UFC 95 recap and final thoughts

by MMAmania.com on Feb 21, 2009 11:42 PM EST Comment 165 comments

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) traveled across the pond tonight (Saturday, Feb. 21), for its second overseas show of the 2009 fight season with a return to The
O2 Arena in London, England.

The Spike TV special didn't receive the gold treatment in terms of promotion, but as is often the case with shows like this, it didn't stop it from being very exciting to watch.

In fact, only two of the 10 fights went the distance. And the main event of the evening, which featured a a lightweight bout between Diego Sanchez and Joe Stevenson, was one of those two.

The new-look "Nightmare" -- a former welterweight contender -- did not disappoint in his 155-pound debut, taking it to "Daddy" for three full rounds. It basically turned into a kickboxing match with very little ground work.

Sanchez was clearly the more dynamic and hungry fighter, mixing up his strikes, kicks and knees, which appeared to keep Stevenson off balance. It was good enough to earn him a clear-cut unanimous decision, and, in the process, make him an instant contender in the deep division.

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) inaugural season winner will more than likely need another fight or to to earn a title berth, but in the meantime it will be exciting to watch him make the climb. He mentioned a rematch with Kenny Florian, as well as fights against BJ Penn and Sean Sherk, as future possibilities.

Sounds good to me.

In the co-featured fight of the night, local favorite Dan Hardy went toe-to-toe with veteran Rory Markham. It was another stiff test for the Brit, but boy did he pass with flying colors.

"The Outlaw" unleashed a hellish left hook early in round one that put Markham, for the most part, out for the count. Hardy pounced to finish off the wounded fighter and it was all academic after that with the referee stepping in to rescue Markham from further punishment.

This was a very impressive win for Hardy -- Markham is a very tough fighter who can trade punches with the best of them. Hardy, however, didn't even give him the chance.

What a statement.

Middleweights Nate Marquardt and Wilson Gouveia tangled in an entertaining 185-pound scrap, which Marquardt appeared to get the better of for most of the three-round fight.

Gouveia, however, was game and kept coming forward despite eating several hard punches. He even had a nice guillotine choke attempt early in round one, but couldn't finish the deal.

It was about as close as he would get to tasting victory tonight.

He appeared to tire midway through the second frame and it was ultimately his undoing. Marquardt poured it on and had Gouveia nearly finished at the close of round two. "The Great," however, would have to wait until the final stanza.

And sometimes good things comes to those who wait.

Marquardt began a beautiful finish with a stiff right to the face that Gouveia walked right through, but then followed it up with a flesh-shredding flying knee that knocked the American Top Team (ATT) product in reverse. Marquardt then went into a crazy combination that included a spinning backfist and hook, which he topped off with more knees and punches.

It was a fantastic way to end a good fight. And with more highlight-reel performances like he has turned in recently, it will only be a matter of time before Marquardt earns another chance at championship glory.

Fellow division member, Demian Maia, however, might have something to say about that.

The Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom once again demonstrated just how good he really is, submitting World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) veteran Chael Sonnen with an awesome triangle choke.

Just watching the replays it is clear that Maia knew what he wanted to as soon as he took Sonnen to the mat. And he was about four steps ahead of the Team Quest fighter, setting up the maneuver from the top position and letting Sonnen reverse so he could pull the string and finish the fight.

There's really not much left to say about Maia -- he is very, very special.

Maia finally requested a title shot in the post-fight interview, and with five submission wins in five opportunities, it will be hard to deny him. The only thing working against him is the suddenly emerging crowd atop the division.

Hopefully, he gets a front ditch.

And last but certainly not least, Josh Koscheck and Paulo Thiago kicked off the Spike TV telecast in a welterweight tilt that most felt was over before it started -- few gave the relatively unknown Brazilian much of a chance.

Suckers.

Thiago appeared to be outgunned early in the fight and nearly missed a fate similar to Yoshiyuki Yoshida on about three separate occasions. Koscheck nearly decapitated him with looping right hands and hurt him with at least on of them.

But Thiago hung in there, waiting for his window of opportunity to open. And when it did, he crashed right through it with a thundering right uppercut followed by a clubbing left hand.

Koscheck was clearly knocked silly, but Thiago was nonchalant about going in for the kill. Perhaps he was just as stunned as Koscheck, as well as the millions of fans watching around the world.

It didn't matter ... the referee stepped in before it could get any uglier.

Koscheck protested the stoppage almost immediately, feeling he should have been able to continue to the bitter end. Maybe he could have somehow weathered the storm, but if Thiago was allowed to go for the coup de grace, Koscheck could have went out like "Zenko."

Not worth it.

Koscheck took a very risky fight against a guy virtually no one knows anything about and he paid the price. Perhaps the silver lining is that Koscheck wants to stay busy, and if he is allowed to do that, he may be able to get back in the hunt with a few more wins sooner rather than later.

Time will tell.

All in all, UFC 95 was fun to watch for several reasons. Two legit middleweight contenders, Nate Marquardt and Demian Maia, emerged as serious threats to the reigning champion. And the lightweight division is now on notice that a "Nightmare" could loom around the corner.

It also doesn't hurt that nine of the 10 fights made the Spike TV telecast. More, please.

For complete UFC 95 results and main card commentary click here.

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Comments

Joe clearly had to chase him for 15 minutes.
I think that decision was crap.

by KS on Feb 21, 2009 11:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

as is your comment

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 22, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If you think scoring 30-27 in that fight was legit, you need glasses. No, I enjoy watching Machida and Florian’s “elusive style” is whatever illegal elbow will land. If you’ll notice, I was mentioning the fight from last night, not Machida, Florian or Starnes. If you’re considering fight analysis, try staying on topic first. Joe pushed the pace the entire fight.

by KS on Feb 22, 2009 6:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Joe didn’t do anything.. he was in there doing one thing and that was walking Diego down and when he was infront of him he just waited to get hit by Diego! how can you seriously not think Diego won 30-27!! Joe is the lamest wannabe-fighter in the UFC today runnin around like he did anything to entertain the crowd..

by RoB on Feb 22, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

KS,

C’mon dude, joe sucks.

