The last time I checked, UFC president Dana White announced in June that all main events regardless if the fight is for a title will be a five round fight. Well that’s weird because for the first time since Nick Diaz fought BJ Penn at UFC 137, the main event was only three rounds long. It seems when the UFC signed it’s seven year multi-million dollar deal with Fox that main events shown on FX and Fuel TV would still follow the old three round non-title main event structure. This could have been one of the biggest mistakes the UFC has ever made. Not only did this make the UFC look like utter fools but this also hurt the chances of Sanchez winning that war with Jake Ellenberger.
Ellenberger won the first two rounds with excellent striking and scored precise takedowns on a very predictable Sanchez. In the third however, “The Dream” came out more relaxed and seemed to have found his range against Ellenberger who was slowing down a bit. Diego switched up his striking with spinning back kicks and was connecting more on stiff lefts that cut Ellenberger. But it was the last two minutes of the round which really turned the tables in Sanchez’s favor.
Ellenberger landed a double-leg takedown on the fence and worked his way to Sanchez’s back, but Diego slipped out the back door sinking in his hooks and landed heavy bombs to Ellenberger’s face. For a good minute, Diego was switching from viscous ground and pound to trying to sink in a choke. Unfortunately it was too late. If this were a five round fight, the momentum would have swung in Sanchez’s favor and could have led to a victory for Diego. Dana White later apologized for the main event not going five at the post-fight press conference saying simply, “We blew it.” Yes you certainly did.
Ellenberger landed a double-leg takedown on the fence and worked his way to Sanchez’s back, but Diego slipped out the back door sinking in his hooks and landed heavy bombs to Ellenberger’s face. For a good minute, Diego was switching from viscous ground and pound to trying to sink in a choke. Unfortunately it was too late. If this were a five round fight, the momentum would have swung in Sanchez’s favor and could have led to a victory for Diego. Dana White later apologized for the main event not going five at the post-fight press conference saying simply, “We blew it.” Yes you certainly did.
“The Dream” Can Thrive at 155
Diego Sanchez is in a pickle. He either has to continue to fight bigger, more explosive opponents at 170 lbs or make the 15 lbs weight cut down to 155 lbs which takes a heavy toll on the New Mexican. Diego made his last drop down to lightweight in 2009 where he beat Joe “Daddy” Stevenson by unanimous decision and then beat Clay “The Carpenter” Guida by split decision in a “Fight of The Year” nominee. Diego was later awarded a title bout with then lightweight champion BJ Penn, in which Diego came out on the losing end. Diego ventured back to welterweight where he's gone 2-2 in his last four fights.
The difference is obvious when Diego fights at lightweight as opposed to welterweight: Diego is faster, more explosive, and stronger than most in the division. But it comes at a cost. Diego’s cut to 155 is a great burden for the Greg Jackson product, who would much rather fight at a 165 lbs weight class that would be well-suited for him. Since that class doesn't exist, Diego’s best option would be to make the drop to 155, and with his new outlook on fighting, I believe the cut can be easier for him this time around. Perhaps Sanchez could hire famous fighting dietician Mike Dolce to help make it an easier cut so that he isn't as drained at 155 as he once was. Either way, if an energized and focused Diego re-enters an already stacked lightweight division, it could spell doom for any challenger that gets in his way.
Stipe Miocic: The Next Croatian Sensation
It’s very rare to find an accomplished amateur wrestler who also has an extensive background in striking even before ever stepping foot in the octagon, but Stipe Miocic is that rare gem. Usually donning the famous Croatian flag shorts famously worn by Stipe’s hero Mirko Cro Cop, the man is an athlete in every sense of the word; an NCAA Division I wrestling champion out of Portland State, a Golden Gloves Boxing champion, and to top it all off, he was even scouted by MLB teams during his collegiate baseball career.
Miocic made his second UFC appearance yesterday at UFC on Fuel TV 1 and didn’t disappoint. Stipe was paired against fellow heavyweight prospect Phil De Fries in what made for a very intriguing matchup. Stipe’s chin was tested early as “F-11” landed looping rights that connected to Miocic’s noggin, but he wasn’t fazed at all. Miocic took one more to the left eye then came streaking with a stiff right of his own which staggered De Fries and backed him up to the cage. Stipe continued his onslaught until Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight 43 seconds into the very first frame. Undefeated at 8-0, Miocic looks very confident and comfortable in the cage for a newcomer. No one is looking forward to stepping in the path of the 6’4" 240lbs Croatian.
No comments:
Post a Comment