MMAmania.com - Live stream UFC on FOX 8 'Johnson vs Moraga' results, recaps, videos and more online from SeattleBest UFC website for news, UFC results, fight highlights and UFC schedule, including live streaming updates, breaking MMA news and much more!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49461/mania-f.png2013-07-29T18:30:02-04:00http://www.mmamania.com/rss/stream/43276632013-07-29T18:30:02-04:002013-07-29T18:30:02-04:00Drive Time Take, UFC On FOX 8 Edition
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>One last look at UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga," which took place at KeyArena in Seattle, Wash., on July 27, 2013, including the highs, lows and key takeaways moving forward.</p> <p>After experiencing a night (Sat., July 27, 2013) filled with split decisions, tactical but <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564534/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-fights-with-trash-talk-always-suck-dont-deliver-mma">irritating performances</a>, knockout artists <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564076/knockout-watch-robbie-lawler-headkick-full-fight-highlights-online-bobby-voelker-ufc-fox-8">living up to their reputations</a> and <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4568150/ufc-video-watch-tuf-18-preview-trailer-rousey-vs-tate-debut-fox-sports-1-mma" target="_blank">a commercial for the most anticipated season of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF)</a> to date, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga">UFC on FOX 8</a>: "Johnson vs. Moraga" was not the most memorable mixed martial arts (MMA) event.</p>
<p>But, it had its moments.</p>
<p>It would be irksome to complain about a show that was given to the public for free; however, MMA is a sport that is expected to deliver at all times, especially for a company that strives for the best product possible.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) has had some forgetful FOX cards over a relationship that has always been on solid terms, but was this card as boring as it seemed? Sure, the high-profile fights such as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/3479/ufc-on-fox-8-jake-ellenberger-vs-rory-macdonald">Rory MacDonald vs. Jake Ellenberger</a> were not exactly dynamic, but they comprised impressive and decisive performances from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/24/4551612/latest-ufc-fox-8-odds-online-betting-guide-johnson-vs-moraga-sportsbook-seattle-mma">odds-on favorites</a>.</p>
<p>There were even three (of four) fights that did not go the distance on the main card broadcast, which is always a pleasure for the viewers.</p>
<p>Commencing from opposite order of appearance, the main event saw <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/flyweight">Flyweight</a> champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122884/demetrious-johnson">Demetrious Johnson</a> put on a master class performance by utilizing the same weapon his challenger, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/157999/john-moraga">John Moraga</a>, was believed to have as a primary threat. For nearly four full rounds after a feeling-out process in the first, Johnson utilized a wrestling-based gameplan to counter the power for which his challenger was known.</p>
<p>Indeed, Moraga did not have a chance to showcase his wrestling either, succumbing to a fifth-round submission, the latest stoppage in the history of the UFC, at 3:43 in the final championship round.</p>
<p>Johnson was tagged by Moraga as well, as the challenger clipped the "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564474/ufc-on-fox-8-bonuses-and-awards-demetrious-johnson-banks-50k-for-submission-of-the-night">Submission of the Night</a>" victor at the end of the fourth round, briefly staggering his opponent and breaking his nose before he fell victim to another takedown. Johnson's fighting spirit is constantly overlooked and many use the fact that he gets rocked in almost all of his fights to say he isn't a trustworthy champion.</p>
<p>"Mighty Mouse" showed his true championship colors last night, taking a severe shot that could have turned it around for Moraga and finishing his counterpart in the fifth round, while he was way ahead on the scorecards. He is a target his fellow compatriots cannot pinpoint more often than not and bolsters through round after round with a pace nobody has been able to keep up with in his brief, but impressive, title reign.</p>
<p>As for the constant criticism geared toward Flyweight and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/bantamweight">Bantamweight</a> fighters, there is no reason as to why some believe the lower weight class fights are not that entertaining. It is a thoughtless assumption, especially if one calls themselves a fight fan.</p>
<p>"If you don't like the smaller weight class fighters after this one don't say it to me", urged UFC president <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white">Dana White</a> in his post-event interview with Ariel Helwani for FUEL TV (watch it <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564452/video-ufc-president-dana-white-wraps-up-ufc-on-fox-8-in-seattle-mma">here</a>).</p>
<p>With <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564606/demetrious-johnson-wants-bantamweight-superfights-dana-white-doesnt">talk of Johnson moving up the weight ladder</a>, he should stick to his weight class to prove the naysayers wrong. If some feel like the 125-pound division is the weakest in terms of its lack of fighters and possible match ups then Johnson should clean it up thoroughly and close up shop when he feels there is no work left to complete.</p>
<p>As Johnson said himself, there are flyweights out there he has not yet met inside the cage. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564606/demetrious-johnson-wants-bantamweight-superfights-dana-white-doesnt">"Super" Bantamweights, too</a>.</p>
<p>Chants of "boring" also ensued throughout the Key Arena in Seattle, Wash., (ironically, the city where Johnson calls home) and maybe it was because they had just witnessed a co-main event that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564534/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-fights-with-trash-talk-always-suck-dont-deliver-mma">did not live up to the hype</a>.</p>
<p>"My job in the gym is to train, and to train and finish," declared Johnson at the post-fight press conference (watch full replay here). "Finishes kept coming and arising ... in the fifth round, even though I was ahead on the scorecards, I'm never just relaxing."</p>
<p>The boo-birds may have summoned themselves throughout the co-main event and it was somewhat understandable. MacDonald and Ellenberger were supposed to collide and deliver a war from the opening bell with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">Welterweight</a> title implications written all over it. The No. 3- and No. 4-ranked 170-pound fighters in the UFC's official ranking system shared the spoils when it comes to excitement, as MacDonald walked away with the win in a technical performance that only he could have been happy with.</p>
<p>UFC President Dana White certainly wasn't (more details <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564534/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-fights-with-trash-talk-always-suck-dont-deliver-mma">here</a>).</p>
<p>Efficiently using his jab and footwork to bring home the win, MacDonald did not give his opponent a chance to capitalize on any account. Ellenberger never landed a shot that troubled the Canadian, but eventually brought him to the floor in the third round. Harsh criticism followed for both fighters, however, MacDonald stressed that at the end of the day, he had a job to do and he got it done:</p>