“keeyaaa keeyaa keyaaa” (high pitched faggy joe with every girly punch)

by salmonbum on Feb 22, 2009 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RoB, are you KIDDING me?! What fight were YOU watching? Joe kept coming after Diego despite anything he threw at him and worked the crap out of him. It’s not his fault that all Diego was doing was his best Kalib Starnes impression.

I’m with you KS. BS decision

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol, I think Diego wins the high pitch voice fight between the two of them

by ShaiZ on Feb 22, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I definitely don’t think Joe did anything worthy of getting the decision in that fight. Just moving forward isn’t enough to win. If all else was equal (striking and grappling wise) then he would have won by virtue of aggression and octagon control, but those are less important criteria than striking and grappling. I thought that Diego clearly won the striking and grappling (which was virtually non-existent). He didn’t dominate, but he clearly won.

by GregC on Feb 22, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m taking a wild guess that KS and Anthony are Diego haters who would have said Diego didn’t deserve the win even if Joe was carried out on a stetcher. You probably want him to lose every time he fights and are gutted and bitter everytime he wins. And just because Florian changed tactics in a couple of fights you now call him elusive. Keep on hating.

by Ade on Feb 22, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually I don’t like either fighter but thanks for the free psycho-analysis.

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 5:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

everything Joe did was to run after him and getting hit.. he didn’t wanna exchange or anything he barely even tried to hit Diego and when he did Diego wasn’t even there! Diego dominated his a$$ from start to finish… and was actually the aggresser through the whole fight, Joe didn’t even do anything to change things up in the third when he must’ve known that was down with 2 rounds, he also got horrible coaching when the dude in his corner told him that Diego was slowing down and getting weak! to win you have to do something and punish your opponent not just run someone down and act like you’re gonna get points for moving straight forward..

by RoB on Feb 22, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know this is off topic from what everyone else is talking about but I just wanted to say what a great card that was. Anyone who was talking trash about this card I hope has the decency to stay away from the forum after we got to see almost all the fights on the card and only two going to decision.

by Cogito Ergo Sum on Feb 23, 2009 9:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So I’m guessing you also think Machida is boring? And Kenny’s new elusive style is crap? I’m not a Diego fan but he was very effective tonight. There’s a difference between running away while refusing to engage (see Nate Quarry vs. Kalib Starnes at UFC 83), and moving in and out and countering when its the right moment. Thats what fighting is about. I hope you’re not considering fight analysis for a career.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 12:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

stoppages were all legit! “flash knock outs” are supposed to be stopped…read the rules.

by kevin on Feb 22, 2009 2:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i believe there was no early stoppages ….

kos was out…. even though he seemed to recover fast he was knocked out and the ref cannot allow a fight to continue if 1 of the fighters is out… i dont care how long he is out for….

struve was getting pounded on and even if he were al right (which he wasnt) there was going to be more of the same on the way for him

by ufcaddict on Feb 22, 2009 6:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Some CLOSE calls on stoppages, but I think they got it right on ALL of them. Especially the Koscheck one. His ego is too big, and he thought he should NEVER lose. The only reason he complained is that Thiago didnt go for the hospital visit shots after Kos was clearly in doo doo land. Kos could of got seriously messed up bad if a VETERAN UFC fighter was in there and POUNCED on him IMMEDIATELY. A faster thinking(hey, the fight IS NOT over yet) could of easily got off 4,5 mayeb even MORE power shots to KOS. Good stoppage. Kos is a good fighter, but his ego is ten times better than whst he is.

by fightfan on Feb 22, 2009 6:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No problems with any stoppages last night! All legit if you ask me!

by john on Feb 22, 2009 8:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Am I crazy or is MW division stacked…who gets the shot after Leites…Nate, Maia, Hendo, Bisping AND there’s still Palharras, Willy G, Franklin, Sonnen, AND Wandy!!!!!

by McArthur on Feb 22, 2009 8:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He already beat Nate and Hendo. Sonnen just lost and Wandy has lost 3 of his last 4 so no the MW division is not deep. If Bisping wins he will get a shot and Maia deserves a shot.

by hatteras on Feb 22, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t say it’s stacked but it’s getting better….

I think that the UFC has messed up a bit when it comes to MW

i know the winner of Hendo/Bisping will get a shot and they fight at UFC 100 and who ever wins that should be fighting Silva at around UFC 107 (considering that the UFC keeps putting on 2-3 cards a month)

and if Silva beats Leites and comes out without an injury he should be fighting again at around UFC 101 or ufc 102 but against who??? Hendo/Bisping will definitely not be ready and how do you pick between Maia and Marquardt to see who gets the next shot without upsetting 1 of them….. you cannot have them fighting each other because that would leave Silva without an opponent until UFC 107 and I do not want to wait that long to see Silva fight again

and even if Maia/Marquardt do fight it’ll be around ufc 100…. that is when Bisping/Hendo fight so you’ll end up having 2 number 1 contenders…. winner of Maia/Marquardt and the winner of Bisping/Hendo

I think the UFC have messed up

by ufcaddict on Feb 22, 2009 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I still think Bisping has to fight some proven competition before he gets a title shot. Think were this division was last year it was crap. Silva walked through it in one year. Now Silva essentially should or could be defending his title every 4 months for the next year or so while fighting real contenders, Thank God. Now Silva can be tested again, rather then having to fight at 205, just to keep busy. Nate Marquardt and Damian Maia should be next on the title hunt.

by Da Monkey on Feb 22, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lIsten, I dont disagree but reality is that this isnt a real sport in the aspect that earning the right to be a champion isnt just based on you performance (which it should be)….unfortunately politics and marketability play a big part in who gets title shots!

I think that both Nate and Maia should get a title shot before the wqinner of Hendo/Bisping, but the reality is that the dumb TUF show often dictates who fights for the title and I think that the UFC will give the winner of Hendo/bisping #1 contender status. I dont agree with it, but thats the way it is!

