What's up fight fans I am glad to be back and writing again after a few weeks away. We have seen some great fights the past couple of weeks, and now we were blessed with FIVE amazing fights from the UFC with UFC 217. So with out further let's dive into them
PAULO COSTA VS JOHNY HENDRICKS
This was a quick fight but, one that was most dominate and not in the favor of Hendricks. Paulo came out and controlled the fight immediately and made Hendricks feel his power. While Hendricks is a former champion, he has been slowing down and it is showing. While in the first round Hendricks tried to establish his game, he needed to back away from Paulo's kicks because of the power. In the second round Paulo was continuing to force his game plan on Hendricks, and Johny was finally dropped and finished.
Johny has lost five of his last six fights and three of those five losts have been by KOs. I really think it is time for the former champ to hang up the gloves. There is no need to move up in a weight class as the power in those fighters are on a level he cannot reach.
On the other hand Paulo Costa's ability can only go up from here. He is a stronger fighter who is going to be a huge star. He has a lot of poise in the pocket and was ready to battle. He knows his ability, and where Paulo goes from here is totally up to him. A champ is going to be looking for the belt and it could be soon.
STEPHEN THOMPSON VS JORGE MASVIDAL
If there was one fight that might have been controversial on the fight card, this might have been this fight. While Stephen may have won the fight, it was not impressive at all. Thompson said he wanted to show why he is the true number one contender, but he did not. Jorge is a tough fighter an certainly deserves to be the rank he is, however with Thompson needed to be dominate in this fight. This fight when three rounds with some great striking by Thompson, but to me it was not enough to say he definitely deserves the next title shot at Woodley. I think he needs to have another fight before he can claim that he is the true number one contender, especially with what comes later on in this post.
ROSE NAMAJUNAS VS JOANNA JEDRZEJCZYK
With all the trash talk that has been leading up to this fight, and the way Joanna had been calling out Rose this was interesting. Joanna had been letting people know how she was willing to fight Rose, and Rose came out of the gates hard. Joanna was looking to establish the jab, but Thug Rose was not phased by it at all and walked through it. Rose was able to land some serious punches and drop Joanna, Joanna was able to get back up to her feet only to have a few more shots land on her and drop her again. Thug jumped Joanna and continue to land some serious bombs from the top and Joanna had to tap due to submissions, crowning a brand new champion. Congrats to Thug Rose Namajunas!
T.J. DILLASHAW VS CODY GARBRANDT
All I have go say is "OH MY GOD!" Cody had been talking all the trash for the last few months letting people know that he was looking forward to the fight. Cody had claimed he had knocked out T.J. in sparring before and was looking forward to doing it again. T.J. was well composed and looking forward to establishing his striking game. In the first round Cody came out and was willing to throw some serious bombs, one towards the end of the round actually dropped T.J. In the second round T.J. came out and was staying composed landed a serious headkick on Cody and was able to jump Cody and finish the fight.
Afterwards T.J. called out Demetrious Johnson and said he was coming to stop his streak, that it should have been him and not Ray Borg, and he is dropping down in weight. I have to say that if T.J. does drop the weight it could be interesting to see, but T.J. needs to learn from the Cody playbook and not talk a lot of trash. I have said it numerous times fighters who continue to hype themselves up and talk trash will ultimately lose that fight.
GEORGES ST-PIERRE VS MICHAEL BISPING
So many people were waiting for the return of GSP, this fight was suppose to be against Tyron Woodley first. But due to a poor performance by Woodley vs Maia the fight was given to Bisping. Who took no time in turning heel and talking a lot of trash about GSP. This fight took place for Bisping's 185 pound championship, which was an uphill battle already. GSP is coming off of a four year lay-off, moving up a weight class, versus a man who had been battle-tested through numerous opponents.
GSP looked like a man on a quest, he came out focused and ready to go to war. When Bisping entered the fight he looked ready as well. GSP was able to score take-downs in the first two rounds versus Bisping. Once the fight went to the ground for the third round, Bisping went into offense mode and threw punches and elbows at GSP. He cut GSP pretty bad being from the bottom position, which was good for him. Bisping got up and move away rather quickly, however GSP got a good shot in on Bisping and dropped him. GSP jumped him and continued to throw punches however Bisping left his back and got wrapped up, GSP was able to finish Bisping but Bisping never tapped he just went to sleep.
So the question becomes: What happens next for GSP? The answer...who knows, GSP is not big enough to compete with most of the fighters at 185, and the game is seriously changed at 170. Stephen Thompson and Robbie Lawler (ranked Number 2 and 1 respectively) both are wanting shots at Woodley, but with GSP beating Bisping it throws a huge wrench in those guys' plans. I am curious to see where Dana wants GSP to fight next, GSP acknowledged that he was carrying a lot of extra weight. I think him getting to 170 will be the best move and fighting Woodley would be the best match up for him next.
How did you feel about the fights? How does GSP fight next? Who battles Thug Rose? Does Joanna get an instant rematch? Remember to follow me on Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram at cm_miller85. Be sure to listen to the podcast tonight on anchor.fm/gettheko and let us know what you thought.
