Last night TUF 2 Champ Rashad Evans defeated TUF 3 Champ Michael Bisping in the headlining bout of what was a predictably average event.
Rashad dominated the opening round, but looked very tired through the final 10 minutes and relied on his wrestling to squeak out a split decision victory over his season 3 counterpart.
Thiago Silva exposed Houston Alexander’s lack of a ground game with a TKO stoppage over the rising star. In what was likely the evening’s biggest upset, The Chute Box Academy fighter was able to control Alexander on the ground with ease and land heavy shots from the mount to force the referee to intervene at 3:25 of the opening round.
The hotly anticipated debut of former Pride star Ryo Chonan turned out to be a complete snoozefest as he and Karo Parisyan negated each other’s offense through 3 rounds. Although Karo was able to control “The Piranha” and take him down at will, the Armenian Judoka was unable to cause any real damage and struggled to maintain dominant position. The bout ended in a unanimous decision in favor of Parisyan, all but ending my hopes of seeing Chonan rematch Anderson Silva anytime soon.
In a middleweight rematch, Ed Herman was able to score the first knockout of his career over Canadian journeyman Joe “El-Dirte” Doerksen. Doerksen, who was a late replacement for the injured Dave Terrell almost replicated his earlier victory over Herman with a very tight triangle choke/armbar at the end of the 2nd round. But it was not to be as the round ended, likely saving Herman. If anything, this fight highlighted Herman’s weak submission defense, something the Washington native will have to work on should he want to move up the middleweight ladder.
Frankie Edgar took home what looked to be an easy victory over Spencer Fisher in the opening bout. “The Answer” bullied Fisher around The Octagon for the full 15 minutes to earn the unanimous decision. Though Edgar shows excellent promise, he shares the fault of many ex wrestlers in that he has trouble putting away opponents. Edgar would likely benefit from spending some time with American Top Team or Greg Jackson.
That’s a wrap on what I would call a pretty dull card. Thank God for UFC 79!
(8 votes, average: 3.38 out of 5)
Didnt see this one but just read the results and I am SHOCKED!
i enjoyed the card.
i thought bisping evans was a close one.evans got the take downs but didnt do any damage,then bisping got up.
what cardio is evans doing at greg jacksons?he needs work.
houston got found out.
edgars looking good.his game plan was immaculate and his conditioning is tiptop.
karo did what he had to do to beat a tough guy.
overall, a good night of fighting for me.
Hey C Mac I agree with your comments 100 percent. I was not impressed with the card from day one. Is it just me or did all the fights end up on the ground and stayed there!! Grappling is part of the mma game I know but when every bout is on the ground makes for a rather unexciting fight card. Ed Herman got a knock out which is surprising because the battle was again more ground game than striking. I want to see an entire card of toe to toe, throw down, slam down, beat down, freakin complete mayhem!! How about Forrest vs Chuck that would be an all out slug fest and Keith Jardine should be fighting Wanderlei he earned it, or maybe a title bout with Rampage. Hope the next card has more excitement. I’m a loyal fan of the UFC so I will pay my dime and pray for a good time!!!
Left my comments and opinions on the Bisping vs. Rashad (new comment space) Must say though the refs did a good job at standing them up when needed. Good luck in the search for a toe to toe fight.LOL Edgar holy, take downs!!!!!!!! We are all loyal fans that’s why we watch and read. Wicked card for UFC 79. Im pumped about that one for sure. Could have done without 78 but watched anyways. Couple extra trips to the bar fridge!!!
i thought the card looked great on paper.but in actuality was just good.
we are in danger of wanting mega fights all the time.it aint gona happen.
if the superbowl,for example,was every month wouldnt it lose some of the big occasion?
i think the ufc are doing very well at keeping the momentum of the sport going.
weve been spoilt with some huge shows and when we get a middle of the road show were a bit dissapointed, i feel.
Forrest would never fight Chuck, Didnt you see TUF1????
Jardine beat Chuck on a decision and with the way that Liddell was fighting I wasnt suprised! Jardine shouldnt get a shot until he beats Thiago Silva or Rashad Evans! Forrest will fight Rampage then Chuck vs Wanderlei winner will get Rashad then winner of that should get a crack at QRJ!
Yep, We cant have a mega fight every ppv! Otherwise we might end up with another UFC 72 lol! Dana and the ufc are doing a great job at the moment! BTW UFC 82 DAN HENDERSON VS ANDERSON SILVA WOOOOOO!
dan hen against silva.now thats one 4 the bigfight fans.its hard 2 bet against silva at the moment.
Anybody with me in feeling the recent Elite XC card was better than this one?
i didnt get to see the xc show.
maybe i wouldnt be as happy with 78 if id had 2 pay 2 see it,i dont know.
in england we get it free, but on the sunday.
and yes, it is a bitch waiting the extra day and not being able to get on my computer in case i see the results accidentally.
Each fight is a good fight in it’s own way and style. I actually don’t mind when they take it to the ground there are some great moves down there. It’s just if they stay down too long. The refs do a decent job at standing them up when needed. CVounting down the days for 79!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Serra injures his back! Hughes vs GSP 3 confirmed for ufc 79!