MMAmania.com - Live stream UFC 164 'Henderson vs Pettis 2' online results, recaps, videos and more on PPVBest 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.png2013-10-03T21:18:50-04:00http://www.mmamania.com/rss/stream/44449652013-10-03T21:18:50-04:002013-10-03T21:18:50-04:00UFC Suspends Rothwell 9 Months For Testosterone
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<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
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<p>Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials have suspended Ben Rothwell for nine months after his UFC 164 post-fight drug test revealed "Big Ben" had elevated testosterone levels.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128667/brandon-vera">Brandon Vera</a> once again finds himself entangled in an <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) substance abuse issue.</p>
<p>Earlier today (Oct. 3, 2013) it was revealed that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129557/ben-rothwell">Ben Rothwell</a> -- the man who knocked out "The Truth" at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a> last month in Milwaukee, Wisconsin -- was suspended by world's leading mixed marital arts (MMA) promotion after it detected his testosterone levels were elevated beyond an acceptable limit.</p>
<p>"Big Ben" informed <a href="http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/10/ufc-trumps-wisconsin-commission-suspends-ben-rothwell-for-elevated-testosterone">MMAJunkie.com</a> that UFC, not Wisconsin Athletic Commission (WSAC), suspended him nine months for the infraction. One that puzzles Rothwell, who claims he followed all proper testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) exemption protocols prior to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/heavyweight">Heavyweight</a> bout</p>
<p>But, apparently, the levels were too high for UFC officials, who decided to bench him until June 1, 2014, even though WSAC initially let him off with a warning.</p>
<p>Rothwell explains:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"Following my victory at UFC 164 I was informed I tested for an elevated level of testosterone. This came as a shock because I had applied for and was granted a TRT exemption and was doing so under the supervision of a doctor. I was tested every week for eight weeks prior to the fight and was well under the acceptable level each time. I had applied for TRT after an endocrinologist and Wisconsin athletic doctors diagnosed me with hypogonadism. They felt it was caused by a car crash in 1999 that left me with severe head trauma and in a coma. Doctors told me TRT was something that could stop the hypogonadism from degrading my body. After getting the news of the elevated test, I spoke with the Wisconsin Athletic Commission and they decided to give me an administrative warning. I was told they didn't think I tried to cheat, but felt some punishment was necessary. I have now been informed the UFC has elected to suspend me for nine months. I am not going to fight the suspension as I feel ultimately it is my responsibility to make sure I stay under the acceptable limit. I am deeply sorry for this mistake and apologize to my fans, family and friends."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>In a follow up, <a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mma-cagewriter/wisconsin-writes-letter-ufc-drops-hammer-ben-rothwell-204934402--mma.html">Yahoo!Sports!</a> spoke with UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191863/marc-ratner">Marc Ratner</a>, who traditionally handles athletic commission-related responsibilities whenever the promotion stages international events or in states that don't have standard regulatory teeth.</p>
<p>He explains:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"The state had never given out a TUE before and there was nothing in their administrative laws and statutes that allowed them to do more than write him a letter. We always try to do the right thing everywhere. If he had had this result in Nevada, he'd have gotten a nine-month suspension, so we felt that was the appropriate thing to do in this case, to suspend him for nine months."</i></p>
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<p>So what does this mean for Vera?</p>
<p>Reportedly, the commission does not have established authority to overturn the result to a "No Contest," which would have helped Vera avoid a two-fight losing streak -- he dropped his previous bout to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122520/mauricio-rua">Mauricio Rua</a> at UFC on Fox 4 last year.</p>
<p>It would have marked the second time a Vera a loss would have been overturned.</p>
<p>In 2011, "The Truth" was defeated by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128668/thiago-silva">Thiago Silva</a> at UFC 125; however, the Brazilian striker was caught <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2012/1/3/2678524/thiago-silvas-suspension-has-been-served">trying to cheat his post-fight drug test</a> by using an adulterant to alter his urine because he was knowingly taking a banned substance to help alleviate his ongoing back problems. The result was overturned to a "No Contest" and Vera was invited to compete again inside the Octagon.</p>
<p>That apparently is not the case this time around.</p>
<p>Even though <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white">Dana White</a> and Co. were clearly serious about<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/2/16/3996858/ufc-dana-white-trt-users-to-be-tested-throughout-training-camp-mma"> cracking down on TRT.</a></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/10/3/4800124/ufc-suspends-ben-rothwell-nine-months-elevated-testosterone-brandon-vera-ufc-164-mmaAdam Guillen2013-09-30T21:00:06-04:002013-09-30T21:00:06-04:00Pettis Separated Shoulder Two Weeks Before UFC 164
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<figcaption>Esther Lin for MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>One shoulder? No problem. Anthony Pettis reveals he suffered a separated shoulder two weeks prior to his championship-winning performance against former Lightweight champion Ben Henderson at UFC 164.</p> <p>The first round submission victory for Anthony Pettis at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a> last month (Aug. 31, 2013) in Milwaukee, Wisc. (watch it <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681774/video-anthony-pettis-vs-ben-henderson-2-full-fight-highlights-online-submission-mma">here</a>), was a dominant and impressive way to kick start the "Showtime" title reign in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) 155-pound division.</p>
<p>Especially because Henderson -- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/1/4483512/ufc-lightweight-champion-ben-henderson-wins-two-gold-medals-in-first">a decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt</a> -- had only been finished once before in his seven-year mixed martial arts (MMA) career.</p>
<p>What's even more impressive is that Pettis separated his shoulder two weeks prior to his championship fight against "Smooth" and still managed to dethrone the champ much like he did under the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/wec">World Extreme Cagefighting</a> (WEC) banner three years ago.</p>
