UFC 114 Results

All in all, this was a disappointing night of fights, on the main card at the very least. A bunch of decisions that lacked excitement, as it turns out. I'd hoped these guys would bring it more since they were mostly mid-cards types, but that didn't happen for the most part.

Alright, let's break down the results...

Rashad Evans def. Quinton Rampage Jackson (unanimous)
Rashad did exactly what I expected. He played it smart, stayed away from Jackson's power, and used his wrestling skills to get the decision. Not a popular strategy, but effective against an opponent who couldn't get off his back. Rampage needs a new coach; he isn't going to learn how to defend against the takedown by training in the UK. I'm imagining Rua will be a tougher test for Rashad. I wouldn't favour him in that fight, I don't think. (1-0)

Michael Bisping def. Dan Miller (unanimous)
Another lacklustre fight as both guys essentially stood and boxed for 15 minutes. So much for mixed martial arts. Since neigther has KO power, it was clear early on that this would go to a decision and Bisping would get the nod. Not sure what Miller's plan was, but he needed to shoot more. Of course, his takedown attempts weren't exactly GSP quality, so who knows if he was actually trying his best. Once again, a poor game plan costs a fighter. (1-1)

Mike Russow def. Todd Duffee (KO 3)
This was the shocker of the night. Russow looked awful in this one, and was getting teed off on for two and a half rounds until he caught Duffee with a shot to the ear that sent the latest UFC darling crashing backwards to the mat. The bar went nuts. It had been a pretty dull fight until then, with Duffe punching at will and the only surprise being the strength of Russow's chin. This seriously derails Duffee's rise, as Russow is far from an upper echelon fighter. In fact, he sucks. No idea how he amassed the record that he has. He seriously needs to lose weight. He's probably a middleweight under all that flab. (2-1)

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Jason Brilz (split)
Another one that lacked sexiness. It was too close to call, but the judges gave Little Nog the little nod. I think he was pretty lucky to get out of there with his status as an up-and-comer intact. Brilz will live to fight another day. (3-1)

John Hathaway de. Diego Sanchez (unanimous)
I'm not sure what to make of Sanchez. He seemed to have all the tools to be a great champion a few years ago, but lately he seems to be off his game. He dropped down to 155 where I expected him to be a beast, but after losing to BJ Penn, he goes back up to 170 where even tougher competition exists and where he isn't nearly the biggest guy in the sandbox. WTF? He ended up boxing with a Brit on Saturday, and came out on the short end of the stick, just as he did with Penn. Where has Sanchez's clinch game gone? He used to be at his best on the inside, taking guys down and grounding and pounding them into the floor. No more. He's another one who needs a change of training scenery. What he's doing now is not working for him. His career is going off the rails in a hurry. Go back to 155, Diego. (3-2)

Dong Hyun Kim def. Amir Sadollah (unanimous)
Yay, another decision. Kim dominated this fight. Sadollah was never really in it. Kim just kept taking him down, controlling him and got the decision. Look for Kim to get a big name next. (4-2)

Efrain Escudero def. Dan Lauzon (unanimous)
What the f*** was with Lauzon? He looked terrible. He didn't engage much and his cardio apparently failed him. Amazingly, he was almost handed a gift when Escudero kicked him in the cup a couple of times, thus earning a point deduction, and then Escudero got so bored that he traded big shots in a flurry with Lauzon, thus risked losing the third round. Had Lauzon won the round, he would have "earned" a draw in what was really a ridiculously lopsided affair. Lauzon ought to be cut for putting in such a lacklustre performance. (5-2)

Melvin Guillard def. Waylon Rowe (KO 1)
Guillard was handed a gift in this one - a smaller opponent who was willing to stand and trade with him. But this wasn't the knockout some might have expected; Guillard caught Rowe with a knee to the gut that found a sweet spot and put Rowe down for the count. (6-2)

Cyrille Diabate def. Luiz Cane (TKO 1)
This was a sloppy affair, but entertaining. both guys threw bombs and had little defence. Tall, lanky Diabate found his range eventually and knocked Cane on his ass, after it looked like he might suffer the same fate. We'll see where this guys goes from here. (6-3)

Aaron Riley def. Joe Brammer (unanimous)
Another decision. Didn't see it. Apparently it was good. (7-3)

Ryan Jensen def. Jesse Forbes (sub 1)
Didn't see it, but it was the only submission of the night so Jensen earned a bonus. Forbes disappoints once again. (8-3)

Well, that was much better than last time, wasn't it? Thank goodness!