The second fight on the main card of UFC 146 saw two of the brightest prospects in the heavyweight division go toe to toe. Both Stipe Miocic and Shane del Rosario were undefeated going into this contest and a win on this card would go a long way.
Del Rosario would win most of the standing exchanges, while Miocic did most of his damage from top positions on the ground. Miocic won the contest in the second round after landing several elbows from half guard.
Here’s what we learned from the bout.
What we’ll remember about this fight:
The brutal ground and pound of Miocic. Del Rosario was doing a good job of controlling this fight on the feet, but once it hit the ground, Miocic became a nightmare.
What we learned about Stipe Miocic:
That his Golden Gloves background doesn’t hold up to the striking of the UFC heavyweights, however, his wrestling is strong enough to get him out of dangerous situations. Miocic scored his first takedown late in the first round, and he went back for more early in the second.
The impressive wrestling led us to witness his brutal ground and pound. Short elbows were his best friend as del Rosario had no answer for them.
What we learned about Shane del Rosario:
That his striking is diverse and dangerous. Beginning the fight with lots of kicks to the body and legs, del Rosario was in Miocic’s head early. Once Miocic started blocking the kicks, del Rosario shifted gears and began throwing weighty hooks and uppercuts that stunned the NCAA wrestler.
That ring rust slowed down his movement. The car accident that nearly ended his career could have hag a much bigger toll on the Strikeforce import, but del Rosario was missing the spring in his step.
What’s next for Miocic:
Miocic stepped up on short notice and has now recorded his third consecutive win in the Octagon. Still undefeated, he is ready for a big step up in competition. A contest with Travis Browne or Gabriel Gonzaga is definitely in order.
What’s next for del Rosario:
Del Rosario doesn’t have anything to be ashamed of after that performance. He looked great in the first round and just got put in an unfortunate situation. He will be back after that nasty cut over his eye heals up. A fight with the loser of Big Country vs. Dave Herman would be interesting.
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