<p>Pettis revealed his injury on <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/30/4785004/the-mma-hour-with-anthony-pettis-michael-bisping-boom-boom-mancini">"The MMA Hour:"</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"You know what, my knee was fine, but I actually separated my shoulder two weeks before the fight. So, going into the fight I had a separated right shoulder. My jitz coach rolled a little too hard and he slammed me on my shoulder, and I separated my shoulder two weeks before the fight. The last two weeks before the camp all I could do was roll really light. I couldn't spar. For me it was just a mental thing. I've been through that before. It sucks that it happened two before the fight, but I wasn't backing out of that one."</i></p>
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<p>The Roufusport-trained fighter isn't a stranger to going hard on the mat.</p>
<p>A few weeks prior to his scheduled <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/featherweight">Featherweight</a> title fight against division king <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo">Jose Aldo</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/124071/ufc-163-aldo-vs-korean-zombie">UFC 163</a>, Pettis was forced to withdraw because of a <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/6/18/4439584/ufc-163-anthony-pettis-injury-ben-henderson-doesnt-want-rematch-mma">knee injury</a> he suffered while rolling with UFC <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/light-heavyweight">Light Heavyweight</a> contender <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122509/phil-davis">Phil Davis</a>. Despite the setback, Pettis was pegged as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122606/t-j-grant">T.J. Grant's</a> <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/12/4519456/ben-henderson-vs-anthony-pettis-set-as-new-ufc-164-main-event-with-tj-grant-injured-mma">replacement</a> to challenge "Bendo" in "The Brew City" -- his hometown -- for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/lightweight">Lightweight</a> strap.</p>
<p>And the rest, as they say, is history.</p>
<p>After his win, it was revealed that Pettis has suffered <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/3/4692430/breaking-news-anthony-pettis-out-seven-weeks-with-knee-sprain">yet another knee injury</a>; however, "Showtime" won't require surgery to repair his bum limb.</p>
<p>Pettis will next take on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122546/josh-thomson">Josh Thomson</a> in the main event of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/115921/ufc-on-fox-9">UFC on Fox 9</a>, which goes down in Sacramento, Calif., on Dec. 14, 2013. And Pettis assures fight fans he will be 100 percent come fight night, something that's a must if he plans on <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/30/4787478/ufc-fox-9-anthony-pettis-josh-thomson-first-round-knockout-mma">finishing "The Punk" in round one.</a></p>
<p>Or, maybe not if recent history is an indicator.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/30/4788220/anthony-pettis-separated-shoulder-ben-henderson-armbar-submission-ufc-164Adam Guillen2013-09-03T23:05:39-04:002013-09-03T23:05:39-04:00Breaking News! Anthony Pettis Out Seven Weeks With Knee Sprain<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0ifR4Qd4xNx66-76F_4YdWakwDg=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/303279/Pettis.jpg" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>UFC President Dana White teased "breaking news" would be revealed tonight on ESPNs "SportsCenter." The announcement? New UFC Lightweight Champion Anthony Pettis, who underwent a recent MRI for possible ligament damage in his knee, only suffered a minor sprain. One that seemingly did not hamper him during his championship-winning performance over Ben Henderson this past weekend at UFC 164 (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681774/video-anthony-pettis-vs-ben-henderson-2-full-fight-highlights-online-submission-mma" target="new">watch video highlights here</a>), and one that will likely be fully healed when he makes his first title defense against T.J. Grant in the near future (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/3/4692036/report-anthony-pettis-next-fight-tj-not-jose-aldo-dana-white-lightweight-ufc" target="new">more details here</a>). SuperBowl weekend 2014, perhaps?</p></p></div>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/3/4692430/breaking-news-anthony-pettis-out-seven-weeks-with-knee-sprainThomas Myers2013-09-02T18:00:05-04:002013-09-02T18:00:05-04:00Drive Time Take: UFC 164 Edition
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<figcaption>Esther Lin for MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>UFC 164: “Henderson vs. Pettis 2” is in the books, and now it’s time to take a final look back at the key storylines emerging from BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., on Aug. 31, 2013.</p> <p>If <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/124071/ufc-163-aldo-vs-korean-zombie">UFC 163</a> was a lackluster pay-per-view (PPV), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) bounced back in a way only it could, with an exciting main card and "Prelims" combination that made up <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a>: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" on Saturday night (Aug. 31, 2013).</p>
<p>Live from BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., hometown fighters had some ups and downs to analyze Monday morning, a few veterans of the sport have officially been escorted out of their prime and title talk is brewing more than ever.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before we get to your last read of UFC 164: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2," check out our full results and play-by-play <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/8/31/4681246/ben-henderson-vs-anthony-pettis-2-full-fight-updates-live-ufc-164-ppv-stream" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the night's main event, hometown hero <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122902/anthony-pettis">Anthony Pettis</a> needed to prove to everyone that he had <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/127864/ben-henderson">Ben Henderson's</a> number, and that their first fight at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/wec">World Extreme Cagefighting's</a> last event, WEC 53, where he captured the lightweight title, could be repeated once more. Pettis was coming into this fight on a three-fight win streak, and wanted to get the biggest win of his career in front of his friends and family after unluckiness and an unfortunate knee injury cost him multiple title shots and opportunities.</p>
<p>Henderson was a true champion, but his split decision wins and his close fights had the fandom questioning his legitimacy as a true pound-for-pound best and with a win over Pettis, he would break the record for most title defenses in the lightweight division.</p>
<p>"Smooth" started off by trying to tire out "Showtime," pinning him up against the fence and trying to grapple with him. After Pettis landed some good, heavy punches and a hard kick to the body on "Bendo" when they broke away, Henderson needed to do much of the same that was working for him until he eventually succumbed to "Showtime" for the second time, losing his title to Pettis for a second time as well.</p>
<p>As Henderson was on top of Pettis in his guard, Pettis wrapped his legs around Henderson, trapping him in an armbar and forced the former champion to verbally tap in the first round (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681774/video-anthony-pettis-vs-ben-henderson-2-full-fight-highlights-online-submission-mma" target="_blank">here</a>).</p>
