The card many considered one of the best in the company’s history did not live up to expectations, but it sure ended with a bang. Long-time UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva proved why he is considered among the best in the world when he used a front up kick to knock out the legendary Vitor Belfort.
A few things here:
First off, there is the whole Steven Seagal thing. I really don’t care what Silva and his camp are saying; Seagal didn’t teach Silva that kick. He’s been using it forever and just happened to catch Belfort flush with it this time. The business about “Seagul teaching him how to do it properly” does not fly with me. Elite level mixed martial artists are not learning fight winnings skills from an out of shape former movie actor. Sorry guys.
Secondly, I find it laughable how easily the UFC convinced the world that Belfort was the biggest threat to Silva’s crown only mere months after Sonnen dominated Silva for 23 minutes of a 25 minute fight. Simple logic should have made it clear that Silva would have an advantage on the feet.
Jon “Bones” Jones will step in for the injured “Sugar” Rashad Evans to face Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 in Newark, New Jersey after defeating top prospect Ryan Bader in a dominating performance. The event is only a short six weeks away, meaning that Jones will have to jump from one training camp right into the next. Reports state that after the announcement, Ticketmaster sales for the event went through the roof. People really don’t like to see Rashad Evans fight.
The Japanese contingency on the card continued to prove that they cannot compete against the world’s finest. Featherweight legend Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto looked flat against Demetrious Johnson and unable to defend the takedown. If people don’t know by now that an ability to stop takedowns is essential, then there is no teaching them.
Sengoku featherweight standout Michihiro Omigawa was thoroughly dominated by Team Alpha Male standout Chad Mendes. Although some predicted this, no one thought he’d be outclassed on the feet.
For full results and recap, check out my piece: http://www.mmahq.com/blog/2011/02/06/ufc-126-recap-anderson-stuns-belfort-griffin-grinds-franklin/
Next up for the UFC is the Feb. 26 card featuring B.J Penn against Jon Fitch in the main event. More on that leading up to the fight.
-SS
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