It was a fun night on free TV last night as the UFC put on its first event in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. All in all, the event went much better than the UFC’s last showing in Australia (UFC 126: Penn vs. Fitch). Rebounding from that lackluster affair, this card featured spectacular finishes by rising stars Mark Munoz and Brian Bowles, along with several undercard fighters in Shane Roller, Rousimar Palhares, and Igor Pokrajac. See below for my main card highlights.
Passion of the Diego Sanchez
It was a bloody lucky win for former ‘Ultimate Fighter’ season one cast member Diego Sanchez as he eeked out a much-debated unanimous decision victory over Martin Kampmann in the main event of the UFC Versus event in Kentucky last evening. For all of three rounds, this bout turned into Diego’s own personal Nightmare (pun-intended) as the Dutch Muay Thai specialist peppered his opponent’s face until it turned viewers could no longer make the distinction between him and Sloth from Goonies. It was not a pretty sight. At least we can take comfort in knowing that Diego won’t be able to suffer the agony of seeing how bad he looks this morning …since he probably still can’t see. Talk about a hard-fought win.
Munoz Goes 2-0 Against Arizona’s Top Wrestlers
“The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Mark Munoz may be the one receiving a push to be a coach on the rumored international edition of “Ultimate Fighter” Philippines but he had his opponent C.B. Dolloway be the one seeing stars last night with a one-hitter-quitter in the first round. Normally a ground-and-pound specialist, Munoz connected with a devastating right cross that collapsed “Doberman” Dollaway like a rickety lawn chair. A couple of punches later and the fight was stopped by the merciful Mario Yamasaki. With this set up the trifecta with UFC matchmakers putting Munoz against Ryan Bader next? Or is Munoz set for a coaching stint across the (BIG) pond over in the islands? What would you fans like to see?
Déjà vu for Brian Bowles and Damacio Page
Brian Bowles submits Damacio Page at 3:30 in the first round for the second time in a row, and this time with only a slightly different guillotine. Talk about having somebody’s number. Page came out like a ball of fire but couldn’t change his stripes as history repeated itself in favor of the former champion. Now it’s look out Dominic Cruz upon the current champion’s return from injury as Bowles is certain to want his belt back.
Full Results for “UFC on Versus 3”
Diego Sanchez def. Martin Kampmann via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)- Mark Munoz def. C.B. Dollaway via TKO (strikes)
- Chris Weidman def. Alessio Sakara via unanimous decision (30-27. 30-27, 30-27)
- Brian Bowles def. Damacio Page via submission (guillotine)
- Danny Castillo def. Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Cyrille Diabate def. Steve Cantwell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 30-26)
- Shane Roller def. Thiago Tavares via KO (strikes)
- Takeya Mizugaki def. Reuben Duran via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
- Rousimar Palhares def. Dave Branch via submission (kneebar)
- Igor Pokrajac def. Todd Brown via TKO (strikes)
- Dongi Yang def. Rob Kimmons via TKO (strikes)