<p>"I did exactly what I was supposed to do -- I kept up my end", a blunt <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564252/ufc-fox-8-post-fight-press-conference-full-video-replay-online-dana-white-seattle-mma">MacDonald told the press after his fight</a>. "He wasn't engaging. I was playing my angles and waiting for the opportunity like I always do".</p>
<p>It is hard to fault the TriStar-trained product, but he may now have a difficult decision to make if the title pursuit is a part of his near future, as he currently trains with UFC Welterweight Champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a>. As for the unhappy members of the audience, who felt displeased with the outcome of the fight?</p>
<p>"I didn't pay too much attention to it ... I was focused on the task at hand".</p>
<p>It is also an all-too-familiar scenario when title talk surrounds a fight. sometimes it is not the do-or-die, hunger-strike performance one would expect. Even the boss, Dana White, was a dissatisfied with the match up.</p>
<p>"<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564534/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-fights-with-trash-talk-always-suck-dont-deliver-mma">When you get these fights where guys talk shit, a lot of stuff goes back and forth ... those fights always suck, they really do. In my opinion, Rory didn't do anything to try and finish him, put a stamp on it. Not only to the world, but to the guys that are in that division.</a>"</p>
<p>Staying on the subject of that same division, there are times when fighters live up to their expectations and even surprises us in the process. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122558/robbie-lawler">Robbie Lawler</a> may have put on a classic performance for those who know his style, but he showed how versatile he has become over the course of his career.</p>
<p>As UFC announcer <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191861/mike-goldberg">Mike Goldberg</a> put it, the "darkhorse at 170" looked like a legit contender who could pose a threat to anyone in his division. He kept <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123084/bobby-voelker">Bobby Voelker</a> at bay with a striking game that included headkicks, bringing forth the action and bullying his opponent from the beginning of the fight until he scored a spectacular headkick knockout early in the second round (watch it <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564076/knockout-watch-robbie-lawler-headkick-full-fight-highlights-online-bobby-voelker-ufc-fox-8">here</a>).</p>
<p>Lawler could be considered for a near-term title shot -- some wouldn't have a problem with it, while others would complain that he is still several fights away. Lawler is as dangerous as they come and although he owns two straight back-to-back knockout victories in his second Octagon stint, the Welterweight division is constantly producing emerging contenders and the former Miletich Fighting Systems standout is even (5-5) in his last 10 fights.</p>
<p>He may need another devastating performance or two to stand above the rest. However, the fact remains "Ruthless" made a major statement and possesses the power to frighten anyone with one blow, but he can't exactly jump the line either.</p>
<p>Commencing the main card action was a performance that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129634/liz-carmouche">Liz Carmouche</a> needed over 21-year-old newcomer Jessica Andrade. The Brazilian showed promise in the first round, catching Carmouche off-guard with a big slam off her shoulders, which led to a guillotine that had the former women's Bantamweight title contender in a bit of trouble.</p>
<p>However <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564004/ufc-on-fox-8-results-liz-carmouche-stops-jessica-andrade-in-two">"Girlrilla" lived up to her moniker</a> and pummeled Andrade in the second round, taking her back whilst dishing out some patented ground-and-pound, eventually giving Herb Dean no option but to step in.</p>
<p>Carmouche proclaimed that a victory should award her with an immediate title shot, but many linger in the Bantamweight division, including Cat Zingano. That would be a perfect pairing for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191799/joe-silva">Joe Silva</a> to consider in a No. 1 contender elimination bout (that is, if Zingano is not awarded an immediate title shot upon <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/18/4442088/ufc-video-watch-cat-zingano-have-her-knee-drained-following-acl-surgery-mma">her return from injury</a>, forcing her out of one in the first place).</p>
<p>There's also another contender who emerged on Saturday night, Germaine De Randamie, the lanky Muay Thai-based 135-pound bruiser who beat 10-year veteran <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131289/julie-kedzie">Julie Kedzie</a> in a bout where both fighters had good moments with Randamie earning the split decision.</p>
<p>The "Prelims" portion of the card (full recap <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4563652/ufc-fox-8-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-full-fight-online-results-prelims-facebook-fx-mma">here</a>) was filled with split decisions and a "Fight of the Year" candidate, as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129943/ed-herman">Ed Herman</a> got the nod over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131772/trevor-smith">Trevor Smith</a> in the "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564474/ufc-on-fox-8-bonuses-and-awards-demetrious-johnson-banks-50k-for-submission-of-the-night">Fight of The Night</a>." Both athletes amazed the crowd in a slugfest that was worthy of a main card slot.</p>
<p>Ultimately Herman got the victory, getting the better of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564280/ufc-on-fox-8-results-trevor-smith-breaks-hands-in-fight-of-the-night-loss-to-ed-herman-mma">broken-handed</a> Smith with his punches, which leads us to wonder how each fighter earned a 30-27 scorecard.</p>
<p>Another mind-boggling decision to award each fighter that same scorecard was a battle between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/132892/daron-cruickshank">Daron Cruickshank</a> and Yves Edwards. Cruickshank did better with his counter-attacks, while Edwards pushed the pace the entire fight, but "Thugjitsu Master" came up short.</p>
<p>It becomes a matter of opinion for someone who is judging the fight, since there is no clear winner if one follows the unified rules when scoring a bout.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122531/melvin-guillard">Melvin Guillard</a> scored the "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564474/ufc-on-fox-8-bonuses-and-awards-demetrious-johnson-banks-50k-for-submission-of-the-night">Knockout of The Night</a>" over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/127369/mac-danzig">Mac Danzig</a> through harsh times (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565116/video-watch-melvin-guillard-mac-danzig-knockout-sacrifice-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma">more on those here</a>) and immediately climbed back into the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/lightweight">Lightweight</a> division conversation. Danzig never seemed to trouble "The Young Assassin," as Guillard blasted him in the second round as his opponent lunged forward. Danzig scarily moaned on the canvas, and to make matters worse, that was his seventh loss in 10 outings, facing a possible pink slip from the company.</p>
