UFC 129 - OMFG
> Find the UFC 129 fight results online here at Pro Fighting Fans!
I spent twelve years in Toronto and love the city, still consider it a home. I couldn’t be happier it was host to North America’s largest gate for an MMA event. But for the life of me I can’t figure out why Toronto is a Mecca for the sport. Perhaps it was the lengthy denial, which can have the affect of creating anticipation and desire.
The prelims were nothing less than spectacular. Garza defeats Jacobson by flying triangle; Makdezzi defeats Watson by spinning backfist; Jason MacDonald defeats Jensen by triangle.
Even the early decisions were exciting fights. Canada’s young Rory MacDonald defeated always tough Nate Diaz, demonstrating his potential, and Benson Henderson won convincingly over Canada’s Mark Bocek. But the decision and fight of the night rightly went to Jose Also and Marc Hominick, for fighting their hearts out. Rogan noted early that Aldo was tired, but the Brazilian champ made no excuses afterward, praising the challenger, and you could only gape at Hominick, who began to resemble the Elephant Man as the hematoma over his eye swelled, along with his will to win. If title fights were 7 rounds...?
Machida won KO and OMFG of the night with a stunning, leaping front kick of Couture who, by his own admission, seemed to be standing still compared with the lateral movement and distance maintained by the karate master. Machida said before the fight that he felt honored to fight Couture, who helped build the sport, and wanted to do well to make him proud. Kudos to the Brazilian for learning from the greatest UFC champion yet.
After the fight, even having had a tooth knocked out, Couture was his usual friendly, respectful and ‘Natural’ self. It may not be how Couture pictured exiting the Octagon for good, but he cannot be diminished in the eyes of MMA fans. Win or lose, Couture is and will remain The Champ.
The only disappointing fight was the main event. GSP claimed in Primetime he was working on power, and you could see that in his overhand rights and head kicks, which caused Shields some consternation. Also, GSP tested the takedown against one of MMA’s most dangerous submission artists, after the challenger had failed several times to get GSP on the mat.
Unfortunately, the threads online were violently upset with GSP. Who am I to argue with another fan’s perception of GSP's record in recent title fights? Having said that, his eye was badly injured, due to a poke, glove stitch or some other unlucky mishap, and the champ’s lack of timing afterward was evident.
GSP detractors need to realize that a one-eyed GSP handily beat Shields, a man who was undefeated in 15 fights and who recently spent rounds 2 through 5 manhandling Dan Henderson, a natural and upper echelon middleweight and light heavyweight, after power-puncher Hendo had Shields almost out in the first. GSP’s win is no small feat.
But GSP wants to be thought of as the greatest ever in MMA. In ways he is: no champion dominates rounds like the welterweight champ, despite the fact his fights have been going to decision. But no individual decides how GSP will be remembered. It’s something we decide en masse. Until GSP starts taking out his challengers, there will be the camp that won't rank him with the likes of Aldo or Anderson Silva, who regularly finish opponents.
Future Matchups
Not long ago I was pining for GSP versus Anderson Silva, but not so much now. There is simply too much at stake for GSP in that, considering he’s the lighter guy who would be doing all the work moving up. A catch weight doesn’t seem likely considering Silva already cuts upwards of 25 pounds to reach 185. GSP’s most reasonable opponent is Nick Diaz. Hopefully this fight can take place. Diaz’s punches in bunches and skill on the mat could spell a GSP ground and pound yawner, and I’m done thinking anyone in the division can compete with the champ.
Fans want a Machida-Rampage rematch, and I suggest a five-rounder, which Dana White declared he will do for certain contender fights. The implications for the winner here could be a shot at Bones Jones. A five round fight would settle the score.
Chad Mendes (10-0), another Alpha Male standout, is the next fighter to make Aldo seem human. His balanced attack and constant pressure could give Aldo difficulty. I thought Aldo would beat Hominick with speed, but that wasn’t the case. The same will be true with Mendes, who will not be run over by anybody. Mendes’s style could tire Aldo and change the color of his belts.
By: Renko Styranka
ProFighting-fans.com MMA Staff Writer