My Prediction: Edgar by Decision
My Rating: $$$$
What Happened: To perhaps everyone's surprise the first round of their 3rd matchup looked almost identical as their 2nd matchup with Maynard landing some hard shots to Edgar as the champion spends the round running trying to regain his composure in the 10-8 round. This time around though it seemed like Maynard was picking his shots and would be much fresher and prepared for the 2nd round. But again like the last bout and perhaps even more surprising it was Edgar the more active fighter in the 2nd as it seemed Maynard pretty much took the round off as Edgar got his head and footwork going sticking and moving on Gray. The 3rd was more of the same as Edgar was able to even the scorecard being the more active fighter with nice combos. The 4th, again was more of Edgar moving in and out landing the more signicant strikes, and as Maynard went in for a takedown Edgar landing a clean uppercut that staggered Maynard and sent the fight to the ground that Edgar followed up with some ground and pound that forced the ref to call a stop to the bout.
Future matchups to make: A 4th fight down the round is a a possibility but for now Edgar has to catch up with all the contenders that have been piling up. First up should be the winner of the Ben Henderson vs Clay Guida fight happening at UFC on FOX 1. For Maynard a bout with the possible debuting Gilbert Melendez would be a huge bout for the Lightweight division.
My Prediction: Aldo by TKO 4th Round
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: The challenger Florian came out in the first round and showed he was just that...a challenge. Florian pushed the pace early looking for takedowns which proved to be a daunting task all night and also work a clinch game up against the cage while throwing knees and body punches. As the 2nd started it seemed Florian wasn't going away for the champ as he continued to look for the takedown but was unable to close the distance. If the 2nd round was a momentum shift the 3rd was when Aldo took complete control. Aldo started to land his strikes with more frequency and power especially his counters. Legs kicks by Aldo started to add up on Florian and open up oppourtunities with his punches. Florian continued to look for a takedown but Aldo's takedown defense was on par and eventually lead to Aldo on top of Florian looking for the full mount. The 4th was more of the same and going into the 5th down 3-1 Florian got desperate with a flying knee. He slipped while attempting the KO blow which allowed Aldo to again gain top position and eventually full mount. To Florian's credit he was able to escape the position but with time running out all he had left was to look for another KO blow which did not come.
Future matchups to make: 4 straight title defenses and 13 total fights in a row Aldo has won. The challengers list is dwindling but there still is Chad Mendes among others for the Featherweight kingpin.
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: It was vintage Sonnen in the first round as he was able to take Stann to the mat after some clinch work and work his grinding style. While Stann attempting to get back to his feet he gave up his back in the process as Sonnen attempting the rear naked choke. To Stann's credit he survived but not before he was slammed back to the mat and received some ground and pound strikes from Sonnen. The 2nd round saw much of the same as Sonnen scored a double leg takedown and secured full mount but again to Stann's credit he was able to recover full guard and get a standup. Back in his world Stann was able to land a hard right hand to Sonnen's jaw but Sonnen kept coming forward closing the distance and got another takedown and into side control. From there Sonnen got an arm triangle in, switch sides and got the tapout win. How impressive his performance was as usual Sonnen backs up his actions with words as he had some choice words for champion Anderson Silva "Anderson Silva, you absolutely suck, Super Bowl weekend, the biggest rematch in the history of the business. I'm calling you out Silva, but we're upping the stakes. I beat you, you leave the division. You beat me, and I will leave the UFC forever."
Future matchups to make: Well goes without saying Silva vs Sonnen II is probably the most anticipated bout to watch for just about anyone.
My Prediction: Garcia by Decision
My Rating: $$$
What Happened: For the first 2 rounds it was Phan who was the more technical and patient striker who landed nice body shots and the more effective strikes overall. As the fight wore on it was more apparent how desperate Garcia was getting with his technique thrown out the winding and his wild punches he was throwing. Down 2 rounds to none in the 3rd the wild punching actually started to pay off for Garcia who connected and dropped Phan. It was too little too late for Garcia who punched him self out allowing Phan to recover and secure a takedown late in the fight.
Future matchups to make: Josh Grispi even on a 2 fight losing skid would be a great test for Phan's next bout.
Joe Lauzon defeated Melvin Guillard by Submission :47 1st Round
My Rating: $$$1/2
What Happened: We all knew that Guillard was the one with the advantage standing and Lauzon had the edge on the ground. But it was Lauzon who bested Guillard in both as Lauzon was able to connect with a left on a charging Guillard that sent the fight to the ground. From there it was inevitable that Guillard would be in serious trouble there with his suspect submission defense and Lauzon took full advantage quickly sinking in a rear naked choke for the huge win. Incredible performance by the 4-1 underdog Lauzon who was able to stop Guillard who possibly was one fight away from a title shot and exploited Guillard's still glaring weakness.
Future matchups to make: Fellow cast mate from The Ulitmate Fighter 5, Nate Diaz who be a great matchup for Lauzon.
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