UFC 129 Recap and Results; GSP and Aldo Retain Belts, Randy Retires!

GSP Scores Ninth Consecutive Title Defense Against Jake Shields

May 1, 2011 – It’s a wrap for what is now th largest UFC event in North American history as UFC 129 concludes from Toronto, Canada!

As expected, Georges St. Pierre scored another dominating victory over another challenger last night – outpointing Jake Shields over the course of five rounds to defend his UFC welterweight title in front of over 55,000 fans in attendance.

In a drawn-out affair largely taking place on the feet, the champion was able to stun Shields with several power shots yet was never able to put him away. With that, GSP earns his fourth consecutive defense courtesy of a judges’ decision.

For his part, the challenger Jake Shields performed admirably despite the obvious decision. In an area of the fight he was largely expected to be overrun in, Shields was able to hold his own in the striking department, managing to close St. Pierre’s left eye sometime in the second round with a well-timed shot and bloodying the champion enough to prevent the kill shot.

“His striking was a lot better than I expected,” GSP said post-fight. “I expected to handle him striking and then finish him on the ground.”

In the end, the difference in the fight proved to be Shields’ failure to take the fight to the ground, which many felt he’d have to have a chance at winning.

With this, talk will likely move in one of two directions for the future of St. Pierre with many likely to call for the much-talked-about mega-superfight between he and middleweight champion Anderson Silva (provided he gets past Yushin Okami in Rio) or another superfight with Strikeforce 170 champion Nick Diaz, who’s own pressure boxing dominance could prove to be a challenge for the newly boxing-focused St. Pierre.

José Aldo Makes Octagon Debut Against a Tough Mark Hominick

Also at UFC 129, featherweight champion José Aldo made his octagon debut against another Canadian and very game challenger in Mark Hominick. The Brazilian dominated the first four rounds with his vaunted leg kicks, takedowns, and ground-and-pound but Hominick never gave up despite a serious cut under his eye and grapefuit-sized mouse on his forehead. The final moments of the fight so Hominick on top of Aldo, furiously pounding away at the tired, but victorious champion.

Next up for Aldo may be a very entertaining bout against 10-0 Chad Mendes at UFC Rio, if Kenny Florian isn’t able to work his way to a title shot first.

The Karate Kid Re-Emerges; Couture Retires After Knockout

In a scene reminiscent of the Karate Kid movies, Brazilian Karate master Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida was able to dispatch of Randy Couture via a devastating front kick, knocking out his tooth in the process. Just like teammate Anderson Silva was able to do against Vitor Belfort, “The Dragon” was able to catch the timeless Randy with the surprise shot after largely mystifying him through two rounds of action.

“You all won’t be seeing me again; it ends here. I put a lot of thought into this decision and they offered me a fight with Lyoto, which really was something I wanted a lot,” said Couture in retirement.

UFC 129 – Full Results from Toronto, Canada

• Georges St-Pierre over Jake Shields via unanimous decision.
• José Aldo over Mark Hominick via unanimous decision.
• Lyoto Machida over Randy Couture via KO at 1:05 of round 2.
• Vladimir Matyushenko over Jason Brilz via TKO at 0:20 min of round 1.
• Ben Henderson over Mark Bocek via unanimous decision.
• Rory MacDonald over Nate Diaz via unanimous decision.
• Jake Ellenberger over Sean Pierson via KO at 2:42 of round 1.
• Claude Patrick over Daniel Roberts via unanimous decision.
• Ivan Menjivar over Charlie Valencia via TKO at 1:03 of round 1.
• Jason MacDonald submitted Ryan Jensen via triangle at 1:27 of round 1.
• John Makdessi over Kyle Watson via KO at 1:27 min of round 3.
• Pablo Garza submitted Yves Jabouin via flying triangle at 4:31 of round 1.