to take a black belt like Lytle down. Taking a training camp with Roy Nelson doesn't transform you into a grappling ace overnight.
Next for Lytle: Enjoying his bonuses, motorcycle, and extra time with his family. That was easy.
Next for Hardy: According to Lorenzo Fertitta's Twitter, Hardy will not be cut. I have mixed feelings on this, because after losing 4 straight I feel that even putting on exciting fights may not be enough. On the other hand, I feel like Hardy never should have been given his title shot or top competition in the first place until he improved his overall game. Since he's still around (and still wildly popular in the UK) he should get a winnable return fight, and Amir Sadollah might fit that mold. Loser leaves town.
Ben Henderson def. Jim Miller via Decision (Unanimous), Rd 3
What Happened: Henderson never really allowed Miller to get going, as he was just too much for him to handle in all spots. Bendo escaped and avoided numerous submission attempts, all while maintaining top control and battering Miller with vicious ground and pound en route to a lopsided decision.
Thoughts: Let's get one thing straight: I've been a big fan of Henderson since the first fight of his I watched, and I've always believed that he is underrated in the lightweight division. But this fight was the surprise of the night for me. Not because I didn't believe in Henderson, but because I thought Miller was such a tough opponent he'd never be dominated in such a fashion. I'm a fan of both guys so I tried to stay neutral, but it was hard not to pull for Miller (I have a weakness for underdogs at times) just because things seemed so bleak for him. To his credit, he never wilted, and fought until the end. He locked in a few submissions that would have tapped most lightweights. But in retrospect it almost seemed kind of foolish that he thought he could submit someone with Henderson's inhuman track record of submission escapes. Those attempts just ended up putting him in deeper waters.
Next for Henderson: With this upset, he is thrust into the realm of top contenders at lightweight. Provided Melvin Guillard gets past Joe Lauzon, he would make the perfect opponent for a title eliminator. Clay Guida may also be a viable choice.
Next for Miller: It was at tough loss, but with a 7 fight win streak prior to this, he didn't fall far down the ladder. The winner of Anthony Pettis vs Jeremy Stephens or Donald Cerrone would make for solid match ups, as would Clay Guida if Zuffa brass doesn't feel he's quite ready for a title eliminator.
Donald Cerrone def. Charles Oliveira via TKO (Punches), Rd 1
What Happened: Oliveira looked relatively sharp, but a slight step behind the more battle-tested Cerrone in their brief encounter. Cerrone kept him at bay with hard leg kicks and picked his shots until an uppercut to the body caused Oliveira to drop to the ground and fish for a leg. Cerrone, who is usually a slow starter, decided to pull the trigger and rain down punches while Oliveira covered up until the ref saw enough and made the save.
Thoughts: I always like a good finish, but I was a bit disappointed that this one wasn't a competitive war. I like watching both guys fight and they both go in there to get it done no matter where the fight goes. I would have also liked to see it go to the ground, what with both guys being so good there. Nonetheless, a great win for Cerrone, and a pretty tough loss for Oliveira.
Next for Cerrone: Cerrone has flown a bit under the radar and put together some impressive performances as of late. It's about time he gets a step up against someone proven in the UFC. Jim Miller, the winner of Pettis vs Stephens, or the winner of Denis Siver vs Sam Stout should be in his immediate future.
Next for Oliveira: After two breakout performances in the UFC, it appeared as if Oliveira might have been prime for a fast-tracking up the lightweight ladder. Disappointing losses to Jim Miller and Cerrone have shown that those thoughts were premature. Still, his dominant performance against Nik Nentz showed that he still belongs against solid competition, illegal knee notwithstanding. A slight step back in competition against someone like George Sotiropoulos or Yves Edwards might be in the cards; and there's always a rematch against Lentz.
Duane Ludwig def. Amir Sadollah via Decision (Unanimous), Rd 3
What Happened: Ludwig put on a kickboxing clinic, as he battered Sadollah with accurate counter-punching and took a lopsided decision.
Thoughts: I'm definitely not trying to take anything away from Ludwig, he looked great, but Sadollah didn't look like what I'm used to seeing. Granted, Ludwig is definitely the best striker he's faced; but even so, he didn't look as sharp as he usually does. He usually displays great defense, making sure to always keep his hands high; in this fight he kept them relatively low, and didn't seem as concerned with protecting himself during his combos. Ludwig is a much more decorated kickboxer though, so maybe this is just what happens when you throw Sadollah in there with a good striker. On paper Sadollah had the wrestling and grappling edge and even those things weren't working in his favor, forcing him to stay standing and take a beating. He showed heart and determination in trying to rally back in the 3rd, but it was too late.
Next for Ludwig: Ludwig may have put on an impressive performance against Sadollah, but his best days are definitely behind him, and his UFC tenure suggests that he won't have to go much further up in competition before he hits a wall in the welterweight division. With that said, he's good for some fun fights and as an upper-mid level gatekeeper. Martin Kampmann has fallen on some hard times of late, and Ludwig would be a good indicator of whether or not he still belongs in the mix. With his improving takedown defense he could also prove a good barometer for guys like John Hathaway and Matt Riddle as well.
Next for Sadollah: It appears Sadollah has hit a bit of a wall. Before this fight it appeared he had the striking to give everyone fits, and the one hole in his game was his lack of wrestling. Ludwig showed that his striking needs improvement as well, and that he's not quite as far along as we thought. His technical style of striking would make for an interesting pair with Dan Hardy's brawling, and with the both of them looking quite disappointing as of late, they may need to fight it out to determine who belongs in the company.
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