While Saturday night’s two title fights provided massive upsets, the other 3 main card fights featured few surprises as all the betting favorites earned wins. While the outcomes were predictable, the performances remained impressive and the three fighters propelled themselves toward title contention.
Henry Cejudo vs. Chris Cariaso
In the opening fight of the main card, Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo faced durable veteran Chris Cariaso, who was looking to rebound from a loss against Demetrious Johnson in his last time out.
Official Result: Henry Cejudo def. Chris Cariaso via Unanimous decision.
What was the high point of the fight?
This fight was necessary to show just how high Cejudo’s ceiling truly is. In Cariaso, Cejudo was faced with his his toughest adversary to date and truly provided him with a chance to gauge how he compared to the division’s elite. The high point was, without a doubt, Cejudo’s brutal clinch work which consisted of hard knees to the body and powerful takedowns.
Where do these two go from here?
Henry Cejudo has now provided responses to two big questions. Firstly, can he make 125 pounds, and secondly, would he be as dominant against a top 5 fighter? Cejudo answered both questions quite emphatically and proved that he has the potential to contend for a title. Personally, I feel the UFC will probably give Cejudo a fight at UFC 188 in Mexico against another top five fighter before he gets a shot at the belt.
For Chris Cariaso, it is gut check time. What is left for him in the division? He reached title contention but came up short, and following last night’s tough loss, he really needs to come back strong to be mentioned in the title discussion again.
Watch now, later, or never?
100 percent worth watching right now. Henry Cejudo will likely be fighting for the belt within the next 12 months and has all the skills to be a tough test for the champion.
Alistair Overeem vs. Roy Nelson
Official Result: Alistair Overeem def. Roy Nelson via Unanimous decision.
What was the high point of the fight?
The high point of this fight was Alistair Overeem’s knees. On a number of occasions Overeem landed hard knees to the face and body, which left Nelson momentarily dazed.
Where do these two go from here?
Dana White seems to have his heart firmly set on a match-up between Alistair Overeem and Junior Dos Santos, which would most likely serve as a No. 1 contender bout. Roy Nelson will most likely face a mid-tier fighter next time out and resume his position as the unofficial heavyweight gatekeeper.
Watch now, later, or never?
This fight is worth watching at some point in the future, purely just to see Overeem’s evolution in to a safer, less risk prone fighter. While the fight failed to provide highlights, it did illustrate just how much Overeem has improved since he ventured to join Greg Jackson and Mike Winklejohn.
Johny Hendricks vs. Matt Brown
Official Result: Johny Hendricks def. Matt Brown via Unanimous decision.
What was the high point of the fight?
While this fight lacked in stellar moments, Johny Hendricks’ relentless onslaught of takedowns was a joy to behold. Matt Brown has no answer for the former two-time national champions’ wrestling.
Where do these two go from here?
Johny Hendricks seems happy to sit on the sidelines and wait to face the winner of Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald, which takes place at UFC 189. With the UFC returning to Texas for UFC 192, Hendricks will be hoping for a title shot in his home town.
Matt Brown needs to take a step back in my opinion. I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing him face the loser of the rumored match up between Carlos Condit and Thiago Alves.
Watch now, later, or never?
This fight was, at times, painfully boring and provided few answers to the questions about Hendricks skills. There is no need to watch this fight.
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