The co-main event of UFC 129: "St. Pierre vs. Shields" featured the Octagon debut of one of the greatest fighters in the history of the WEC, Jose Aldo, defending his featherweight title for the first time on the big stage against Mark Hominick.
It was the introduction of a man widely considered a member of the elite pound-for-pound ranks, inching closer to the top with each dominant victory.
The Brazilian, although sluggish at times and looking off his game at others, did what he does best and brutalized his opponent.
To the tune of creating a gigantic hematoma on Hominick's head. To get an idea of the destruction, it looked like the Canadian had a baseball in his forehead.
Hominick showed true grit by hanging tough and never giving up like "The Machine" he is, but by the time he was on top and landing big shots, it was too little, too late.
Both fighters were game, engaging in a spirited boxing match with Aldo mixing in takedowns when he felt he was in danger.
The word before the fight was that "Junior" had a bad weight cut and it showed in his performance tonight. He was clearly not the beast we came to know in the WEC.
Nonetheless, he is still the 145-pound champion.
Hominick, for his money, likely earned even more fans than he had going in after putting on a gritty performance on the level of Josh Koscheck when he had his face broken by Georges St. Pierre.
Aldo may not have blown UFC fans away but he definitely made his mark.
Right on Hominick's face.
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