I missed most of the Matt Brown vs. Dong Hyun Kim fight because apparently there were some problems due to the weather and/or Dish Network tonight. From what I saw, Brown was doing a lot better than I expect and really didn’t have a lot to be ashamed of even though Kim took the win via split decision.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Martin Kampmann up against Nate Marquardt, so the quick ending wasn’t a huge surprise for me. Marquardt dominated Kampann throughout this short fight and forced the Danish fighter to drop out of exasperation at 1:22 of the first round.
Dan Henderson was looking to make his UFC comeback tonight against a very dangerous, and apparently one dimensional, Rousimar Palhares. Even though Palhares was doing everything he could to keep the fight on the ground, including multiple leg submissions, Henderson simply wasn’t allowing himself to get caught. I’m glad Henderson was able to keep the fight standing long enough to pull out a unanimous decision through tremendous sprawl and some very looping punches to the grounded Brazilian. Palhares just didn’t look like he was ready to go up against a striker with a good sprawl. Maybe next time?
A battle of the nice guys was up next. I didn’t want to see Rich Franklin lose, but I also hoped that Matt Hamill continued his ground and pound domination to a potential light heavyweight title shot. While the crowd was all worried that the fight might get stopped thanks to the nasty cut above Franklin’s right eye, he was throwing some nice kicks and eventually ended the fight on his own terms, but injuring Hamill with a body kick that sent him falling to the mat in pain at 39 seconds into the third round.
The main event of the evening was definitely one of the biggest upsets of this year. Rashad Evans came into this fight as cannon fodder for the very popular and counter-puncher, Chuck Liddell. But, Evans didn’t do what everyone expected him to do and he kept the fight standing. The first round went back and forth, but it was Evans at 1:51 in the second round who knocked Liddell out cold with a hard right hand. Herb Dean was able to stop the action before any more damage could be done to the former light heavyweight champion as he laid face first on the canvas. Did anyone put money down on Evans? If so, you won a few bucks tonight.
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September 7th, 2008 at 4:02am
Marquardt[1] looked really good and sharp. I did expect that to be the fight of the night. I really thought Kampmann was going to offer a competitive fight.
Initially I was unimpressed by Dan Henderson’s performance but some times really good fighters only look as good as the level of competition from their opponent. Palhares? Was his strategy to simply get a leglock?? Henderson vs Marquardt next? I hope so. Or Franklin at 205?
Franklin[2] also looked really technically great working inside and outside. He was smart not to stay too long on the inside and worked Hamill over. I also like both fighters and I’m glad they did not suffer any extreme damage. Was that a liver shot that ended the fight?
Rashad Evans?!? Ok, I still can not believe it[3]. I understand why he danced around because you really don’t want to hang in Chuck’s range. It is simply not a smart strategy, example Wanderlei Silva’s all-out-offense. SHOCK OF THE YEAR?!? This is right up there with Gonzaga head-kick KO of Cro-Cop. Even with this dramatic show-stopping victory I am still not convinced that Rashad Evans is a great fighter. I am not sold but I’m sure everybody will take notice. His last to performances in the octagon reveals an inconsistent story. But his highlight reel is really sweet as sugar. The head-kick KO, Lambert GNP finish, and now putting Chuck Liddell to sleep. So who will Rashad fight next? Wanderlei Silva, Lyoto Machida or Forrest Griffin[4]? Something tells me it may be Machida because they’re both undefeated.
Is it safe to say that the evident holes in Liddell’s game has been exposed? I can see why Hackleman doesn’t want Liddell to fight Lyoto Machida. This is Liddell’s 3rd recent loss, 3rd time being dropped, and 1st time being put to sleep. Team Greg Jackson (2-0) versus Chuck Liddell.
[1][2] Both Marquardt and Franklin looked really good in their last 2 fights. Both fighters were dominated by the current MW champion, Anderson Silva. How freaking good is Sila? I’m rooting for both Cote and Silva. Would a Cote win be shocking? While I don’t see it happening, it would definitely be exciting and shake up the MW division.
[3] I STILL DON’T BELIEVE IT. Rashad Evans TUF2 Winner defeats Chuck Liddell via 2nd KO. I didn’t see him winning TUF, beating Bonnar, or beating Ortiz . . . which he didn’t. I don’t think Rashad Evans is a top LHW but beating Chuck Liddell is just like Griffin beating Shogun. He’s kind of on top of the world, except MMA-Math already shows that he will not be able to do the same to Wanderlei. Note, half of his victories are decisions.
[4] I’m sure the UFC won’t have a problem promoting Griffin TUF1 Winner, LHW Champion versus undefeated (12-0-1) Evans TUF2 Winner. Spike can re-air seleted TUF matches and the finales. I think the fight may be boring but you never know. And the question I didn’t think about, who does Chuck fight next? Does he get another “easy” opponent fed to him like a Rashad Evans?
The next generation of MMA fighters are on the horizon. Sorry for the long comment, I was at a party and I’m still excited and buzzed. Crazy Night, still Shocked! Bring on UFC 89 and 90!!
September 7th, 2008 at 8:03am
Chuck had it coming. Evans saw it and I saw it. Chuck had his hands low. You can see Evans position himself first before throwing the overhand when Chuck closed in. Too easy. Not much to be hyped about. Anyone that comes in with their hands low will get KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT! A lesson for all MMA practitioners: Learn how to bob and weave
September 7th, 2008 at 10:07am
chuck’s game has been exposed once again. that style doesn’t work anymore, and he needs to realize that. there was a time when no one dared walk in even though chuck had his hands low, cuz they feared that right hand. now people see that low left hand and it looks like an “open, please come in” sign.
September 7th, 2008 at 10:49am
^Slasher, that’s why I’m not sold on Rashad Evans as a great fighter. Chuck is easy pickings for any one with decent boxing skills that is fighting some one who is known to keep their hands low and loop their punches.
I’m really interested in seeing what Greg Jackson has to say about the fight.
Does Chuck and John Hackleman need to finally revamp their boxing style? Because you know Chuck is not going to leave the Pit.
September 7th, 2008 at 7:19pm
I don’t pull for Rashad and don’t see him as a top 5 in this weight, but until he starts losing fights he only climbs. He is undefeated and has the only TRUE KO of Chuck. Since Chuck was getting a shot if he won, it is only fair for Evans that he gets it.
September 7th, 2008 at 7:30pm
seriously…what was up with Rashad and the nipple thing?
September 8th, 2008 at 4:09pm
Thank You Curtis that is what I want to know as well. Why is he out there playing with his nipples just made him look like an idiot
September 8th, 2008 at 11:44pm
No Sh**, what was he planning on getting some nipple stabs in.. thanks for putting that vision back into my head Curtis and Tim…a hard nippled idiot indeed
September 9th, 2008 at 4:09pm
DAM Rashad I cant believe he won I dont even know how he is undefeated. Chuck was not on top of his “A” game thats for sure but he does need to learn to keep his hands up.