The only way I see Nate or Maia getting a title shot before the winner of Bisping/hendo is if Anderson beats tHales easily and gets out of the fight unscathed. if thats the case, Anderson might not want to sit around and wait for the winner of the reality show coaches fight….If anderson escapes thales undamaged and wants to fight sooner than later, that is the only way I see Nate or Maia getting a title shot before hendo/bisping winner!

by john on Feb 22, 2009 11:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ufcaddict, I agree…they may have messed up a bit with the timing UNLESS, UFC 101, or 102 they throw in Okami’s shot which imo is legit and would fill the spot till Hendo/Bisping are ready…also at UFC 101, 102 Nate and Maia for next shot

by McArthur on Feb 22, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bisping isn’t ready for a title shot but no matter, Henderson will DISMANTLE him anyways. I like the potential Hendo and Marquardt rematches a lot as well as a Maia/Silva matchup. A lot of good fights on the horizon for Anderson, that’s for sure.

And don’t forget Okami in there as well.

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeh i agree i forgot all about okami… he definitely deserves a shot…. thats a very good point McArthur

they could have okami as the next in line after Leites and let Maia/Marquardt slug it out

by ufcaddict on Feb 22, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone is assuming Silva is going to win…

by Chief on Feb 22, 2009 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

effective at what? running like a little bitch? yeah, okay

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 12:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

underwhelming and disappointing performance by Diego in my mind. he was the bigger guy coming down a weight class. he should have been bullying joe around and he just didn’t do it. Maia impressed the hell out of me.

by Crowls on Feb 22, 2009 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, “Daddy” had to chase yes, it’s true, but he did very little in the fight to win. Over all Diego scored way more points and was the more effective striker. I say this as someone who was pulling for Stevenson; he’s one of my favorite fighters, but he looked pretty one dementional last night. I honestly think he thought Diego would be spent from the weight cut and he’d simply walk in and knock him out. Did Stevenson even throw a single leg kick?

by SilasM on Feb 22, 2009 8:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i like daddy and all but sanchez clearly won ……you can chase all you want to but if you dont land any shots you loose….KS your coment is crap……. not the dicision!!

by gtipler666 on Feb 22, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I completely agree. Please someone tell me how Stevenson did not take rounds one and three? There is no judging criteria for “fighter who is most versatile”. Stevenson was the one pushing the pace, clearly unfazed by any of his opponents strikes and landing more shots.

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Crap decision? Man do you even know how to decide for yourself? in any case, Stevenson should eveolve, his game sux!!

by Syd[a.k.a. "The Negation"] on Feb 23, 2009 12:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lots of semi early stoppages but we still got to see everyone on the card fight

by sac165 on Feb 21, 2009 11:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’m wondering if the refs have been told to have the fighters take a little less damage after the carnage that we saw at “Fight for the Troops”. With the shattered leg of Hill, the broken elbow of Al-Hassan, and the VISCOUS KO of Yoshida, I could see the UFC being worried about the repercussions of alot of violent finishes. I could be way off here, but it seems fathomable

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 12:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you know what i was thinking the exact same thing- i only noticed this at tonights event and not the ones in USA- so maybe its a UK thing just cuz by your theory they would of told the refs to jump in for Bj Penn vs GSP and Franklin vs Hendo and they didn’t… I think Josh Kosheck will learn his less and start to watch film on who he’s fighting next!!

by ricky on Feb 22, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought the same thing, but not because of the UK, but because the event was on cable tv instead of ppv.

by naturalshadow on Feb 22, 2009 2:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good point naturalshadow, much as Fight for the Troops was on cable.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don’t forget Brandon Wolf a.k.a. the elephant man.

by fleet on Feb 22, 2009 2:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yea all 10 fights on FREE TV. This made up for Paying for Hendo/Franklin (I know, I know… It’s my own fault for buying it in the first place, but at least now I don’t feel so cheated.)

by fleet on Feb 22, 2009 2:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

9 of the ten, but who is counting?? Oh yeah this asshole, sorry!!

Did they show ALL fights??? I thought they left out the other fight that went the distance. There was only 2. The main event and …….

by fightfan on Feb 22, 2009 6:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rude boy/Kelly… they showed it on sportsnet in Canada I just assumed spike showed it…

by fleet on Feb 22, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

no way was koscheck and an early stoppage..he was on his back, both hands on the mat, and his head stuck up in the air….why would a ref let a guy like that take more punishment??

by newfie on Feb 22, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

a justified stoppage,thats what you get when you hire a stoner for annoucer.josh was just fine to continue

by rustedface on Feb 22, 2009 12:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

paulo could have pounded kos out, kos looked fine but had no idea where he was. good stoppage imo.

by mmanutZ on Feb 22, 2009 12:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

kos was fine and ready to pull gaurd.

by rustedface on Feb 22, 2009 12:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he was completely out of it and didn’t even have his hands up to defend. The beating that would have followed was unnecessary in my opinion.

by JTD on Feb 22, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, all the stoppages were good even the Dan Mirgliotta one on Struve. But the way he was protesting, i wish Junior would have smashed his face through the canvas.

by NameNotRequired on Feb 22, 2009 12:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RustedFace, Kos was NOT ok and ready to pull guard. The stiff dazed look he had after getting hit twice and hitting the mat hard gave it away for me, I don’t know what you saw. Your starting to sound like a BJ fan with the lame excuses.

by Derek on Feb 22, 2009 1:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he did go down hard but idk what woulda happen. i also dont think it woulda hurt to let paulo hit him one more time. and you are starting to sound like a GSP fan still talkin shit and hating on the prodigy a month after the fight, it’s over now man! find something new to bitch about.

by AzCombat on Feb 22, 2009 1:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d like Paulo to get tested (again) next but who do you fight after KOS?? Swick or Fitch

by McArthur on Feb 22, 2009 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

his head bounced off the mat while his eyes were rolling. He recovered quickly after, but 1-2 more punches and he would have been stiff. I think the stop came correct. It just seemed like an off stoppage because Thiago didn’t pounce on him (In My Opinion)

by Robb on Feb 22, 2009 12:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

A stoner for an announcer? Joe Rogan may smoke weed, but he knows more about MMA and martial arts in general than most people in the world. He’s more than an announcer. He’s a very knowledgeable guy thats been there since the sport was in its infancy, and has trained in martial arts his entire life. I’m sure you could do so much better.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 12:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate my UFC’s without Joe Rogan, plain and simple.

by JTD on Feb 22, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I like him too, but Kenny had done a fantastic job filling in for him back at 83. I was very impressed with his commentating and interviewing skills in that one.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kenny is pretty smooth and Couture’s the shit too. I like Mir well enough too, especially when he makes up word… makes me feel good about myself because although I cannot consider myself truly bi-lingual (yet), at least I have a firmer grasp on the English language than a number of people whose voices are heard by millions around the world. That being said when Mir makes up words it does help him in getting his point across in most cases.

