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Misc Boxing/MMA Boxing Archive Recap: UFC 79
Written by Scott Swerbinsky

Scott Swerbinsky
It was the years final UFC pay per view card, featuring a great pair of co-main event fights.  Chuck Liddell returned to his winning ways with a unanimous decision win over Wanderlei Silva.  And we may have seen the last fight of UFC legend Matt Hughes, who was thoroughly dominated by the guy our fight doctor calls "the future of the UFC", Georges St. Pierre.  Spoon recaps all of last nights action. Last night in Las Vegas, four of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world were on display. UFC 79 was billed as "Nemesis" and for good reason. After seeing the bouts, it could have been called "Domination".

The main event of the evening had the future of the sport, Georges St. Pierre, stepping in with UFC legend Matt Hughes for the third time. It sounded like it might be the last time we see Matt Hughes in the octagon.

Georges St. Pierre simply destroyed Hughes. He dominated him in every aspect of the fight. Hughes was taken down at will and got beat up the way he used to do to others. The difference in talent was amazing. St. Pierre landed shots at will and worked a great ground and pound game. Matt had no answer for any of it. Georges finished him off in the second round with a picture perfect armbar. Hughes was forced to verbally tap as he was in such a bad position.

After the bout, Hughes was very classy in defeat. He said St.Pierre is simply better than him and he'll have to decide what his future holds. Hughes is no doubt one of the better fighters the sport has ever seen. He dominated the welterweight division for years in impressive fashion. The next time we see him might be when they put him into the UFC Hall of Fame.

On the other hand, the next time we see Georges St. Pierre he will be looking for revenge. With last night's win, he is set to take on Matt Serra for the welterweight title. Serra defeated GSP at UFC 69 in one of the biggest upsets the sport has seen. I have no doubt that St. Pierre will be getting his belt back when that rematch goes down.

The co-main event was another fight that was one sided. Chuck Liddell looked focused in an impressive performance last night as he defeated Wanderlei Silva. The match went the distance which was surprising.

Both fighters came out looking to throw bombs. Liddell got the better of every exchange and landed the cleaner and harder shots. Silva showed a great chin but failed to land any significant damage. Liddell even mixed in two takedowns for good measure which might have been the surprise of the evening. Put all of that together and you have an easy unanimous decision for the former light heavyweight champion Liddell.

Liddell looked determined to get back to the top of the mountain that he once ruled. If he can stay hungry, I see no reason why he won't be able to do so.

The shocker of the night to many was the outcome of the Lyoto Machida versus Rameau Sokoudjo. Machida came in undefeated but all the talk was about Sokoudjo. Machida silenced all that talk with a very nice win that actually came easily. He secured the victory via choke in the second round.

Full results:

Georges St. Pierre def. Matt Hughes via submission (arm-bar) - Round 2, 4:54

Chuck Liddell def. Wanderlei Silva via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Eddie Sanchez def. Soa Palelei via TKO (strikes) - Round 3, 3:24

Lyoto Machida def. Rameau Sokoudjo via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 2, 4:20

Rich Clementi def. Melvin Guillard via submission (rear-naked choke) - Round 1, 4:40

James Irvin def. Luis Cane via disqualification (illegal knee) - Round 1, 1:51

Manny Gamburyan def. Nate Mohr via submission (ankle lock) - Round 1 - 1:31

Dean Lister def. Jordan Radev via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Roan Carneiro def. Tony DeSouza via TKO (strikes) - Round 2, 3:33

Mark Bocek def. Doug Evans via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Another night of UFC action in the books and what a great evening it was.

Georges St. Pierre showed why he is considered the best athlete in the world of mma. Chuck Liddell also showed fans that he still does want to fight and doesn't plan on losing two in a row again anytime soon.

UFC 80 is right around the corner on January 19th and will be getting 2008 off on the right track.

Happy New Year to all and thank you from TheClevelandFan.com.

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