UFC on Fox 4 Results: Questions Answered and Lessons Learned

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

UFC on Fox 4 is finally in the books. The biggest question of the event was answered last when the UFC awarded a title shot to Lyoto Machida. He'll face the winner of Dan Henderson and Jon Jones. 

The night also saw the valiant return of Brandon Vera who showed everyone his potential when he took Mauricio "Shogun" Rua to the championship rounds. 

It was an amazing night of fights and one that I regret not DVRing.

Anyway, take a look at the questions answered and lessons learned for UFC on Fox 4. 

Joe Lauzon Is a Money-Making Machine

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Joe Lauzon's UFC career has been handled almost perfectly. 

Instead of resisting the risk of taking a step up in competition too soon, he's allowed himself to develop into a very solid and exciting fighter. This has also allowed him to get booked in fights against opponents who are within his skill range. 

In his entire UFC career, he's earned more in "of the night" bonuses than anyone else on the roster. And after last night, he's made a case for himself as the "new Chris Lytle" of the organization. 

He'll never challenge for a belt, but he'll pick up that money along the way. 

Ring Rust Doesn't Affect Mike Swick

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

I had real concerns about Mike Swick. That's no joke either. I was really concerned that two and a half years on the sidelines would be too much for him to overcome in a bout against DaMarques Johnson at UFC on Fox 4. 

I've never been happier being wrong. 

After overcoming some real hard times in the first, Swick was able to maintain his composure and finish Johnson in the second round. 

The win was vintage Mike Swick, and as a fan of storybook comebacks, I can't wait to see him fight again. 

Lyoto Machida Is an Enigma Wrapped in a Riddle

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

In my grades, I said that it's almost impossible to really look at Lyoto Machida's performance. I'm not a karate guy, so the minute intricacies of his range and movement are essentially lost on me live. 

What I do know is that there's no fighter in the UFC who presents such an awkward, stylistic matchup as Lyoto Machida. 

His accuracy with punches usually results with an opponent getting counterpunched whenever they make a move inside. His sumo background means that there's almost no chance of scoring a takedown. 

What I'm saying is that watching him live, I have no idea how someone beats Lyoto Machida. 

Good thing I'm not a UFC fighter, I guess?

Shogun May Have Been in Too Many Wars

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Look, I'm a fan of watching Mauricio "Shogun" Rua fight. I can't remember the last time that he's ever put on a boring performance, and like most fans of the sport, I really like being entertained. 

I'm just worried that Shogun has given way too much of himself to the sport. 

There was a time when Shogun would show up to fights, looking absolutely cut, and would have trampled someone like Brandon Vera. 

Those times are no longer a reality. Last night, he was pushed to the championship rounds by a fighter whom EVERY analyst expected him to starch.

The fact is that he's just been in too many wars over the course of his career. The fights with Lil Nog and Dan Henderson have caused him to lose a step. 

I don't want to see him retire, but he needs to make a real decision about his health going forward. Is he willing to be the guy who excites fans? Or, is he the guy who knows shapes and colors? 

The New Brandon Vera Is Way Better Than the Old Brandon Vera

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Like everyone else, I didn't expect Brandon Vera to do all that much against Mauricio Rua. I figured it was a last opportunity for Vera to collect a big paycheck on his way out of the UFC. 

Boy was I wrong. And to be honest, I've never been prouder of being wrong about a prediction. 

Brandon Vera proved every naysayer wrong and showed that he still has "it" and can keep up with the absolute best that the UFC's light heavyweight division has to offer. 

He took massive shots to the head and maintained his composure for four rounds. He took one of the best fighters ever into the championship rounds and never allowed himself to quit. He took one of the best fighters ever into the championship wrongs and made him gas due to damage. 

Brandon Vera has redeemed himself. He now needs to show what he can do against the rest of the light heavyweight division. I, for one, cannot wait. 

Last Night Was Really Fun

Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Alright, let's level with each other. Did anyone really expect last night to be such an amazing night of fights? 

I mean, looking at the card, I kind of expected some interesting fights, but every single one delivered. I really can't think of the last card that left me so satisfied. 

Basically, what I'm saying is that last night was super fun and really made me love MMA all over again.