Hatsu Hioki entered the night just as he had entered the UFC, the consensus No. 1 challenger to Jose Aldo’s UFC featherweight title. Hioki actually refused a title shot and was put in a no-win situation against the tough Ricardo Lamas during the UFC on…
Hatsu Hioki entered the night just as he had entered the UFC, the consensus No. 1 challenger to Jose Aldo’s UFC featherweight title. Hioki actually refused a title shot and was put in a no-win situation against the tough Ricardo Lamas during the UFC on FX 4 prelims.
Hioki needed an impressive showing to validate his place at the top of the featherweight division’s title challengers, but the end result was anything of the sort. The Japanese star was controlled for much of the fight despite landing a handful of takedowns.
Lamas played the role of spoiler very well as he knew there was nothing to lose in this matchup that ended with winning by a unanimous 29-28 decision.
What We Will Remember About This Fight
Fans will likely remember the series of grappling exchanges between the two men that produced some great displays of talent. Hioki was able to secure some takedowns and ended two rounds in top position but was simply outworked by Lamas.
What We Learned about Hatsu Hioki
Is this another example of international hype overrating a guy? Hioki was brought in to give Aldo a fresh face to challenge and had earned two UFC victories prior to the event tonight. His first showing was very shaky but his bout at UFC 144 was a takedown clinic.
Hioki just saw a number of guys leap over him in the featherweight rankings and will definitely have a tough road ahead of him.
What We Learned About Ricardo Lamas
Despite the fact that Hioki was widely expected to dominate Lamas, the Chicago-based fighter showed a lot of mental toughness and was game for the challenge. The Japanese star certainly had his moments in the fight but Lamas proved he wanted to win this fight more than Hioki.
Although Lamas was able to fend off a number of takedowns from Hioki, he can’t allow his opponent to finish the round in top position. We’ve seen judges reward crazy decisions for simple facts just like that.
What’s Next For Hatsu Hioki
Not saying no to Dana White has to top the list. Instead of getting an UFC title shot, Hioki will likely find himself on a few more preliminary bouts or, at best, on the main card of a non-PPV show. Hioki openly admitted he wasn’t ready, but he was playing a dangerous game and lost.
What’s Next for Ricardo Lamas
Lamas showed up to ruin Hioki’s party and did so in impressive fashion. After three straight impressive outings, I believe it’s time for Lamas to face some more top-tier talent. He should vault up the rankings and face another top-five guy.
A bout with “The Korean Zombie” sure would be a blast to watch.
A lot of fans got really excited when this fight was made, and Cub Swanson and Ross Pearson made sure they did not disappoint when they finally stood toe-to-toe on Friday night. Swanson threw everything but the kitchen sink at Pearson and the Brit was …
A lot of fans got really excited when this fight was made, and Cub Swanson and Ross Pearson made sure they did not disappoint when they finally stood toe-to-toe on Friday night.
Swanson threw everything but the kitchen sink at Pearson and the Brit was eager to return fire, as both men put on a hell of a fight.
In the end, Swanson landed a fantastic combination that ended with a big left hand that sent Pearson crashing to the canvas. The punches that followed gave Swanson his second straight victory inside the Octagon.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
That it was fun to watch.
Swanson was at the top of his game tonight and he made life difficult for Pearson with his relentless attacks throughout the entirety of the fight.
Pearson was game, and landed some solid punches and a few takedowns to keep the fight close, but eventually Swanson’s pace and endless barrage of strikes was a bit too much.
What We Learned About Cub Swanson
We knew Swanson was extremely exciting, but he may have outdone himself with tonight’s performance.
Swanson looked crisp on the feet and was incredibly active off of his back. Now that he seems to have finally put everything together, he is going to be a dangerous fighter, going forward at 145 lbs.
What We Learned About Ross Pearson
Despite a lackluster win over Junior Assuncao in his featherweight debut back at UFC 141, a lot of people thought that Pearson was going to be a force in his new division.
He may not have gotten the win tonight, but he put on a solid show and with his size and skill set Pearson still has a chance to be one of the premier fighters in the division.
What’s Next for Cub Swanson
It’s been a long time coming for Swanson to enter the featherweight title picture, and while he says he wants a number one contender fight, he’s going to have to win some more before that happens.
A rematch with Ricardo Lamas, who won earlier tonight and defeated Swanson at UFC on FOX 1 last November would be a fun fight, but there’s another option that would be even more attractive for the UFC brass to put together.