<p>Pettis also stated that he tweaked his knee in the fight and as <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682830/ufc-164-results-recap-next-fight-lightweight-champion-anthony-pettis-mma" target="_blank">we originally reported it being the same knee that forced him out of the Jose Aldo fight</a>, it was actually his left knee.Pettis is now undefeated (2-0) over Henderson with his next fight being uncertain since the injury is somewhat unclear at this time of publishing. Henderson, although being a solid, great fighter, will now go back to the drawing board.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129198/josh-barnett">Josh Barnett</a> returned to the Octagon after a long absence of over ten years and after grappling with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a> for two minutes, Barnett landed a knee flush on Mir's chin, dropping the former heavyweight champion and although the stoppage was controversial or questionable for many, Mir did go limp and it would have only gotten worse for the most accomplished and decorated heavyweight in UFC history (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681832/video-josh-barnett-vs-frank-mir-full-fight-highlights-online-ufc-164-controversial-tko" target="_blank">here</a>).</p>
<p>Barnett secured the biggest win of his career outside of the UFC, as a finish of Mir gets him right back into the title hunt as he is now one win away from being considered as a top contender since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122505/fabricio-werdum">Fabricio Werdum</a> will probably get the next shot; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128882/daniel-cormier">Daniel Cormier</a> will be dropping to light heavyweight and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122487/travis-browne">Travis Browne</a> now needs an opponent to see if he can get another huge victory to propel him to the top of the ladder. Barnett would be a perfect match for him.</p>
<p>Mir is now 0-3 in his last three fights (one of them being a loss to Junior Dos Santos for the championship) but Mir's recognition as a popular and accomplished fighter should not taint his positioning in the company. He will certainly not be cut but his next fight is more or less do-or-die, since retirement is always an option that looms near. Mir against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122499/alistair-overeem">Alistair Overeem</a> would be a classic pro wrestling style "loser leaves town" match, and that one is hard to not want to see.</p>
<p>Team Alpha Male's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122965/chad-mendes">Chad Mendes</a> has evolved from the dull wrestling-based fighter he used to be, with his evolution being reminiscent to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122582/josh-koscheck">Josh Koscheck</a> in his prime. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128648/clay-guida">Clay Guida</a> was bringing the ferocious pace and energy he usually brings in his fights but Mendes countered his speed amazingly, stuffing his takedowns and taking advantage by hopping on Guida's back.</p>
<p>Not only did Mendes show he had superior wrestling, he showed his striking was a notch above Guida's as well, finishing off "The Carpenter" after he dropped him with a right hand and followed up with some ground and pound. "Money" was the first man to ever stop Guida by strikes, and making a huge statement like that is not the only accomplishment that has gotten him noticed as of late (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682012/video-chad-mendes-vs-clay-guida-full-fight-highlights-online-from-ufc" target="_blank">here</a>).</p>
<p>Mendes has four wins straight by either knockout or technical knockout and looks to be at the forefront of the featherweight division, along with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131141/ricardo-lamas">Ricardo Lamas</a> of course. However in Mendes case, he has been a fighter reborn since his UFC 142 championship loss to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo">Jose Aldo</a> and he is making an interesting case to get another shot.</p>
<p>Guida is 1-3 in his last four fights and queue the journeyman status talk because he is somewhat distant from ever competing for a title.</p>
<p>"Big" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129557/ben-rothwell">Ben Rothwell</a> pulled off the first shuffle dance, bob-and-weave-your-way-to-a-knockout ever over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128667/brandon-vera">Brandon Vera</a>, taking notes from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122568/anderson-silva">Anderson Silva</a> but not looking as seriously threatening as Silva -- even though he pummeled Vera en route to a third-round stoppage (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683534/video-ben-rothwell-vs-brandon-vera-full-fight-highlights-online-from" target="_blank">here</a>).</p>
<p>Rothwell may face some criticism for being allowed a TRT exemption but the reality is you cannot point the finger at one fighter without worrying about the rest of the fighters on the current roster that are using it.</p>
<p>Rothwell looked like he was stalking Vera the entire fight, landing some big punches and credit to Vera for eating most of them. Vera looked promising early on in the fight, landing some heavy kicks to Rothwell's body and his legs showing that a return to the heavyweight division was working out for him.</p>
<p>Maybe Vera could not take the powerful shots that the 265-pound division has in store and forgot how they felt like five years ago. Having lost to Mauricio "Shogun" Rua a year ago by technical knockout, Rothwell provided with the Vera the same dose of punishment. Vera is now winless in almost two years, lost four out of his past six (with one being a "No Contest") and his future looks incredibly bleak right now. Does he go back to light heavyweight? Does he even have a job with the promotion?</p>
<p>Wisconsin's own Rothwell was giddy in his post-fight interview and maybe that is where the TRT kicked in. He shouted, screamed, ranted and even called out Travis Browne -- but he needs to win two-straight first, something he has not done since 2008.</p>
<p>The pay-per-view broadcast kicked off with a barnburner, as featherweights <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122973/dustin-poirier">Dustin Poirier</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122964/erik-koch">Erik Koch</a> were robbed for the <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681768/ufc-164-bonuses-and-awards-for-henderson-vs-pettis-2-in-milwaukee" target="_blank">Fight of The Night bonus</a>, as both competitors had good moments but ultimately it was "The Diamond" who looked outstanding and outlasted "The New Breed" (watch highlights<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683356/video-dustin-poirier-vs-erik-koch-full-fight-highlights-online-from" target="_blank"> here</a>).</p>
<p>Clocking him with a heavy right hand in the first, Poirier found himself in a bad position, fighting off an arm-triangle that looked all but sunken in. As Poirier recovered, he landed a heavy right hand that dropped Koch but Poirier could not finish him.</p>
<p>Poirier got the better of the striking in the second round, leading up to the takedown and tried to tie up a triangle-choke but the toughness of Koch was on display Saturday night (Aug. 31, 2013).</p>
<p>Poirier used a grappling gameplan that tired out Koch, grinding him up against the fence and relentlessly taking him down to secure his sixth UFC victory. Although just 2-2 in his last four, Poirier looks to have made a comeback into title contention and even if he is a few wins away, one or two fights over top quality opponents should do him good.</p>
