UFC 132 is in the history books and in my opinion what history will say about this event is that was one of the best MMA events of 2011. We saw pretty much everything, an edge of your seat bantamweight title bout, an end and possible resurgence of 2 MMA legends careers. And a welterweight making a huge statement that he is one of the best in the world and ready to challenge for a title.
Dominick Cruz defeated Urijah Faber by Unanimous Decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)
My Prediction: Cruz by Decision
My Rating: $$$$1/2
What Happened: I can't ranked this fight ahead of Edgar/Maynard II for fight of the year but honestly this is my favorite fight of the year so far. A back and forth affair with no fighter really gaining any consistent advantage I really thought this was going to a split decision and was pretty surprise by the one judge that gave Cruz every round. Both fighters set an incredible pace through all 5 rounds with Cruz displaying his usually exceptional foot work outstruck Faber and did a good job with his takedown defense. It was Faber though that landed the more powerful strikes and while Cruz did a good job stopping Faber's takedowns it was then that Cruz was actually infront of Faber and thus allowing Faber his chance to get his shots in.
Future matchups to make: If not an imediate rematch, Cruz could probably see him self facing Demetrious Johnson as his next opponent. I'd like to see Faber take on fellow former WEC champ Brian Bowles or Miguel Torres. It's a bit of reach at the moment but I think it would be a shame if Faber and Kid Yamamoto never faced each other after being some of the top Featherweights in the world not long ago, for even a remote possibility of that happening however Yamamoto would definitely have to win his next fight over Damacio Page.
Chris Leben defeated Wanderlei Silva by KO :27 1st Round
My Prediction: Silva by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: Well if you blinked you missed it, Wanderlei charged in swinging very aggressively and Leben counters with a left that hurts Silva and Leben continued to chop Silva down with lefts until the ref has to step in.
Future matchups to make: Leben gets back on track in a big way and looks to get back into the top 10 a position he held briefly before he fell to Stann. A matchup with Demian Maia could make sense. Unfortunately for Silva it very well could be the end of the line on his storybook historic career.
Dennis Siver defeated Matt Wiman by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
My Prediction: Siver by Decision
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Siver did just enough in the 1st and 3rd rounds to get the decision but it was Wiman in the 2nd round that inflicted the most damage in the bout. Wiman landing an elbow while in Siver's guard that open up a cut that had Siver pouring out blood, through most of that round it was Wiman beating up on Siver with ground and pound.
Future matchups to make: A matchup against Sam Stout for Siver would be an excellent display of standup.
Tito Ortiz defeated Ryan Bader by Submission 1:56 1st Round
My Prediction: Bader by Decision
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: I have been throwing around the idea of adding a comeback fighter of the year to my awards page and this fight very well could be the front runner for that award. In my preview post I asked what Tito would show up, one looking for a finish or one that wanted to play it safe and keep his job. We really got a mix of both as Tito gets to keep his job with an impressive finish other the former TUF winner. Not only did Tito get his first win in 5 years it was his first submission win since UFC 29 all the way back in 2000 against Yuki Kondo.
Future matchups to make: Facing the winner of the Rich Franklin/Rogerio Nogueira fight in August makes alot of sense as Tito had to previously pull out of a bout against Nogueira or we could see if Tito could fair any better than his rival coach from Season 11 of TUF Chuck Liddell did against Franklin.
Carlos Condit defeated Dong Hyun Kim by TKO 2:58 1st Round
My Prediction: Condit by Decision
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: Condit should a very well rounded game in just a short period as he put away Kim with an impressive flying knee that floored Kim up against the cage and Condit followed up with strikes that put Kim's lights out. Before the impressive TKO though Kim did manage to get Condit down but Condit showed he can be also active off his back getting a great sweep that he momentarily found him self mounted on Kim.
Future matchups to make: It's got to be a big matchup if it's not against the winner of the St. Pierre/Diaz bout this fall. The winner of the Penn/Fitch fight if that ever gets rebooked or Josh Koscheck could be options.
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