Even though he’s coming off a loss, Dustin Poirier is one of the best fighters in the UFC’s 145 lb division and would be a solid test for Swanson going forward.
What’s Next for Ross Pearson
After a tough loss to Swanson, I don’t see Pearson getting any favors from Sean Shelby for his next bout.
It’s always fun to see Pearson get into a technical standup war, so a fight on the UFC 152 card in Toronto against Canada’s own Mark Hominick would be a ton of fun for everyone involved.
After turning down a title fight at UFC with featherweight champion Jose Aldo earlier in 2012, Hatsu Hioki has now officially thrown that title fight away. The main event of the preliminary fights in Atlantic City featured an important featherweight …
After turning down a title fight at UFC with featherweight champion Jose Aldo earlier in 2012, Hatsu Hioki has now officially thrown that title fight away.
The main event of the preliminary fights in Atlantic City featured an important featherweight bout between the Japanese star, Hioki, and Ricardo Lamas. Hioki, a -175 favorite going into the fight, was expected by most to walk away with what would have been the third UFC win of his career.
Unfortunately for him and his fans, it was Lamas’ aggression that the judges seemed to favor as they opted to give the unanimous decision to the American by a score of 29-28.
Hioki had previously been considered the No. 2 featherweight in the world by most sources. UFC President Dana White has offered him a title fight, but Hioki turned it down due to his own belief that he was not quite ready to fight for the title.
Apparently he was right.
Nevertheless, Hioki should have taken the title fight anyway. If he didn’t think he was ready to fight Aldo before, did he really think that a win over a fighter who was barely in the top 25 was going to get him to that level?
The career of an MMA fighter is a short one and the decision to turn down a title fight is something that doesn’t often happen. This is because most fighters understand that if they don’t take the opportunity when it presents itself, it may never come again. In the case of Hioki, following this loss, it certainly won’t come anytime soon.
At 28 years old, Hioki likely only has a few more years of performing at his physical peak before his body begins to deteriorate on him with age… and that’s assuming he does not suffer an injury during that timeframe.
Because of the lack of real competition at 145 pounds, Hioki will now see his ranking fall significantly after a rather disappointing performance. Don’t count him out of getting a title fight eventually, but he’s going to have to improve his overall game significantly and string together some wins if he wants to get in that conversation again.
Tonight, the UFC makes its ever glorious return to FX, and if the undercard is any indication, we are in for a night of action packed goodness, Potato Nation. Clay Guida and Gray Maynard will battle for a spot amongst the endless string of lightweight contenders, and Spencer Fisher will be battling for his dignity against Sam Stout. Our very own Jared Jones will be liveblogging everything as it goes down, so join him as he recaps all the action as it plays out, won’t you?
Tonight, the UFC makes its ever glorious return to FX, and if the undercard is any indication, we are in for a night of action packed goodness, Potato Nation. Clay Guida and Gray Maynard will battle for a spot amongst the endless string of lightweight contenders, and Spencer Fisher will be battling for his dignity against Sam Stout. Our very own Jared Jones will be liveblogging everything as it goes down, so join him as he recaps all the action as it plays out, won’t you?
God Damn was Cub Swanson’s TKO of George Roop brutal. That said, I got Pearson all day on this one.
Round 1: And we are underway. Pearson with a left hook. Cub is trying to get in and out. Pearson throws a knee that’s off the mark. Leg kick misses for Swanson. Pearson with a nice takedown, but Swanson gets to his feet quickly. Very nice. Swanson lands a right that sends Pearson spinning, then throws a beautiful elbow. Don’t you fuck my Parlay already, you British bastard. Swanson with an uppercut that partially lands. Swanson nails Pearson with a capoeria style kick as he falls to the mat, then throws a couple upkicks. Pearson wades right through them and lands a couple punches of his own, and Swanson gets back to his feet. A couple nice combinations, but mostly feints from both men. Swanson lands a nice straight right and the round is over.
Round 2: They trade leg kicks to start the round. Pearson with a nice pair of jabs. Swanson lands a nice right, and then a spinning punch (?). Hell of an exchange; I’m having trouble keeping up. Anyway, Person lands a takedown, but Swanson gets up as Pearson goes for his back. Right hand Swanson. Pearson looks cut. Nice left by Pearson. Both these guys are displaying some great chins. Swanson throws a kick that Pearson catches and turns into a takedown. Swanson lands another nice upkick before Pearson moves into his guard, postures, and lands some nice GnP. Nice inside elbows from pearson, followed by a couple almost-as-nice body shots. Swanson to his feet, and Pearson lands a nice left…and SWANSON LANDS A LEFT HOOK THAT KNOCKS PEARSON DOWN!!! Motherfuckersonofabitch!!! Pearson was battered, and definitely seemed to be dazed, but was going for a takedown when Yves dove in. Either way, nice win for Swanson. Florian compares his athleticism to Jose Aldo. I’m laughing so hard that I nearly pee’d, yet somehow crying that my parlay is already fucked at the same time.
Cub Swanson def. Ross Pearson via TKO at 4:14 of round 2
Enough with the FOX football music. ENOUGH!!
Brian Ebersole vs. TJ Waldburger
The tale of the tape informs us that Waldburger has age on his side, but Ebersole has number of chest hair shaped arrows on his. You tell me which counts more.
Round 1: TJ lands a left hook, then a nice straight left that drops Ebersole! TJ in half guard, working for mount. He’s got it; not good for Ebersole. Ebersole is trying to push off, but Waldburger locks in a tight D’arce in the scramble! WOW. Ebersole is turning purple, but gets out and to his feet. Amazing escape. Nice body shot by Ebersole. Leg kick Waldburger, and they clinch. Nice elbow on the break by Ebersole. Body kick TJ. Both men land in an exchange, then a nice right by Waldurger. Ebersole answers with a left. Ebersole tries for a takedown but is firmly denied. Good round, but I’d give it to Waldburger easily.
Round 2: TJ starts with a left, then grabs a double and gets Ebersole down. TJ goes for the back but Ebersole spins him around and gets his own. Ebersole going for an omaplata, but Ebersole pulls out and lands a nice right, then a couple elbows. Now Waldburger goes for an armbar. Man, this kid is really something to behold off his back. Very similar to Tim Credeur in his constant attack/transitions. Ebersole escapes again and tries to land some punches, but TJ throws up a triangle now. Ebersole backs off and gets into full guard. Waldburger throws up another armbar attempt. Waldburger locks up a triangle after Ebersole lands a couple punches. Now Waldburger switches for a reverse triangle, but Ebersole breaks free and lands some nice strikes. Ebersole ends the round with some powerful punches from the top.
Round 3: Waldburger catches Ebersole coming in with a left hook, and Ebersole goes for the Muay Thai clinch and nails him with an elbow. Ebersole tries his patented cartwheel kick, but it is miles from the mark. TJ looks tired, and Ebersole goes in for a single. He gets it easy. Yep, Waldburger is definitely tired. TJ throws up another triangle, but it’s a little loose. He’s gotta shift position, but Ebersole breaks out and takes his back for a second. Back to full guard with a minute left. Walburger looking for a sweep, but Ebersole is looking real smooth on top. Ebersole lands a few hammerfists and a big left as the round ends. Ebersole really turned it around those last two rounds; I’d probably give it to him.
Brian Ebersole wins by UD (29-28×3)
Spencer Fisher vs. Sam Stout
I have some high expectations for this one, Potato Nation, as I’m sure you do.
Round 1: Nice left by Fisher to start. Body shot Stout. The combinations are quick on both ends, go figure. Nice right by Stout, but Fisher smiles and hits him a little low. Leg kick checked by Fisher. Nice right by Fisher, but Stout lands a counter left. Another nice left by Fisher, who is looking real sharp right now. Left hand Stout, but Fisher lands a right hook. Leg kick Stout, who lands a takedown and moves into guard. Stout tries to land some elbows, but they are blocked by Fisher. They get to their feet, and Stout immediately grabs a takedown. Spencer gets to his feet quickly this time. Both men land inside leg kicks, and Fisher lands a spinning backfist to end the round.
Round 2: Stout starts with an inside leg kick. Nice combo by Stout, answered by Fisher. Stout goes for a double, but gets denied. A good straight left by Fisher. Fisher lands another left as Stout goes for a body kick. Hard right hook by Stout, then a body shot. Right hand Fisher. Nice left hook from Stout, who’s going for the same right hook to the body, left up high that he KO’d Yves Edwards with. Stout lands a low blow that halts the action temporarily. After the break, Stout lands a takedown, and finishes the round in Fisher’s guard, likely taking the round.
Round 9 (you know what I mean): Fisher’s corner is calling for the knockout, and he lands a spinning elbow and a left. Fisher presses Stout to the cage, and Stout misses an inside trip. Nice overhand right from Fisher that lands. Stout has a decent sized mouse under his right eye, and Fisher is landing on it over and over again. Nice right by Stout, who follows shortly thereafter with a body and leg kick back to back. Another body kick by Stout, but Fisher answers with a right. Straight left by Fisher. Stout rushes in on a double and gets it. Fisher trying to wall walk, and manages to get to his feet. Left hook Stout, who rushes in for another takedown,which he grabs after a little resistance. Stout into half guard. Wow, quick stand up by Kevin Mulhall. Fisher with a nice right, and both men are swinging for the fences. Fisher gets cut as the bell rings.
And takedowns win the day again.
Sam Stout by Unanimous decision in a hell of a fight.
As with Josh Thompson and Gilbert Melendez, I could watch these two fight at every UFC event until the end of time.
And it’s main event time…
Gray Maynard vs. Clay Guida
Guida comes out to “Walk” by Pantera. I now want Guida to win times a million bajillion. Maynard comes out to some autotuned Rap affair, which only confirms my decision. Dammit Buffer, please don’t remind us that we’re in New Jersey. Guida’s hair looks…odd. His staredown, on the other hand, is shit-your-pants intense. Interesting that KenFlo is commentating, being that he’s fought both men.
Round 1: Crowd chanting Guida immediately. Maynard lands a stiff left, then wings a right by Guida. Guida somehow has already cut Maynard on his nose. Lead left hand Maynard. Guida is moving like a coked up Cirque du Soleil performer, but isn’t throwing a lot. Maynard is just a bit short on most of his punches, and can’t seem to get Guida’s rhythm down, go figure. Guida lands a 1-2, but Maynard counters. Maynard goes low, and Guida follows with a body kick. The two juke it out to end the round.
Round 2: Guida pokes Maynard in the eyes at the start of the round, but action restarts quickly. Guida is all over the fucking place, and Maynard seems a bit puzzled. Nice right by Guida, then another looping overhand. Maynard needs to start pressing the action and throwing some multi-punch combos or go for a takedown. Mike Pyle agrees with this notion, and considering he just dicknailed Josh Neer, Maynard should follow his advice. Head kick from Guida that is partially blocked. Maynard whiffs a big right, and the crowd is sporadically booing. Head kick lands by Guida, but Maynard isn’t fazed. Maynard lands a couple nice punches to end the round but the crowd is really emphasizing their disappointment.
Round 3: Crowd is booing to start the round. Guida lands a knee, but Maynard with a crisp right. Guida needs to do less bouncing and more punch throwing. He obliges, and lands a couple nice jabs. Finally Gray shoots for a takedown, but is firmly denied by Guida. Guida shoots for a single but is also denied. Maynard is lifting his hands ala either Diaz in frustration. I feel you there, bro. Gray misses a huge right, and Guida lands a jab. Gray is just chasing Guida around instead of cutting off the cage. Nice right by Maynard, who is complaining about another eye poke, but gets no response from Miragliotta. Crowd is chanting Guida for some reason. Maynard lands a nice knee, but Guida backs out ala Carlos Condit as the round ends. Maynard is fucking pissed.
Round 4: Guida lands a short left, then a quick 1-2. Maynard tries to clinch and lands a knee after a failed takedown attempt. It’s two and a half minutes in and not much has landed from either fighter. Guida slips a left hook and the crowd is still on edge. Anytime Maynard even gets Guida in a corner he is literally sprinting out of it. Maynard with a short left and is now talking a little shit. Gray lands some knees in the clinch, and is now going full on Diaz on Guida, hands down and talking shit. Guida is suddenly caught off guard, as he just landed a flush right that Maynard walked right through. Maynard stuffs a takedown and goes for an arm in guillotine that looks deep, but Guida slams his way out of it and the round ends. Badass display by Maynard.
Round 5: Crowd now chanting Maynard, and for good reason. It’s like Rocky 4 up in this bitch. Maynard lands a right. Gray throws a right hook and a half ass flying knee. Maynard looks much fresher than he did against Edgar. Guida lands a good kick and combo, but Maynard answers with a hard right hand. Maynard misses a single leg attempt, and resorts back to chasing Guida like he’s his older brother on the playground. Guida with a left. Guida is running like a scared dog, and Miragliotta gives him a warning for doing so. Right hand by Maynard lands. I hate to come off as bias, but Guida is fighting not to lose, and Maynard is trying to finish this. Maynard goes for a single, and has Guida pressed up against the cage. Maynard throws a couple knees from the clinch and the two dance around and throw a couple punches that hit mostly air as the round ends.
