Jason High returned to the Octagon at UFC on Fuel 10 Saturday night in Brazil, but the welcome he received from Erick Silva was hardly pleasant. It took the Brazilian all of 1:11 to finish the fight, locking on to High’s arm during a scramble and not letting go.
What We’ll Remember about This Fight
I’d say the submission itself, but it was only one of many from UFC on Fuel 10. So, let’s go with Silva’s performance instead.
Last time out, the up-and-comer suffered the first defeat of his UFC career, coming out on the wrong end of a manhandling at UFC 153. It marked the first time Silva faced adversity, and on Saturday night, he responded in a big way.
What We Learned about Erick Silva
He answered the call when he needed to, and that restores a lot of promise to his burgeoning career.
Beyond that, Silva displayed some wizardly grappling, which isn’t something he’s done much of in the UFC. Strangely, though he has built a reputation as a dominant power-striker, 10 of Silva’s 16 pro wins have come by way of tapout.
His win over High therefore stands as something like confirmation of his highly reputed, but rarely seen, grappling skills.
What We Learned about Jason High
He looks great when he fights outside the UFC, but he just can’t seem to get it working inside the Octagon. The loss moves him to 0-2 with the promotion, and he hasn’t even really been close.
That’s not to say he can’t hack it on the big stage, though it’s starting to look that way a bit. For now, I’ll just say we learned he might not have it—whether “it” is mental fortitude or simply the ability to beat UFC opponents—not that he outright doesn’t have it.
What’s Next for Silva
I’d like to see him try his hand at another tough, durable wrestler. High somewhat fits that profile, but another victory over the like would go a long way in erasing the image of the Jon Fitch disaster.
How about Rick Story? If you’re not up for the wrestler, the winner of Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Robbie Lawler works.
What’s Next for High
Either a pink slip or relegation to Facebook prelims. Hopefully, it’s the latter because he is good enough to earn another chance, even if he didn’t look it Saturday night.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com