<p>It was business as usual for Team Alpha Male's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129647/danny-castillo">Danny Castillo</a>, who used his strong wrestling pedigree to outlast <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/151497/tim-means">Tim Means</a> in another technical scrap. Castillo kept it on the feet as long as he had to before he brought down Means and smothered him over and over again for the unanimous decision victory.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129635/jorge-masvidal">Jorge Masvidal</a> backed up the bickering as he survived Michael Chiesa's onslaught in the first round to tap out TUF 15 winner with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4566912/ufc-fox-8-monday-michael-chiesa-choked-out-final-second-mma">one second remaining in the second round</a>. Masvidal could now challenge Guillard, which would be a great fight between two men who were at crossroads before and have bounced back in a big way, respectively.</p>
<p>The Facebook "Prelims" (full recap <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4563652/ufc-fox-8-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-full-fight-online-results-prelims-facebook-fx-mma">here</a>) started with an intriguing match up between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/183437/yaotzin-meza">Yaotzin Meza</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/141434/john-albert">John Albert</a> -- a true back-and-forth chess game of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and dominant positions until Meza delivered Albert his fourth submission loss in a row.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/150995/justin-salas">Justin Salas</a> got the win over 45-fight veteran <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/141739/aaron-riley">Aaron Riley</a>, after the latter was away from the cage for two years and called it a day after the loss (more on his retirement <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564614/ufc-lightweight-aaron-riley-announces-retirement-following-ufc-on-fox-8-defeat-mma">here</a>). This was the night's first split decision (which could have been too kind to Riley), where Riley's bloodiness and Salas' flashiness could have swayed the judges in his favor, adding flying knees and frontkicks to his arsenal.</p>
<p>Riley walks away from the sport with a record of 30-14-1.</p>
<p>Finally, a commercial for the upcoming season of TUF 18 (watch it <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4568150/ufc-video-watch-tuf-18-preview-trailer-rousey-vs-tate-debut-fox-sports-1-mma" target="_blank">here</a>), which has bitter rivals <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131295/ronda-rousey">Ronda Rousey</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/130035/miesha-tate">Miesha Tate</a> competing against one another in the coaching gig and eventual <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/142445/ufc-168-weidman-vs-silva">UFC 168</a> co-headlining title fight, proved that the brass has changed the overused and exhaustive model of the show. This season will showcase both men and women in the household and the promo consisted of clips where Rousey's face was showered with tears along with confrontations where the challenger looked more composed than her foe.</p>
<p>Looks promising!</p>
<p>When looking back at performances like those of Johnson, MacDonald, Castillo and even Cruickshank (even though he may have lost some fantasy scorecards), this is definitely the future of fighting. When a fighter has so much talent, he tends to fight smart, cautiously and so definitive he doesn't need to take risks to please the fans.</p>
<p>Both Johnson and MacDonald provided masterful performances, but they weren't for everyone. It must be stressed that MMA isn't always about finishes, knockouts or the most entertaining blood-gushing fights; just like any other sport, we view and analyze the athlete, whether he or she is bringing forth a reckless, exciting style or a carefully constructed plan to break down their opponents is up to them.</p>
<p>Maybe the spectators are not fully amused, but that's not the athlete's problem and it does not mean we should turn our backs on MMA any time soon.</p>
<p>The days of having a fight card where we know two fighters will be going in there until someone drops isn't entirely gone, but it is becoming a distant memory. The sport has evolved immensely for anyone to expect a slugfest like Don Frye vs. Tank Abbott or a chess match like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122575/nick-diaz">Nick Diaz</a> vs. Karo Parysian on every card.</p>
<p>However from time to time, those types of fights are still around (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/3557/ufc-on-fox-8-ed-herman-vs-trevor-smith">Ed Herman vs. Trevor Smith</a>), but are just harder to come by.</p>
<p>It seems like a road followers of the sport have gone down before -- a night filled with questionable decisions and cautious fighting styles, which to many, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565506/rory-macdonald-vs-jake-ellenberger-what-went-wrong-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma">are killing the sport</a>. There are days where pundits endlessly brainstorm the possibilities of fixing these issues, but there isn't an answer.</p>
<p>And this is how the sport will remain.</p>
<p>Fighters are becoming intensely proficient and it is pointless for someone to throw caution to the wind if they feel it could cost them dearly. There are those fighters who still want to entertain the fans and put on a show, but for every fighter with that mentality, there is also a fighter who finds it more important to get the win for his career.</p>
<p>It's a cross between what the brass expects to earn you a title shot (being exciting so the fans will urge to see you fight for the championship) versus the man who keeps winning so dominantly that there will come a time where it is inevitable you are the next in line.</p>
<p>Johnson's finishing rate, along with his critical championship analysis and MacDonald's cautious display go hand-in-hand with another champion. For example, if we look at the current Welterweight champion, St. Pierre, it is apparent that he faces backlash for not finishing a fight in over three years; however, when a competitor is so talented and gets the job done efficiently, whose fault is it when the fans aren't satisfied?</p>
<p>Definitely not the fighter who keeps doing what he needs to do, remaining successful and more dominant time after time.</p>
<p><b>For complete UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga" results, videos and all the post-event fallout combat sports fans can handle be sure to check out our comprehensive story stream right </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4566288/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-event-wrap-up-seattle"><b>here</b></a><b>.</b></p>
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https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4567482/ufc-fox-8-drive-time-final-look-johnson-vs-moraga-event-seattle-mmaAlex Giardini2013-07-29T18:00:09-04:002013-07-29T18:00:09-04:00Ouch! U.S. Soccer Beats UFC In Weekend TV Ratings
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j5rw32ul0upY-FnPQmn_ZhIACwk=/0x167:4000x2834/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17080393/20120726_jel_aw6_106.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>That's a bicycle kick to the soccer balls.</p> <p>Looks like <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/4/3/2922319/mls-jimmy-conrad-soccer-dana-white-ufc-open-letter-video">Jimmy Conrad got the last laugh</a>.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) President <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white">Dana White</a> has repeatedly said mixed martial arts (MMA) <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/12/4423828/ufcs-dana-white-one-on-one-with-bloomberg-video-we-couldnt-fit-obama">will be the biggest sport in the world</a>, but its apparently still got a long way to go.</p>
