Last night the UFC scored big with UFC 158. Not only did one of the promotions biggest draw once again successfully defend his title but several worthy welterweight candidates also emerged. The entertaining event saw many things except one, a submission!
After all of the trash talk, and all of the drama leading up to the monumental clash between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey, fans were split as to who would emerge victorious in their match-up. Would it be the seasoned champion Tate, who held the experience edge and overall toughness? Or would the Olympic judo bronze medalist, with fewer fights, back up her world-class grappling pedigree?
The preliminary bouts for the UFC always seem to provide MMA fans with some true gems, and spectacles for the eye, and the fans that witnessed early bouts that aired on FX for the UFC 143: Diaz vs. Condit event got to see one of the wickedest first round submission victories in recent memory. The featherweight match-up of Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway started almost as frantically, and quickly, as it ended.
After a short-lived retirement from MMA and one fight outside the UFC, Gabriel Gonzaga returned to the Octagon as a later replacement at last week’s UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes. The veteran was released from the promotion back in October of 2010 following a unanimous decision loss to Brendan Schaub at UFC 121. Filling in for the injured Rob Broughton, “Napao” made short work of newcomer Ednaldo Oliveira to earn his first UFC win since August of 2009 when he defeated Chris Tuchscherer.
Brazilian submission specialist Rousimir Palhares (14-3) added yet another leg to his mantel of dismemberment submissions at Saturday’s UFC 142. Talking on Mike Massenzio as part of the main card on PPV, Palhares needed just 63 seconds to force a tap and bring the hometown crowd to their feet.
Talk to people in the Wilkes-Barre area what they consider the biggest export from the city would be and many would say former alternative band Breaking Benjamin. Talk to MMA fans in the area and they might give you a different answer. Hailing from Kingston, Pennyslvania and training out of Swoyersville, Jimy “The Kid” Hettes left his mark on the regional circuit, taking out all fighters that stood in his path, earning himself two championships and a UFC contract.
Usually when you hear the phrase “it’s better to show up late, than not at all” it doesn’t pertain to a Mixed Martial Artist but in the case of British MMA competitor Terry Etim it couldn’t be more fitting. UFC 138 saw the franchise’s return to Birmingham, England on Saturday night and Etim put on a lightning fast display of both striking and grappling skill when he was able to submit Eddie Faaloloto in an astonishing seventeen seconds with a perfectly timed guillotine choke ruling out any questions of “ring rust” as Etim went to work on Faaloloto, and quick.
I swear Roy Nelson is hiding a six-pack under that suit. We’ll know exactly how slim and trim he is at today’s weigh in’s but I wouldn’t be surprised if Nelson’s mobile device gets blown up this weekend with messages from Men’s Health and GQ.
UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez Weigh-in Pictures
Due to a previously scheduled Arena Football game at the HP Pavilion, today’s UFC on FOX 7 weigh-ins were held less than a mile away at the California Theater. The small theater was completely filled with cheering fans and all the fighters they came to see made weight.
The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale Weigh-in Pictures
Amidst everything else going on, the UFC has themselves a busy day today with the UFC on FX 6 taking place in Australia and The Ultimate Fighter 16 finale weigh-ins. All 24 fighters made weight today for tomorrow’s event that will crown The Ultimate Fighter 16 welterweight winner.
UFC on FUEL TV 4 Weigh-in Results and Photos
SAN JOSE, Cal. – Still recovering from Saturday’s UFC 148, MMAValor.com was inside the HP Pavilion for today’s UFC on FUEL TV 4 weigh-ins. A few of the fighters would need to step onto the scale behind a towel but all 22 fighters on the UFC on FUEL TV 4 fight card made weight.
TUF Live Finale Live Results and Event Pictures
The long grind of the first live version of The Ultimate Fighter ends tonight at the TUF Live Finale in Las Vegas. Featuring 12 of the 16 TUF Live contestants, the 10 bout card will be headlined by an important match-up in the welterweight division between Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann.
TUF Live Finale Weigh-in Results and Pictures
All the fighters for tomorrow’s TUF Live Finale were on weight as they stepped onto the scales inside the Pearl at the Palms. The 20 fighters, including 12 of the 16 TUF Live fighters will begin entering the Octagon tomorrow starting at 2:45pm PT / 5:45pm ET.
