“Forget all about that belt tomorrow, son.” (Video: YouTube/UFC)
Last night’s weigh-ins in the bag and we are officially one step closer to go-time. While these events are a mere formality in the fight business—I mean, who would show up unprepared, right?–they do give one more opportunity for fans to cheer or boo the fighters of their choice, and one more opportunity for fighters to win the mental war. With those assignments in mind, the men on stage and those in the bleachers made the most of the evening.
Though Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen have taken second billing on this evening’s card, they’ve more than pulled their own weight in the promotions department. While Chael has drawn plenty of hype for this bout, he’s largely focused the spotlight on himself with little attention paid to his opponent whatsoever. Bisping on the other hand has been in full heel mode in recent interviews, embracing his role as the bad guy and verbally attacking his foe whenever possible. Last night he responded to a chorus of boos by brandishing the ‘Stockton Heybuddy‘, a move that seemed to cost him a sponsor, at least momentarily. If these two jawing in the staredown didn’t get you amped for their bout, there’s little I can do for you.
Despite the main event being a mixed martial arts bout, much of the back-and-forth between Rashad Evans and Phil Davis has centered on wrestling credentials. “Mr. Wonderful” was undoubtedly the more decorated of the two during their NCAA careers, though Evans feels his in-cage ability will expose Davis’s “trash technique”. Upping the ante once more before they glove up, Davis sported a Penn State singlet as he hit the scales. Face to face, both men exuded incredible confidence and not a shred of intimidation.
(Video: YouTube/UFC)
Weigh-in Results: (via Yahoo! Sports)
Main Bouts (on Fox):
-Rashad Evans (205) vs. Phil Davis (205)
-Chael Sonnen (185) vs. Michael Bisping (185)
-Demian Maia (186) vs. Chris Weidman (185)
Preliminary Bouts (on Fuel TV):
-Evan Dunham (155) vs. Nik Lentz (155)
-Mike Russow (251) vs. Jon Olav Einemo (253)
-Cub Swanson (145) vs. George Roop (145)
-Charles Oliveira (144) vs. Eric Wisely (145)
-Michael Johnson (156) vs. Shane Roller (156)
-Joey Beltran (228) vs. Lavar Johnson (252)
Preliminary Bout (on Facebook):
-Chris Camozzi (185) vs. Dustin Jacoby (185)