<p>Koch on the other hand has lost two straight but he should feel nothing to be ashamed about, losing to Poirier and Ricardo Lamas but those losses did end his impressive four-fight win streak with stoppage wins over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129996/francisco-rivera">Francisco Rivera</a> and Raphael Assuncao. Luckily for him, he is still young with all the capabilities in the world to get it right next time.<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122644/gleison-tibau">Gleison Tibau</a> was successful in his 20th UFC fight but he did have to overcome the adversity of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122547/jamie-varner">Jamie Varner</a> in the final round, as this fight served as the headliner of Fox Sports 1's "Prelims."</p>
<p>In the opening round, Tibau looked like he was countering Varner's standup well, beating him to the punch every time the former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) champion tried to capitalize. Tibau eventually took Varner down and it was the sign of bad things to come as Tibau toyed with his foe on the ground -- placing him in dominant positions while dragging his body wherever he pleased while Varner looked helpless beneath him.</p>
<p>Give credit to Varner for storming out of the gate in the third round and brining it to Tibau, rocking him and getting the Brazilian to back up and circulate to try and stay away from the punches. Varner eventually secured a takedown against the stockier Tibau but it was not enough, as Tibau took home the split decision victory (somewhat baffling since Tibau clearly won two-rounds-to-one)</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/152625/tim-elliott">Tim Elliott</a> brutalized The Ultimate Fighter alumni <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/141441/louis-gaudinot">Louis Gaudinot</a> over the course of three rounds, making him one of the flyweight's to watch in the division. Gaudinot could not find an answer for Elliott's powerful groundwork, as he took blow after blow from Elliott, including elbows and punches to the head. Even when this fight was on the feet, Gaudinot was lightning-quick but Elliott literally beat him to the punch on all occasions. The win puts Elliott at 2-1 in the UFC and judging from this performance, a rematch with Jon Dodson is something he would be looking for in the near future. Gaudinot had some pretty tough opponents in his three-fight UFC career (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/141435/johnny-bedford">Johnny Bedford</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129958/john-lineker">John Lineker</a>) so it would only be fair to bring him back, having a record of 1-2.</p>
<p>Hyun-Gyu Lim showed us that the welterweight division is never shy on promising athletes, as he blazed through <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/125024/pascal-krauss">Pascal Krauss</a> in the first round and delivered a brutal knee -- followed by punches -- to get the win. Lim, a tall, immense welterweight looked great in the striking department, staggering Krauss with a right hand that forced the Roufusport fighter to drop before being on wobbly legs. Lim did not stop unleashing the attack and for about fifty seconds, pummeled Krauss and eventually put him away as he delivered a nasty left knee to his opponent while he crouched down for the takedown.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682828/dana-white-hyun-gyu-lim-looked-like-a-worldbeater-at-ufc-164-korea" target="_blank">Great performance by Lim</a>, although why exactly did this fight get <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681768/ufc-164-bonuses-and-awards-for-henderson-vs-pettis-2-in-milwaukee" target="_blank">Fight of The Night</a>? It was not a bad fight but there were about three to four other fights that deserved it a hell of a lot more than this one.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/158026/chico-camus">Chico Camus</a> pretty much got the hometown decision over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/158057/kyung-ho-kang">Kyung Ho Kang</a>, kicking off the "Prelims" portion on Fox Sports 1. Camus was outwrestled for the nearly the entirety of the first round and almost the second had he not gotten a reversal with two minutes left. He closed the round off strong going into the third, where he was getting the better out of Kang on the feet but was being pinned down again. Camus did go into beast mode in the last minute and a half -- which had to be what won him the fight -- as he was a second away from finishing Kang had the horn not sounded after landing an upkick from the bottom and swarmed the Korean.</p>
<p>Close fight or not (it really was not), the scorecards were baffling as all three judges scored the fight in favor of Chico, even giving him a 30-27 when Kang looked like he had done enough to get his first UFC victory. Many will proclaim another Asian fighter got screwed and maybe that is true. The fact is the judges just got this one dead wrong.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/158013/soa-palelei">Soa Palelei</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/196333/nikita-krylov">Nikita Krylov</a> was a battle for the ages -- for us to poop on.</p>
<p>Thank the heavens this fight was on Facebook and that some fans are not equipped to watch six-full hours of fighting or simply cannot make the Facebook broadcast because of previous engagements like work or having the liberties of a day off on the weekend. Those reasons are good enough to have skipped this fight altogether, and even though Palelei may have gotten a third-round TKO win over Krylov, it was not UFC caliber whatsoever.</p>
<p>Both men gassed about two minutes into the fight and there was an awkward submission battle, involving a cradle and some sort of a crucifix that we were treated to and it was relieving when this fight was called off after going too long to begin with. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191797/dana-white">Dana White</a> called this fight embarrassing and we do agree however here is the issue: promoters need to do their research before signing fighters and yes, some will look great outside the UFC but a shell of themselves when they get into the Octagon. How can the UFC justify firings of "boring" fighters such as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122576/jon-fitch">Jon Fitch</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128566/jacob-volkmann">Jacob Volkmann</a> but oversaturate the product with a mess like this one?</p>
<p>As crazy as this sounds, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/158015/rolles-gracie">Rolles Gracie</a> would have made a better fight against either of these guys or anyone else for that matter.</p>
