The co-main event of the UFC on Fox 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga" network television show from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, featured Canadian wunderkind Rory MacDonald putting his top welterweight ranking on the line against fellow 170-pound beast Jake Ellenberger. The two came into this evening with visions of a title shot dancing in their heads but an impressive performance was likely needed.
But it wasn't delivered.
No, both fighters turned in less than memorable performances, Ellenberger in defeat and MacDonald in victory. The scores came in 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27 for "Ares," who currently sits as the number three ranked welterweight in all the land.
That may not help him much when it comes time to decide the next contender to the 170-pound championship. That's because the boo birds made themselves heard throughout this entire fight, one that aired on network television no less. If there was ever a time to emphatically announce yourself as a top star inside the Octagon this was it.
It never happened.
Instead, we got a plodding, albeit brilliant, game plan from MacDonald that earned him another victory but likely lost him some fans and the admiration of those in charge of matchmaking.
Tsk tsk.
For more on MacDonald vs. Ellenberger click here, and for complete UFC on Fox 8 results and blow-by-blow coverage of all the night's action click here.