UFC 116: Reaction and Fighter Forecasts

Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin

After it looked as if Carwin was about to add another quick victory to his long list of first round stoppages, Lesnar survived the first round and pulled off a spectacular comeback. Carwin was visibly tired in what was the longest fight of his professional career. Lesnar took advantage of that in the second round by taking him down quickly and transitioning to mount.

From there, Lesnar submitted Carwin when everyone watching was expecting him to posture up and drop hammer fists. I’m not going to say that Brock Lesnar is going to turn into the Minotauro Nogueira of the heavyweight division, but the recovery from the first round knockdown and the submission victory showed that Lesnar continues to grow as a fighter.

The idea that Lesnar still has room to improve is a scary thing for the other fighters in the heavyweight division. At the same time, seeing Lesnar covering up in a fetal position against the fence showed the world that he is human. Because of Carwin’s near victory in the first round, a rematch seems like a strong possibility down the road. Obviously, Carwin will need to bounce back with a win or two before that can happen since Cain Velasquez is next in line for a title shot.

Next for Brock Lesnar: Dana White has already confirmed that Lesnar’s next title defense will come against Cain Velasquez. The date for that fight is yet to be determined.

Next for Shane Carwin: A fight against the winner of Junior Dos Santos vs. Roy Nelson seems to make the most sense for Carwin. Depending on the outcome of Lesnar vs. Velasquez, a win in Carwin’s next fight could have him right back in the lead for another title shot.

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben

In what could possibly end up being the fight of the year, Chris Leben submitted Yoshihiro Akiyama with 20 seconds remaining in the fight. Without the submission, Leben would have probably lost on the judge’s scorecards. It was Leben’s granite chin that gave him the opportunity to win this fight.

No matter how hard he got hit, Leben continued to walk through Akiyama’s punches and land bombs of his own. At some point in the third round, Akiyama realized that he was in danger if continued to stand with Leben. Once he successfully took Leben to the ground, it seemed as if Akiyama was content to try to stall until the bell. Leben took advantage of Akiyama’s lack of aggression by softening his opponent up from the bottom and then locking up a tight triangle.

The win, Leben’s second in two weeks, gives him contender status in the middleweight division. For Akiyama, the loss leaves him at a crossroads between contender and gatekeeper.

Next for Chris Leben: Following the win, Leben requested a fight against Wanderlei Silva. If Silva’s ribs heal in a reasonable amount of time, the match-up does make a lot of sense. If not, the winner of Nate Marquardt vs. Rousimar Palhares could be a possibility.

Next for Yoshihiro Akiyama: There are lots of possible opponents for Akiyama. Michael Bisping still needs an opponent for UFC 120 in England. The winner of Yushin Okami vs. Mark Munoz could also make for an intriguing fight.

Chris Lytle vs. Matt Brown

Chris Lytle extended his winning streak to three with a submission victory over Matt Brown. After a first round that Brown probably won on the cards, Lytle rocked Brown and ended up with a mounted triangle and straight arm bar that forced Brown to tap. The fight was a rematch of a bout that took place outside of the UFC almost three years ago.

The result was similar as both fights ended with Lytle’s hand raised after a submission victory in the third minute of the second round. For Lytle, the win should give him a step up in competition and a chance to finally break into the mix of welterweight contenders.

At 35, and with 51 professional fights under his belt, this could be Lytle’s last chance to make a run.

Next for Chris Lytle: Winner of John Howard vs. Jake Ellenberger seems to make the most sense. If not, Ricardo Almeida could be an option after his fight with Matt Hughes.

Next for Matt Brown: A favorable match-up against a fighter like Ricardo Funch seems likely in order to avoid a three fight losing streak.

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Stephan Bonnar

One of two bouts that were awarded Fight of the Night, Soszynski vs. Bonnar was an all out slugfest. It was all a matter of which fighter’s chin was going to give out first. In the end, Stephan Bonnar was simply the tougher, crazier human being. A knee rocked Soszynski and a short time late Bonnar scored the TKO victory. Bonnar seemed extremely relieved after the fight in which he avenged his UFC 110 loss to Soszynski. His place in the UFC secure once again, Bonnar can now look forward and attempt to climb the ranks of the light heavyweight division.

Next for Krzysztof Soszynski: Some possible opponents include Ricardo Romero or the winner of James Irvin vs. Igor Pokrajac.

Next for Stephan Bonnar: A fight against Brandon Vera or Matt Hamill would be a nice addition to an upcoming main card.

George Sotiropoulos vs. Kurt Pellegrino

It wasn’t pretty, but George Sotiropoulos extended his professional win streak to seven after a win over Kurt Pellegrino. Sotiropoulos was the better fighter through the first two rounds. He showed technically sound boxing and, as usual, an outstanding ground game when on top of Pellegrino. However, the third round was much closer and a knockdown in the closing seconds of the fight meant the round was probably Pellegrino’s.

When the scores were read, it was a unanimous decision victory for Sotiropoulos. The win solidified Sotiropoulos’ place as a contender in the lightweight division.

Next for George Sotiropoulos: The UFC doesn’t seem in a hurry to rush Sotiropoulos into a title fight. Therefore, a fight against Evan Dunham or the winner of Tyson Griffin vs. Takanori Gomi seems most likely.

Next for Kurt Pellegrino: There are lots of options for Pellegrino for his next fight. Among them are Dennis Siver, the loser of Tyson Griffin vs. Takanori Gomi, and the loser of Clay Guida vs. Rafael Dos Anjos.

Brendan Schaub vs. Chris Tuchscherer

Schaub made quick work of Chris Tuchscherer in this fight. A punch to the temple sent Tuchscherer to the canvas and Schaub pounced for the TKO win at 1:07 of the first round. The win, which could mean a step up in competition for the TUF 10 runner-up, is Schaub’s second straight first round TKO. Meanwhile, Tuchscherer is in need of a strong performance after two first round TKO losses in his first three UFC fights.

Next for Brendan Schaub: A match-up with Gilbert Yvel would be an exciting fight and would make for a good test to see if Schaub is ready to fight contenders in the heavyweight division.

Next for Chris Tuchscherer: Tuchscherer may be in danger of being cut after three unimpressive UFC appearances. If he is given another fight, Jon Madsen is a potential opponent.

Seth Petruzelli vs. Ricardo Romero

After the first round, it appeared Seth Petruzelli was on his way to his first UFC win. However, an admittedly tired Petruzelli was forced to tap in the second round. After failing to win in three opportunities with the UFC, Petruzelli may have just wasted his last chance with the promotion. However, the exciting display he put on in the first round may be enough to allow Petruzelli one more shot at a UFC win. Meanwhile, Romero has to be pleased with the exciting comeback win in his UFC debut.

Next for Seth Petruzelli: Petruzelli will be fortunate if he does get another fight with the UFC. If he does, the loser of James Irvin vs. Igor Pokrajac could end up as Petruzelli’s opponent.

Next for Ricardo Romero: Romero was originally scheduled to fight Steve Cantwell at UFC 116 instead of Petruzelli. Cantwell could be an option for Romero’s next fight.

Kendall Grove vs. Goran Reljic

In a closely contested fight, Kendall Grove defeated Goran Reljic by split decision. The determining factor for the two judges that gave Grove the win was likely Reljic’s lack of aggression when in advantageous positions. During the second round, Reljic absorbed a plethora of strikes from Grove’s guard. The fight probably could have been scored either way without much controversy. Even if the cards had gone the other way, this fight won’t do much in the way of propelling either fighter’s career.

Next for Kendall Grove: Gerald Harris could be an option for Grove’s next fight.

Next for Goran Reljic: The winner of Brian Stann vs. Mike Massenzio seems like a viable option for Reljic’s next opponent.

Gerald Harris vs. Dave Branch

A highlight reel slam gave Gerald Harris the KO victory in this fight and his tenth consecutive professional win. Harris used his excellent wrestling and sheer brute strength to beat Branch. For Branch, the loss was the first of his career. The win should earn Harris, who has now spoiled the UFC debuts of three upcoming prospects, his first fight against an established UFC veteran.

Next for Gerald Harris: As stated earlier, a fight with Kendall Grove is a possibility. Yoshihiro Akiyama could be another option.

Next for Dave Branch: One of the fighters that remain on the UFC roster from TUF 11 could give Branch an opportunity for a bounce back win.

Daniel Roberts vs. Forrest Petz

Daniel Roberts rebounded from his first career loss with a split decision victory over Forrest Petz. The fight ended Petz’s four fight win streak and possibly his chances with the promotion. In his only other stint with the UFC, Petz won two out of five fights.

Next for Daniel Roberts: The winner of Johny Hendricks vs. Charlie Brenneman could be next for Roberts.

Next for Forrest Petz: If he remains with the UFC, Petz could meet the loser of Johny Hendricks vs. Charlie Brenneman.

Jon Madsen vs. Karlos Vemola

Madsen stretched his UFC record to 3-0 with a grind-it-out victory over Karlos Vemola. Despite having his doubters, Madsen continues to get the job done by fighting smart and sticking to his game plan. The loss was Vemola’s first of his career in his UFC debut.

Next for Jon Madsen: Madsen could fight the loser of the UFC 117 bout between Stefan Struve vs. Christian Morecraft.

Next for Karlos Vemola: A fight with James McSweeney or Anthony Perosh could be next.