<p>The Serra-Longo fight team keeps on unearthing studs their camp while staying under the radar as one of the most underrated camps in mixed martial arts (MMA). <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/124827/al-iaquinta">Al Iaquinta</a> dished out the fists against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129217/ryan-couture">Ryan Couture</a>, rocking the son of UFC legend <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122508/randy-couture">Randy Couture</a> on several occasions and hitting him hard on the chin for an entire three rounds. Couture showed positive signs by keeping Iaquinta at bay with kicks and even landed a some flashy strikes, including a flying knee, the strong and powerful Iaquinta overmatched him. Iaquinta got the win he needed to maintain his standing with the promotion having lost two straight. Couture showed a lot of heart and that he could take a shot so even if he is on a two-fight losing streak, he should get another call. Dana White said he certainly did not get his chin from his father and that should prove the son of "The Natural" is welcomed back for one more fight. His last three opponents have been tough ones, as Iaquinta, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122622/ross-pearson">Ross Pearson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122539/k-j-noons">K.J. Noons</a> could all be a level above him even though he is 1-2 in those past three fights.</p>
<p>The Facebook "Prelims" kicked off with Cedenblad defeating <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131722/jared-hamman">Jared Hamman</a> in just 57 seconds, as "The Messenger" shot for a takedown but found himself on the receiving end of a tight guillotine choke and had no choice but to tap out. Cedenblad bounces back after losing his promotional debut to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/142715/francis-carmont">Francis Carmont</a> nearly a year-and-a-half ago. It may be the end of the road for Hamman, who despite having tough fights during the course of his four-year UFC career (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122632/alexander-gustafsson">Alexander Gustafsson</a>, Costa Philippou, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122553/c-b-dollaway">C.B. Dollaway</a>) it is his third stoppage loss in a row and he did not show anything special to give his bosses a reason to keep him around.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/2/4686450/drive-time-take-final-look-ufc-164-henderson-pettis-2-milwaukee-mmaAlex Giardini2013-09-01T20:00:07-04:002013-09-01T20:00:07-04:00Gallery! UFC 164 Fight Night Photos
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/evJg4nuLayVRZ0f9-675jcYndTY=/0x254:888x846/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18818889/300_octagon_girls_harley.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Esther Lin for MMAFighting.com</figcaption>
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<p>Check out a photo gallery from UFC 164: Henderson vs. Pettis 2," which took place last night (Sat., Aug. 31, 2013) at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a>: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" rocked BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., last night (Sat., Aug. 31, 2013) featuring a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/lightweight">Lightweight</a> championship main event in which <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122902/anthony-pettis">Anthony Pettis</a> pulled off a surprise first round submission (armbar) over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/127864/ben-henderson">Ben Henderson</a> to claim the 155-pound world title (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681774/video-anthony-pettis-vs-ben-henderson-2-full-fight-highlights-online-submission-mma">watch highlights here</a>).</p>
<p>The co-main event was just as entertaining, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129198/josh-barnett">Josh Barnett</a> putting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a> through his grinder en route to a first round technical knockout (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681832/video-josh-barnett-vs-frank-mir-full-fight-highlights-online-ufc-164-controversial-tko">watch highlights here</a>) that some mixed martial arts (MMA) fans felt was perhaps a bit premature.</p>
<p>The other four main card bouts that aired on pay-per-view (PPV) were also entertaining, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122965/chad-mendes">Chad Mendes</a> registering the first-ever technical knockout of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128648/clay-guida">Clay Guida</a> inside the Octagon (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682012/video-chad-mendes-vs-clay-guida-full-fight-highlights-online-from-ufc">watch highlights here</a>), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129557/ben-rothwell">Ben Rothwell</a> smashing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128667/brandon-vera">Brandon Vera</a> in the third round of their <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/heavyweight">Heavyweight</a> scrap (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683534/video-ben-rothwell-vs-brandon-vera-full-fight-highlights-online-from">watch highlights here</a>) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122973/dustin-poirier">Dustin Poirier</a> outlasting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122964/erik-koch">Erik Koch</a> in a 15-minute back-and-forth brawl (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683356/video-dustin-poirier-vs-erik-koch-full-fight-highlights-online-from">watch highlights here</a>).</p>
<p>And the UFC 164 "Prelims" (<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/8/31/4681196/henderson-vs-pettis-2-full-fight-results-ufc-164-prelims-facebook-fox-sports-1">read full recap here</a>) weren't too shabby, either.</p>
<p>Check out a photo gallery of all of that above and for more from the talented <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/authors/esther-lin">Esther Lin</a> head on over to <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/8/31/4680938/ufc-164-photos">MMAFighting.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>For more on last night's UFC 164 event, including live results, fallout, videos, recaps, reactions and more, check out our comprehensive "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" live stream right </strong><a href="http://mmamania.com/2013/8/31/4680924/live-stream-ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis-2-online-results-recaps-videos-ppv-milwaukee"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
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https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683988/ufc-164-results-recap-ben-henderson-vs-anthony-pettis-2-fight-night-photos-gallery-mmaThomas Myers2013-09-01T19:00:05-04:002013-09-01T19:00:05-04:00He Said What?!?? 'Henderson Vs. Pettis 2' Edition
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<figcaption>Esther Lin for MMA Fighting</figcaption>
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<p>Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters say the darndest things prior to stepping inside the Octagon. MMAmania.com looks back at a handful of UFC 164 pre-fight remarks to find out who talked the talk -- and who walked the walk -- at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., last night (Sat., Aug. 31, 2013).</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a>: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2," which took place at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., is officially in the books after an entertaining Saturday evening (Aug. 31, 2013) of mixed martial arts (MMA) action. Both the pay-per-view main card and the "Prelims" on Fox Sports 1 and Facebook delivered, as mostly every fight was exciting.</p>
