1. MMA Fans Are Spoiled Brats – I have yet to hear a compelling argument as to why Rampage Jackson deserved to be booed during and/or after his fight. The way I saw it, Rampage was dominating every aspect of the fight, pressing forward and throwing punches in bunches. The lack of a finish did not warrant the ire of fans or pundits. Even Joe Rogan, who usually provides a level voice of reason, seemed to want Jackson to do more. At first I attributed this to Rogan wanting to stress how tight the competition for a title shot was, but his insistence seemed redundant and it isn’t like Jackson could hear him or would react if he could. Even Demetrious Johnson was the victim of a persnickety Vegas audience, getting booed despite putting forth 15 exciting minutes and earning a razor thin victory over Miguel Torres. Fights that close can’t really infuriate that many people. Both men deserved better from the live audience and this is just another instance in a growing trend of spoiled fight fans accepting nothing but reckless strikes and brutal KOs
- The Big Belly Ride is Over for Nelson – It was fun while it lasted but Roy Nelson has to give up the big belly look – and more importantly, way of life – if he wants to truly compete as a professional athlete. I admit I was quite taken with the idea that he could buck the stereotypes of elite athletes and still be competitive, but being outworked and punished by Frank Mir for the better part of 15 minutes was simply embarrassing, highlighted by the fact that the fight was competitive in the minutes before Nelson gassed. Hecould cut 20 pounds of fat, drastically improve his conditioning and likely improve upon his speed and his agility as well but he must take certain lifestyle choices very seriously. Its decision time for Big Country and all the pressure is on to take the steps required to take this as seriously as he must if he wants to be a champion.
- Stephan Struve is The Most Fun Guy To Watch Get KOed – I love watching Struve fight and would pull for him against three quarters of the division but he is the perfect guy to add to your highlight real if you are a heavy hitter. He is so tall that his body tumbles and crashes to the ground like a giant inflatable doll that just got popped. At UFC 130 he was flopping before he ever hit the ground. All the credit in the world to Browne who delivered one devastating Superman Punch. That is the kind of KO you tell your friends about, the kind that pleases even the fussiest of MMA crowds.
- Rick Story is Real – I sort of downplayed Rick Story in my preview post but not anymore. Story scrapped his way to a convincing decision victory over Thiago Alvez and established himself as a series contender at 170 pounds. Story is a huge welterweight with a well-rounded skill set and the ability to keep the fight where he is most comfortable. It may be dangerous to put a rising contender against Jon Fitch as Fitch has a tendency to ruin a good run, but this is the fight that makes the most sense to me. Don’t sleep on Story like I did because he is here to stay.
- Brian Stann is a Little Better Than I Thought – I have been hard on Brian Stann and I maintain for good reason. However for the first time in his UFC tenure I was
impressed with the “All American Hero.” Stann looked crisp, patient, and smart in the cage no doubt benefiting greatly from his move to Greg Jackson’s camp. Stann’s next booking will be very telling. The UFC could choose to protect him and give him a solid stylistic match-up. Or they could choose to fast track him to a title shot by putting him in a number one contenders spot. Someone as popular as Stann will likely not get the quality slow build he really needs. Whereas before I was simply waiting for him to get exposed, I am now genuinely interested in seeing Stann’s progress in his next fight.
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