Both fighters were coming off of losses that put them on uncertain ground in the bantamweight division, and they both fought like it. While Scott Jorgensen’s striking was fairly effective, Eddie Wineland’s power eventually got the best of Jorgensen and he won by KO in Round 2.
What we’ll remember about this fight:
Wineland’s powerful punch to KO Jorgensen will remain a highlight focus from this fight, but it likely hurt Jorgensen’s reputation more than it helped Wineland’s. It was the first time Jorgensen has been finished—an impressive feat that makes the finish all the more memorable.
What we learned about Eddie Wineland:
Wineland does have the striking to make some headway in the UFC’s bantamweight division; something his 0-2 record in the UFC before this win left us questioning. His KO here was impressive, and it definitely gives him some momentum (and allows him to keep his job).
Even if the fight would have gone to decision as his last two losses against Uriah Faber and Joseph Benavidez had, Wineland likely would have pulled the win here. However, much of his success seemed heavily based on Jorgensen’s weaknesses.
In the end, though, Wineland fought a great fight against a tested opponent.
What we learned about Scott Jorgensen:
Jorgensen is dangerously close to becoming a gatekeeper figure for the bantamweight division. His last two losses were against some incredible fighters: Renan Barao and Dominick Cruz. His loss tonight, however, didn’t seem to have the same flavor as those.
For one, he couldn’t land the takedown past Wineland’s striking. Furthermore, his stand-up often left him taking some serious strikes from his opponent. He proved he can still take a hit and keep moving, but the fact that he lost by KO—though it may end up being a mere statistic—leaves a question mark.
What’s next for Wineland:
He’ll be moving up in ranking, and perhaps a fight against Brian Bowles could settle both Wineland’s strengths against Jorgensen and Bowles’ loss against Faber.
What’s next for Jorgensen:
It’s hard to say, given the state of the bantamweight division, he’ll likely fight someone like Michael McDonald for a chance to re-establish his veteran presence.
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