UFC 162: What We Learned From Tim Boetsch vs. Mark Munoz

At UFC 162, two of the best wrestlers in the UFC middleweight division squared off when Tim Boetsch faced Mark Munoz. In the best shape of his MMA life, Munoz (13-3) had more technique, more power and more endurance Saturday night, and he pounded out a flagging Boetsch (16-6) to win a unanimous decision going away.

What we'll remember about this fight

That heavy ground-and-pound from "The Flipino Wrecking Machine." You could hear the Iron-Age hammerfists find their mark time and again on Boetsch's turtled body. Munoz landed four takedowns to Boetsch's one, and while this one started close, it didn't end that way.

What we learned about Tim Boetsch

That intestinal fortitude for which he was widely lauded for in that come-from-behind win over Yushin Okami wasn't in strong evidence at UFC 162. Boetsch appeared to fade as Munoz hit his stride. Not that I blame him (especially after those rib shots), but in the fight's final minutes, it looked like Boetsch didn't want to be there.

What we learned about Mark Munoz

That he's back. The depression after losing to Chris Weidman and the weight gain and loss, it's all well-documented. No one knew how he'd look in his UFC return. But he looked terrific, blending smoothness and violence in a classic ground-and-pound display. Maybe some day, this Mark Munoz could get a rematch with Weidman.

What's next for Boetsch

Alan Belcher, a striker with good grappling, would be a very interesting test for the rugged Boetsch.

What's next for Munoz

I vote for a Mr. Vitor Belfort.