UFC 133 results: Rory MacDonald pounds out Mike Pyle in the first round

The UFC 133: "Evans vs. Ortiz 2" pay-per-view portion of the main card broadcast tonight (Aug. 6) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania opened with a match-up pitting a member of the old guard against a heavily hyped, young and hungry lion. Mike Pyle made it very clear, very early that he would not lose to a kid that was playing with Pokemon while he was putting in work as a professional in mixed martial arts.

MacDonald, on the other hand, was resolved to use the extensive experience he's gained from training at the Tristar gym with such superstar athletes like Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre. And straight from the early going, it was evident that both men were both up to the task of defending their respective positions.

Ultimately, though, it was MacDonald who proved that age is most definitely just a number, as he took Pyle down, landed the stronger punches and absolutely manhandled the veteran en route to a crushing ground and pound technical knockout victory in the very first round. 

A very impressive win for the former "Waterboy," who undoubtedly is in for an even bigger push up the ranks of the welterweight division now that he's dominated the resident gatekeeper.

MacDonald opened the fight aggressive and raring to make his presence felt. If Pyle thought his "man strength" was up to par with the 22-year-old, he found out quick that "Ares" could take him down with ease. A simple trip sent the veteran to the floor and set the stage for the remainder of the bout. MacDonald continued to punish his opponent, threatening with submissions, including a guillotine, and landing plenty of hard punches that overwhelmed his foe.

Pyle eventually wilted under the pressure, unable to sustain the blistering pace MacDonald set from the opening bell all the way up until the final bruising punches and elbows. Once he was in the "Quicksand," there was simply no opportunity for him to battle his way out. And really, the more he fought against it, the faster he seemed to sink.

Irony.

MacDonald shows once again just why the hype is justified. But what, or rather who, should represent the next step in the budding prospect's career? Any thoughts on his next match-up?