UFC 72 Results & Thoughts

So we've been off for a while and a ton of action and news has ensued. So I'll dive right in with the lackluster UFC 72.

Rich Franklin defeated Yushin Okami by decision to become the #1 contender for the Middleweight Title. Rich is guaranteed a shot at the winner of Anderson Silva/Nate Marquardt. The actual fight saw Yushin surprisingly on the run and Rich able to dominate the 1st & 2nd rounds with ease. In the 3rd, Okami came alive but too little too late as the fight went to a decision with many hardcore MMA fans wondering what was wrong with Okami, or did Rich just confuse the guy so much he just couldn't get off? Yushin actually made Rich look small for the Middleweight division, and though many including myself still see Okami easily in the Top 5, Franklin got the win in an odd though not necessarily boring fight.

Forrest Griffin cruised to victory over Hector Ramirez with a 30-27 win on all the judges cards. Forrest dominated the stand up and though he should've taken the fight to the ground, he never needed to. It was yet another case of the opponent not seeming to be awake and off his game as the 1st two rounds weren't even close, and then Forrest got on his bike in the 3rd to assure the victory. I can't really fault Forrest for the "Running Man" impression at the end, as he needed the win, and played it smart coming off his upset KO loss to Keith Jardine.

Tyson Griffin got the split decision win over Clay Guida though most people thought the fight should've gone the other way. It all came down to the last round for me, and though on his back, Tyson was more active, and Clay did very little with his position. It is a pet peeve of mine that just because you are on top, or get a takedown, that you are the one who should win the round. You must do something other than lay and pray for a win. Still, Clay needs to be brought back though he is 1-3 in the UFC. The guy is a work horse and has fought the absolute best and is always an exciting fighter.

Jason MacDonald was easily more talented than Rory Singer as he dominated his way to a TKO win in the 2nd. This was a bad match for Singer from the get go, but it gives Jason a nice win after his last loss to Rich Franklin. MacDonald is still very much in play for the 185 division, and I wouldn't mind seeing him against Yushin Okami to help round out that Top 5 of the Middleweights.

Ed Herman tapped out Scott Smith as everyone knew he would, The Irish Hand Grenade Marcus Davis KO'd Jason Tan in just over a minute surprising no one, while Eddie Sanchez (know for being manhandled by Cro Cop in Mirko's debut) and Dustin Hazelett both got wins while everyone collectively yawns.

This was not a stellar card by any stretch of the imagination, but there is some up and coming talent to watch (ie Herman, MacDonald, Griffin, Davis), but those on the losing side (except for Guida & Okami) could easily and mercifully never be seen in the UFC again. By the by, I went exactly 8-0 on my picks, but this was one of the easiest cards to pick in recent memory. Next up for the UFC is The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale.