Let's dive right into what we saw last night at UFC VANCOUVER, shall we? Four fights big anticipation and I would have to be honest, it did not disappoint. Depending on who you are, and what level of Mixed Martial Arts you have, you may have seen it differently. But, I felt for this card and these fights you got a bit of everything to watch. From the big slugfest to brazilian jiu-jitsu competive match. To the debut of Pettis at 145, to the return of Paige VanZant.
Jim Miller vs Joe Lauzon
If you are looking for two guys who want to go to war with each other, then look no further than these two at Lightweight. You would think, these two guys have a mutual hate for each other but it is quite the opposite. These two fighters know what they are getting into the moment they walk into the ring against each other. This is the second time they have faced each other, with Jim winning the first match up.
Jim and Joe came out of the gates throwing some serious bombs, and at one point in the fight they both had the other in serious trouble of being submitted. Jim and Joe are both great at their ground technique and have a solid wrestling to help defend.
Jim seemed to have the endurance to hold the pace at which they were fighting and landing:
But Joe is tough and can take a punch as well; for three rounds we looked at a fight which started on top, but would move to the ground and the passing game was phenomenal. In the end it would be Jim Miller who would get his hand raised in a split decision. Expect these two to throw down one more time next year.
Paige VanZant vs Bec Rawlings
It has been a long time since Paige had been in the Octagon. In fact the last time anyone had seen her take the stage she was on Dancing With The Stars. Rawlings was beginning to make a name for herself as she riding a two win fight streak, and was ready to get at the "NEW FACE" of the UFC. Paige was assumed to have a some ring rust, seeing how the last time she fought was in December of 2015 (really does not feel like it was that long ago, seeing how it is only August...then again it is August).
Paige came out swinging as she ran into the center of the ring and threw a quick kick. Paige likes to throw a bunch of "junk" to see what will connect, which was one of the reason Rose Namajunas was able to tap her out. It seemed like Bec Rawlings was expecting anything to get thrown at her, but probably not at the pace which Paige threw it at.
In the corner Bec was warned to look out of "junk" Paige might throw at her. Sure enough in the 2nd round it came. A standing switch kick which ended the night for Rawlings and gave the victory to Paige:
After the knock down Paige would throw mini-hammerfist and end the fight. It was a great match up for Paige and she took full advantage of it.
Anthony Pettis vs Charles Oliveira
This was the debut of "Showtime" Pettis at 145, and I have to admit he looked rather comfortable at this weight. He went a very tough opponent in Oliveira and made him look like he was an average fighter.The striking from Pettis was excellent and I felt he could have called his shot and landed anything he wanted to throw:
Oliveira who last fought in December as well, had a difficult time getting out of the blocks. He landed some shots on Pettis, but in the third round I felt that Pettis had taken over the fight and found the finish.
Damian Maia vs Carlos Condit
If you are a fan of Condit and you have bet on him the last couple of times, you may have forked out a lot of cash (as one of my friends, recently admitted). Condit has been slowing down in his fights and it is hard to imagine the UFC is going to be keeping him around much longer.
Maia went in and made quick work of Condit with a submission victory. Getting in and taking Condit to the ground rather quickly and moved right into the rear naked choke. Condit seemed to be disappointed with the results for the fight, but Maia should definitely be getting the next title shot.
SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE FIGHTS
We have a lot of great fights coming up and with the events coming up I will put my predictions up the week before:
Andrei Arlovski vs Josh Barnett
Talk about two heavy hitters who will be ready to drop the next person if they get the chance. Josh Barnett has no fear and chooses to throw bombs with anyone. On the flipside Andrei, may have a glass chin, but he has hands of stones and is not afraid to use them. I can not wait to see to see these two juggernauts go at it.
Alexander Gustaffson vs Jan Blachowicz
In the last four fights for Jan he is 2-2, while Gustaffson is 1-3. Now one can argue Gustaffson has lost to: Bones Jones, Rumble Johnson, and DC. He has a lot to prove and needs to get back in the win column. Jan wants to show the world that he has what it takes to an elite fighter as well. These two will be a great size match up for each other and I am excited.
CM Punk (Phil Brooks) vs Mickey Gall
Mickey called out this fight when he heard Dana White was in the crowd. CM Punk wanted this fight because he was not afraid to fight anyone. CM Punk, yes the wrestler from the WWE, has been training since December of 2014. He has been trying to make his debut for a long time and finally will be against Mickey Gall. It will be interesting to see these two go at it, as Mickey Gall did win his first fight in the UFC and is ready to fight CM Punk.
Fabricio Werdum vs Travis Browne
It is good to see these two will be going at it again. I have made it clear, Travis is one of my favorite fighters in the UFC. I think he deserved a second shot at Fabricio. The biggest thing is Werdum needs this win just as bad as Browne. They both want to get into the title shot contention and with this win, it may help get them there.
There are so many good fights that are getting ready to happen, barring any kind of injury. I think for me the fight I am looking forward to is the debut of CM Punk at UFC 203. I was at the last Smackdown CM Punk was at, before the Royal Rumble and ultimately his departure. I can not wait to see Mickey Gall and Punk.
What fights are coming up that you are excited about. Let me know in the comments. Remember you can find me on twitter at cm_miller85 or getthekoblog, also you can email me at gettheko@gmail.com. Also, you guys thank you for the views and reading the stories we have over 1,000 and it is amazing.
If you guys are looking for mats two either wrestle on, or even to train make sure you guys are looking at Tiffin Mats. Yes, they are still making mats and yes, they are working to supply the best products to customers.
Don't for get to check out the Middle Flipper as well. Cat is out doing amazing things at Baltimore National Aquarium and you can read about her adventures there.
Have a good one!
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