I actually have come to like Rogan quite a bit lately… He must be reading all of the million internet posts that say he favors fighters. It seems like he’s trying harder to call it down the middle. For the UFC, he is the best choice. Even Goldy (who’s a B-list caliber announcer at best) is a great fit for the UFC because he trains in aspects of the sport and has an emotional stake in it. I’d rather see that than some “hired gun”… same reason I will put up with Madden over most football announcers, at least he gives a shit(maybe).

by fleet on Feb 22, 2009 2:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why does Rogan wear the extra long sleeve shirts with massive cuffs and that sun dial for a watch?

Seemed odd that he didn’t make the trip into Canada – would it have something to do with previous charges or just coincidence?

But I do agree, UFC without Rogan is like Dora without Boots.

by deadgrassinyard on Feb 22, 2009 8:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rogan is a homer, just listen to the Koschek fight, he basically acted like he would take Koshcek as a lover and the said Paulo’s striking was rudeamenty and he was goig to get KTFO, well loverboy guess what Paulo knocked out the so called golden boy, I loved it.

by Bigmcmac on Feb 22, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bigmcmac, he was calling it how it was. Let’s face it, up until that punch Thiago was getting worked and I was afraid that Koscheck was going to decapitate him.

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Rogan wears the long sleeves because he has a sleeve tattoo on his left arm. As far as going into Canada, we’ll see if he’s around for 97.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s true, he’s sleeved.

by DirtbagHtr on Feb 22, 2009 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Man I hate the Dirty Sanchez…..Nice froth at the mouth on the way in ….Jackass…

by BigPelly on Feb 22, 2009 12:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

He kept saying YES …YES …YES… YES… what the heck is wrong with him? dude is wacko!

by Justin on Feb 22, 2009 12:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The best part was his post fight with Rogan. He said “Shit” and “God/Jesus” in the same sentence.

Love or hate the guy, he is part of the top tier now in LW.

Diaz is just weird. He is one of those religious zealots that is in your face about it. He just needs to tone it down a bit. Nate Marquardt is religious too. He just doesn’t get all weird though.

by DubNub on Feb 22, 2009 8:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Diaz?

by DirtbagHtr on Feb 22, 2009 5:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

maia vs nate the great at ufc 100 bcause there having bisping vs hendo set it up as a number 1 contender tournament

by juggalomike on Feb 22, 2009 12:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

mmfcl mike,i also think maia vs nate would badass.

by rustedface on Feb 22, 2009 12:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t want these guys to fight before they both fight Silva. Silva needs to be fighting only the top guys, especially since he is talking about retiring. One of them has to lose and they won’t make it back up the ladder before Silva is gone. It would be a shame if Silva retired before fighting Maia. I think his BJJ would be to much even for the Spider.

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 2:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Great Card. All the Maia haters take note of the next 185 pound champ. Just click on my name to get better acquainted with him.

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 22, 2009 12:04 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree Mex! Remember when you told us that Ninja Rua was overrated? I think Maia is good, but hes not that good. Maybe in his Jits. But its alot of hype IMO, cause hes training with Wanderlei!

by JV on Feb 22, 2009 1:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maia so far has been relatively untested. He is by far my favorite 185er. Its no secret that I’m a huge fan of BJJ and its best practitioners, hence my BJ fandom…I just think Maia’s been somewhat protected so far. Instead of fighting Hendo, Palhares, Gouveia, Bisping, or Leites, they’ve been giving him guys like Sonnen, Quarry, and Macdonald, whose ground games are known to be on a lower level. I know noone has Maia’s ground game when it come to BJJ, but his TD’s are not exactly world class.

Also, I’m not a fan of pulling guard just to bring the fight to the ground. The reason being is because when he fights top level guys like Marquardt, Hendo, or Ando, its going to be different. He’s going to get hit, and its goingt to hurt. I’d like to see him work with some wrestlers, and fight some better wrestlers. Maybe have him fight Franklin and another big name before he gets a title shot.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Macdonald’s BJJ is very good and so is Sonnen’s wrestling, so I don’t know what you mean when you say their ground games are on a lower level. Lower level than Maia’s? Of course, but everyone’s is. Lower than guys like Bisping? I don’t think so.

And those guys you mentioned, Hendo, et al., who have they beaten recently in the MW division that are so much better than who Maia has beaten?

by Pantherhare on Feb 22, 2009 4:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree with that. While no one may be as slick as Maia, I think Leites and Palhares especially are right on his level as far as BJJ goes. I’d love to see Leites verse Maia and was hoping for that fight before Leites was given the title shot. Maybe if Leites falls to Anderson, he and Maia can then fight? That would be an EXCELLENT match.

by Anthony on Feb 22, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well Hendo just beat Franklin. Other than that, you make a very valid point.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maia is that good. How many other MWs can sub Frank Mir on a regular basis?

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 2:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t like how Maia always concedes that Anderson is a better fighter than he is and how he doesn’t want to hurt people. You can’t go into a fight with AS thinking that way. If Lutter had Silva in trouble, than Maia can finish the job.

by pug on Feb 22, 2009 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know if he would beat anderson, but maia definitly deserves a shot.

by Kdog on Feb 22, 2009 3:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nate looked greasy

by mmanutZ on Feb 22, 2009 12:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

No he didn’t thats not even close to being funny

by ricky on Feb 22, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m seriously waiting for BJ’s camp to come out and say something about the Rude Boy/Paul Kelly fight.

