UFC 96: Wicked Awesome Fights!

The sound of leg kicks and strikes from both fists filled the air of the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, during what some called a "ho-hum", don't buy it on PPV UFC event.

Brandon Vera won by his leg kicks, Kendall "the Spida" Grove won with a long-armed well placed strike: Both men have saved their futures with the UFC.

Shane Carwin knocked out Gabriel Gonzaga with a short hit, no hip action behind it, but strong enough to put Gonzaga out and slumped up against the cage.

Awesome KO's, with wicked results indeed!

Now those that saved their money can listen to the rest of us gloat!

Best of all, although Rampage beat Keith Jardine who seemed to have a jaw made of iron and not glass, Rashad Evans sat with Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, while his teammate Jardine fought vicariously, the champ helped commentate on the action.

This will give him an immense advantage when his turn comes to take the Octagon with Rampage.

Although I love both "Page" and "Sugar" I will stick my neck out now and predict that Rashad will successfully defend his belt against Rampage.

I have never seen Keith or Rampage look better than they did tonight.

Both appeared trim and ripped at 205, and both were at the top of their game.

The Wolfslair is working miracles for Rampage, and I love his new crew and look—the fire is back in his eyes.

Jardine, looking like an evil wizard, followed the Jackson "nipple-tweak" protocol and did not rush in as in previous fights only to be knocked out.

All three rounds looked gruelling as sweaty bodies clashed and jockeyed for cage supremacy.

Very impressive!

My heart goes out to both warriors for a great fight. Thankfully no horrendous injuries, even though both men ate kicks and strikes.

Yes Quenton threw kicks!

For me this has been a banner day, even counting Pete Sell's unfortunate loss and no word yet on Matt and Ann Serra's expected baby.

I rejoiced when Matt Hamill got a KO using an uncustomary leg strike to his opponent Munoz'z neck.

This is a day I will remember for many things.

Plus my grandson got his first car! Thank you big time, Great Grandma Buddy!