<p><b>Check out our full UFC 164 results and live play-by-play coverage right <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/22/4545986/ufc-164-results-live-fight-stream-online-updates-henderson-vs-pettis-rematch-milwaukee-mma">here</a>.</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122902/anthony-pettis">Anthony Pettis</a> was able to stop Ben Henderson this time, capturing the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/lightweight">Lightweight</a> championship by way of submission in the first round of the main event, torquing his limb with an armbar from the bottom, earning "<a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681768/ufc-164-bonuses-and-awards-for-henderson-vs-pettis-2-in-milwaukee" target="_blank">Submission of The Night</a>" and beating "Smooth" for a second time with a title on the line (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681774/video-anthony-pettis-vs-ben-henderson-2-full-fight-highlights-online-submission-mma" target="_blank">here</a>).</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129198/josh-barnett">Josh Barnett</a> was able to regain his momentum in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) with a big win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a>, as "War Master" seemed to have scored a flash-knockout over Mir (watch highlights <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681832/video-josh-barnett-vs-frank-mir-full-fight-highlights-online-ufc-164-controversial-tko" target="_blank">here</a>). Many, including UFC President Dana White, stated it was an early stoppage (watch White's bit in the video replay of the press conference <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682022/ufc-164-post-fight-press-conference-full-video-replay-for-henderson" target="_blank">here</a>), but not awful stoppage.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129557/ben-rothwell">Ben Rothwell</a> emerged as another <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/heavyweight">Heavyweight</a> to keep an eye on for the time being, finishing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128667/brandon-vera">Brandon Vera</a> in the third round by way of technical knockout. Both Rothwell and Vera looked good last night but it was the former IFL standout that was able to seize the moment and sent Vera packing into unknown territories with his fight-career (watch highlights <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683534/video-ben-rothwell-vs-brandon-vera-full-fight-highlights-online-from">here</a>).</p>
<p>Before all the action unfolded inside the Octagon, there were promotional appearances to generate awareness for -- an interest in -- a trip back to "Beer City." Fighters said this and that, answering questions galore when all they really wanted to do is be left alone and not be bothered.</p>
<p>MMAmania.com does a pretty good job of passing along all the noteworthy pre- and post-fight comments for each event. But, as we've done before, let us take a look at the words that left the fighters' mouths before they stepped into the cage on Saturday night</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"I have to go out there, not be worried about what he's going to throw at me, not be wide-eyed, watching him, waiting him to throw something. I have to be aggressive. I did know in the back of my head at sometime, I was going to be able to get my hands on Pettis again. I'm not pretty sure what to expect with guys like Anthony, they're a little more unpredictable, so we're just going to go out there and beat him up -- install our gameplan. Anthony Pettis is not leaving the Octagon with my belt."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- The former champion, Henderson, was right that Pettis was unpredictable, but apart from that statement, "Smooth" was on the receiving end of the most devastating loss of his career. Worse than "The Showtime Kick?" Yes, because he was submitted in the first-round, lost his 155-pound title and was unable to make history by being the man with the most title defenses in the division. And finally, he was unable to install his gameplan before it was all "Showtime."</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"He is changing up his stances and doing different things, but he's not fighting much different. He's a little more intense out there, but then again, he's not convincingly winning fights. He's not out there demolishing people, so when you fight a guy like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/127864/ben-henderson">Ben Henderson</a>, I'm not worried about getting knocked out, I'm not worried about getting submitted, I'm worried about getting outpointed."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- Pettis did not look like he was worried about much last night. And until his first-round submission win over Henderson won him the lightweight championship, he was eerily correct. Henderson was trying to tire out "Showtime" by clinching him up against the fence and then taking him down to outwrestle him. Luckily for Pettis, he had plans of his own and was able to finish Henderson in the smoothest of ways possible.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"I'm always looking to spoil everyone's arrival. I don't want to make it as easy night for Josh in his debut, he's on a highlight reel -- I hope it's on the end he doesn't want to be. To put it as easily as possible, I think he's a dick."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- Mir pretty much summed up the exact opposite, and even if his stoppage was early for some, he was still slayed by "War Master." Mir's loss should not prove too costly for him given the way he lost and the backing of his boss, but one could only assume it would have been an unfortunate sight to see Mir take more punishment.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"If he thinks I'm a dick now, wait until we get into the ring. He's really going to think I'm a dick. I can think of a lot of drunken nights that have been bigger mistakes than grappling with Frank Mir."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- Barnett could be one of the best trash-talkers right now this side of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122570/chael-sonnen">Chael Sonnen</a>. And his words are not for everyone, but he proved Mir wrong, showing the Heavyweight division that he is still one of the top fighters in the world. Not only did Barnett grapple with Mir along the fence, he stormed out right from the get-go and was eager to go toe-to-toe with the former champion.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>"I think the whole thing with TRT, I understand it, but if it's good for one, it should be good for all. I don't know how that scaling goes or what the testosterone level is and stuff. I know my testosterone level during one camp was at 250, but I think you eat up all your testosterone during camp if you're training two or three times a day."</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- We here at MMAmania.com do not condone of any cheating in the sport but it looks like Vera could use some testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) after last night. Or something ... anything. In all fairness to "The Truth," he looked pretty sharp until Rothwell was able to shuffle his way to a technical knockout victory over Vera. This now leaves Vera with just one win out of his last six contests and his second straight loss via strikes. Was it an unfair advantage his opponent had or is Vera simply not as good as he used to be?</p>
<p><b>For our complete UFC 164: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" coverage click <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ufc-164-results-fight-card-coverage" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682998/he-said-what-ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis-2-edition-milwaukee-mmaAlex Giardini2013-09-01T18:00:03-04:002013-09-01T18:00:03-04:00What Does UFC Do With Frank Mir?