“You know those Brits and their fish ‘n’ chips… that muthafucker had halabit, cod and vinegar from the chips coming out of his pores… just watch this tape of him eating fish and chips 6 months prior to the fight, and now watch this tape of him fighting Troy… clearly cheating… clearly”

But yea, Nate looked dry as a bone to the end. Why stop at the Jackson Camp though…?
-Maybe that’s why Sanchez was foaming at the mouth to grease himself.
-Joe Daddy got a pat on the back entering the ring, GREASING.
-Damian Maia’s jiu-jitsu is ridiculous.. must be greasing.

by fleet on Feb 22, 2009 3:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

911 conspiracist methinks

by sirchokemout on Feb 23, 2009 9:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Another Penn lover…..you can see how good anything related to the Penn camp is making out these days. Troy was an excellent punching bag last night and the “spyder” is more like a cockroach these days.

by deadgrassinyard on Feb 22, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Diego looked solid, with greatly improved striking…but he’s got a long way to go before he can beat Sherk or BJ. KenFlo might have a tough time just because of the strength, but I doubt it. I think Diego loses all 3 of those fights right now and in the foreseeable future. I think Sherk should be next for Diego. That would be a war, albeit a decision. We’d see some good scrambles and alot of action. Tough call, but I think Sherk eeks a decision.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 12:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

KS your not series right? Sanchez outgunned, slammmed, kicked and kneed Joe for 3 rounds….all around good card…Is it me or should Maia get Sliva this summer? Crazy sport Kos goes the distance with GSP and Alves then gets knocked out by a nobody…your thoughts guys

by Robert(1) on Feb 22, 2009 12:05 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think they said that Thiago dude is Brazilian Special Forces or something

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 22, 2009 12:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That outcome was absolutely stunning. Watching it at first I thought it was a premature stoppage however watching the replay and Koschek’s eyes roll back it looked to be a great stoppage.

by JTD on Feb 22, 2009 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maia is my favorite fighter at 185, but I think Marquardt will get Ando first. He’s been on a roll lately, only losing a BS decision to Leites because of the points taken from him. Although Maia is probably the best MMA BJJ guy in the world right now, he doesn’t have much else. I actually think that Maia has a better shot at beating Ando than he does Nate, just because Nate would probably be able to avoid the TD better. Either way, Maia will be getting his before the end of 2009, and I think he’ll beat Ando, but not Nate. Remember when 185 was kinda boring and there were no legit challengers for Ando’s belt? 185 is alot more exciting nowadays.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with everything you said, except Nate is my favorite at 185 (I still like Maia)and I would like to think he would beat Maia, but I’m not so sure. Maia has the sickest jits around. He even subs Mir in training.

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 1:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Guys NATE ALREADY lost to anderson Silva give someone else a shot.

by hatteras on Feb 22, 2009 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

why??? THE BEST should get the shot regardless of whether they have already faced the champ…ie. Franklin

by McArthur on Feb 22, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Fighters get better…and thats what Nate has done. I think he deserves a shot. He won’t win, but he should get an chance to avenge the miserable performance he put on at 73.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Nate & Mia would be an interesting matcup w/the winner getting a title shot.

by Sideshow on Feb 22, 2009 12:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Makes sense though I would be pulling for Maia just because I think Silva-Maia would be a great match-up. And despite Nate the Great believing his next shot would be his “first” since he’s a new fighter I’m calling…second verse, same as the first.

by JTD on Feb 22, 2009 12:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know if Nate can beat Silva this time, but I doubt it would be like the first fight. Before Nate would never pull the trigger and go in for the kill like he does now. He has improved his striking, not that it will help him much against Silva, but he might unleash some of his nasty GnP when he take Anderson down this time. I think training with Rashad and GSP has really improved his game. He has more of a killer instinct now.

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 1:54 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I definitely agree. Jackson’s camp has so many amazing training partners to offer. Thats the biggest reason they have guys holding the LHW and WW belts. Jackson’s camp is what Miletich’s camp was a few years ago, except these fighters are actually well rounded. I’m not a fan of most of Jackson’s fighters, but its not because they cant fight.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

awesome card. i called everything magically except the koscheck smash. however, it was the most satisfying thing ive seen in a long bloody time. thats one hell of a few hours of free tv. word.

by Hardcase on Feb 22, 2009 12:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like it jugga. That would make for a ridiculously good card.

St. Pierre/Alves
Bisping/Henderson
Maia/Marquardt

+ LHW Title Fight and/or 205 pound superfight featuring Anderson Silva

by David on Feb 22, 2009 12:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Diego’s striking always looks a bit stiff to me… Bj, Florian and maybe even Sherk would beat him up on the feet… he needs to go back to his ground and pound… he’s not a striker, he’s not a BJJ guy, he’s a GnP guy who brings a lot of intensity with it.

by Mike&Ike on Feb 22, 2009 12:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

go back and watch the fight again, this time turn off the sound. joe rogan might as well have handed the mic to diegos mother. im absolutely sick to death of bias announcing. this was as bad as a bisbing fight. go back and watch the fight and start taking down stats and s. i did, diego landed jut over of TEN, thats 10 of his “greatly improved striking.” ive NEVER seen anyone hit air more times than he did, and yet everybody seems to think he was dominating. im not saying joe won, but 30-27 is absolutely pathetic. give diego to sherk, i dont like sherk but hed manhandle diego. stop watching fights with your opinions and watch them with your eyes.

by storhaug on Feb 22, 2009 12:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Joe threw one-two’s all fight and didn’t connect with any of them, that’s why he lost. He did nothing at all.

by jay on Feb 22, 2009 2:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i just said that i didnt believe joe won, but it was not a 30-27. diego was swinging at air all fight long, and he was throwing the same combo over and over as well yet was being commended for it, lead left hook, overhand right while stepping forward, repeat. joe screaming OH! and AGAIN! while hes completely missing, its ridiculous. joe was never hurt once, diego was backing up the entire fight and yet people think it was lopsided, its sad. this was pretty damn similar to the leben bisbing fight but i think that fights scoring was worse. a fighters name(or reality show history) should not affect how hes scored, and yet that seems to be the case more often than not.

by storhaug on Feb 22, 2009 4:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Storhaug, I agree with you. I was saying the same thing to my buddy. If the fight was on mute, we would be thinking that Diego is winning but NOT dominating. I had the fight at a 29-28 win for Diego with the 3rd round going to Joe Stevenson for him having more aggression. Yahoo sports had the score the same as me as well.

