UFC 114 Recap & Thoughts

Last night at UFC 114 two bitter rivals stepped into the octagon to settle their differences and to gain bragging rights. The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was packed full of MMA fans waiting for these two athletes to step into the cage and take care of business. Rashad Evans was the first to make his way down to the cage. He was welcomed by boo's as he made his way to the cage. Evans did his patent entrance into the cage with that spider like crawl into the cage with lots of energy and focus. He stood in his corner with a face of determination and calmness. Then it was Jackson's turn to make his way to the cage. The crowd exploded in cheers for the Memphis born fighter as he made his way down the aisle. Jackson made his way towards the cage with the snarl look on his face and that famous howl to the sky. As Jackson made his way into the cage he stared down his opponent with a look of bad intentions and anger. Both athletes looked calm, focused and determined to be the better man in this night. Herb Dean brought both fighters to the center of the octagon to give the final instructions. Both fighters not giving an inch in the stare down. No touching of gloves for these to rivals. They both backed up as Herb Dean was making his last check with the judges. The order to fight was given.
1st round: When the fight started Jackson right away made his way towards Evans. Jackson looked very determined to close the gap between him and Evans very quickly. Evans was bouncing around, changing levels making those quick in and out movements that we've come accustomed to seeing from him. At about the 4:45 minute mark Evans caught Jackson with a right hand to the cheek that staggered Jackson and made him stumble to the cage. The crowd jumped up to see if this was going to be the end. Evans quickly rushed towards Jackson, pinning him up against the cage. Their they stood battling it out for position. Evans started to go after Jackson's legs with hammer fists and knees. At the 2:51 mark Herb Dean separated them as no fighter was making progress to gain a dominant position. The fighters then gain their composure and once again start to measure their distance. Around the 2:17 mark Evans lands a great take-down and works to better his position and he delivers strikes to Jackson's head and face. Eventually Rampage works himself up to his feet, taking shots to the face as he tries. The crowd starts to boo the fighters as they both jock for position in the clinch. At this point it looks like Evans game plan is to wear Jackson out by keeping him pressed up against the cage and to lean on him. Wear the bigger fighter out. This is also the time we start to question Jackson's weight cut. With only :28 seconds left Herb Dean separates the fighters again to the delight of the fans and roars fell the arena. The round ends with a good exchange between both fighters. Round looks like it will go to Evans. Between rounds Evans corner reminds him that Jackson is still dangerous.
2nd Round: The second round starts with both fighter in the middle of the cage. The crowd begins to chant for Rampage. Jackson moving in closer to Evans looking to land one of his bombs. Evans starts to move in and out with level changing quickness. Both fighters looking to exchange blows, when Evans rushes Jackson and puts his back right up against the cage again. Evans once again starts to punish Jackson's legs with knees and hammer strikes. As they get separated Evans works right back to the clinch and attempts his take-downs. Most of round 2 is worked in the clinch and Jackson defending the take-down. Round 2 also belongs to Evans. During the break Jackson's corner tells him that he needs a KO to win. With Evans taking the first 2 rounds this is defiantly what its going to take to win. Evans corner reminds him that even if Jackson is tired he is still dangerous.
Round 3: The 3rd round starts with both fighters in the center of the octagon. Evans making quick movements, keeping his level low. Both fighters are trying to figure out their range as they slap hands trying to gauge the distance. At about the 3:53 mark Jackson catches Evans with a right hand staggering the former champion sending him to his back. The crowd exploded and every one in the MGM Grand Arena was up on their feet. Jackson started to rain down punches as Evans was trying to defend. When I was watching, it seemed like a lot of the punches Jackson was throwing were not finding their mark. Jackson was on top with half guard trying to keep Evans down. Evans eventually made it to his feet, but looked hurt. The fighters separated and Evans looked like there was not much left. Now its about this time in the fight were things went weird. Evans was obviously hurt and his legs were not all there, yet Jackson did not press to finish. There was about a minute or two were Evans looked like he was still dizzy. During this time Jackson did not press or attack the vulnerable Evans. Evans was able to recover and get the bounce back in this legs. About the 1:49 minute mark Evans landed another take-down and followed up with some damaging punches to Jackson's dome. As Evans was bringing down the fist, Jackson worked his way to his feet. It would not be long after getting to his feet that Jackson would end up back to the ground due to a wonderful take-down by Evans. Jackson would make it back to his feet again. Both fighters worked the clinch up until they separated and finished the round with a brief exchange at the end. The 3rd round also belonged to Evans. Everyone in the MGM Grand know who the winner was going to be and so did I. Rashad Evans hand was raised in victory.
Was this the ending that everyone wanted? Who's to say, but I had a pretty good idea that this is how it was going to go. I knew that Evans would stick to his game plan and work the take-downs and avoid to much exchanges. Evans worked his skills and was the better man on this night. It was Evans speed that I think was really a problem for Jackson. I was surprised that Jackson let Evans press him up against the cage for so long. I was thinking that Jackson would of been okay with taking a few to work his clinch game. It seemed that Evans quick in and out movement kept Jackson guessing. This now leaves us thinking, whats next for Rampage? Is there a possible rematch in the making for these two? I would like to see one. Overall it was a good fight. Both fighters had their chances to finish the other fighter. I take my hat off to both of these athletes. This now sets up a confrontation between Shogun Rua and Rashad Evans. Now that will be a fun fight to break down. .
Here is the way the rest of the nights fights went:
Rashad Evans defeats Rampage Jackson via Unanimous Decision
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira defeats Jason Brilz via Split Decision
This one was very close. A little controversy on this one.
Michael Bisping defeats Dan Miller via Unanimous Decision
Was not very impressed with Bisping's performance in this one. He landed a lot of shots on Miller's face but could not take him out. I was expecting a more agressive Bisping.
John Hathaway defeats Diego Sanchez via Unanimous Decision
I was very surprised by this outcome. Diego really needs to work on his stand-up.
Mike Russow defeats Todd Duffee via TKO (Strikes) Round 3
The most incredale finish in UFC history.
Dong Hyun Kim def. Amir Sadollah via unanimous decision
Efrain Escudero def. Dan Lauzon via unanimous decision
Melvin Guillard def. Waylon Lowe via TKO (strikes) - R1 | 3:28.
Aaron Riley def. Joe Brammer via unanimous decision
Cyrille Diabate def. Luiz Cane via TKO (punches) - R1 | 2:13
Ryan Jensen def. Jesse Forbes via submission (guillotine choke) - R1 | 1:06