MMA Crunch

UFC 85: Bedlam, was an interesting pay-per-view if nothing else. Without any titles on the line, “Bedlam” nonetheless made its impact on the fans and the UFC landscape alike. Let’s get right to it.

First, I must express my dislike for the fight lineup. I expected Vera-Werdum to be the last bout before the main event (Hughes-Alves) but to my surprise, I see Brandon Vera and Fabricio Werdum introduced mere moments into the broadcast. In my opinion, Vera and Werdum deserved better billing, at least over Thales Leites and Nate Marquardt- two middleweights who will surely never be able to claim middleweight gold unless something unfortunate befalls of Anderson Silva.

Fabricio Werdum def. Brandon Vera via TKO - Round 1, 4:40

While we’re on the subject of Brandon Vera and Fabricio Werdum, how about referee Dan “infamous” Miragliotta with another controversial stoppage, eh? Given, Werdum had Vera in full mount from which he was not likely to escape, but Vera did look to be defending himself and let’s be honest, could probably have made it the next 20 seconds into the second round. Oh well…

Thales Leites def. Nate Marquardt via split decision

Okay, so Nate Marquardt made some no-no’s and for that he lost points and subsequently lost the fight. But I think anyone watching knows that Thales Leites did not win that bout, Marquardt simply lost it due to the deductions. Great fight though, probably the finest of the evening if you ask me. I think I speak for many when I say a re-match is in order for Marquardt and Leites. Even if the two never climb to the top of the middleweight rankings, at least the fans can expect a show if these two step into the octagon again.

Mike Swick def. Marcus Davis via unanimous decision

I like Marcus Davis, but I am glad to see him put in his place. I cannot tell you how aggravating it is to hear people say “Marcus Davis is the next champ, he hasn’t lost in 11 fights!” True, Davis was on an 11 fight win streak up until yesterday, but he hadn’t really fought any contenders until last night either. Mike Swick proved he belonged at welterweight at UFC 85 while Marcus Davis, try as he might, proved he simply is not so indestructible against the more talented of the 170lb crew.

Michael Bisping def. Jason Day via TKO - Round 1, 3:42

I liked how Bisping came out to another English tune (Blur’s “Song 2″), that only made sense. His performance wasn’t too terrible either. Some might say that I am not giving Bisping enough credit so here goes: Bisping is much better at 185lbs, I’ve said that several times in the past. His striking is also really shining through now, similar to when he first entered the UFC back in 2006. The reason I’m not giving Bisping much credit? The man has not fought anyone remotely dangerous outside of Matt Hamill, who he should have lost to anyway (you all know why.) Sure Bisping looks great at middleweight but against who? A Charles McCarthy and a Jason Day…big deal. I applaud Bisping for keeping away from the buffet tables and staying sharp at 185lbs, but let’s see what happens when “The Count” steps in against a legitimate threat. While none can seem to defeat Anderson Silva, there are still quite a few middleweights out there who could give Bisping a run for his money. Quite a few indeed.

One more thing about the Bisping-Day fight. I know it isn’t the worst thing in the world, but I noticed that when Bisping and Day were set to battle inside the octagon, announcer Bruce Buffer said that this was the “co-main event.” Really? Is that necessary? Simply because Bisping is a home-boy this is a “co-main event”? I thought that was completely gratuitous and almost insulting to the fans. Why in the world would that bout be the co-main event? Even the main event didn’t have a title on the line, and it’s not as if the winner of Bisping-Day would go on to get a title shot or something. Ugh, I can only hope the UFC stays away from this “co-main event” labeling in the future. Call me a nitpicker, but that kind of crap just irks me.

Thiago Alves def. Matt Hughes via TKO - Round 2, 1:02

First let’s air out the obvious issues with this bout. Thiago Alves failed to make weight by 4 pounds, which is a lot. Matt Hughes, who is much bulkier between fights, had made the 170lb limit as he always does. Alves has also had trouble in the past when he got busted for using diuretics to help make weight, so you would think he would learn how to do it right by now. But does any of this make one fighter purely better than the other? I don’t think so. Sure Matt Hughes did his usual weight cut (which I’m sure is no fun) and Thiago slacked in that department, but that doesn’t mean that last night’s outcome would have been any different. Simply put, the weight issue does not affect the talent level of the fighters competing. Thiago Alves is a better fighter. Period. Yes, he deserves some backlash for his not making weight b.s., but he still out struck, out wrestled and out classed an aging Matt Hughes. Odds are if the two fought again and Thiago made weight, Alves would still come out on top.

But Thiago Alves, with all his talent and weight problems does NOT deserve a title shot just yet, which he asked for following his victory over Hughes. Thiago Alves needs to do a couple of things before getting that ever sought after title fight. First, he needs to make weight in his next two fights. He also has to win those two fights, which both need to be against the higher end of the UFC’s deep welterweight division. If Alves can do that, I say give the man his title shot. But no sooner.

As for one Matt Hughes, I think he said exactly what we all needed him to say in his post fight with Joe Rogan, when he spoke of his next (and maybe last) bout with Matt Serra. Regardless of what Hughes is mulling over in his head in terms of retirement, it’s assuring to know that he will finally face off against arch nemesis Matt Serra after all.

Final Word

All in all, I enjoyed the pacing and general feel of UFC 85 but to be honest, after getting so bubbly over UFC 84, I still felt a little flat once the nights broadcast concluded. Perhaps things would have been different if Thiago Alves had made weight and cemented his victory, or if Brandon Vera were allowed to continue during those final seconds of the first round. But that is just not how things went down, and so the night left me with a few more questions to ponder than answers. Oh well.

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