For some reason Joe Rogan felt like grabbing Diego’s nuts during that whole fight.

by ProKev on Feb 22, 2009 5:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

go watch the fight again, and see how embarrassing Joe is… the kid’s a joke, he’s running after him and when he gets infront of Diego he’s waiting to get hit without doing a damn thing… he walked down Diego for 15 minutes without doing anything he’s what you call an alibi fighter, if that saying exists in the US.. he’s in there trying to look as if he’s doing something but he really doesn’t want any part of fighting and he can’t box for sh*t, it looked pathetic when he tried to get the crowd going for doing a sprawl.. Diego was the only one that tried to do something for christ sake!

by RoB on Feb 22, 2009 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

excellent post, you totally nailed Stevenson to a TEE.

by kg on Feb 22, 2009 2:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kos was out he looked like he was stumbling around after he got up. Diego looked great, and just because Joe was moving forward the whole fight dosnt mean he was doing more damage.

by Plinko on Feb 22, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Kos simply overlooked Thaigo and thought he was a scrub.. I’m certain he was looking ahead toward Swick, Davis, Rumble Johnson?

by DirtbagHtr on Feb 22, 2009 5:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way Diego Sanchez is a lunatic. I may not be able to watch his fight entrances anymore.

And I will never be disappointed by any UFC telecast that shows that many fights. Great job by Spike to get in all but one fight.

by JTD on Feb 22, 2009 12:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like when Diego was walking into the octagon and Joe said “He’s a very bizzare dude.” LOL

by El Mexicutioner, formerly The Mexicutioner on Feb 22, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How can anyone not find Diego entertaining?? He’s already my favorite fighter, but last night’s entrance was his best entrance yet!! Very entertaining dude, and the fact that he’s a fruitloop is awesome.

by kg on Feb 22, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

YES!!!! YES!!!!! YES!!!!! YES!!!!!! YES!!!!!

by anal rifle on Feb 22, 2009 12:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We got them all in here man, which one didn’t they show you guys on Spike?

I learned my lesson about watching free UK events on Spike after a visit to Montreal. I was in a hotel watching the event live in the afternoon on Roger’s Sportsnet because I’d be out when Spike aired it at night. When I got back to Toronto I was talking about a fight that I felt was one of the best on the card (which I remember was bordering on shite, I wish I could remember what card it was.) And nobody that I knew had seen it and they kept telling me that I must have seen it online because it was on the undercard. But I hadn’t touched a computer in over a week. So I tested out this theory the next UK show and Spike didn’t show the prelim that the UFC aired after the main event. The Canadian network (Sportsnet) did. Not that it’s a big deal and when the event is in the U.S. Spike is the best channel to watch, but still 1 more fight doesn’t hurt my feelings any.

Wow looking back on what I wrote I feel like Adam Sandler’s character in “punch drunk love” when he figures out about the pudding/air miles scam… Which leads me to believe I am infact a nerd. Meh, doesn’t seem to be hurting me with dating too much, if anything it’ll help ward off the retards. heh.

by fleet on Feb 22, 2009 3:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Holy smokes…Great card. Marquardt = WOW! he made me a believer. Maia is serious business!!!
And now y’all know I’m not joking – Junior dos Santos is THE NEXT BIG THING!!!

by Ground-Game on Feb 22, 2009 1:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Junior dos Santos still has some proving to do. The kid he KO’d tonight is a scrub. Werdum is just about a scrub now. He’s gonna have to step up his competition and keep KOin’ guys for me to believe he’ll be a contender.

by Craig on Feb 22, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How the hell is Werdum a scrub???? He had two victories against respectable guys before getting beat by Junior.

by Pantherhare on Feb 22, 2009 4:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah craig thats a pretty stupid statement

by Jared on Feb 22, 2009 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Struve isnt a scrub he is 20-2 with some pretty decent wins over semi-notable opponents.

by subwayy2sallyy on Feb 22, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This card was much better than the disaster ufc 94. One of the things you can count on in UFC events are controversy and upsets, surprises are just part of the sport.

I picked
Nathan- He won but still doubt he has what it takes to take on Anderson Silva.
Diego- He won but I found his performance underwelming, bj and kenny made short work of joe and they dominated and finished him, I have my doubts if diego could beat them.
Demian- Wow!!…He won in impressive fashion and has incredible bjj skills but if he pulled guard like that with silva I feel he’d get knocked out with andersons lazer like brutal punches.
Koscheck- He lost!!!..Man I really didn’t see that coming, biggest surprise by far of the evening, I think after coming off his impressive KO he got a little reckless. The ref had the best vantage point and to me kos looked done, he was stiff on the ground another punch or two would have put him to sleep.

by nathan on Feb 22, 2009 1:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Marquart and Maia should definitely fight next, and the winner should get a title shot. Tonights card was great, only one went to a decision, the main event. I thought sanchez looked skinny to me and wasn’t very impressed with his win. Koscheck getting KTFO really surprised me, by some nobody with lame stand up, after going 3 rounds with st.pierre and alves..weird. MMA is unpredictable.

by raff on Feb 22, 2009 1:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

i agree with marquardt vs maia next
there is like 6 number 1 contenders
maia, marquardt, bisping, hendo, okami, leites
i feel yushin is getting bent over again, lol

i wanna see diego sherk next

by phenomenal angel on Feb 22, 2009 1:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree phenomenal angel diego vs sherk next and the winner of that fight gets a title shot.