<p>If the plan is to unseat international soccer's reign of supremacy in the ratings, you'll probably first have to beat soccer in the United States, but that didn't happen this past weekend.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga">UFC on Fox 8</a> didn't exactly bring the house down on Saturday night (July 27, 2013) in Seattle, Washington, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565368/ufc-on-fox-8-ratings-johnson-vs-moraga-garnets-2-million-viewers-overnights-mma">taking home 2.04 million viewers for a 1.6 overnight rating</a>.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, the event, which was headlined by a UFC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/flyweight">Flyweight</a> title fight between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122884/demetrious-johnson">Demetrious Johnson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/157999/john-moraga">John Moraga</a>, wasn't even the most watched sports programming on Fox this weekend. The United States men's soccer team competed in the 2013 Gold Cup, defeating Panama (1-0) on Sunday afternoon, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2013/7/29/4568194/gold-cup-final-wins-the-ratings-weekend-over-ufc-baseball">managing to bring in a 1.8 rating</a> to edge out UFC despite the latter's primetime placement.</p>
<p>Not bad for, as White calls it, "<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/3/22/2893642/dana-white-soccer-pussified-calgary-press-conference-video">the least talented sport on Earth</a>."</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4569040/what-prime-time-ufc-event-loses-weekend-ratings-battle-to-gold-cupBrian Hemminger2013-07-29T08:00:05-04:002013-07-29T08:00:05-04:00It's A Wrap! UFC on FOX 8: Johnson-Moraga Edition
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>Wrapping up the UFC on Fox 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga" event that took place on Sat., July 27, 2013, at the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, featuring Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga and much, much more.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC on Fox 8</a>: "Johnson vs. Moraga" blew the roof off the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington, last night (Sat., July 27, 2013) featuring a main event of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122884/demetrious-johnson" class="sbn-auto-link">Demetrious Johnson</a> successfully defending his flyweight title with a dominant stoppage victory over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/157999/john-moraga" class="sbn-auto-link">John Moraga</a>.</p>
<p>The co-headlining attraction saw <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122584/rory-macdonald" class="sbn-auto-link">Rory MacDonald</a> make the least of his big stage, winning a plodding unanimous decision over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129201/jake-ellenberger" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Ellenberger</a> but failing to impress anyone and downright pissing off UFC President <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white" class="sbn-auto-link">Dana White</a>.</p>
<p>The other two main card bouts saw <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122558/robbie-lawler" class="sbn-auto-link">Robbie Lawler</a> knock out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123084/bobby-voelker" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobby Voelker</a> in a result everyone expected and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129634/liz-carmouche" class="sbn-auto-link">Liz Carmouche</a> run through <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/196911/jessica-andrade" class="sbn-auto-link">Jessica Andrade</a> to put herself back into title contention in the women's division.</p>
<p>In cased you missed any or all of it -- or just want to keep the discussion alive -- below are links to all the major storylines borne from Saturday night's event in Seattle.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">___________________________________</p>
<h5>UFC on Fox 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga"</h5>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/27/4471176/ufc-on-fox-8-results-live-online-fight-stream-updates-coverage-johnson-vs-moraga-seattle-mma">Results and live coverage</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564252/ufc-fox-8-post-fight-press-conference-full-video-replay-online-dana-white-seattle-mma">Post-fight press conference</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564474/ufc-on-fox-8-bonuses-and-awards-demetrious-johnson-banks-50k-for-submission-of-the-night">Bonuses and awards</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564706/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-fight-photos-gallery-seattle-mma">Event photo gallery</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565368/ufc-on-fox-8-ratings-johnson-vs-moraga-garnets-2-million-viewers-overnights-mma">Event overnight ratings</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564306/demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-full-fight-video-highlights-from-ufc-on-fox-8">Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga highlights</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564436/rory-macdonald-vs-jake-ellenberger-full-fight-video-highlights-from-ufc-on-fox-8">Rory MacDonald vs. Jake Ellenberger highlights</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564076/knockout-watch-robbie-lawler-headkick-full-fight-highlights-online-bobby-voelker-ufc-fox-8">Robbie Lawler vs. Bobby Voelker highlights</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4563652/ufc-fox-8-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-full-fight-online-results-prelims-facebook-fx-mma">Prelims results and recap</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564004/ufc-on-fox-8-results-liz-carmouche-stops-jessica-andrade-in-two">Recap: Liz Carmouche runs through Jessica Andrade</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564036/ufc-on-fox-8-results-robbie-lawler-knocks-out-bobby-voelker">Recap: Robbie Lawler knocks out Bobby Voelker</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564040/ufc-on-fox-8-results-rory-macdonald-wins-plodding-decision-over-jake-ellenberger">Recap: Rory MacDonald defeats Jake Ellenberger</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564204/ufc-on-fox-8-results-demetrious-johnson-armbars-john-moraga">Recap: Demetrious Johnson submits John Moraga</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565362/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-liz-carmouche-vs-jessica-andrade-fight">Review: Liz Carmouche vs. Jessica Andrade</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565252/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-robbie-lawler-vs-bobby-voelker-fight">Review: Robbie Lawler vs. Bobby Voelker</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564794/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-rory-macdonald-vs-jake-ellenberger-fight">Review: Rory MacDonald vs. Jake Ellenberger</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564922/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-fight">Review: Demetrious Johnson vs. John Moraga</a></p>
<h5>UFC on Fox 8 Post-Fight Fallout</h5>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564500/ufc-fox-8-results-report-card-johnson-vs-moraga-event-performance-grades-seattle-mma">Event report card</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564330/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-biggest-winner-loser-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-seattle-mma">Biggest winner and lowliest loser</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564350/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-who-is-next-for-demetrious-johnson-mma">Who's next for Demetrious Johnson?</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564404/joe-silvas-shoes-who-should-be-next-for-ufc-on-fox-8-main-card-winners-mma" target="_blank">Joe Silva's Shoes: Possible next fights for event winners</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565576/ufc-on-fox-8-results-30-post-event-facts-about-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-mma">Post event facts</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564556/video-dana-white-ufc-on-fox-8-post-fight-media-scrum-full-video-mma">Dana White media scrum from the post-fight presser</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564452/video-ufc-president-dana-white-wraps-up-ufc-on-fox-8-in-seattle-mma">Dana White post-event interview</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564534/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-fights-with-trash-talk-always-suck-dont-deliver-mma">Dana White: Fights hyped with trash talk 'always suck'</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564392/unhappy-dana-white-rory-macdonald-jake-ellenberger-reaction-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma">Dana White: Rory MacDonald proved nothing while Jake Ellenberger did nothing</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565396/demetrious-johnson-first-ufc-stoppage-john-moraga-submission-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma">Demetrious Johnson proves bigger isn't better</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564606/demetrious-johnson-wants-bantamweight-superfights-dana-white-doesnt">Demetrious Johnson wants superfights and Dana White might be on board</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564484/ufc-quick-quote-demetrious-johnson-renan-barao-more-dangerous-dominick-cruz-mma">Demetrious Johnson: Renan Barao is more dangerous than Dominick Cruz</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564230/ufc-on-fox-8-results-demetrious-johnson-submits-john-moraga-armbar-exciting-mma">Demetrious Johnson brings excitement back to the flyweight division</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565506/rory-macdonald-vs-jake-ellenberger-what-went-wrong-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma">So what the hell happened with MacDonald vs. Ellenberger?</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565330/ufc-fox-8-results-second-ufc-chance-charm-robbie-lawler-knockout-seattle-mma">Second UFC run might be the charm for Robbie Lawler</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564574/ufc-quick-quote-robbie-lawler-calls-rory-macdonald-a-stud-ponders-potential-fight">Robbie Lawler thinks Rory MacDonald's a stud; might want to fight him</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565116/video-watch-melvin-guillard-mac-danzig-knockout-sacrifice-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma">Melvin Guillard talks knockout victory over Mac Danzig</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564614/ufc-lightweight-aaron-riley-announces-retirement-following-ufc-on-fox-8-defeat-mma">Aaron Riley retires from MMA</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564220/pic-ufc-on-fox-8-typo-production-cant-spell-flyweight">The production at UFC on Fox 8 was iffy at best</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">___________________________________</p>
<p>That, my friends, should be enough to keep you talking -- at least for the time being. What gets your vote for the biggest story coming out of UFC on Fox 8?</p>
<p>Sound off, Maniacs.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/29/4566288/ufc-on-fox-8-results-recap-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-event-wrap-up-seattleGeno Mrosko2013-07-28T21:00:02-04:002013-07-28T21:00:02-04:00Robbie Lawler ‘More Grown Up' In Second UFC Stint
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>Robbie Lawler has come a long way since he first signed with the UFC in 2002, and over a decade later UFC President Dana White reflects on how far "Ruthless" has come since he first appeared inside the Octagon at UFC 37.
</p> <blockquote>
<p><i>"Listen Lawler's been a fun fighter since the day he walked into this organization. The difference between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122558/robbie-lawler">Robbie Lawler</a> now and Robbie Lawler then is obviously he's older, more grown up and more importantly his head is in the right place. You know, Robbie in the old days was a completely different person, just like, ‘Meh, I don't care.' He didn't care about anything. Now he cares. He's a completely different fighter. When I saw him on Friday or whatever he was already close to weight, eh didn't have to cut a lot of weight like the old days. Just mentally and physically he's a different person. I'm happy for him, I'm happy to have him back and he's always fun."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) President <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white">Dana White</a> pays credit to surging <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">welterweight</a> contender Robbie Lawler at the UFC on FOX 8 post-fight press conference (watch it <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4563806/ufc-fox-8-post-fight-press-conference-live-stream-video-online-johnson-moraga-seattle-mma">here</a>) following his thunderous head-kick knockout of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123084/bobby-voelker">Bobby Voelker</a> on the main card (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564076/knockout-watch-robbie-lawler-headkick-full-fight-highlights-online-bobby-voelker-ufc-fox-8">here</a>). "Ruthless" originally competed under the UFC banner from 2002-2004; however, he parted ways with the organization and moved on to the likes of EliteXC, IFL, PRIDE and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/strikeforce">Strikeforce</a> before making his long awaited return the UFC in early 2013. Since coming back to the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, the 31-year-old has reeled off back-to-back (technical) knockouts against former title challenger <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122582/josh-koscheck">Josh Koscheck</a> and Voelker. His skills appear to be coming together better than ever and White is certainly impressed, saying that Lawler is a "completely different person" now as opposed to his first tenure with the company. Clearly Lawler's maturity is translating to success in the cage, because he has looked unstoppable in his last two fights and is without question in line for a big fight at 170 pounds.</p>
<p>For more news and notes on UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga," visit our complete event archive <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga">here</a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564644/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-robbie-lawler-more-grown-up-head-right-place-second-ufc-stint-mmaMike Bohn2013-07-28T20:30:02-04:002013-07-28T20:30:02-04:00Trevor Smith Breaks Hand In UFC on FOX 8 Loss
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<figcaption>Photo by Esther Lin via MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>Trevor Smith broke his hand early in his "Fight of the Night" loss to Ed Herman at UFC on FOX 8.
