Sunday, February 06, 2011

UFC 126 Post Post & Pictures






UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort (PPV)
Anderson Silva defeats Vitor Belfort by KO (Front Kick) at 3:25 of R1. to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship. The 2 men stalked each other for most of the 1st round incurring the wrath of the crowd. I guess since the "Spider" feels out every opponent during every 1st round he has ever fought, the crowd was surprised by the lack of action. Then, Silva let a faked a front kick to the body fly and then landed it on Vitor's jaw, dropping him stunned to the mat. It only took 1 right hand and 1 left hand and the return of the "Phenom" was over! I am happy to say "I told you so." Vitor is a man behind a mask, not Anderson. I won't go over his average record again (see the Picks) but know he is an average fighter only and got exposed by a great 1. That being said, Anderson Silva is not the greatest thing of all time as the now reversing their opinion media have declared. He is one of the best of all time but this win is little more than besting Patrick Cote (no offense). Anderson already holds much more impressive wins over Dan Henderson, Nate Marquardt, & Chael Sonnen who are all better than Vitor (as I imagine we will soon see). At any rate, it was impressive and congrats to the most dominant MMA Middleweight of all time on yet another highlight win.

Now Dana White and Zuffa are going to screw Yushin Okami out of a long deserved title shot if Georges St. Pierre defeats Jake Shields. White said the Dallas Cowboys arena is being looked at to hold the event and this time it's for real folks. I feel horrible for Okami but if Shields wins he's back to #1 contender. I'm guessing Jon Fitch is rooting for GSP so he'll leave the division.

Forrest Griffin defeats Rich Franklin by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Wow was that ugly. Both men looked bad but "Ace" was slow and looked every bit of 36. Forrest was his awkward self and owned the 1st round with a single takedown. From there Griffin controlled and Franklin's corner kept telling him he was winning the rounds which baffles everyone not blind. Even Dana White noted it's stupidity in the post fight presser. Rich owns the fault though and his look of shock at losing makes me a little concerned for Franklin.

The winner of Matt Hamill (5 fight winning streak) versus the undefeated Phil Davis makes sense for Forrest's next bout because Thiago Silva would murder him. Rich is at another crossroads in his career but Krzysztof Soszynski, Ryan Bader, and even Stephan Bonnar would provide good bouts. “I felt rusty,” Griffin said. “It’s great to be back, obviously. I wanted to win, and I was so nervous. My camp didn’t go right, but I feel good now.” You both looked rusty.

Jon Jones taps Ryan Bader by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:20 of R2. That was impressive but then when Joe Rogan informed "Bones" that he was now the #1 contender for the Light Heavyweight title and the young man dropped to his knees in joy, the night was made. Then the champ himself, Mauricio Rua, then stepped in the Octagon and the 2 men did a respectful face off. That, is going to be a great fight! Sorry to Rashad Evans but that's what you get for sitting on the bench for over a year.

Jake Ellenberger defeated Carlos Eduardo Rocha by Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28). Jake didn't look amazing by any stretch but also credit Rocha for coming to fight and looking very good early. Unfortunately, Brazilian's seem to be gassing out these days and as Carlos faded Ellen came on strong. MMAFO also thought Jake won the fight (29-28) though it was close. I think Brian Foster versus Jake Ellenberger would be amazing or even Rick Story.

Miguel Torres defeated Antonio Banuelos by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). The crowd didn't like it but they are morons. "Angel" kept little Banuelos on the end of his jab all night long. It's not Miguel's fault the guy was content to eat punches all night. But for the morons, “He’s real tough,” Torres said. “He took a lot of punches. I knew I broke his nose. I heard it crunch a couple of times.” There ya go blood and guts. Torres could fight any of the guys in the Top 5 at Bantamweight next.

Prelims (On Spike TV):
Donald Cerrone defeats Paul Kelly by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:48 of R2. "Tellys" did apologize later for the sucker punch to begin the bout it was still shitty. The "Cowboy" is a notorious slow starter but his record speaks for itself and he deserves some decent talent next. Sam Stout, Mac Danzig, or Kurt Pelligrino could all work for the "Cowboy" while Kelly may be fired.

Chad Mendes defeats Michihiro Omigawa by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Yup. No surprises here. Chad gets anyone in the Top 5 and Michy gets another chance.

Prelims (Non-Televised):
Demetrious Johnson defeats Norifumi Yamamoto by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). Was the "Kid" that ill prepared or was "Mighty Mouse" just that fast and good? "Kid" looked really average and never found his timing. It's a bad night for Japan but take solace in the fact that Johnson is headed for the title soon. Watch this kid, he's going to the top.

Paul Taylor defeats Gabe Ruediger by KO (Kick) at 1:42 of R2. That was awesome! Can we all be done with Ruediger now? He has to be fired and good work Taylor.

Kyle Kingsbury defeats Ricardo Romero by TKO (Strikes) at 0:21 of R1. I find it very unfair that Zuffa gives the already rich and famous Anderson Silva the "KO Of The Night" when Kyle's was better, and he could use the money more. Kingsbury is a big Light Heavyweight but doesn't move like one. He could be fun to watch.

Mike Pierce defeats Kenny Robertson by TKO (Strikes) at 0:29 of R2 and doesn't even get to go to the post fight press conference. Awww.

UFC Monday Morning Cut List: Predictions
Gabe Ruediger and Paul Kelly are gone. I would keep Antonio Banuelos around. He's an exciting veteran who loves to fight and is never boring.

No comments: