Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to pay-per-view (PPV) for a thrilling mixed martial arts (MMA) event yesterday (Sat., May 14, 2016) in Curitiba, Brazil, as UFC 198 gave fight fans — who packed into the 45,000-seat Arena da Baixada stadium — a wild night of action.
In the main event of the evening, Stipe Miocic stunned the mixed martial arts (MMA) world by knocking out Heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum in the very first round to become the new division kingpin (video replay here).
The co-main event provided combat fans with another thrilling finish, as Ronaldo Souza absolutely dominated Vitor Belfort from the beginning of the bell, forcing the referee to put an and to the bloody beatdown he was inflicting on the man he used to idolized as a youngster.
Biggest Winner: Stipe Miocic
This one is a no-brainer, as Miocic went into hostile territory — which he seemed to embrace — and took out a man many believe was on his way to become the greatest heavyweight of all time. And he left no doubt, either, as he put “Vai Cavalo” out for the count with one single punch; a punch he was throwing while backpedaling, which shows you just what kind pf power he packs.
And it wasn’t a fluke, either, as Miocic has now won his last three bouts via knockout. Plus, he’s done what Lebron James has yet to do, bring a title to the state of Ohio.
Up next for the new ruler at 265-pounds should be a title defense against none other than another streaking big man in Alistair Overeem.
Runners Up: Ronaldo Souza and Demian Maia
Both Brazilians superstars put on dazzling performances in their respective bouts, as “Jacare” absolutely demolished a living legend in the opening frame, while Maia took a bit longer to dispose of his foe, Matt Brown, forcing him to tap to his unmatched jiu-jitsu skills in the third round (recap).
What makes their wins so big, is the fact that their performances likely earned each of them a shot at the Middleweight and Welterweight title, respectively, next.
Biggest Loser: Fabricio Werdum
“Vai Cavalo” let his eagerness get the best of him last night in Curitiba. In what was truly out of the ordinary for him, he tried to bull rush Miocic halfway through round one; a move the proved costly for the former champion, as in no time flat he was staring down at the canvas wondering where it all went wrong.
I highly doubt Rafael Cordeiro approved of that strategy, so the duo will likely go back to the drawing board and review what brought them to the big dance; patience, selective striking and jiu-jitsu.
Up next for Werdum is perhaps a rematch against Andrei Arlovski, the man who spoiled his UFC debut way back at UFC 70 almost a decade ago.
For complete UFC 198 results, including play-by-play updates, click here.