As with every UFC event, we learn a variety of new things from the results and the fighters themselves, but we also see history repeat itself over and over again. As I often mention on “The Showdown” podcasts, whenever I make my fight predictions I swear by only one caveat: I am not responsible for a fighter’s absurd game plan. What they do inside the Octagon is out of my control. I break down the fights on paper and based on what I consider conventional knowledge, I present how I believe the fight should play out.
Apparently many MMA fans are blaming yours truly for what happened in four of the bouts from UFC 141. Two of them happened to be the main event and co-main event, while another was a 12-second shocking knockout. Forget the other six that went down as I thought they would, being incorrect is unacceptable these days. Then again, it has always been this way and will continue to be no matter the circumstances.
Lesnar’s time runs out
Heading into his bout vs. Alistair Overeem, it was painfully obvious to predict what Brock Lesnar’s game plan was going to be: take “The Reem” down and work his ground and pound. The fact that he failed on a single leg attempt and subsequently decided to stand and trade with the world’s best heavyweight striker was a tactical error. Doing the very last thing he should have done is not my fault and quite frankly, should have been the last resort. One takedown attempt was his downfall, not my analysis. But I digress.
As I stated on numerous occasions, if Lesnar lost he would likely retire. And he did just that. While the haters are now out in full force ripping him apart, I’d much rather extend my gratitude for the memories and for helping take the sport to an audience that may have never watched it if it wasn’t for his WWE fame. The fact he became the UFC heavyweight champion of the world in just four fights says a lot about his work ethic. Let’s see if someone else can do that in the future. Personally, it’s a record I believe will never be broken.
He deserves far more accolades than insults, especially considering the numerous issues and battles with diverticulitis. In August 2005, I had a diverticula removed from my right side and it was extremely painful returning to regular health. I can only imagine what Brock must have gone through to return to the Octagon against some of the best monsters in the world. I tip my hat to him.
As for Overeem, I commend him for his dominance. He proved many of his critics wrong and will now face off against Junior dos Santos for the heavyweight title. The real question now is simple: will JDS decide to stand and trade with Alistair, or will we see the Brazilian work his ground game against the Dutch machine. To wit, the real battle will be with dos Santos’ ego. Does he try and prove he is a better striker than the world’s proven best, or does he fight to keep the title that has brought great fortune to him and his family in Brazil?
Those Diaz brothers do it again
I rarely pick against Nick or Nate Diaz, and when I do, I seem to pay the price for it.
No one could have convinced me before his grudge match with Donald Cerrone that Nathan would out strike “Cowboy”. But right off the bat Diaz overwhelmed his lightweight counterpart, punishing him for three straight rounds. Donald was able to work in some kicks and trips, but it simply was not enough. Another Diaz victory by punches in bunches.
I’d now like to see a Diaz-Clay Guida rematch, but I’m not sure the UFC matchmaking team feels the same. As for “Cowboy”, it’s back to the drawing board. He’s still young and has plenty of time to get back on the proverbial horse and work his way back into title contention.
The Hendricks curveball
Johny Hendricks said he had an answer for Jon Fitch. Not many outside of his inner circle believed him, but just 12 seconds into his bout with Jon Fitch he stunned the MMA world.
His response to the dominating, blue collar grinding style of the previous consensus No. 2 welterweight in the world was a left hand that sent everyone into a frenzy. Hendricks proved he can defeat a top 170-pounder and now will have everyone’s eyes focused on his next bout. Who that will be remains to be seen. Sorry for the rematch theme once again, but I’d like to see him take on Rick Story.
As for Fitch, he finds himself in a terrible position now. A deserving second crack at the welterweight title is all but gone now. To earn it again, he unfortunately will have to return stronger than ever and pull off some finishes, or any aspirations for a world title vanished in Las Vegas last night.
Cue the broken record
The results from most UFC events provides change to my MMA rankings, and nothing turns my stomach more. Having been involved in this sport as long as I have, I’ve learned one constant that has not changed, and will not change: 99 per cent of MMA fans disagree with 99 per cent of the rankings out there. And mine are no different. I’ve adjusted them accordingly, but it matters not. Mine are no different than everyone else’s. They are subjective, so relax people. Disagree all you want, but my goodness, take a moment and breathe. Like all other rankings, I have my reasons why I place fighters at certain spots. Above all, in the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? With over 40 Zuffa events next year, coupled with Bellator, Dream (hopefully) and ONE FC, they will change on a weekly basis. Relax folks.
Miscellaneous thoughts
Keep an eye on light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson. “The Mauler” is on the right track and is being groomed properly. He is being built slowly and surely. I fully expect big things from him in 2012. As for his opponent Vladimir Matyushenko, I wonder how much “The Janitor” has left in the tank. He’s still a bad man, but he may be calling it a career soon.
Full disclosure: Welterweight Sean Pierson is a dear friend, so my opinion can easily be misconstrued as biased – and that’s fine. At UFC 141, he proved he can hang with one of sport’s best 170-pounders in Dong Hyun Kim. He recovered well from nearly being finished in Round 2 and he may get ticked at me for saying this, but I’d like to see him go back to his grappling style. Striking should be Plan B — his first option should be his wrestling and exceptional ground and pound.
As per my Twitter last night, featherweight Jim Hettes coming out to Damian Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock quickly thrust him into “favourite fighter” category. Couple that with his dominant performance against Nam Phan, and similar to the aforementioned Johny Hendricks, I cannot wait for his next bout.
I was correct in my analysis that Jacob Volkmann would defeat Efrain Escudero, but his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan was perhaps the most awkward thing I’ve ever seen in the cage. That was strange. Calling out Frankie Edgar is one thing, but his Barack Obama commentary was a pre-planned oddity. I understand his history with the whole health care issue, but I wonder if what he rehearsed before the fight came out completely different than what he said to Rogan. That was just weird.
Ross Pearson didn’t look fantastic in his featherweight debut against Junior Assuncao, but it was expected. His next scrap at 145 pounds will likely showcase a much better “Real Deal”.
Here in Italy, I do not have the luxury of re-watching the fights like I do if I was back home in Canada at Sportsnet. With that said, I’m looking forward to watching the full fight between Danny Castillo and Anthony Njokuani. I wasn’t able to do so when it was on and was bombarded on Twitter with talk of a controversy. Once I watch it, I will offer my thoughts at http://twitter.com/showdownjoe
I enjoyed the Manvel Gamburyan and Diego Nunes scrap — good old fashioned MMA. Nunes earned the victory, but kudos to Manny for putting up a solid fight.
Back to vacationing for me — looking forward to returning in mid-January. Make sure you watch UFC Central as Ken Reid will be stepping in to replace yours truly. He is a true MMA fan, having called MFC bouts in his early days, and knows the sport very well. Show him some love as he is one of my favourite anchors at the network.