</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) newcomer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131772/trevor-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Trevor Smith</a> was on the losing end of the "Fight of the Night" against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129943/ed-herman" class="sbn-auto-link">Ed Herman</a> Saturday evening (July 27, 2013) at UFC on FOX 8, and to make matters worse he broke his hand in the process.</p>
<p>Smith, a veteran of the now-defunct <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/strikeforce" class="sbn-auto-link">Strikeforce</a> organization who was making his Octagon debut, dropped a razor-thin split decision to Herman in one of the most exciting bouts of the evening, which took place on FX portion of the preliminary card.</p>
<p>Unfortunately "Hot Sauce" wasn't able to finish the fight at the pace he started it, and according to a Tweet from UFC president <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white" class="sbn-auto-link">Dana White</a>, that could have because he broke his hand in the early going of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/middleweight" class="sbn-auto-link">Middleweight</a> match up.</p>
<p>"Smith had a broken hand in the fight which makes him even more impressive!!!!," White wrote on his <a href="https://twitter.com/danawhite/status/361249279110692864">official Twitter account</a>.</p>
<p>It is unknown at this time how long the injury will sideline the 32-year-old and whether or not it will require surgery.</p>
<p>Despite the UFC actively making a lot of roster cuts, particularly with former Strikeforce fighters, Smith is sure to get another chance to showcase his skills in the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization as White appeared to be thrilled by his memorable fight in Seattle, Washington.<br><br>Smith's hand may be sore for a few weeks, but the additional $50,000 he earned will certainly take the sting away from that as well as his defeat.</p>
<p>For more news and notes on UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga," visit our complete event archive <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga">here</a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564280/ufc-on-fox-8-results-trevor-smith-breaks-hands-in-fight-of-the-night-loss-to-ed-herman-mmaMike Bohn2013-07-28T20:00:06-04:002013-07-28T20:00:06-04:00Matchmaker For UFC on FOX 8's Main Card Winners
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<figcaption>Photo by Esther Lin via MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>Playing fantasy matchmaker is one of the most enjoyable things to do for mixed martial arts (MMA) fans, and with UFC on FOX 8 behind us, we put ourselves in Joe Silva's shoes to play matchmaker for the event's main card winners.</p> <p>UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga" is in the books and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship's</a> (UFC) eighth network television fight card delivered mixed results of knockouts, submissions and decisions.</p>
<p>Demetrious Johnson, Rory MacDonald, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122558/robbie-lawler" class="sbn-auto-link">Robbie Lawler</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129634/liz-carmouche" class="sbn-auto-link">Liz Carmouche</a> were the big winners Saturday (July 27, 2013) inside KeyArena in Seattle, Wash., as each picked up a victory over their respective opponents on the main card, which aired on FOX.</p>
<p>After every fight card, fans ponder about who the winners of each bout will be matched up with next. With another night of heart-racing fights in the rear-view mirror, it's time to climb into a pair <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191799/joe-silva" class="sbn-auto-link">Joe Silva's</a> shoes, look forward and play UFC matchmaker.</p>
<p><b>Winner:</b> Liz Carmouche <br><b>Who She Should Fight Next:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/132840/alexis-davis" class="sbn-auto-link">Alexis Davis</a><br><b>Why They Should Fight:</b> With the women's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/bantamweight" class="sbn-auto-link">bantamweight</a> division's next two title fights already booked up, it would be in everyone's best interest to keep fighting, move the division forward and make themselves as big and familiar a name to the UFC audience as possible so that when a title shot does come around, they will be a well known commodity.</p>
<p>Carmouche and Alexis Davis are the only fighters in the top-five of the weight class who are not booked for a fight or injured, so it would make sense to match the two highly ranked fighters against each other and see who moves a step close to a title shot against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131295/ronda-rousey" class="sbn-auto-link">Ronda Rousey</a>.</p>
<p><b>Winner: </b>Robbie Lawler <br><b>Who He Should Fight Next: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128881/tarec-saffiedine" class="sbn-auto-link">Tarec Saffiedine</a> <br><b>Why They Should Fight: </b>Before multiple fighters withdrew from the event, Robbie Lawler was scheduled to battle Tarec Saffiedine at UFC on FOX 8. Two injury replacements later, "Ruthless" met <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123084/bobby-voelker" class="sbn-auto-link">Bobby Voelker</a> and earned a brutal head-kick knockout victory to move to 2-0 since returning to the UFC earlier this year.</p>
<p>Some feel the nature of Lawler's win moves his beyond a fight against "The Sponge" and on to bigger match ups; however, one must remember Voelker is an unranked fighter who had just a few weeks of preparation, which takes a tiny bit of the luster away from Lawler's win.</p>
<p>With Saffiedine still recovering and without a fight at this time, it would only make sense to rebook the match up UFC officials felt was suitable for Lawler in the first place.</p>
<p><b>Winner: </b>Rory MacDonald <br><b>Who He Should Fight Next: </b>Winner of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/3767/ufc-fight-night-27-carlos-condit-vs-martin-kampmann" class="sbn-auto-link">Carlos Condit vs. Martin Kampmann</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/141031/ufc-fight-night-condit-vs-kampmann-2" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC Fight Night 27</a><br><b>Why They Should Fight: </b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122584/rory-macdonald" class="sbn-auto-link">Rory MacDonald's</a> one and only career defeat comes at the hands of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122573/carlos-condit" class="sbn-auto-link">Carlos Condit</a> in a fight "Ares" was likely only a few ticks of the clock away from winning. The Canadian says the loss eats away at him and wants redemption against Condit.</p>
<p>After edging <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129201/jake-ellenberger" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Ellenberger</a> for the most important win of his career, the 24-year-old once again called Condit out on the FUEL TV post-fight show. And given the fact they are ranked as the No. 2 and No. 3 contenders in the weight class, it's hard to argue MacDonald doesn't have grounds to request a rematch.</p>
<p>We know MacDonald wants the fight; now Condit just needs to get through <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122581/martin-kampmann" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Kampmann</a> in a redemption match of his own in the main event of UFC Fight Night 27 in on Aug. 27, 2013.</p>
<p>Beyond MacDonald's quest for vengeance, the match up makes all kinds of sense for both men. Condit's status has elevated since the initial 2010 meeting between the two at UFC 115 and with "The Natural Born Killer" having just held the interim UFC title, MacDonald is catching him at a peak moment in his career and could use Condit's recent success to catapult himself further up the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" class="sbn-auto-link">welterweight</a> rankings.</p>
<p>Condit, on the other hand, would be granted an opportunity to take out a friend and training partner of the man who recently defeated him, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre</a>. Moreover, he would be able to prove once and for all he is superior to MacDonald even though he had his hands full in the first fight.</p>
<p><b>Winner: </b>Demetrious Johnson <br><b>Who He Should Fight Next: </b>Winner of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/3917/ufc-fight-night-28-joseph-benavidez-vs-jussier-formiga" class="sbn-auto-link">Joseph Benavidez vs. Jussier Formiga</a> at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/140905/ufc-fight-night-teixeira-vs-bader" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC Fight Night 28</a> <br><b>Why They Should Fight: </b>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/flyweight" class="sbn-auto-link">flyweight</a> division is extremely thin on contenders for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122884/demetrious-johnson" class="sbn-auto-link">Demetrious Johnson's</a> belt right now with only a few 125-pound match ups confirmed for the coming months. The most significant of those match ups takes place next September at UFC Fight Night 28: "Teixeira vs. Bader" when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/125034/joseph-benavidez" class="sbn-auto-link">Joseph Benavidez</a> meets <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129530/jussier-da-silva" class="sbn-auto-link">Jussier Formiga</a>.</p>
<p>Both men are ranked in the top-10 in the world at 125-pounds and the winner will have a very good chance of earning a title shot with a clear-cut victory.</p>
<p>For a lengthy explanation on the entire situation and what "Mighty Mouse" should do next, click <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4561064/bellator-100-full-poster-douglas-lima-vs-ben-saunders-2-sept-20-phoenix-mma">here</a>.</p>
<p>That ends this edition of Joe Silva's shoes. What do you think of these potential match ups? Do you agree? Disagree?</p>
<p>Let us know in the comments section below what fights you would make if you were in Joe Silva's shoes and played the role of UFC matchmaker.</p>
<p>For more news and notes on UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga," visit our complete event archive <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga">here</a>.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564404/joe-silvas-shoes-who-should-be-next-for-ufc-on-fox-8-main-card-winners-mmaMike Bohn2013-07-28T19:00:03-04:002013-07-28T19:00:03-04:00WTF Happened Last Night In FOX 8 Co-Main Event?