by raff on Feb 22, 2009 1:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Diego is one WEIRD dude.

by raff on Feb 22, 2009 1:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

He’s gotten weird but he is a student of the game and how he analyzed Joe was on the mark. He will continue to grow and expect a title shot with Penn this time next yr. Match vs. Sherk or Guida may be next?

by DirtbagHtr on Feb 22, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

true but sherk has to beat frankie

frankie winning will change things up a bit cus maynard already beat frankie

by phenomenal angel on Feb 22, 2009 1:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

frankie is too small and should go to the wec

by pug on Feb 22, 2009 2:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly. Why is he fighting Sherk? He is too small for 155.

by jay on Feb 22, 2009 2:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why Sherk and Edgar? UFC wants Sherk closer to the top. Another win puts him closer to a title shot. I think Dana likes Sherk.

by DubNub on Feb 22, 2009 8:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kos was DONE… how can anyone say otherwise….he was looking cross eyed and was sitting with his chin in the air not even trying to defend himself…. dude could have given him an uppercut that would have sent him into next week….that was a good stopage….Nothing but a decapitating punch could have come next!!! just look at Koses eyes and pause it right before the ref stopped it…Kos is looking wide right with his left eye and wide left with his right…

I was very pissed at Diego though…1 cause i was pulling for Joe, but really though he was looking to win on points and not to defeat or beat his opponent… I mean some other snoozer doing that in a fight i wouldn’t care, But his style is all that he wasn’t tonight… i guess he knew he needed to be care full, but Diego i like is all press the action not backing up the whole 3rd round…. and how the fk did he win 30/27 joe for sure had the 3rd. Until today i thought him and BJ would be a great fight …now I think BJ kills him…

by Riskreturngroup on Feb 22, 2009 1:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

His head was fuzzy but he jump up right away when it was called and it looked like he was preparing to get him in his gaurd. It was too quick. Give guys a chance to show thier toughness.

by pug on Feb 22, 2009 2:28 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Enough about this.

KOS would have taken 3+ more solid hits and would have been out. Unnecessary.

by DubNub on Feb 22, 2009 8:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He looked ready to go to me, I think Koschek was fully recovered and ready to go by the time Thiago got to him.
That being said he did get knocked out for a split second, and that means he loses.

by ShaiZ on Feb 22, 2009 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hell be better next time, i read he mightve broken his hand in the first

by Jared on Feb 22, 2009 8:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What’s the point of fighting in a 155 division when you weigh 172 when you’re fighting? The whole point of having weight divisions is preventing weight advantages not rewarding the best at getting around the system by fake weight cutting that they put right back on when they get off the scale.

by pug on Feb 22, 2009 2:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

wow…apparently someone never heard of boxing or amateur wrestling either

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 2:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How much do you think Joe Daddy weighed? It sure wasn’t 155. Most guys cut weight so it’s not really a big deal. The LWs are really WWs and the WWs are MWs and so on and so forth.

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 2:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

At MW it gets really crazy, because those guys are HWs… A.Silva still had to cut ~10lbs to fight Irvin at 205. Then of course the LHWs are HWs and there are a few HWs that are really SHWs like Lesnar and Carwin.

by drightler on Feb 22, 2009 9:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

But guys are not fighting at equal weights. Diego said he fought at 172 when he welterweight while other guys in that division like fitch are fighting at 180+. Brock fights at 280, I’ve heard upwards of 290. In most fights one fighter has a size advantage and like Dana said- size might not have mattered in the past but it is crucial now.

by pug on Feb 22, 2009 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s why Diego moved to LW. They do have a choice to fight at a weight that they can be their heaviest, right. It would get prety confusing to have 50 different weight classes.

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Cutting weight is just another showcase of talent. If you can lose 10-15 in lightweight and still come in full power, doesn’t that say something about your conditioning?

by DubNub on Feb 22, 2009 8:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wrestlers have an advantage because they have conditioned their bodies to deal with the cut.

They aren’t coming in full strength. Diego severely dehydrated himself to lose that weight. Your body doesn’t recover from that quickly.

by pug on Feb 22, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tell that to GSP,lol.

by Gord on Feb 22, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The main event was a snoozefest. Yaaaaaawn.

by TJ on Feb 22, 2009 3:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I thought the main event was killed. Great fights from top to bottom.

by ShitleTot.com on Feb 22, 2009 3:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like NEARLY everyone (i’m looking at you KS) is very satisfied with quality performances displayed. I knew Diego could take a good punch but Joe can take a shovel! I’ve thought about the stoppages a lot too and i think the least justified was the Struve stoppage. Sure, he got knocked down twice but that’s not enough to justify it. His eyes looked about normal and was ready to thrown up a kick or take junior in his guard. of curse, Junior would have destroyed him moments later but it was pretty damn premature.
Kinda cool how there are 4+ high quality MW contenders. I think Maia should be a lil more patient in his quest for the strap. That would be fat if they could get him in there with Nate when Hendo and Bisping get it on. I think Nate can stop him, especially if he goes down to Brasil w/ GSP.

by naturalist on Feb 22, 2009 3:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

TJ, you are definetly not high on life. That fight had plenty of great strikes and couple of good scrambles.

by naturalist on Feb 22, 2009 3:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

wow.one of the best cards for a while.great kos awesome subs.dont agree with fight of the night though,if anything i thought it was the worst fight on the entire card.kelly vs malandoniz should have got it.nate looked awesome.its got to be him against maia for no1 contender.

by scott on Feb 22, 2009 4:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

that ppv was really good, especially compared to ufc 94
i think maia vs a.silva @ ufc 100 and then bisping or hendo fights the winner, does anybody know know whats happening with cro cop and overeem, i think the nightmare looked impressive 2nite,and dan hardy i wonder4 if his next fight will be in the u.s

by kie on Feb 22, 2009 5:34 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

well,it wasnt a ppv,it was free.but i love the way everyone is sayin how good it was and that it was an awesome car.arent these the same people only days and weeks before were absolutely hatin eveything about it haha.yes,dana even mentioned ye,watch his blog.i was lookin forward to this event for so long,not just because i was goin to it,but because these are the type of cards that produce the best fights.how many times have we felt left dowm by the hype surrounded the mega cards.