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After suffering his third straight loss inside the Octagon at UFC 164 in Milwaukee, Wisc., at BMO Harris Bradley Center, it may be time for Frank Mir to start considering a transition to the broadcast booth.</p> <p>Last night (Aug. 31, 2013) at BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc., <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a> suffered a first round technical knockout loss to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129198/josh-barnett">Josh Barnett</a> in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a> co-main event (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4681832/video-josh-barnett-vs-frank-mir-full-fight-highlights-online-ufc-164-controversial-tko">watch full video highlights here</a>). While it was pretty clear that Barnett was going to finish the fight, it ended in controversy as some believe that stoppage was a bit premature.</p>
<p>The ending sequence saw Barnett land a crisp knee to the face that dropped Mir to the mat very awkwardly. "War Master" followed up with a few punches before the referee dove in and waved off the fight. Almost immediately, Mir was back to his feet claiming an early stoppage.</p>
<p>The loss marks Mir's third straight, with the previous two coming at the hands of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128882/daniel-cormier">Daniel Cormier</a> and Junior Dos Santos, two of the top fighters in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) Heavyweight division. It also will likely push Mir outside of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/heavyweight">Heavyweight</a> Top 10, a first since picking up a win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122494/brock-lesnar">Brock Lesnar</a> at UFC 81 in 2008.</p>
<p>The question isn't if Mir has still got it. No, he's still one of the best heavyweight fighters in the world and is a tough matchup for many up and coming fighters in the division.</p>
<p>The question is what does the UFC do with a guy who is on a three fight skid and SEVEN career technical knockout losses inside the Octagon?</p>
<p>We've heard many fighters come back and claim that they weren't out and the stoppage was premature. We've heard fighters say they were looking for single legs when it was clear they were out. The problem is that it's happening quiet often with Mir. Every stoppage is early and he's somehow working his way back to his feet or to advance his position.</p>
<p>Fighters can say the referee should allow them to fight out of whatever precarious position they find themselves in, but that's not the referee's job. The referee's job first and foremost is to ensure a fighter's safety. And if a fighter has a history of being TKO'd, the third person in the cage should always err on the side of caution.</p>
<p>Which brings us back to the UFC and Frank Mir.</p>
<p>Mir still carries name value for a promotion that does most of their business on pay-per-view (PPV) and when it needs to fill out fight cards with recognizable fighters, he's always going to be in consideration for a main card spot. It's just the nature of the business.</p>
<p>But, when a fighter loses three straight in the UFC, that's usually followed up by a phone call from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/191799/joe-silva">Joe Silva</a>, the UFC's Vice President of Talent Relations, wishing them well in their future endeavors. Does UFC want to continue booking Mir, one of the more expensive contracts on the roster, against high level opponents?</p>
<p>And if they do, will those bouts be competitive?</p>
<p>In all of his seven technical knockout losses in the Octagon, Mir was on the receiving end of an absolute beating. When pressured, he falters and when overwhelmed, he turtles up. He's just a fighter that doesn't handle damage well.</p>
<p>That also doesn't include all the sub-concussive damage that Mir has endured in his UFC career. The first bout with Lesnar saw Mir take numerous blows to the back of the skull, which though weren't legal, still add up when talking about damage to the brain.</p>
<p>Same with his second bout with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122518/antonio-rogerio-nogueira">Antonio Rogerio Nogueira</a>, where 'Big Nog' had Mir out before the incredible come from behind submission that broke Nogueira's arm. And let us not forget the first bout with Wes Sims, which ended in disqualification because Sims stomped Mir's face.</p>
<p>There comes a time when a fighter's longterm health needs to be taken into consideration beyond PPV buys and wins and losses. Those technical knockout losses are starting to add up and it may be time to start thinking about transitioning Mir away from the cage and toward the broadcast booth.</p>
<p>He did a great job whenever he was given the chance to commentate events for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/wec">World Extreme Cagefighting</a> (WEC) and is by far one of the most analytical fighters. This doesn't have to be a goodbye, but last night should serve as the jump off for a different career inside the same industry.</p>
<p>The last that he wants to be is fodder for up and coming fighters to pick up a name win on their way up the ranks. That's no way for a former champion to go out.</p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4683640/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis-2-results-frank-mir-next-fight-milwaukee-mmaMatthew Roth2013-09-01T17:00:07-04:002013-09-01T17:00:07-04:00Matches To Make After 'Henderson Vs. Pettis 2'
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<p>In the wake of UFC 164, we fantasize about our chances of being an official matchmaker, attempting to decide who the event’s main card winners should fight next. Check it out below!</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/128115/ufc-164-henderson-vs-pettis">UFC 164</a>: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" is in the books and the return trip to Milwaukee, Wisc., for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/promotion/ufc">Ultimate Fighting Championship</a> (UFC) proved to be a successful one in terms of mixed martial arts (MMA) action brought forth from its competitors.</p>
<p><b>Check out our full UFC 164: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" results and live play-by-play coverage right <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/7/22/4545986/ufc-164-results-live-fight-stream-online-updates-henderson-vs-pettis-rematch-milwaukee-mma" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></p>
<p>With that being said, pay-per-view (PPV) main card competitors <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122902/anthony-pettis">Anthony Pettis</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129198/josh-barnett">Josh Barnett</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122965/chad-mendes">Chad Mendes</a>, Ben Rothwell and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122973/dustin-poirier">Dustin Poirier</a> all picked up victories at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Saturday night (Aug. 31, 2013), which means it's time to anticipated their next moves in their respective weight classes.</p>
<p>Indeed, after every fight card, MMA fans are already thinking about what the future holds for the stars of the show. With another evening of action-packed fights, let's peer into our crystal ball and predict possible match-making scenarios.</p>
<p>Here we go, from bottom to top:</p>
<p><b>Winner: </b>Ben Rothwell<b><br>Who He Should Fight Next: </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/130549/stipe-miocic">Stipe Miocic</a><b><br>Why They Should Fight:</b> Being in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129557/ben-rothwell">Ben Rothwell's</a> shoes, it is understandable why he called out <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122487/travis-browne">Travis Browne</a> since "Hapa" made waves by knocking out <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122499/alistair-overeem">Alistair Overeem</a>; however, in the case of "Big Ben," he needs to tone it down a notch.</p>
<p>The former International Fight League (IFL) and Miletech Fighting Systems-trained standout got a big win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128667/brandon-vera">Brandon Vera</a>, but let us realistically break down his position: Rothwell may have scored a technical knockout against "The Truth," but he returned to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/heavyweight">Heavyweight</a> division after a dreadful five-year stint at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/light-heavyweight">Light Heavyweight</a>.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Rothwell has not won two-straight fights since 2008 out of a possible eight opportunities, losing fairly big fights to stronger opposition at the time (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/129236/andrei-arlovski">Andrei Arlovski</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122504/cain-velasquez">Cain Velasquez</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122607/mark-hunt">Mark Hunt</a> and most recently, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122492/gabriel-gonzaga">Gabriel Gonzaga</a>).</p>
