UFC 57 was able to live up to all the hype! Many exciting fights and the retiring of a legend.
Chuck Liddell defeats Randy Couture by KO in round 2. Chuck was on his bike for the whole fight. Always circling and making it hard for Randy to get in close. Chuck's jab bothered Randy as he tried to get in close for a takedown. Randy seemed a little slower than the Iceman, and took some heavy shots in the first round. In the second, Randy was again trying to advance and close the gap on Chuck, when he slipped and Liddell capitolized upon it. The Iceman dropped Randy with a solid shot and followed it byu dropping bombs (while standing) on Randy. The ref stopped the fight as Randy was no longer able to defend himself. After the match Chuck was gracious in victory and said he was willing to fight whomever the UFC put in front of him. Rand The Natural Couture then shocked the arena when he announced he would retire immediately! The crowd roared thanking him for a soon to be hall of fame career.
As always there was and upset. Frank Mir looked slow and was completely dominated by Marcio Pan De Cruz. Cruz took Frank down early and cut him with a temple punch and some elbows. The ref had the doctor look at the cut but Frank was able to continue. Back on the ground, Frank could not seem to escape or employ the ground skills for which he became famous. Cruz continued to reign down elbows and fists completely covering the face of the former heavyweight champion in blood. The ref allowed Mir many chances to recover but mercifully stopped the fight as Mir continued to be punished.
Joe Riggs made weight against Nick Diaz, and then added back on 30lbs. to weigh in at 202 for this 170 pound fight! Nick dropped Riggs in the first and dominated the round. In the second, Riggs fast strikes cut open Nick. In the third, both fighters slowed the pace and struck what seemed to be an even round. The decision came down in favor of Riggs. Riggs was even given the first round by one judge even though he was knocked down which should've been scored a 10-8 round for Diaz. Nick immediately left the octagon in disgust. Riggs said it was too hard to make weight at this division and would be going back up in weight for his next fight.
Paul Buentello defeated a very game Gilbert Aldana by KO. Both men, as expected, came out throwing leather until Aldana was stopped.
Brandon Vera defeated Justin Eilers with a beautiful high kick to the temple. Vera then landed a vicious knee to the head as Eilers was heading to the mat. After the fight, Vera invited the crowd to his wedding the next day in Las Vegas.
Keith Jardine defeated Mike Whitehead by decision.
Babalu cemented himself as the #1 contender by beating Mike Van Arsdale through a choke.
Jeff Monson choked Brandon Lee Hinkle unconcious for his victory.
Sakara bloodied Elvis Sinosic badly in their bout and went on to the decision victory.
A great PPV that saw us pick 5 correct and 4 wrong. Horrible by our standards.
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