Written by Scott Swerbinsky

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Many have called Matt Hughes the greatest UFC champion of all time, and those people were validated last night as Hughes exacted some revenge on B.J. Penn in a classic main event in UFC 63. The Spoon Man is here with the recap, as well as the results of all the fights on last nights card. Ground and pound. The skill that makes champions in the UFC.

That was sure the case last night when Matt Hughes got his revenge against BJ Penn. In what turned out to be a classic fight, Hughes finished off B.J. Penn late, after what looked like near defeat in the 2nd round. Penn came out and dominated Hughed for the first two rounds, landing many good punches and applying a near choke/armbar combo as the bell sounded ending the second round.

That is where everything changed.

As the third round started it was obvious Penn was out of gas from the choke attempt. Hughes then landed a good shot and got the takedown. It was lights out from there. He ended up in his most dominating position and was able to pin BJ’s arms under him and just started to unload elbows and punches. After about 20-25 unanswered punches and offering no way for Penn to get out, the ref jumped in and stopped the fight. Matt Hughes retained his title and avenged his last loss in true champion style. He cemented himself as a UFC Hall of Famer and the most dominant ground fighter in the sport today.

In the co-feature, Mike Swick won a unanimous decision over Davis Loiseau. It was another very close fight. Swick was able to win the 1st and 2nd rounds and held on in the 3rd to get the win. Loiseau simply started to fight and throw hands too late. He beat Swick up pretty good in the final round but it was just not enough. With the win, Mike Swick is getting close to earning a title shot. He is a true fan favorite and will be a star for years to come.

The return of Jen Pulver didn’t go as everyone thought. He entered the fight as an 8-1 favorite and got knocked out in the 1st round by UFC newcomer Joe Lauzon. The underdog just landed a perfect punch that knocked Pulver silly, ending it in just 48 seconds.

The full card was very solid and didn’t let the fans down one bit. The UFC is alive and well and this card proved why it is must see TV.

Full Results

-Matt Hughes def. BJ Penn by TKO (strikes) at 3:53 of Round 3 to retain the UFC Welterweight Title

-Mike Swick def. David Loiseau by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

-Melvin Guillard def. Gabe Ruediger by TKO (strikes) at 1:01 of Round 2

-Rashad Evans def. Jason Lambert by TKO (strikes) at 2:22 of Round 2

-Joe Lauzon def. Jens Pulver by TKO (strikes) at 0:48 of Round 1

-Roger Huerta def. Jason Dent by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

-Eddie Sanchez def. Mario Neto by KO at 0:17 of Round 2

-Jorge Gurgel def. Danny Abbadi by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)

-Tyson Griffin def. David Lee by submission (rear naked choke) at 1:50 of Round 1