If the opening fight of UFC 126: "Silva vs. Belfort" in Las Vegas, Nevada, put fans to sleep, the second billing of the night didn't do much to wake them back up.
Even if it saw an odd score in Jake Ellenberger's split decision win over Carlos Eduardo Rocha (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).
The first round was an exercise in jiu-jistu and Rocha took Ellenberger to school. He seamlessly transitioned, although he didn't threaten much with any submissions, from side control to north-south and back to side control to full mount; basically, whatever he wanted to do.
Color commentator Joe Rogan was in his own personal "underrated ground game" heaven.
Eduardo nearly finished the fight with a slick rolling armbar towards the end of the round but "The Juggernaut" somehow survived.
If Rocha took the first round with his outstanding mat work, and he unquestionably did, Ellenberger grabbed the second frame with superior striking and a late takedown.
It was a risky move, taking down a guy that had clowned him on the floor. But it paid off on the scorecards.
The final frame was the closest, but once again, the superior wrestler used his takedowns to convince enough judges that he was the better man.
Rocha's corner picked him up and paraded him around the cage after the horn. I guess Dana White's edict was right -- don't leave it to the judges.
It may not have been pretty, but Ellenberger got the job done.