Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was back at it again, as the world's largest mixed martial arts (MMA) organization staged UFC Fight Night 104 last night (Sat., Feb. 4, 2017) live from inside Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
In the main event of the evening, Chang Sung Jung dominated Dennis Bermudez to earn his first win after a near two-and-half year long layoff to fulfill his mandated military duties, knocking out "The Menace" in the very first round (see it again here).
In the co-headlining act, Felice Herrig stopped Alexa Grasso’s momentum, ruining her previously undefeated record by taking out the former Invicta FC standout via unanimous decision (see it again here).
Biggest Winner: Chan Sung Jung
After what "The Korean Zombie" was able to do to Bermudez, I don’t ever want to hear anyone talk about ring rust. Jung — who hadn’t fought since 2013 — kept his promise by resurrecting "The Korean Zombie" of old, taking one of Bermudez’s best shots early on, only to keep going unphased. And keep coming he did, as he walked "The Menace" down and went on to catch the surging Featherweight contender with a beautiful uppercut out of nowhere to flatten Dennis and earn a knockout victory. "The Korean Zombie" is back, indeed, and is ready to pick up where he left off so long ago.
Runner (s) Up: Volkan Oezdemir and Felice Herrig
In a night full of upsets, none was bigger thank Volkan’s split decision victory over former title challenger, Ovince Saint Preux. Granted, it wasn’t dominant, but a win is a win and Volkan made the most of an opportunity he received after "OSP’s" original opponent -- Jan Blachowicz -- was forced out with an injury a few weeks ago. When the door of opportunity rings, you answer it and answer it Volkan did by handing Saint Preux his third straight defeat while picking up his third straight win. Not a bad way to start your UFC career.
Herrig, the longtime veteran, came in the underdog against the up-and-coming prospect Alexa Grasso. But "Lil’ Bulldog" made all the bookies eat their words, and their money, by fighting one of the most solid fights of her career, out-striking and outworking the rising contender to take home a clear unanimous decision win. With two straight victories under he belt, Herrig is enjoying a nice resurgence in a division that could see her vying for the title pretty soon if she can rack up another two impressive wins.
An honorable mention has to be given to Marcel Fortuna, who took a last-minute fight against Anthony Hamilton, who outweighed him by a staggering 50 pounds. But, the Brazilian made the most of it, by knocking out the heavy-handed Hamilton in the very first round with a one-hitter quitter, proving the weight is nothing but a number and shining in his Octagon debut, in the process.
Biggest Loser: Ovince Saint Preux
From fighting for the interim Light Heavyweight title to losing three straight, it’s been a tough few months for "OSP." After coming up short against former division champion Jon Jones, Saint Preux was knocked out by Jimi Manuwa in his following bout. Four months later, he runs into a determined Volkan, who made the most of his last-minute opportunity by outworking him for a split decision win. With three straight losses in his record -- four of five overall -- "OSP’s" future with the promotion could be in danger.
For full UFC Fight Night 104 results and play-by-play coverage click here.