UFC 138: Recapping The Main Card

Mark Munoz defeated Chris Leben by TKO 5:00 2nd Round

My Prediciton: Munoz by TKO 3rd Round

My Rating: $$1/2
What happened: As predicted the added 2 rounds to the main event were not necessary as Munoz wearing on Leben eventually had the fight stopped in between the 2nd and 3rd rounds.  Munoz did enough in the 1st round with takedowns and ground and pound to wear down Leben and it was noticeable as the 2nd started.  Munoz was able to score a takedown early in the round and continued to bloodied up Leben that forced the referee to stop to check a cut.  Initially Leben said he was unable to see but with the threat of the fight being over he said he was fine and was allowed to continue.  It was all for not though as Leben did survive the rest of the round but the fight was called shortly after it ended by doctor stoppage.

Future matchups to make: Munoz is close to a title shot but with Sonnen most likely getting the next one Munoz will have to fight at least one more time.  The winner of the Bisping and Miller bout or even Rousimar Palhares would be great fights for him.

Renan Barao defeated Brad Pickett by Submission 4:09 1st Round
My Prediciton: Barao by Submission 2nd Round
My Rating: $$$$
What happened: An incredible performance by Barao in the fight of the night as perhaps surprising to some he was the one winning the stand up exchanges.  An attack mixed with knees, kicks and left hands overwhelmed Pickett.  It was a standing knee that really hurt Pickett and sent him to the ground, Barao follows up with some punches but then literally jumped on Pickett's back and locked in a rear naked choke after a brief hand battle.

Future matchups to make: The Brian Bowles vs Urijah Faber fight will put a road block in Barao getting a title shot, but a fight and win over Scott Jorgensen would only help his case.

Thiago Alves defeated Papy Abedi by Submission 3:32 1st Round
My Prediciton: Alves by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What happened: Abedi elected to stand with Alves and although it didn't result in him getting knocked out it eventually was the cause of him being submitted.  While working in the clinch Alves landed an outside leg kick followed up with a right hand that rocked Abedi and sent him to the mat.  Alves followed up by getting full mount and landed some hard elbows that forced Abedi to turn but allowed Alves to sink in the rear naked choke finish.

Future matchups to make: Vintage Alves performance who is looking to get back into the top 10 of the division.  A win over Paulo Thiago or John Hathaway would definitely point him in the right direction.

Anthony Perosh defeated Cyrille Diabate by Submission 3:09 2nd Round
My Prediciton: Diabate by TKO 1st Round
My Rating: $$
What happened: Although Diabate had the advantage on the feet he wasn't able to take full advantage of it when the fight was standing.  It ultimately was Diabate's downfall as Perosh was able to survive any strikes Diabate had for him and got the fight to the ground and in his world.  Perosh wasn't able to get the stoppage at the end of the 1st round but in the 2nd he took complete control gaining mount and eventually Diabate's back and worked for the rear naked choke he would eventually get midway through the round.

Future matchups to make: Brandon Vera could be an opponent for Perosh that makes sense.

Terry Etim defeated Edward Faaloloto by Submission :17 1st Round
My Prediciton: Etim by TKO 1st Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What happened: Etim made quick work of Faaloloto in his return as he hits a big spinning kick that Faaloloto barely defended, but Etim kept attacking as he jumped into a guillotine that Faaloloto  briefly tried to shake off but was forced to tap just seconds into the bout.

Future matchups to make: Great comeback for Etim and he should be getting a much tougher opponent next time out.  A bout with Edson Barboza could be a fight of the night type fight for the two lightweights.

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