If Guida wins this, I don’t even know…
Gray Maynard wins by Split Decision, proving that at least one MMA judge in every fight couldn’t see water if they fell out of a boat.
Well, that’s it for me, Potato Nation. Thanks for joining me tonight, I truly appreciate it. KenFlo says Guida had a “smart gameplan.” If putting up as little of a fight as possible is a great gameplan nowadays, I guess I agree with him. I’m going to finish off this bottle and forget everything that just happened.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight A new and improved Rick Story did everything in his power to make sure that he didn’t end up losing his third straight fight inside the Octagon, and after outworking Brock Jardine for almost the entirety…
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
A new and improved Rick Story did everything in his power to make sure that he didn’t end up losing his third straight fight inside the Octagon, and after outworking Brock Jardine for almost the entirety of their three round fight, he did just enough to save his job.
Story is now back in the win column for the first time since he won a decision against Thiago Alves at UFC 130 and handed Jardine the loss in “The Machine’s” UFC debut.
What We Learned About Rick Story
Rick Story wasn’t taking any chances tonight.
In the past, we’ve seen “The Horror” willing to trade on the feet for a while before trying to work his signature ground and pound, but even if he did have a slight advantage on the feet, he didn’t want to test it against Jardine.
It wasn’t the most exciting fight in Story’s career, but he dominated on the mat and possibly saved his roster spot. Overall, it was exactly what he needed.
What We Learned About Brock Jardine
Despite getting thrown to the wolves against Story in his UFC debut, Jardine at least showed he belongs in the Octagon in his first career UFC fight.
Jardine was able to escape from the ground numerous times, despite a fellow wrestler doing his best to hold him down. If his striking was a little tighter, he would have had more opportunities on the feet to give Story some trouble.
What’s Next for Rick Story
It was a much needed win for Story, but he’s still going to need to work his way back up the welterweight ladder if he wants to get back into title contention.
Matt Brown won a solid fight earlier tonight, and with “The Immortal” now having won three fights in 2012, it’s time to give him a step up in competition against Story.
What’s Next for Brock Jardine
It wasn’t the UFC debut that he was hoping for, but Jardine wasn’t terrible. He’ll definitely get another shot inside the Octagon.
A fight with Ricardo Funch, who lost to Dan Miller on the Facebook prelims earlier tonight, would be a decent matchup, but if Funch ends up getting the boot from Joe Silva, it may end up being better for Jardine to fight a top prospect making his debut.
As recently as November 2011, it looked as if there was a real possibility that veteran UFC welterweight Matt Brown might be in line to be released from the organization.At that point, he had lost four of his past five fights. Although he was putting o…
As recently as November 2011, it looked as if there was a real possibility that veteran UFC welterweight Matt Brown might be in line to be released from the organization.
At that point, he had lost four of his past five fights. Although he was putting on highly entertaining performances for the most part, his record simply wasn’t on the level that the UFC expects of its fighters.
Six months later, Brown’s UFC roster spot is not only firm, he’s also quickly climbing up the rankings at 170 pounds.
Brown’s most recent victory took place on Friday night’s UFC on FX 4: Maynard vs. Guida fight card, when he controlled and earned a TKO victory over another solid veteran fighter in Luis Ramos.
“The Immortal’s” takedown defense was on display as he spent little time on his back during bout.
It was his Muay Thai clinch that did the majority of the damage, smashing Ramos’ head with some vicious knees. Brown followed the knees up with powerful punches and elbows that rocked the Brazilian numerous times.
Though Ramos showed a granite chin by not being knocked off his feet, the damage he was sustaining was very evident. The referee eventually stepped in to call a stop to what could have been a brutal ending.
The victory was already Brown’s third of 2012. It will be interesting to see if he can keep this impressive streak going as we head deeper into the second half of the year.
Hatsu Hioki entered the night just as he had entered the UFC, the consensus No. 1 challenger to Jose Aldo’s UFC featherweight title. Hioki actually refused a title shot and was put in a no-win situation against the tough Ricardo Lamas during the UFC on FX 4 prelims.