Roy Nelson defeats Brendan Schaub by KO (punch), rd.1 - I picked Schaub to win because throughout the season of the Ultimate Fighter Roy Nelson didn't look too impressive, especially compared to his Jeff Monson, Andrei Arlovski, and IFL fights. It looks like 'Big Country' took his time away from the TUF house to train seriously. His stand up looked much improved, as did his gas tank and overall game.
As I predicted, Schaub was able to get out from Nelson when the fight hit the ground. Schaub looked good. He needs work on his striking but I really feel that he is gonna fair very well in the heavyweight division. Schaub is training in the Greg Jackson camp and I truly believe that in the long term he will prove to be the best fighter to come out of this season.
Points to Roy Nelson for his walkout music. Weird Al's 'I'm Fat'.
Kevin 'Kimbo Slice' Ferguson defeats Houston Alexander by decision - This is not the fight anyone was expecting. Both of the bangers decided that this was the fight to show off their new skills & patience. Houston still lacks a good striking technique and while he stuck to his leg kick gameplan he didn't capitalize when it paid off in the third round and he let Kimbo slowly get back to his feet. I, as well as everyone else, was impressed with Kimbo's improved ground game. Slice will never be Jiu Jitsu ace but he was still able to dominate the more experienced Alexander on the mat, with only a few months of training at American Top Team. The most entertaining part of the fight was when the final bell sounded and both Kimbo and Houston bent over, hands on knees to catch their breath.
Matt Hamill defeats Jon Jones by DQ (illegal elbows), rd. 1 - Jones is officially my favorite fighter. I believe that he will eventually be the man to take Machida's belt. I was worried that Hamill might be too much, too fast for the young, north-eastern prospect.
Jones really laid a beating on Hamill. My favorite part of Jone's arsenal is the fake take-down set up for a spinning back elbow. Jones may have lost by a technicality but everyone, including Hamill, knows who really won that fight. What's next for Jones? I really don't know who Joe Silva and Dana White have planned for him but I think a fight with Rich Franklin would be good. Rich is the only other guy to handle Matt Hamill with ease. The UFC could market the fight as a co-headline and if Jones wins in impressive fashion a title shot would be imminent. On the other hand, Jones is still a young prospect that needs ring time. Maybe not Franklin just yet. Its still crazy to think that Jon Jone's first pro fight was in April of 2008.
Frank Edgar defats Matt Veach by submission (rear-naked choke), rd. 2 - Edgar put on another impressive performance against the undefeated Veach. Edgar showed why he is a top ranked lightweight by losing the first round and then coming back in the second, getting Veach's timing down, and dominating.
Matt Mitrione defeats Marcus Jones by KO (punches), rd. 2 - Jones needs to learn basic striking skills. I haven't seen someone look so uncomfortable throwing punches since Canseco fought Hong Man Choi earlier this year. That, and Jones needs to work on his cardio. Bad. Jones should really consider not running at guys with his hands down.
John Howard defeats Dennis Hallman by KO (punches), rd. 3 - How can you not love when a guy is down all 3 rounds and gets a knock out with 5 seconds left. Fights like this make me love prize fighting.
James McSweeney defeats Darrill Schoonover by TKO (knees & punches), rd. 3 - McSweeney looked good, Schoonover looked terrible. Roy Nelson may be the one guy that can show up 50 lbs overweight and have success in the octagon. It doesn't work for 'Titties'. He's gonna have to come better prepared if he wants to fight in the UFC.
Mark Bocek defeats Joe Brammer by submission (rear-naked choke), rd. 1 - The ginger from Toronto looked solid. I think he's gonna have to fight tougher competition now.
Jon Madsen defeats Justin Wren by decision (split) - Nothing to say about these guys. They'll both be in the UFC, neither will be a contender.
Brian Stann defeats Rodney Wallace by decision (unanimous)
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