The prelim fights brought more excitement than the main card on UFC on Fox 2. This is where you witnessed Fight of the Night between Evan Dunham and Nick Lentz, Knockout of the Night by Lavar Johnson, and Submission of the Night by Charles Oliveira. Also, I didn’t even mention the mouthpiece knockout from Cub Swanson, which I felt should have won KOTN.
If they only had time to show one of these during the main card, it would have made it a ton better for the new fans watching it on Fox.
Cub Swanson comes out of UFC on Fox 2 with his first win in the octagon against George Roop and he does it in highlight reel fashion. Coming in with a vicious overhand right, he knocks out George Roop so hard that his mouthpiece flies out.
Weigh-in Photos for UFC on Fox
If there was a fight weekend this is it. With the Manny Pacquiao fight happening the same day — the UFC will still make a huge splash on Saturday with the UFC on Fox. Some will even be able to see both, like me. I really can’t wait for Saturday to happen, but I’m excited to see what this whole new look with be on Fox.
(Note: I’m trying something new — live blogging the results as it happens.)
WEC 50 brings it. As I predicted, WEC seems to always bring the fight, and that’s why it’s one of my favorite promotions to watch. The lighter fighters are always faster and more technical — good stuff. From the first fight on Versus to the war of main event in Cruz .vs Benavidez, you couldn’t ask for more. On a side note, we need to have Stephan Bonnar commenting more during WEC events. Love the commentary.
1. You wanted a war? You got one with Cruz vs Benavidez!
This was an awesome WEC Bantamweight Championship fight. Joseph Benavidez right from the get-go came up with counter right hands, but Dominick Cruz continued to change levels and angles. Cruz definitely has a off-beat way of bouncing inside the cage — it’s hard to time. And then add the takedowns he was able to pull off, it’s hard know what Cruz is going to come with. Benavidez didn’t quit, and continued to fight. He even caused a cut on Cruz’s nose with a high knee. But the will of the Champion helped him pull through and retain the title. I thought Jorgensen vs. Pickett was Fight of the Night, but this was amazing!
(+1) Prediction: Dominick Cruz over Joseph Benavidez
2. This was Anthony Pettis’ coming out party
Shane Roller couldn’t handle the hurricane Anthony Pettis brought. Shane looked dejected when he wasn’t able to have his way with takedowns and his ground game. It seemed whenever Anthony was taken down, he always had a crazy way to get out. His name is “Showtime” for a reason, with the unique kicks and slick ground game off his back — he lived up to his name. In the end, Shane went broke with a failed guillotine and then got caught with a triangle chock with 10 seconds left in the fight.
WEC 50 was going to be a stacked card, which had a WEC Bantamweight Championship fight and the debut of Urijah Faber in the Bantamweight division. With Urijah out due to injury, the card is less than stellar — but those types of cards are usually the ones that come out as one of the bests. I enjoy watching the lighter weight classes fight it out — so much technique, and so quick. Here are my predictions for the night:
1. Another war between Cruz and Benavidez
Dominick Cruz knows how to control a fight with his striking and he’ll do that here with Joseph Benavidez. Benavidez will continue to get in and clinch in order to pull of a takedown, but everytime it happens — Cruz will pop back up. It’ll be a back and forth battle with Cruz getting the better of it. He just has too much reach, and the ability to use it wisely. Great fight that goes all 5 rounds.
Prediction: Dominick Cruz over Joseph Benavidez via decision
2. Shane Roller gunning for the Lightweight Championship
Shane Roller is on a mission and that’s the WEC Lightweight Championship. The roadblock in his way is up and comer Anthony Pettis. As the rising star, WEC seems to be wanting him to make a splash against a top contender in Roller. Although, he’s not having it — and Roller makes a huge statement in the Lightweight division. Ground and pound!
Prediction: Shane Roller over Anthony Pettis via TKO