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>UFC President Dana White wasn't happy with the UFC on FOX 8 co-main event between Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger. Jason Probst for MMAmania.com dissects went went wrong in such a promising match up.</p> <p>It seemed a can't-miss bout on paper, with the No. 3- and No. 4-ranked <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight" class="sbn-auto-link">Welterweight</a> fighters in the world squaring off, both having registered blowout performances in recent bouts, in the high-profile co-main event of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC on Fox 8</a>, which took place last night (Sat., July 27, 2013) at KeyArena in Seattle, Washington.</p>
<p>But, <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564534/ufc-quick-quote-dana-white-fights-with-trash-talk-always-suck-dont-deliver-mma" target="_blank">it sucked</a> (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4564436/rory-macdonald-vs-jake-ellenberger-full-fight-video-highlights-from-ufc-on-fox-8" target="_blank">watch "highlights" here</a>).</p>
<p>if the ho-hum decision win that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122584/rory-macdonald" class="sbn-auto-link">Rory MacDonald</a> turned in over an equally reluctant <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129201/jake-ellenberger" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Ellenberger</a> provided anything, it's that even high expectations can be grossly underserved even when neither guy has a reputation for anything but exciting fights.</p>
<p>In short, MacDonald found an advantage early, in his powerful, snaking jab, landing it enough to keep Ellenberger unable to close the gap to strike or open up viable takedown attempts. Shower, rinse, repeat. That was pretty much the entire fight until the final minute, where Ellenberger scored a takedown and proceeded to get tied up in MacDonald's tricky guard, but doing very little.</p>
<p>In a weird way, the winner's lack of an impressive statement sort of extends MacDonald's parallel existence alongside good buddy and training mate <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre" class="sbn-auto-link">Georges St. Pierre</a>, who as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc" class="sbn-auto-link">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) 170-pound kingpin defends his title Nov. 16, 2013, against top contender Johny Hendricks. Instead of landing a title shot, as was a stated possibility before the bout by UFC President <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white" class="sbn-auto-link">Dana White</a>, MacDonald continues moving alongside St. Pierre, but making little direct progress toward fighting him.</p>
<p>Maybe this will all go away at <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/142181/ufc-167-st-pierre-vs-hendricks" class="sbn-auto-link">UFC 167</a> if Hendricks pulls a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128569/chris-weidman" class="sbn-auto-link">Chris Weidman</a> and reshuffles the landscape of the division. But, maybe not. And it's certainly going to only get weirder if MacDonald keeps winning the way he did Saturday night, which is not likely.</p>
<p>We can only hope.</p>
<p>Two years ago, when I interviewed MacDonald and trainer <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/192271/firas-zahabi" class="sbn-auto-link">Firas Zahabi</a> leading up to his one-round destruction of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122587/mike-pyle" class="sbn-auto-link">Mike Pyle</a>, both opined that they really didn't want to fight St. Pierre. That was made crystal-clear. However, with MacDonald's impressive wins since then over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/132857/che-mills" class="sbn-auto-link">Che Mills</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122540/b-j-penn" class="sbn-auto-link">B.J. Penn</a> had teed up him for Ellenberger with huge stakes on the line.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/27/4564392/unhappy-dana-white-rory-macdonald-jake-ellenberger-reaction-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mma" target="_blank">He failed to deliver despite the victory over "The Juggernaut."</a></p>
<p>I've always believed you can tell a lot about the UFC's intention for what it wants to happen by how it matches fighters. MacDonald's an amazing talent and it's a bit reactionary to judge him entirely off of one fight. But at some point, he's going to have to fight like he wants the title shot against a top contender.</p>
<p>Until he does that, he's just another guy amidst a talented heap of contenders.</p>
<p><i>Jason Probst can be reached at twitter.com/jasonprobst</i></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565506/rory-macdonald-vs-jake-ellenberger-what-went-wrong-ufc-fox-8-seattle-mmaJason Probst2013-07-28T18:00:02-04:002013-07-28T18:00:02-04:00UFC on FOX 8 Post-Event Facts From Seattle
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<figcaption>Photo by Esther Lin via MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>Mike Bohn of MMAmania.com provides a post-fight facts wrap up all the crucial milestones to come out of UFC on FOX 8 on Saturday night (July 27, 2013) in Seattle, Washington.
