UFC 163: Flyweights Steal the Show at Aldo vs. Jung

UFC 163 did not produce any fights that will be considered for Fight of the Year honors, nor will they be burned into the collective memory of fans as a hallmark hung in the annals of MMA history. Because the marquee fighters did not produce, two 125-pound bouts gave fans plenty to enjoy in their respective bouts.

To the dismay of heightists everywhere, the bout between Ian McCall and Iliarde Santos produced some of the best action of the night. The two were handed bonuses for Fight of the Night in the post-fight press conference.

McCall and Santos' bout was only challenged by the other 125-pound bout between John Lineker and Jose Maria Tome.

The two flyweight bouts were fantastic opposites when it came to appeal. McCall and Santos strung together lighting-fast combinations and crisp strike-to-takedown links up to the final bell. McCall's quality footwork, masterful combinations and consistent pace made the difference as he took the decision.

Just when haters were ready to harp on how flyweights can't finish fights, Lineker and Maria Tome produced a pint-sized slobber-knocker that had Lineker weathering early danger and finishing his opponent via TKO in Round 2.

The flyweights are given heavy guff from naysayers. UFC fans often mock the size of the competitors, but at UFC 163, the flyweights showed that they always come out to put on a show.

Honorable Mention

Anthony Perosh was a noteworthy show-stealer of the night with his 14-second knockout of Vinny Magalhaes. Perosh returned from a seven-second defeat at the hands of Ryan Jimmo his last time out, paying the favor forward to Magalhaes. The quick finish surely puts Perosh in the record books as the fastest two-fight combined time total in UFC history.