A Fan's View from his Couch: Postfight UFC 93

I hate to say I told you so, wait, no I don't - I told you so!  Sandwiched between the thriller that was UFC 92 and arguably the most important MMA fight (Penn v GSP in UFC 94) since Bonnar v Griffin, this card had little chance for success. It seems that Dana, Zuffa and Silva (UFC matchmaker) put little effort into it, but with all that said lets take a look at some of the highlights.

The fight of the night was without a shadow of a doubt Marcus Davis v Chris Lytle (as expected), two pugilist who did exactly what they said and went toe-to-toe for the full 15 minutes.  As much as I hate the "split decision" it's a fight that will elevate both fighters.  Chris Lytle has run the gamut of the 170 lb division - think about it, he is 2-3 in his last 5.  The three loses came against Thiago Alves, Josh Koscheck and Davis; all of which were very good showings for "Lights Out."  He deserves and will receive another shot at a big name at 170.  Now for Davis it’s time the man truly fights a contender.  Granted I believe his nickname "Irish Hand Grenade," emphasis on Irish, played a part in his decision over Lytle in IRELAND!  However, when you let it go to the judges you are playing with fire, and sometimes you get burned. What fight would I love to see next for Marcus, how about Davis v Shields if he (Jake Shields) can ever find his way to the UFC? What a way to intro him to the Zuffa Family, a boy can dream, a boy can dream.

While I predicted Ace would be the winner in the Henderson vs. Franklin bout, I don't believe either fighter was a winner or loser.  Both fighters are still in a weird predicament in the MMA realm.  To be frank, if there is one thing I hate it is a split decision (I don't agree with it above either), its like a tie, go kiss your sister or better yet, play for the Bengals or Eagles. Where do you go from here?  Henderson isn't any closer to a shot at the 205 title and Franklin hasn't fallen off.  Neither fighter was outstanding nor pathetic.  Hendo stuffed and had some take downs, duh, he is a world class wrestler.  Rich had some good footwork, landed some shots and made a nice late run, but nothing was learned from this fight except to me that these guys may have shown they are no longer headliners. With all that said Rashad isn't looking over his shoulder for Dan or Rich; sorry guys its time to invest in your own gyms and rack up some wins against lesser opponents in the twilight of your careers.

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In the co-main event youth was served as Shogun Rua outlasted Mark Coleman.  A battle that seemed to be more like twins playing on a sea-saw this side up, that side down, no wait, that side’s up and this sides down.  Back and forth, just when I started to get excited, the 44 year old Hammer started to look more like the nail as Shogun wore him down and preserved his spot in line at 205 with a semi-controversial referee stoppage.  Do I disagree? Not really. Coleman was searching for help and just laid there, but he thought it would come from the bell first and then pray for another tough decision by the judges.  Instead he was stopped and Rua moves on.  Coleman did prove he may have something left in that 44 year old goliath frame of his. Here's to Coleman vs Cantwell, WEC champion/UFC young gun vs a gate keeper.  With the 'W' Rua should now sets his eyes on Liddell and with a win there he steps into the octagon vs Rashad in the near future.
 
Is it Jan. 31st yet?  That preview coming soon.

By Greg Vorse
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer
A Fan's View from his Couch