</p> <p>UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga" took place Saturday night (July 27, 2013) in Seattle, Wash., with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122884/demetrious-johnson">Demetrious Johnson</a> defeating <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/157999/john-moraga">John Moraga</a> by fifth-round armbar submission in the main event for his second consecutive <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/flyweight">flyweight</a> title defense.</p>
<p>While the 125-pound weight class is one of, if not the most underdeveloped of any in the UFC, "Mighty Mouse" is already displaying dominance over the contenders in his weight class that few others can match.</p>
<p>In this instance, Johnson's win over Moraga makes him the only one of nine current UFC champions to hold wins over the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 ranked contenders in his weight class, according to the officials UFC rankings, of course.</p>
<p>Does that make Johnson the most skilled or impressive of the nine champions? No. But his ability to take out top-ranked challengers time after time paired with the fact he was also an elite fighter at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/bantamweight">bantamweight</a> should certainly make people think of Johnson's name when considering the pound-for-pound greats in mixed martial arts (MMA).</p>
<p>There were several significant moments to come out of the UFC's eighth networks television fight card, so be sure to check out all 28 post-fight facts about UFC on FOX 8 below:</p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Johnson's submission of Moraga at 3:43 of round five was the latest stoppage in UFC history and only the fourth fifth-round finish in UFC history. Others include <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129542/ricco-rodriguez">Ricco Rodriguez</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122508/randy-couture">Randy Couture</a> at UFC 39, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122540/b-j-penn">B.J. Penn</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122588/diego-sanchez">Diego Sanchez</a> at UFC 107 and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/1806/ufc-148-anderson-silva-vs-chael-sonnen">Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen</a> at UFC 117.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Moraga was defeated by submission for the first time in his 15-fight career.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">UFC on FOX 8 tied UFC 94 and four other past UFC events with four fights resulting in a split decision.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122558/robbie-lawler">Robbie Lawler</a> is on his first two-fight win-streak since 2006-2007.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129635/jorge-masvidal">Jorge Masvidal</a> became just the second fighter in UFC history to finish a fight by submission at 4:59 of round two. The other is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight/447/ufc-fight-night-24-leonard-garcia-vs-chan-sung-jung">Chan Sung Jung vs. Leonard Garcia</a> at UFC Fight Night 24.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Johnson had never attempted a submission in seven UFC fights prior to facing Moraga. He attempted three in the fight and finished the match with an armbar.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122531/melvin-guillard">Melvin Guillard</a> tied <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122621/jim-miller">Jim Miller</a> for most wins in UFC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/lightweight">lightweight</a> history with 11. Guillard also owns the most (technical) knockout wins in UFC lightweight history with seven.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/141434/john-albert">John Albert</a> extended his career-worst losing streak to four-straight fights and is the first bantamweight fighter in UFC history to lose four-straight fights in the Octagon.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 15 winner <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/151665/michael-chiesa">Michael Chiesa</a> was defeated for the first time in his MMA career.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">UFC on FOX 8 drew an attendance of 7,816 fans for a live gate of $735,000. For comparison, UFC on FOX 5 in Seattle in Dec. 2012 drew and attendance of 14,387 for a live gate of $1,500,000.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Johnson became just the second fighter in UFC history to complete 10 or more takedowns in two separate UFC fights. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/welterweight">Welterweight</a> champion <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122591/georges-st-pierre">Georges St. Pierre</a> is the other. Johnson went 12 for 12 on takedowns against Moraga.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129943/ed-herman">Ed Herman</a> won a fight by decision for the first time since April 18, 2009 -- a span of 1561 days (over four years) and seven fights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">TUF 6 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/127369/mac-danzig">Mac Danzig</a> fell to 3-7 overall in his past 10 fights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Lawler's last 13 MMA victories have come by (technical) knockout or submission. "Ruthless" has not won a fight by decision since a Nov. 21, 2003 win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122583/chris-lytle">Chris Lytle</a> at UFC 45. Eighteen of the 21 wins in the career of Lawler are by (technical) knockout.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123084/bobby-voelker">Bobby Voelker</a> was defeated by (technical) knockout for just the third time in his 34-fight career and first time since May 9, 2008 -- a span of 1905 days (5+ years) and 15 fights. Voelker is on the first two-fight losing streak of his 34-fight career.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Johnson earned a UFC record fourth flyweight victory.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Betting favorites went 11-1 on the card. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/183437/yaotzin-meza">Yaotzin Meza</a> was the lone underdog to come out victorious.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129634/liz-carmouche">Liz Carmouche</a> has defeated her opponent by (technical) knockout or submission in eight of her nine professional wins.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Masvidal snapped an eight-fight decision streak and earned just the second submission victory of his 32-fight career and first since June 19, 2009 -- a span of 1499 days (four years) and 10 fights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Guillard earned a (technical) knockout victory for the first time since July 2, 2011 -- a span of 756 days (2+ years) and six fights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131772/trevor-smith">Trevor Smith</a> fought to a decision for the first time in his 14-fight career</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131289/julie-kedzie">Julie Kedzie</a> is on a three-fight losing streak, the worst drought of her 28-fight career.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/141739/aaron-riley">Aaron Riley</a> retired from MMA competition following his split decision defeat to Justin Salas. The loss marked just the second time in Riley's 45-fight career where he dropped back-to-back fights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Total fight time of the 12-bout card was two hours, 33 minutes and 39 seconds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Danzig was defeated by (technical) knockout for just the second time in his 33-fight career and first time since Feb. 24, 2007 -- a span of 2345 days (6.5 years) and 12 fights.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Johnson, Guillard, Herman and Smith each earned $50,000 post-fight bonuses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">There have only been 17 fights in UFC where the loser of the match was awarded a 30-27 scorecard. It happened twice at UFC on FOX 8 in Herman vs. Smith and Cruickshank vs. Edwards. For a complete list click <a href="http://mmadecisions.com/blog.jsp?id=68">here</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Guillard's 12 career knockdowns in the UFC are third all-time behind <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129554/chuck-liddell">Chuck Liddell</a> (14) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122568/anderson-silva">Anderson Silva</a> (17).</span></li>
</ol>
<p>That's a wrap for this set of UFC facts.</p>
<p>Did you learn anything new/interesting? Do any of the facts change your perspective on Saturday's fights?</p>
<p>Let us know below!<br><br>For more news and notes on UFC on FOX 8: "Johnson vs. Moraga," visit our complete event archive <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115919/ufc-on-fox-johnson-vs-moraga">here</a>.</p>
<p><i>(Some info courtesy of <a href="http://www.ufc.com">UFC</a>, <a href="http://www.fightmetric.com">Fight Metric</a>, <a href="http://www.mmadecisions.com">MMA Decisions</a> and <a href="http://www.bestfightodds.com">Best Fight Odds</a>)</i></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/28/4565576/ufc-on-fox-8-results-30-post-event-facts-about-demetrious-johnson-vs-john-moraga-mmaMike Bohn