Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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UFC 121 has come and gone and when I’m wrong I’ll admit it. I had very high expectations for last night’s card and I was let down, for the most part that is. The overall card was decent but nowhere near what it could have been. The result of the main even took the cake and overshadowed more bad judging.

Let take a look at the highlights of the event from Anaheim, California:

Main event for the heavyweight title, Brock Lesnar versus Cain Velasquez

I have been telling everyone I talk to Cain Velasquez is the best heavyweight in the world. He proved it last night. All the Lesnar lovers have every excuse in the book right now. Cain Velasquez dominated a man that probably weighed 40 pounds more than him when then entered the octagon.

As soon as the opening bell rang Lesnar bull rushed Cain.  He was unable to get the take down and thirty seconds later Lesnar was gassed out. Velasquez used his superior condition and grappling and beat Lesnar into a bloody pulp. Brock had a gash on his face that looked like he was hit with an axe. A beautiful display of ground and pound secure the world title for Velasquez. Skill trumped size in this fight. Lesnar wasn’t able to bully Velasquez to the ground like he has down to his other opponents and that lost him the belt. Cain Velasquez is the new heavyweight champion and probably will be for a long time. I do expect these guys to meet again within the next 12 months.

Jake Shields vs Martin Kampmann

The first fight in the UFC for Jake Shields and he was the beneficiary if bad judging. He took home the win via split decision when I felt he lost the fight. Shields dominated the first with his grappling and superior ground game. Round two went to Kampmann as Shields was tiring and not effective at all. Kampmann kept the fight standing and when it went to the ground got the better end of the exchanges. Round three is where it got interesting. To start the round Shields was woozy. Kampmann was picking him apart and dominated for three and a half minutes. The last minute Shields was in dominant position but didn’t do anything. The judges must have thought that was enough to win the round. Terrible judging again and the UFC gets their wish of Shields winning and in line for a title shot.

Diego Sanchez vs Paulo Thiago

Easily the fight of the night. Both fighters were well prepared and in great condition. Sanchez’s aggressive style wore Thiago down after a great round one. Sanchez got the better of the standup in round two and out grappled the jui jitsu star. The third round was all sanchez as he sealed the unanimous decision victory.

Full results:

Cain Velasquez def. Brock Lesnar via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 4:01 - to become new UFC heavyweight champion

Jake Shields def. Martin Kampmann via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

Diego Sanchez def. Paulo Thiago via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)

Matt Hamill def. Tito Ortiz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

Brendan Schaub def. Gabriel Gonzaga via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Court McGee def. Ryan Jensen via submission (arm-triangle choke) - Round 3, 1:21

Tom Lawlor def. Patrick Cote via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Daniel Roberts def. Mike Guymon via submission (anaconda choke) - Round 1, 1:13

Sam Stout def. Paul Taylor via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Chris Camozzi def. Dongi Yang via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Jon Madsen def. Gilbert Yvel via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 1:48

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new champ in the UFC and he should hold onto his title for a long time. If you haven’t seen Cain Velasquez fight, you are doing yourself a disservice. Check him out, because he is a thing of beauty.