Ryan Bader vs. Jason Brilz was as quick and one-sided as one of those old school squash matches on WWF Superstars of Wrestling with Bader picking up a 77-second KO win at UFC 139.
Brilz attempted to mix it up early by using the popular head down, swing wildly technique, but Bader (13-2) was easily able to evade and throw a few single shots of his own. The end came when Bader led with a left and threw a right hand that connected right behind Brilz’ ear. The shot knocked him down and out for the quick stoppage.
With the win, Bader begins to rebuild from a difficult 2011 that saw him rack up consecutive losses to Jon Jones and Tito Ortiz. The 28-year-old is now in position to start re-establishing himself as a real contender in 2012.
What was the highlight of the fight?
Bader’s left lead and right-hand finishing punch. With seven combined strikes, there wasn’t a lot else to work from. A great boost to Bader? The right didn’t connect flush and still was enough to put Brilz (18-5-1) on his face. If he connects, it’s bad news.
What’s next for these guys?
On Sunday, I wrote a column about the resurgence of Stephan Bonnar and a Bonnar/Bader fight in the first quarter of 2012 would make for a welcome addition to a pay-per-view card. Depending on whether Rashad Evans is next for him, Phil Davis would be a good next challenger as well as Rich Franklin or Alexander Gustafsson.
For Brilz, his third consecutive defeat will likely mark the end of his time in the UFC. While many agree that he was robbed of a win against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, he was knocked out by Vlad Matyushenko earlier this year and is just 3-4 in his UFC career. If there’s no improvement, what’s the point in keeping him around?
Watch now, later or never?
Check it out later. It’s a quick fight but don’t miss any sleep in trying to track it down.
More BE coverage of UFC 139 in the full entry
UFC 139 Results: FightMetric Scores Shogun vs. Henderson a Draw – Tim Burke
UFC 139 Results: The Resurgence Of Stephan Bonnar – Josh Nason
UFC 139 Shogun vs Henderson Results: Winners, Losers, and Other Thoughts – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Video: Full Post-Fight Press Conference Video For Shogun vs Henderson – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Dan Henderson vs Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua Fight Video Highlights – Leland Roling
UFC 139: Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua Results and Post-Fight Analysis – Brent Brookhouse
UFC 139 Post-Fight Press Conference Coverage – Tim Burke
Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio – Episode 102: UFC 139 Results Review – Matt Bishop
UFC 139 Results: Dan Henderson Wins Decisions Over Shogun Rua In An Absolute Classic – Matt Roth
UFC 139: Shogun vs. Henderson – Live Results and Play-By-Play for PPV Broadcast – Brent Brookhouse
UFC 139 Results: Wanderlei Silva Knocks Out Cung Le In The Second Round – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Urijah Faber Chokes Brian Bowles Out With A Guillotine – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Martin Kampmann Edges Rick Story with Split Decision Victory – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Stephan Bonnar Dominates Kyle Kingsbury To Unanimous Decision – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Ryan Bader Knocks Out Jason Brilz In The First – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Michael McDonald Knocks Alex Soto Out In The First Round – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Chris Weidman Sinks In D’arce Choke to Beat Tom Lawlor – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Gleison Tibau Wins Split Decision Over Rafael dos Anjos – Matt Roth
UFC 139: Shogun vs. Henderson – Live Results and Play-By-Play for Facebook Stream – Brent Brookhouse
UFC 139 Results: Miguel Torres Puts On A Clinic Against Nick Pace – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Seth Baczynski Finishes Matt Brown Early In The Second – Matt Roth
UFC 139 Results: Danny Castillo Finishes Shamar Bailey With Punches – Matt Roth