<p>So maybe Browne is slightly above him in pecking order right now.</p>
<p>A decent fight for Rothwell to get back into the hunt would be against Miocic, who stunned <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/123062/roy-nelson">Roy Nelson</a> earlier this summer at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/126605/ufc-161-evans-vs-henderson">UFC 161</a>. Miocic did well against "Big Country," who had his hands low, his stance wide and constantly looked for the overhead right, but could not find it. Rothwell has a similar fight style, but it is not exactly the same, either.</p>
<p>Rothwell has looked slimmer over the past few years and clearly more athletic, bouncing around and having improved cardio. It's a good fight for both men early on if they want to make a serious run at the title.</p>
<p><b>Winner: </b>Chad Mendes<br><b>Who He Should Fight Next: </b>Dustin Poirier<br><b>Why They Should Fight: </b>Wondering why Poirier was skipped on this list? Well, he was not. We just needed to wait for Mendes' spot to talk about him.</p>
<p>"The Diamond" outlasted "New Breed" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122964/erik-koch">Erik Koch</a> after a grueling three-round affair that saw Poirier come out on top. He rocked Koch badly in the first (twice, actually), and that was the turning point of this fight. Poirier was almost submitted early in the first round via triangle and even at the end by a guillotine had Koch not been exhausted and taken the amount of damage he did.</p>
<p>Poirier now finds himself even (2-2) in his last four appearances. And although he wants that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122976/cub-swanson">Cub Swanson</a> rematch bad, it makes more sense for him to fight Mendes next.</p>
<p>"Money" looked incredible against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128648/clay-guida">Clay Guida</a>, being the first man to stop him via strikes and has shown vast improvements from the man <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122473/jose-aldo">Jose Aldo</a> knocked out at UFC 142. Since that loss, Mendes has rejuvenated to 4-0 with four stoppages via strikes, indicating that a second title shot looms for Mendes; however, Poirier's domination of a highly-touted Koch has him right back into the hunt. And if he wants to get his name out there in title contention just like he did when he entered the UFC with four-straight victories, a win over Mendes would be immense on his resume.</p>
<p>If Mendes does get the next crack at Aldo, some would complain and others would not. Seeing that he already faced the champion once, a win over Poirier would make it inevitable that a rematch with Aldo would be on the cards in no time.</p>
<p>Dare we say it -- <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122527/frankie-edgar">Frankie Edgar</a> would also be a good option for both these men yet that would also be the perfect opponent for Swanson.</p>
<p>We are killing two birds with one stone for all four of these men at MMAmania.com.</p>
<p><b>Winner: </b>Josh Barnett<b><br>Who He Should Fight Next: </b>Travis Browne<b><br>Why They Should Fight:</b> <a href="http://www.mmamania.com/2013/8/18/4632952/matches-to-make-next-fights-ufc-fight-night-26-main-card-winners-fox-sports-1-boston-mma" target="_blank">As we pointed out little more than two weeks ago in our UFC Fight Night 26 installment of this feature</a>, Browne should have faced the winner of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122495/frank-mir">Frank Mir</a> vs. Josh Barnett. Browne may need another win over a quality opponent before his title shot comes to fruition and despite the controversial way Josh Barnett was handed the victory over Frank Mir, he still stopped the most decorated Heavyweight in UFC history.</p>
<p>This fight could not be easier to make, or suggest, rather. Browne is a young and hungry Heavyweight who feels like he could beat anyone in the division and standing across from him would be the old-school, been here-done that workhorse veteran who has proven once again he belongs at the highest level of competition and is not far away from knocking on the champion's door with another huge victory.</p>
<p>If styles make fights, it should not boil down to the skills both men possess but more so the position both heavyweights are in their respective careers on the present day. If both these mammoths are a win away from being considering a potential opponent for either Cain Velasquez or Junior dos Santos right now, let them truly fight for all the marbles to leave no doubt in anyone's mind who the next man in line is -- without regard to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122505/fabricio-werdum">Fabricio Werdum</a>, who will probably get the winner of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fight-card/142179/ufc-166-velasquez-vs-dos-santos-iii">UFC 166's</a> Heavyweight championship main event and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/128882/daniel-cormier">Daniel Cormier</a>, who is still poised to drop to 205 pounds.</p>
<p><b>Winner:</b> Anthony Pettis<br><b>Who He Should Fight Next: </b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122606/t-j-grant">T.J. Grant</a><br><b>Why They Should Fight: </b>First off, Grant has never headlined a major card and with the potential criticism this choice may bring, he is not the most popular or talked about fighter in the division, either.</p>
<p>He was supposed to be the one that was going to challenge Henderson last night. And when an injury forced him out of the bout, the fandom called conspiracy since this event was taking place in Pettis' hometown of Milwaukee and selling a PPV with the last man to beat "Smooth" on it would fare much better than Grant, being virtually unknown to the casual fan. If someone truly believes Grant would have taken a payoff to step down from witnessing his dream of fighting for a title slip away, that is a pretty difficult concept to understand (unless he was offered an immediate shot at the winner, but this is not dinner time with Nostradamus, either).</p>
<p>Whether or not Grant is a believable contender with a knockout win over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/122537/gray-maynard">Gray Maynard</a> as the reason for cementing his title shot in the first place, there was a reason he was pitted against Henderson and that was the fight we were supposed to see.</p>
<p>Pettis called for unfinished business with Jose Aldo after his fight although truth be told, he has unfinished business with Grant. In all fairness to Grant, he should get the next crack since he missed out and if he could come back quick enough, that fight is already made.</p>
<p>Would Aldo vs. Pettis be as succulent as we think it would be, taking a page out of pro wrestling's title versus title implications? Of course it would, but maybe the sympathetic side weighs in for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/fighter/131141/ricardo-lamas">Ricardo Lamas</a> who cannot seem to get noticed pending a fight announcement and being skipped on several occasions for his well-deserved <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/featherweight">Featherweight</a> title shot.</p>
<p>The reluctance to acknowledge him courtesy of the brass has us wondering if they were waiting for this fight's main event to unfold and include Aldo in Pettis' plans.</p>
<p>Be that as it may, that could be a different story altogether and we must not look too ahead of ourselves. Pettis is the new champion. Away with rematches and "super" fights will wait yet again; he just won the title. It is time for a fresh face and even more so, time to determine his first challenge in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/mma/weight_class/lightweight">Lightweight</a> division.</p>
<p>Look no further that Grant ... it's the right fight to make next.</p>
<p><b>For our complete coverage of UFC 164: "Henderson vs. Pettis 2" click<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ufc-164-results-fight-card-coverage" target="_blank"> here</a>.</b></p>
https://www.mmamania.com/2013/9/1/4682028/matches-to-make-next-fights-164-main-card-winners-pettis-barnett-mendes-rothwell-mmaAlex Giardini