UFC 181 defined the promotion’s capabilities in the surprise department each time out.
There were grisly knockouts. Cringe-inducing submissions. Upsets and favorites putting it all together to make serious statements. There was even a special announcement from a guy named CM Punk:
All kidding aside, “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler’s performance against Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks even proved two things: The division is wide-open, and rematches are actually allowed to flirt with the quality of the originals.
Below, let’s review the card and highlight some of the more notable shocks that occurred in the Octagon on the night.
UCF 181 Results
Most Surprising Results
Josh Samman‘s Explosiveness
For just a moment on Saturday, it looked like any other Josh Samman fight. The 26-year-old star and Eddie Gordon traded blows in the opening round and mixed in some precautionary wrestling until the buzzer.
Early in the second, though, Samman exploded for an emphatic finish.
Samman delivered a shin to Gordon’s chin that had his opponent out cold before he even hit the mat.
Matt Erickson of USA Today captures one of the night’s most vicious knockouts:
Kevin Iole and ESPN’s Brett Okamoto put it best:
After an absence from the Octagon for various reasons since April 2013, the Tallahassee, Florida, native is back on the radar of anyone and everyone. Not only that, but he has a highlight knockout that the globe will not soon forget.
The only direction Samman can go at this point is up.
Todd Duffee Needs Just 33 Seconds
Todd Duffee knows a thing about dramatic comebacks, too.
One of the most promising heavyweight prospects on the planet some time ago, Duffee‘s career was in limbo for a stretch due to injuries and performance issues that at one point saw him cut by the promotion.
Friday’s encounter with Anthony Hamilton was Duffee‘s first foray into the Octagon since December 2012. As MMAFighting.com illustrates, Duffee has a knack for quick finishes:
Of Duffee‘s last six wins, the longest encounter came in his last fight, in which Philip De Fries lasted all of 2:04 before a TKO.
At 29 years old, Duffee celebrated his birthday in style by moving his record to 9-2 and ensuring that the promotion and its worldwide fanbase understands he is back on the right track after a number of detours.
Anthony Pettis Comes Full Circle
Saturday featured several proclamations of sorts, perhaps none louder than Anthony Pettis‘ accomplishments.
Missing in action from the Octagon since August 2013, Pettis had something to prove against Gilbert Melendez in a lightweight title fight.
Issues of consistency and health have marred one of this generation’s most skilled offensive fighters. There were no such problems Saturday, though, as Pettis wasted little time in Round 2 by applying a guillotine choke that forced John McCarthy to end the proceedings.
After an early slumber, Pettis appeared to turn on the afterburners to get the victory. After hoisting the strap, he broke down his performance, via John Morgan of MMAJunkie.com:
I feel like I had a great performance. Gil’s a tough guy. I was expecting a war out there, and he delivered. The first round, I tried to avoid the takedowns as best as possible. But I think once I got to striking range, I delivered. I hit him with some good shots. I hit him with some nice jabs. I think I did enough to prove that I deserve this belt.
The fact that Pettis‘ win gets chalked as a surprise says a lot about where he’s at in his career right now.
While one of the most electric fighters in the sport, Pettis has a lot to prove in the realm of public perception when it comes to his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level each time out.
After Saturday it is quite clear that Pettis is on the warpath once again. For fans of elite offensive mixed martial arts, this is the most pleasant surprise of all from Saturday’s event.
Note: Stats and info courtesy of UFC.com unless otherwise specified.
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