MMA - UFC - Bellator

UFC 125 was the first official post merger fight card to feature the lighter weight classes of the WEC. The nights undercard featured two featherweight match ups with high-profile former WEC fighters taking on lesser known opponents. When the lights went out and the crowd left the in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the UFC debuts of WEC stars Mike Brown and Josh Grispi were unsuccessful.

The former featherweight champion Mike Brown (24-7), who ended the run of Urijah Faber as champion lost a close split decision to Diego Nunes (16-1). Brown had come into the fight winning two of his last three after losing his belt to current champ Jose Aldo and was looking to get back into title contention. After a tough first round and having his eye swell shut, Nunes used a wide variety of kicks in rounds two and three to keep the distance and stay clear of the takedowns. The move turned the tide of the fight and Gave Nunes the biggest win of his career. The loss now sends Brown back to the drawing board with a long road ahead of him to get back to the top.

Josh Grispi (14-2) was originally scheduled to face Jose Aldo at UFC 125 for the featherweight title, but an injury faced Also off the card. Grispi stayed on the card and in stepped Dustin Poirier (9-1) who was only 1-1 in the WEC and given little chance by the MMA betting sites. From the opening bell though, the underdog took control and Grispi looked out of sorts for most of the fight. Poirier made it look easy out there and steam rolled to a very impressive unanimous decision victory.

The outcomes of both fights throw a serious monkey wrench in the featherweight division and more importantly who is now the #1 contender.