While Saturday morning’s main event provided MMA fans with a fight between two of future hall-of-famers, the rest of the main card fights featured a mix of established veterans and a number of lesser-known regional prospects who were eager to impress. Here we recap the first five fights of the main card, which featured decent fights and a great back-and-forth war.
Levan Makashvili vs.Mark Eddiva
Official result: Levan Makashvili def. Mark Eddiva by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
What was the high point of the fight?
This fight didn’t provide the fireworks that many anticipated. Makashvili stepped in on two-weeks notice and showed a lot of aggression early, but as the fight continued it was his methodical grappling that won him the fight. The high point of this fight was Makashvili’s relentless clinch work and take downs, which really left Eddiva apprehensive to throw down on the feet.
Where do these two go from here?
While many may bemoan Makashvili for his somewhat uneventful debut, this fight did show that Makashvili has quite a lot of promise, as it was no small order to fly to Manila on two weeks notice and take on a hometown guy. Expect to see a much more refined fighter when we see Levan Makashvili in the Octagon next.
Mark Eddiva has made a marked improvement in each of his Octagon appearances, but yesterday he showed that he isn’t quite capable of dealing with grinding wrestlers. With two-straight losses, it is possible that Eddiva might find himself returning to the regional circuit, but with the UFC yet to establish a sizeable amount of homegrown stars for its Asian market it is more likely that we will see Eddiva hang around a little while longer.
Watch now, later, or never?
Never. This fight was completely forgettable.
Phillipe Nover vs. Yui Chul Nam
Official result: Phillipe Nover def. Yui Chul Nam via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
What was the high point of the fight?
For the first seven minutes of this fight, we got to see Phillipe Nover at his very best. His wrestling was on point and his clinch work sublime but it all went downhill in the second half of the fight. Perhaps fatigue was a factor, but Yui Chul Nam rallied late and his donkey kong ground and pound was the clear high point of this fight.
Where do these two go from here?
Phillipe Nover is much improved from his first stint in the UFC and while the decision to give him the victory was somewhat controversial, it shouldn’t be held against him. Next time out it would make sense to throw Nover in there with Levan Makashvili.
Given his Korean origins, it is only natural to expect Yui Chul Nam to feature on the UFC’s debut event in South Korea in November, opponent wise, Mark Eddiva makes a ton of sense. He too is coming off a close loss and as he is already an established name in the world of Asian MMA, this would attract the local fans.
Watch now, later, or never?
Later, this fight had it’s interesting moment and is worth watching for Chul Nam’s 3rd round ground and pound alone.
Hyun Gyu Lim vs. Neil Magny
Official result: Neil Magny def. Hyun Gyu Lim via TKO (punches) at 1:24 of round 2
What was the high point of the fight?
Neil Magny showed why he is on such an impressive winning streak in this one. After getting hurt in the first round Magny came back in stellar fashion, firstly to take down Lim at the end of the first round and then to dispatch him in the second with some solid ground and pound.
The high point of this fight was Magny’s grappling. He looked in control whenever the fight hit the canvas and his ability to secure and maintain position made his ground and pound stoppage inevitable.
Where do these two go from here?
With seven wins in a row, Magny has earned a big step up in competition. I feel a match up with Demian Maia would act as a great litmus test to see just how far Magny can go in the UFC welterweight division.
As Lim is from Seoul in South Korea, it is pretty obvious that the UFC will keep him out of action until the promotion goes there in November. Lim needs a step down in competition, as it seems he has been rushed along far too fast and his potential might end up being unrealized unless he takes time to hone his craft.
Watch now, later, or never?
Watch now, Magny’s performance was sublime and the fight was entertaining throughout.
Luke Barnatt vs. Mark Munoz
Official result: Mark Munoz def. Luke Barnatt by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
What was the high point of the fight?
Mark Munoz turned back the clock and put on a solid performance against the ever dangerous Luke Barnatt. Munoz’s wrestling was on point throughout and he thoroughly deserved the victory.
The high point in this one took place after the final bell. Post fight, Munoz delivered a poignant retirement speech in front of the Filipino fans who showed the appreciation throughout.
Where do these two go from here?
It’s retirement time for Munoz who has had a very memorable UFC tenure. Following the sale of his gym, Reign Training Center, Munoz has vowed to coach his son full time as he pursues a burgeoning amateur wrestling career.
Luke Barnatt is talented – very talented – but it seems like his UFC stint has came around too early in his career. The Brit hasn’t had enough cage time to build composure and fight IQ. This has caused him to lose fights recently. With three straight losses it is most likely that the UFC will hand Barnatt his pink slip.
Watch now, later, or never?
Later, while this fight didn’t provide a ton of thrills it is worth watching for Munoz’s post fight speech alone.
Costas Philippou vs. Gegard Mousasi
Official result: Gegard Mousasi def. Costas Philippou via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
What was the high point of the fight?
Gegard Mousasi’s wrestling looked better than ever in this one, throughout he made Philippou look like a novice. This was one of the best wrestling performances Mousasi has had throughout his illustrious career.
Where do these two go from here?
A fight with Michael Bisping in Scotland in July makes sense for Mousasi. While the turnaround might be a little soon, the UFC’s first excursion into Scotland badly needs a main event and a fight between two of Europe’s best middleweights makes a ton of sense.
Depending on the outcome of his next fight, Uriah Hall vs. Philippou might still be an option. There is a lot of bad blood between the pair and a rematch has been in the works on numerous occasions but has failed to materialize.
Watch now, later, or never?
Later, this fight has a few fun moments but isn’t worth watching urgently.