Now that Wednesday’s fight night experiment has come and gone, I don’t think I’m alone in saying — more please.
UFC on FUEL may not have broken down any walls, but for what it was, the midweek mini-card was an undeniably entertaining fix of violence. As always, there was an abundance of news and tidbits to come out of last night’s event, so catch up on everything you may have missed with the Morning Report.
Oh, and Playboy released a sneak peek of Brittney Palmer’s Playboy spread, if you’re into that kind of thing.
5 MUST-READ STORIES TO START YOUR DAY
Jake Ellenberger outlasts Diego Sanchez. Despite a near-miraculous comeback, Jake Ellenberger held off Diego Sanchez long enough to capture victory in the main event of UFC on FUEL.
UFC on FUEL fight results. Between Stefan Struve’s brawl with Dave Herman, and swift finishes from Jonathan Brookins and Stipe Miocic, there was plenty of action on Wednesday night’s fight card.
Dana White awards UFC on FUEL bonuses. Ellenberger, Sanchez, Miocic and Ivan Menjivar each left the arena $50,000 richer for their fight night performances.
Jon Jones: I miss being friends with Rashad Evans. Jon Jones reflected back fondly when asked about his relationship with Rashad Evans.
Sneak peak of Brittney Palmer’s Playboy cover and photo shoot. Take an early (SFW) look at UFC ring girl Brittney Palmer’s eight-page photospread for Playboy.
MEDIA STEW
In light of Jake Ellenberger’s big win, it seems fitting to post some sort of fight video showcasing his skills. Since anything from the UFC is out of the question, here’s “The Juggernaut” taking on Zach Light five years ago to the date.
Check out the fight highlights from Stipe Miocic’s brutal ‘Knockout of the Night’ performance against Philip De Fries.
And a bonus double-dose of the Croatian, because once just wasn’t enough. This time Miocic finishes off William Penn in slightly hilarious fashion.
Paul Daley talks discipline and says he’s sorry for sucker punching Josh Koscheck at UFC 113. (HT: MIddle Easy)
There are few trainers as accomplished in MMA as Greg Jackson, so it’s strangely enjoyable to watch Jax do his thing while he demonstrates the omoplata and ground n’ pound 101 on Shinya Aoki. (HT: DSTRYR SG)
Classic Sanchez.
What else would you expect from a Japanese UFC 144 ad? One question: the Zangief guy in the back is supposed to be Dana White, right? (HT: Bloody Elbow)
Good to see the DC athletic commission is hip to the kids and their mix marshal arts. (via @macdanzigmma)
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Nick Diaz.
Diego Sanchez won regardless what the judges think that’s what the fight showed !
— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) February 16, 2012
Sad night for old Jake E had this been real shit he would be dead!
— nick diaz (@nickdiaz209) February 16, 2012
Besides the loss, I’d say the debut of Sasquatch went over pretty well.
I didn’t know you were allowed to fight in a sweater…of hair #ufconfueltv
— Patrick Healy (@BamBamHealy) February 16, 2012
Is that teen wolf?
— Dana White (@danawhite) February 16, 2012
I can’t believe Herman stole my beard lol
— Johny Hendricks (@JohnyHendricks) February 16, 2012
I like David Hermans sweater he’s wearing…..is that cashmere? #ryanjimmo
— Ryan Jimmo (@RyanJimmo) February 16, 2012
After over a decade of grinding to get in the UFC, this happened. Tough break for Sean Loeffler.
Sean Loeffler twisted his ankle warming up so the fight had to be pulled. twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) February 16, 2012
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012):
N/A
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s FPOTD belongs to BE reader Jack Slack: The Downfall of Diego Sanchez.
A quick look through Diego Sanchez’s successful fights reveals his modus operandi; the man is an animal, constantly moving forward and swarming on opponents with punches until he gets them to the mat where his effective ground and pound and slick Jiu Jitsu can be utilized. One of Diego’s best matches was his defeat of Nick Diaz, in which he would throw some big punches, then literally dive at the much taller man’s legs. Once he got Diaz to the mat, Diego was relentless, stacking Diaz up in guard and dropping from his feet back to his knees with huge elbows. While Diaz was never in danger of being stopped, it is certainly the most ineffectual we have seen his guard look.
However, against B.J. Penn, Diego Sanchez shot 27 takedowns, succeeded in none, and was pounded on the feet constantly. Now B.J. Penn is a marvelous athlete, but to write off his natural abilities as the reason he could do this to Sanchez when other great athletes like Nick Diaz couldn’t is just downright moronic. B.J. fought the perfect gameplan against Sanchez, which from the get go seemed to be about pressure. Throughout the fight B.J. Penn backed Diego on to the cage, but instead of leading, waited for Diego to charge him. When Diego did charge, B.J. would take one or two shuffles back to avoid the first attack, slip the second and counter – and it worked. Every time.
Found something entertaining, brutal, or bizarre you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Send it to @shaunalshatti and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s post.