As part of the UFC 165 main card, former TUF stars Brendan Schaub and Matt Mitrione faced off in a heavyweight clash that was billed as a bout between two friends that that turned sour. After several clashes on social media, they finally faced off in the octagon to settle their differences.
Both men looked to exchange strikes early in the fight, and while Schaub did leave some openings with his striking, Mitrione was unable to capitalize. The former Golden Gloves boxer used his speed advantage one the feet, and when he eventually shot for a takedown and got it to the ground, he quickly used his BJJ Brownbelt to good use as he choked Mitrione unconscious. After the fight, Mitrione congratulated Schaub and looked to have squashed the beef with his former friend and TUF castmate. The result: Brendan Schaub def. Matt Mitrione by Technical Submission (d’arce choke), R1 4:06.
What was the high point?
The finish. As Schaub was going for the D’arce choke, Mitrione constantly signaled to the referee that he was okay, only to pass out a few seconds after.
What was the low point?
None really. It was a short fight which ended with a guy choked unconscious.
Where do they go from here?
According to Dana White, Schaub may be fighting again really soon as an opportunity may have opened up on an upcoming card. If he’s replacing an injured fighter, there are just a few heavyweight bouts that are scheduled with Gonzaga vs. Jordan, Nelson vs. Cormier and Dos Santos vs. Velasques 3 all happening at UFC 166. If they just need a fresh match up to help fill a void on the card though, the only available heavyweights out there are likely Stipe Miocic or Fabricio Werdum.
As for Mitrione, he’s 35 and has now lost 3 of his past 4 bouts. If he isn’t cut after this, he could take on the newer UFC heavies or maybe the loser of the Gonzaga vs. Jordan bout.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Now. It wasn’t exactly a bout that was important for the top end of the division, but it didn’t last very long and it had a nice submission finish, so I say watch it now.
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