Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight standouts Matt Brown and Mike Pyle met up on the main card of last night's (August 17, 2013) UFC Fight Night 26 FOX Sports 1-televised event from Boston, Massachusetts.
Both fighters came into the bout having looked incredibly effective in their recent efforts, with Brown riding a five-fight winning streak while Pyle had tasted victory in his last four bouts. Both were involved in a war their last time out. Brown defeated upstart Jordan Mein via technical knockout at UFC on FOX 7 after being badly hurt with body shots, and Pyle edged out a decision over Rick Story after being rocked at UFC 160.
They were both men on a mission, but it appeared that Brown was the man who wanted it more this time. He pressed the action at Pyle immediately from the opening bell, announcing his presence with a hard leg kick. Continuing to stalk Pyle, he looked toward his opponent's midsection before landing a hard right hand to the head.
Brown followed it up with a precise knee to floor Pyle, and then scored with some powerful shots on the ground. It was academic from that point, as the referee stepped in to save a dazed Pyle. It was another excellent performance to add to Brown's impressive run, and the resilient veteran will now most likely find himself fighting a Top 10-ranked opponent in his next trip to the Octagon.
It appears that Brown only has one man on his mind, however, and that man is none other than current UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre. Brown stated that he believed Pyle to be better than St. Pierre in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Whether he believes that or not, Brown is most likely a few more exciting wins away from a title shot.
There could be several attractive options available for the surging Brown, who truly deserves a step up in competition. Although Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald have been talked about as potential opponents, a bout against either one would be a great matchup for Brown. Will he continue to flourish at such a high level?
For Pyle, it's a devastating loss, as he lost arguably the most important bout of his career at a crucial juncture. According to Dana White, the knock on Pyle has always been that he can't seem to win the pivotal bout. He didn't tonight, and the loss will send him plummeting down the rankings in a tough division.