One of the most important fights of the night at UFC 155 featured potential middleweight threats Yushin Okami and Alan Belcher throw down in the Octagon. Both men are top 10 in the division and near a title shot with a win.
In a highly anticipated clash, Okami beat Belcher by unanimous decision to move one step closer to a middleweight title shot.
Here is what we learned from Belcher vs. Okami.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight:
Anybody that was upset with how unexciting Chris Leben and Derek Brunson were to open the card were probably just as upset with a majority of this fight. Okami smothered Belcher, dominated the ground action and through all that, did not inflict much damage.
That wasn’t surprising to me, but it was still somewhat upsetting.
What We Learned About Alan Belcher:
Belcher will always be a great striker with a solid submission game, but it looks like he struggles against wrestlers. In looking at his record, he has not fought many wrestlers, so this will be an eye-opening experience for Belcher. Hopefully he goes back to the drawing board and works on that.
What We Learned About Yushin Okami:
Okami is still a top-level middleweight in the UFC. Though his fight style is not aesthetically pleasing, it is effective. He imposed his will and dominated Belcher for a majority of the fight. He still needs to work on his striking, though.
What’s Next for Belcher:
Belcher still deserves to fight a top middleweight, despite the hiccup here. When Mark Munoz returns, I think that fight would be great, as both men are coming off losses and it could test Belcher’s counter-wrestling.
What’s Next for Okami:
Okami proved that he needs another crack in the top of the middleweight ranks. A showdown with recent winner Hector Lombard would be a great test for both men.
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