and yes,dan hardy for the states next,surely.terry etim too

by bons on Feb 22, 2009 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

kos got vaseline rubed on his sholders in the pre fight prep.the cut man puts it on his face then rubs his hands down his sholders.didnt make a differance in the fight but i did not here bj saying anything this time.

by 850 sportsman xp on Feb 22, 2009 8:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Man the diego stevenson fight was weak how was that a fight of the night lol it was boring and man miai is the shit I like this show a lot better than ufc 94 good nocuaghts and the that one fighter who was 6"11 look like a tall kid against dos sontos.lol

Amor de rey

by king criminales amor de rey on Feb 22, 2009 9:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

YES! YES! YES! YES! hahaha! thats gave me a laugh when i was watching him walking into the cage

by mad_drummer on Feb 22, 2009 10:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Koschek losing made my day, he’ll come back a stronger fighter, but I’m not a fan of his. It was hilarious hearing Goldberg and Rogan belittle Paulo Thiago’s boxing just before Koschek got KO’d. As for Diago, he looked good, but didn’t look to finish the fight in any way, just land a few shots, backpeddle and throw some entertaining combos which Stevenson blocked most of the time. I think Diego looekd good, but not as good as I thought he’d be in his first fight at 155lbs. I’d like to see him fight Tyson Griffin next.

by Belisarius on Feb 22, 2009 10:46 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Seeing Koschek get KTFO made my year, seeing GSP beat the pudgy prodigy to a pulp also made my year all I need now is to see Bisping win the title and my year is complete.

by Bigmcmac on Feb 22, 2009 12:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You’ll be having an incomplete year then. How in the world do you expect to see Bisping defeat Hendo, Silva, Marquardt, or Maia. Bisping fans never seem to put any logic into thir reasoninhg for him to be a champ. Micheal Bisping = the single most protected and overrated fighter in the UFC.

by --utaptout-- on Feb 22, 2009 7:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t see any reason to hate koscheck, he’s not the dick he was during the tuf season 1 era. Did anyone else think it was an early stoppage too or am i the only one. I mean he was recovering and looked fine after a second of being dazed, paulo thiago didn’t even pounce on him so he would have been fine if the ref didn’t frickin “molest” him like he did.
Oh and YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES lol that was funny diego but jeez take it easy lol. P.S nate and maia should fight for number one contender it just makes sense.

by wtf itz me on Feb 22, 2009 12:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Partner, it was clearly an early stoppage! Kos was not knocked out, he got dropped! There’s a big difference! Besides, if he was actually out, he would have been flat on the floor. He raised his arms and sat up immediately. He was dazed, but completely concious and was already attempting to defend himself from an absent opponent. Absent, because Paulo was still standing 5 feet from him when Kos sat up. The Ref clearly had little experience with this level of competition. UFC has mostly top talent fighters and the fights get rough! That Ref is probably use to doing amateur competitions!

by Dana's a Crossdresser on Feb 22, 2009 5:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I cant wait to hear what Mandoloniz’s excuse will be for getting beaten to a bloody pulp. Here is my reason he is clearly to much like BJ, training clearly is not priority for the boys down in Hilo, I guess there to busy running down the street throwing up the Hang Loose sign to those who worship them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Spyder on Feb 22, 2009 1:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

if/when silva beats leites he will not face the winner of bisping hendo or maia or marquardt, he will move up to 205 and fight chuck if chuck beats shogun, or someone else at 205, marquardt will fight maia, and unfortunately for them the winner of that will probably even have to fight the winner or hendo bisping

by mike on Feb 22, 2009 1:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

by wtf itz me on Feb 22, 2009 1:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I know a lot of folks think that Diego’s performance was lackluster, and that he’ll get killed by Kenflo, BJ and Sherk. Don’t be too sure about that. Diego is very well versed, and he’s smart in that he looks to win the fight first. If he can knock the guy out, that’s always the best, but you have to be willing to take what they’re giving you. Many of you probably noticed Diego has a low % of takedowns vs takedown attempts. All fighters know he has a vicious GNP, so they are forced to focus on avoiding his takedown attempts, like Stevenson last night, and in the Fiorvanti fight. The last thing Joe wanted was Diego on top of him, so foremost in his mind was not getting taken down. As a result, his standup sucked, that’s what he gave Diego, and Diego exploited it. When BJ or Sherk or Kenflo go after Diego in the standup, thinking that’s his weakness, they’ll be much more vulnerable to the takedown….and that’s where Diego excels. I love knockouts as much as anyone, but if i was a fighter, my priorities would be taking what they give me, winning the fight, and then scoring a knockout. Diego has many challenges ahead of him, but i wouldn’t let last nights performance fool you into thinking those guys will dominate him. The dude has never been dominated in the cage, and that includes his losses to Kos and Fitch.

by kg on Feb 22, 2009 2:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Belisarius ya that was hillarious how Rogan and Goldberg were trashing thiagos stand up and righfully so he looked terrible. Then suddenly boom out of no were koscheck is on the matt looking like full rigimortis had set in stiff on the floor. He was out cold if only for a moment and one or two hard punches would have left him out cold. I don’t agree with those that thought diego looked good, he looked skinny and awkward looking. I doubt he’ll ever have what it takes to be a great striker, ya he clearly won but he’s not in florians or bj’s league yet IMO.

by nathan on Feb 22, 2009 3:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

How did Sanchez and Stevenson win fight of the night? I guess all the other ones were over too quick, I think they only give fight of the night to decision wins.

by nathan on Feb 22, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i was there at the o2 and 30-27 from 2 judges was abit harsh in the sanchez-joe fight! but was a really good event and it was money well spent..

by bulgin86 on Feb 22, 2009 7:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well, I’m not the only one who thinks 30-27 is crap.
There needs to be a rematch down the road.
I could see judges going either way, but unanimous was BS.

by KS on Feb 22, 2009 7:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs