UFC on FOX 3 results: Alan Belcher elbows Rousimar Palhares into oblivion

The UFC on FOX 3: "Diaz vs. Miller" main card going down tonight (Sat., May 5, 2012) in New Jersey started with a heavyweight slugfest and kept right on rolling with a middleweight mash up pitting the streaking Alan Belcher against Brazilian tree stump Rousimar Palhares.

Belcher, though only competing three times in the past two years, came in on a three-fight win streak. Palhares, meanwhile, also came in having emerged victorious in his last three fights, two of which came by way of his trademark leg lock.

Unbelievably enough, he had a hold of one of Belcher's legs in this fight, too. And it looked like he was taking it home with him but "The Talent" proved wily enough on the mat to not only attempt a submission of his own, but to get out of bad positions on multiple occasions.

Even more impressive was how he ended the fight. Once Belcher turned around into Palhares' guard, he started raining down elbows and before long, the Brazilian was staring up at the lights, which were on but nobody was home.

In the post-fight interview, Belcher said he was coming for the middleweight title. We believe you, sir.

The size difference was noticeable quickly, as Belcher towered over the much shorter Palhares. Belcher had Rousimar pushed up against the fence but the Brazilian quickly shot for a leg and got a quick takedown. Immediately after, they tangled up on the floor, and while Belcher looked as though he might threaten with a submission, Palhares quickly grabbed a leg lock.

And that meant trouble.

At least it seemed that way at first. To his credit, Belcher busted hump to kick out of the submission. The Brazilian looked like he had a knee, an ankle, a leg, a thigh, a hip, all of it. But "The Talent" still managed to move and avoid getting tapped by the submission specialist.

Suddenly, Belcher started throwing huge elbows that were landing strong. In fact, Palhares stopped defending and not long after the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

What a ground war between two super talented middleweights. And all for free on FOX.

I think UFC President Dana White just tweeted a smiley face.

Remember, too, that MMAmania.com has live ongoing coverage of the UFC on FOX 3 event with blow-by-blow coverage of all the night's action right here.