The UFC on FX 1: "Guillard vs. Miller" main card going down tonight (Fri., Jan. 20, 2012) in Nashville kicked off with a heavyweight hustle pitting the always entertaining Pat Barry against Christian Morecraft.
Both men were looking to rebound from tough losses in their last bouts, as Barry was stunned by Cheick Kongo in one of the greatest comebacks of all time while Morecraft was stoned by Matt Mitrione.
It took Mr. Hype or Die, Barry, less than one round to show off improved submission defense and the heavy hands that brought him to the dance in the first place. After shrugging off an armbar attempt that looked as though it was going to end the fight, Barry landed a slick left hook that put Morecraft down.
Another shot out of the cannon was all it took to give the pudgy pugilist the knockout victory 3:38 into the opening frame. "Sorry it took me nine experiences getting choked out to get here."
It's all good, Pat. Well worth the wait.
It didn't take long -- about 30 seconds -- for Barry to throw his first leg kick of the fight. It turned out to be a mistake, as Morecraft caught it and put him on his keister. A failed submission attempt followed and Barry showed his improved ground game by managing to get back to his feet.
There was a day when that would have been a wrap. We're talking about a guy who got rear-naked choked by Mirko Filipovic when "Cro Cop" didn't even have a hook in.
It wasn't long, though, before Morecraft executed another takedown and started working for another submission. An arm triangle gave way to an armbar but Barry once again managed to get himself out of trouble.
Again, impressive.
The added wrinkle to his game proved to be just what the doctor ordered because it gave him the chance to stand and trade punches with Morecraft. It wasn't long before a sliding left hook put Christian ass over tin cups. The nasty follow up ground and pound finished the job.
Cue UFC President Dana White giving his "in the mix" speech.
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