UFC 114 has come and gone and it was a solid event with a few surprises.
The UFC, in my opinion, does just about everything right. The last few events, however, made me think that maybe it’s time for a change on one front. I know this won’t happen but I feel it’s my right to voice my opinion. Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, the announcing team on the pay per views, need to go. Their act is getting frustrating and watered down. They make every fight way too dramatic and hype up all newcomers way too much. If I had a dollar for every time Rogan said “Mike” during the last few events, I could retire to a island of my choice.
On the other hand, the fights were good and the card turned out to be pretty entertaining, let’s take a look at a few of the highlights:
Rashad Evans vs Quinton “Rampage” Jackson
I was as wrong as anyone could be on this one and I’m happy about that. Rashad dominated the fight with his speed and wrestling. Rampage didn’t do anything until the 3rd and final round but it was too late and he couldn’t finish the fight because he was out of gas. Evans took home an easy decision and is now next in line for a title shot against champion Shogun Rua.
Rashad’s speed and determination were the difference. Rampage seemed to run out of steam in the 2nd round and Evans kept pushing the pace and taking Jackson down which I didn’t think he could do.
Michael Bisping vs Dan Miller
Fifteen minutes of domination by Bisping. He was the better all around fighter in every aspect of the game. His striking was very crisp and Miller had no answer for it. The biggest surprise in this contest was one judge scoring one round for Miller somehow.
Todd Duffee vs Mike Russow
The surprise ending of the night. Duffee was a hyped up heavyweight who holds the record for fastest knockout in UFC history. Russow is an out of shape guy who looks like he just came from the local pub before he stepped foot into the octagon.
Duffee dominated the first two rounds but couldn’t finish the fight with his striking. Russow landed a perfect one two combination that knocked Duffee out cold and ended the fight. Russow was just as shocked as anyone. It was a huge turn of events and will be interesting to see what the UFC does with both fighters.
Rashad Evans def. Quinton Jackson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Michael Bisping def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Mike Russow def. Todd Duffee via knockout (punch) - Round 3, 2:35
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Jason Brilz via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
John Hathaway def. Diego Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Dong Hyun Kim def. Amir Sadollah via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Efrain Escudero def. Dan Lauzon via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Melvin Guillard def. Waylon Lowe via TKO (strikes) - Round 1, 3:28
Cyrille Diabate def. Luiz Cane via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 2:13
Aaron Riley def. Joe Brammer via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ryan Jensen def. Jesse Forbes via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 1, 1:06
What many people were calling a bad pay per view card turned into an entertaining night of fights. There were a few upsets, highlight reel knockouts, and razor thin decisions. There isn’t too much more you can ask for.