UFC on FOX 2 Post Fight Thoughts and Analysis

Image via 411mania.com

This weekend wrapped up the UFC's second foray onto network television, and the card was led by two fights that would have major implications for their respective divisions. The first UFC on Fox card would be remembered for only televising one fight, and that fight going all of 64 seconds. The question on everyone's mind was, would the second time be the charm with a guaranteed three fights to be televised? The answer we found was a somewhat mixed bag as the main card fights left a lot to be desired in terms of action and exciting finishes, but with title shots on the line, was very important for moving the narrative forward in the middle weight and light-heavy weght divisions.

• Rashad simply classed Phil Davis. It was an obvious case of too much, too soon for Mr. Wonderful as you could see his nerves and tentativeness right from the get go. It is beginning to become cliche, but the adage of there being a difference between wrestling and mma wrestling rang very true on this night. Davis found himself unable to take a dominant ground position, and was caught in the crucifix position on multiple occasions.
• Rashad was not very pleased with his performance, and frankly, I do not think much of the viewing audience was either. Rashad is an excellent wrestler and one of the fastest in the division, but for any of us looking for an x-factor that would make us think he has a realistic shot against Jon Jones, well... we were kept waiting.
• Chael's victory now sets up one of the most anticipated rematches in UFC history. Though the past is tainted now with a failed a drug test, Chael still stands as the lone man to really take it to Anderson Silva and being within mere moments of dethroning the king.
• Hats off to Michael Bisping. The Brit has been long underrated primarily due to the sheer amount of dislike he generates from crowds, but the fact remains that he is one of the most well rounded and technically sound fighters in the sport. Those expecting Sonnen to run through him discovered that Bisping has some of the best takedown defense in the game. Even when put on his back, Bisping always manages to get it back to standing without taking much damage. Bisping had several shining moments standing, and likely upped his reputation and respect, even in defeat.
• Chael's pro wrestling style promos... love them. I grew up on great talkers. Sure Dusty Rhodes was before my time, but the Rock and Steve Austin deserve their own place in promo history as well, and Chael, well that man is just simply entertainment.
• Chris Weidman validated his touted prospect status in taking the victory on 11 days notice. A 30 lb. weight cut in under two weeks? Cheers buddy.
• Demian Maia, its time for you to go back to the drawing board, the jiu jitsu mats... whatever it is that you need to realize you are not a boxer.
• Quick hits notes: Lavar "I look like im the Rock" Johnson, boxing looked good with some nasty uppercuts. Roop's inconsistent matches lead to an amazing KO by Cub Swanson. Watch for the flying mouth piece. Jon Jones, yeah work on that whole act natural thing. The sweating bullets and reading of scripts is quite obvious in HD. But rest easy, this division is not throwing any threats your way for the foreseeable future. Young Charles looked good at 145, putting a seldom seen calf-slicer submission on display. Nice to see the kid isn't broken after a couple tough losses at lightweight. 

Full Results and $65,000 Fight Bonuses:

• KO of the Night: Lavar Johnson
• Submission of the Night: Charles Oliveira
• Fight of the Night: Evan Dunham & Nik Lentz

• Rashad Evans def. Phil Davis via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
• Chael Sonnen def. Michael Bisping via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Chris Weidman def. Demian Maia via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27
• Evan Dunham def. Nik Lentz via TKO (doctor's stoppage) - Round 2, 5:00
• Mike Russow def. John-Olav Einemo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
• Cub Swanson def. George Roop via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:22
• Charles Oliveira def. Eric Wisely via submission (calf crusher) - Round 1, 1:43
• Michael Johnson def. Shane Roller via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Lavar Johnson def. Joey Beltran via KO (punches) - Round 1, 4:24
• Chris Camozzi def. Dustin Jacoby via submission (guillotine choke) - Round 3, 1:08