UFN 18 post-mortem & more
April 2, 2009
A solid night of fights last night. I spewed out all my thoughts at VERSUS.com, but here’s a taste:
“* TYSON GRIFFIN (13-2) DEF. RAFAEL DOS ANJOS (11-4) VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
I have mixed emotions about this fight. On the hand, I must applaud Tyson Griffin for escaping an awkward leg compression by dos Anjos in the first round. Honestly, I didn’t think he would escape that hold. Once he did, I also didn’t think he would be able to stand on his feet for another two rounds. But he did, and even survived a second round armbar attempt by dos Anjos, as well. However, this was Griffin’s seventh fight in row that went the distance. If he wants to be considered a top lightweight contender in the UFC, he needs to start finishing fights, and this was a good place to start. dos Anjos is fresh off of getting knocked out by Jeremy Stephens at UFC 91. Stephens is nowhere near the kind of fighter that Griffin is. And I know every fight presents different opportunities, but until Griffin starts finishing his opponents, I don’t think he will be receiving a title shot. Just compare his resume to Kenny Florian’s. Not much difference, right? So, why is Florian facing BJ Penn for the lightweight title in August and not Griffin? Simply put, Ken-Flo finishes fights.”
That’s right, I wasn’t all that impressed with Griffin. I was impressed with Cole Miller and Martin Kampmann, though. Click here to read my full UFN 18 rewind.
Also, this is sort of old news at this point, but in case you are interested in hearing my appearance on yesterday’s edition of Fight Network Radio, you can do se by clicking below. I will share the audio from yesterday’s ESPN Radio 11oo post-fight show when it becomes available.
Fight Network Radio – 04/01/09
Random thoughts:
I enjoyed last night’s premiere episode of The Ultimate Fighter 9. Something about this USA vs. U.K. theme really gets me excited, and I think it will make for some good TV. Just don’t ask about one person who fought last night. All the prelim bouts seem like a blur at this point.
So, is the winner of this season’s show going to face a Canadian squad sometime in the future? Now that would be must-see TV for this Canuck.
June 20 will be a big night for combat sports fans: TUF 9 Finale featuring Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida, and now Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye has been booked for the same night. This is the only heavyweight boxing match that I care to see at this point. Please, boxing Gods: someway, somehow, let Haye win this one.
And finally, tough break, literally, for Josh Thomson. The Strikeforce lightweight champion suffered a broken leg in training recently, meaning next week’s title defense against Gilbert Melendez is off. I wonder who Strikeforce will come up with as an opponent for Melendez on a little more than one week’s notice. Duane Ludwig? Yves Edwards? Oh, how about KJ Noons? I know, keep dreaming.
Again, I wonder if April 11 is still the “biggest night in Strikeforce history.” Kind of hard to believe when their June 6 card already looks better.
(photo courtesy of Jeff Cain/MMAWeekly.com)
