Let’s run down the list of “Who’s Hot” and “Who’s Not” from UFC on FOX 19: “Teixeira vs Evans,” which took place last night (Sat., April 16, 2016), nominating the biggest winners and losers from the FOX event inside the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to major FOX for a thrilling mixed martial arts (MMA) event last night (Sat., April 16, 2016) at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, FL., as UFC on FOX 19 turned out to be a much better event than initially anticipated.
In the main event of the evening, Glover Teixeira once again showed off his frightening power, flattening former UFC Light Heavyweight champ Rashad Evans in less than two minutes (highlights here). The victory was the former No. 1 contender’s seventh finish inside the Octagon, and third straight victory following his loss to Phil Davis.
The co-main event provided a “Fight of the Night” candidate, as Rose Namajunas eked out a unanimous decision victory over Tecia Torres in a rematch of their 2013 battle in Invicta FC.
Check out the highlights here.
With that quick overview of the night’s marquee bouts, here are your biggest winners, as well as the runners-up from Florida.
Biggest Winner: Glover Teixeira
After difficult and humbling back-to-back losses to Jon Jones and Phil Davis, Glover Teixeira had to make sweeping changes in order to prove he was still a force in the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division.
Following stoppage victories over Ovince St. Preux, Patrick Cummins, and Rashad Evans, the former No. 1 contender has positioned himself right back at the top of the heap.
Teixeira’s performance in Florida was impeccable.;The Brazilian crowded Evans from the get-go, giving the former champ no room to breathe. Evans was forced to work in closed quarters, and that played right into the game plan of the heavy-handed Teixeira.
All it took was one vicious left hand to put Evans out on his feet, and one follow-up right to seal the deal in violent fashion.
The $50,000 bonus check for “Performance of the Night” was just the cherry on top.
Next up for Teixeira?
The No. 4 ranked Light Heavyweight wants to battle Anthony Johnson for a right to battle for UFC gold.
Book it.
Runners-up: John Dodson
After two difficult defeats to Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson, top ranked 125-pounder John Dodson opted to move back to 135 pounds for UFC on FOX 19.
Considering his brutal cut to Flyweight, many were excited to see “The Magician” return to the division where he knocked out TJ Dillashaw.
On Saturday night, Dodson delivered the goods.
Taking on longtime veteran Manny Gamburyan, Dodson wasted no time to begin stalking “The Anvil” towards the cage, prior to unleashing a hellacious barrage of 20 plus strikes to finish the fight in just 47 seconds.
It was as spectacular as it was violent.
The win undoubtedly cements Dodson as a top contender in both the 125 and 135 pound divisions, and fight fans may be treated to a Dodson vs. Dillashaw rematch in the near future.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
“The Eagle” has returned, and he is hungry.
Yes, Khabib Nurmagomedov was supposed to dominate late replacement and UFC debutant Darrell Horcher, but coming back following a two-year injury layoff is nothing to scoff at.
Nurmagomedov once again used his tenacious wrestling and smothering grappling to dominate his opponent, battering Horcher with ground and pound for the majority of the fight.
The bout was hardly a contest, but was certainly a great tune-up fight for the undefeated Dagestani.
Tony Ferguson missed his shot at getting his hands on Nurmagomedov, as “The Eagle” has undoubtedly earned his Lightweight title shot.
Prior to his injury woes, Khabib absolutely mauled Rafael Dos Anjos, and there is no reason to believe he couldn’t do it again.
Expect to see the No. 2 ranked Lightweight battled either Dos Anjos or Eddie Alvarez next.
Michael Chiesa
Considering some of the performances of the fighters at UFC Tampa, it would have been ignorant to leave out Michael Chiesa from the “winners” category.
Once again proving he is a dark horse in the Lightweight division, perennial underdog Chiesa continues to churn out impressive performances and finishes.
Submitting jiu-jitsu ace Jim Miller was impressive enough, but to choke out lauded black belt Beneil Dariush? Awe-inspiring.
Chiesa has proven his doubters wrong at every turn, winning the The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), pulling off massive comebacks, and continually playing spoiler.
It’s about time Chiesa gets the recognition he deserves as a top-10 Lightweight, and serious contender to fight for UFC gold.
One thing’s for sure, no fighter wants to have Chiesa on their backs, because they are likely going to sleep.
Stop doubting Chiesa, and jump on the bandwagon before it is too late.
Biggest Loser: Rashad Evans
His efforts were valiant, but it may very well be time for “Suga” to hang up his gloves.
Prior to his devastating knockout loss in Tampa, Evans had only been finished once — his 2009 title defeat at the hands of Lyoto Machida.
Injuries have stunted Evans’ career progress, and has made the future Hall of Famer merely a shell of his former self.
Simply put, the Blackzilians veteran doesn’t have the elite level speed and phase shifting that helped accrue him a UFC title, and he is not an elite level fighter at this point in his career.
In his prime, Evans was one of the most devastating and exciting fighters in UFC history, and at 36-years old, he has nothing left to prove.
Thanks for the memories Rashad.
Runner-up: Drew Dober
Does anybody in MMA have worse luck than Drew Dober?
The exciting Lightweight just seemingly can’t catch a break.
After successfully weighing in for UFC Tampa, Dober’s opponent Islam Makhachev was pulled from the event due to popping for a banned substance.
Brutal.
Just imagine going through a full training camp to get your body ready for a dangerous opponent, make it through a difficult weight cut, only to be told you won’t be fighting 24-hours later at no fault of your own.
Dober was obviously disappointed that he didn’t get to showcase his skills on FOX, but he can take solace in knowing UFC brass will definitely pay him his show money while being ready to take a short notice fight sometime soon.
Let’s just hope the Arizona native was given his win money as well.
For complete UFC on FOX 19 results, including play-by-play updates, click here.