'UFC 72: Victory' Is In The Books

The lowdown from Belfast, Ireland's (said to be sold-out) Odyssey Arena:

God, do I ever miss live countdowns! As Casey asked me, "Would it kill UFC to preview 3 fights and loop them twice, instead of previewing 2 fights and looping them 3 times?"



- Ed Herman defeated (tap-out to rear-naked choke, 2:25 of round 2) Scott Smith. This, as of yesterday, was a dark match, but ended up taking the place of Marcus Davis vs. Jason Tan. Guess they thought this would be more exciting, and guessing they were right. Herman continues to be one of MMA's biggest assholes, but he's a tough and talented asshole. Smith suffered a bad cut on the bridge of his nose, which the fight was stopped for, but he was allowed to continue. Smith has an amazing gift for scrambling and avoiding what often look to be sure finishes, but as I expected, "Pee Wee" just had too much for him. If you're wondering why Brandon Vera was in town, it's because he (along with Quinton Jackson) was working in Smith's corner. For his win, Herman earned the UFC's 'Submission of the Night.'

- Tyson Griffin defeated (split decision of 29-28, 29-28 & 29-28) Clay Guida. As expected, hella good, with a hearty (and, in some cases, amazing) display of striking, counter-striking, wrestling, scrambling, and transitions. Close as hell, but I only gave the first round to Griffin, which pains me, since I predicted he'd win. There was a lot of post-decision booing, but that's common for close calls. Both men were humble and classy, both like Randy Couture, and Guida dedicated his effort to the late Jeremy Williams. If, after watching this, you're not a fan of both Griffin and Evan Tannerito, waste no time in killing yourself.

- Jason MacDonald defeated (ref-stoppage TKO, 3:18 of round 2) Rory Singer. Not quite the exciting fight I expected, especially in the first round. MacDonald ended up schooling Singer in the second, though, scoring an immediate takedown, securing full mount, and raining down blows, prompting the decision.

- Michael Bisping and Martin Kampmann were among the "guest" fighters in the house.

- Forrest Griffin defeated (unanimous decision of 30-27, 30-27 & 30-27) Hector Ramirez. Despite him probably not even being able to point out Ireland on a map, the Irish theme was most played-up for Griffin, with him receiving green lighting and coming out to something which sounded as if it came from an 'Irish Spring' commercial. Ramirez refused to touch gloves, as there was heat, because Griffin used the pre-show to make light of Ramirez. Griffin was so much larger than Ramirez, and while Ramirez was the harder puncher, Griffin was the better striker and was definitely more composed. Don't know if this affected him, but Ramirez was practically booed out of the building, and the crowd repeatedly chanted Griffin's name. Ramirez had his moments (even bloodying Griffin's right eye), but Griffin definitely imposed his will and clearly frustrated Ramirez, in handily taking (in my eyes) the fight. Ramirez can take quite a beating, which included an accidental low-blow in the second. After the bout, Griffin and Ramirez made amends, and Griffin admitted to being a bit gun-shy about being knocked out, but being Irish, he figured he could be excused for using a bit of luck to win.

- Rich Franklin defeated (unanimous decision of 29-28, 29-28 & 29-28) Yushin Okami. Couture joined Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan at the announcer's table. Three rounds of Lot's of mostly difficult-to-score dancing, but I gave all three to Franklin, if for nothing else, aggression. The crowd wasn't always pleased with the effort, but definitely enjoyed the result. Okami didn't get aggressive until the third-round, where he scored a takedown and mount, and came extremely close to submitting Franklin (with an armbar). The latter part of the round looked somewhat similar to Griffin-Guida, with a series of ground transitions and escapes, but it was too little, too late for Okami. For the record, I agreed with the judges, giving only the third to Okami. Franklin's win earns him a shot at the Anderson-Silva-Nate Marquardt winner.

- Earlier in the evening, Davis defeated (punches-from-mount KO, 1:15 of round 1) Tan. Goldberg and Rogan noted the change in Davis' nickname. It was more of a flash knockout, with Tan being knocked down, mounted and punched, and (after the ref stepped in) not even realizing the fight was over and still trying to scramble.

Other dark matches:

- Dustin Hazelett defeated (D'Arce-choke submission, 2:50 of round 1) Stevie Lynch. Lynch was said to have received quite the reception, since he was born in Belfast, where he still resides. Lot of good that did him.

- Eddie Sanchez defeated (punches-from-mount TKO, 0:32 of round 2) Colin Robinson. Controversy, as some think Robinson (even if he weren't a local) should've earned the same stoppage in the first, but I haven't seen the fight, so I'll reserve judgment.

As far as an overall effort (atmosphere, fights, my picking all of the correct winners and Casey not doing the same, etc.), my early pick for the year's best wrestling or MMA show (with, as a close-second, Tuesday's 'Fight Night').