UFC 145 Results: What We Learned from Travis Browne vs. Chad Griggs

In the final fight of the UFC 145 FX prelims in Atlanta, Travis Browne made quick work of Chad Griggs in a UFC heavyweight matchup. Going into this fight, the import of Strikeforce heavyweights had gone on an undefeated streak, but Browne had no intentions of letting that streak continue.

Here's what we learned from the bout.

What we learned about Travis Browne

That he is better rounded than we may have thought. A flying knee started the end of Chad Griggs. Browne slammed his opponent down and then worked his way into mount. After working to mount, he secured an arm triangle and quickly submitted a very tough opponent.

We also learned that he has a good sense of humor about the perception that he is only a striker. Before fading to commercial, Browne is seen talking to the camera. "A submission? A submission?"

He was emotional after the bout when talking about his boys. No matter how hard and tough his exterior may be, clearly the time away from his little boys is rough on him emotionally. 

What we learned about Chad Griggs:

That his chin is fantastic. The knees that Browne landed early in the first round would have staggered even Roy Nelson. The bout didn't last long enough for us to learn much more than that.

What's next for Browne:

I wouldn't be surprised to see Browne get tapped to step in as a replacement for Frank Mir. Cain Velasquez requires a tough challenge and Browne is ready to welcome a step up in competition. With the UFC needing an opponent for Velasquez for UFC 146 on May 26, I think Browne may be the man for the challenge.

If Browne isn't interested in fighting again so soon, he could likely fight the winner of "Bigfoot" Antonio Silva/Roy Nelson, or potentially Mark Hunt in the event that Hunt defeats Stefan Struve next month, also at UFC 146.

What's next for Griggs

This was not the kind of showing that Chad Griggs wanted. Getting in virtually no offense and losing very quickly is a nice drop down the rankings for any fighter. Griggs will likely get another chance in the UFC, but it will be against someone near the bottom. Perhaps a contest with Rob Broughton or Phil De Fries.