Frank Mir vs. Todd Duffee: What We Learned from UFC Fight Night 71 Tilt

Frank Mir is a legend of the sport.

As a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, the 36-year-old has put forth one of the most admirable UFC careers of all time.

In other words, Mir had nothing to prove at UFC Fight Night 71 opposite a resurgent and powerful Todd Duffee, who had finished all nine of his victories coming into this fight by way of knockout or TKO.

However, the veteran has once again recaptured our undying attention after knocking Duffee out cold in the first round to earn the victory.

Here is what we learned about Mir's throwback performance Wednesday night.

What We'll Remember About This Fight

To much surprise, Mir willingly traded with Duffee inside before destroying the younger heavyweight with a blistering knockout blow.

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Obviously, the finish is the most important takeaway from this fight, but it has to be mentioned that Mir continues to prove his doubters wrong.

This was a statement win by the former two-time champion that he still has what it takes to not only entertain fans as a main event draw but put pressure on younger and maybe even hungrier opponents.

Duffee is going to have to step back and realize this division is full of one-punch knockout artists beyond his own abilities and recharge his once promising run at the Top 10.

What We Learned About Mir

It's crazy to think that Mir's striking is still getting better.

The 36-year-old is more or less capped as far as his divisional potential at this point in his career, but his willingness to trade leather with Duffee suggests he's gaining confidence in areas once considered weak.

While Mir is a more technical striker than he showcased on Wednesday, his chin withstood some serious damage, and he proved that he can still rule the cage.

If the veteran can continue to improve his offensive output, then there's really no telling what he can do on the last legs of a monumental career.

What We Learned About Duffee

There's little to take away from Duffee from Wednesday's beatdown at the hands of his old training partner, Mir.

Eric Jamison/Associated Press

The bigger, stronger and more athletic Duffee came into this fight thinking he was going to level Mir early and often.

On the contrary, he was the one eating leather and searching for his consciousness just minutes into Round 1.

It was a lesson to be learned for the 29-year-old, who now needs to re-evaluate his attack and possibly work on varying game plans other than just power punching.

What's Next for Mir

Does it really matter?

Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Mir has now racked off two straight first-round knockouts after being more or less written off following a career-worst four-fight losing streak.

The veteran is still a huge draw and continues to garner love and respect from fans and fellow heavyweights alike.

Three big names that come to mind for Mir to challenge next are Mark Hunt, Ben Rothwell and Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

Either man makes sense and would serve as a promotable opponent.

What's Next for Duffee

Duffee was unranked coming into this fight, so there's no telling where he lands now.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

While it's difficult to rebound from losing to a slowed veteran at your own game, Duffee has encountered more struggles outside of the Octagon and should bounce back nicely.

Future suitors for the muscular menace could be Matt Mitrione, Derrick Lewis or the winner of Jared Rosholt vs. Timothy Johnson at UFC Fight Night 73 next month.

Duffee is going to be one tough out the next time he steps inside of the cage.

For more UFC news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell