Fans learned that they should watch T.J. Dillashaw in the future, and they learned that Walel Watson can take punishment like few in the sport can.
There was precious little else learned about Watson tonight.
He was drilled, stretched, slammed and beaten for three rounds. The fact that he saw the verdict was impressive enough. The fact that he went for submissions like an armbar or leg lock in the final round is also impressive.
Dillashaw needed the win too. He was already 0-1 in the promotions and was facing Watson who was 1-1 in the promotion and had lost his last fight. Whenever a fight like this is made, there is only one reason…
To make room in the roster for a new acquisition.
Both men seemed to sense it during the fight, but it was Dillashaw who was more urgent in his desire to not be released.
Dillashaw beat Watson badly and gave every impression of a man trying to make sure that the decision didn’t reach the judges. He wanted to make sure he won. Now with a victory, he can breath a little easier, though a loss would make him 1-2 with the promotion and easily mean a pink slip.
Watson should expect one of them at the end of the night or in the next coming days. He has lost his last two fights for the UFC with the only reason against it being that he lost a split decision to Yves Jabouin.
That may be enough to save his job but don’t be surprised if the UFC hands Watson his walking papers thanks to the beatdown Dillashaw gave him.
Dillashaw should expect a jump up in class now that he has proven he can not only hang but handle the lowest level of competition in the UFC.
Hopefully, he is prepared for it.
Matthew Hemphill writes for the MMA and professional wrestling portion of Bleacher Report. He also hosts a blog elbaexiled.blogspot.com that focuses on books, music, comic books, video games, film and generally anything that could be related to the realms of nerdom.
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