UFC 119 Results: Frank Mir KO's Cro Cop In a Snoozer; Bader Outlasts Nog

After an atrocious couple of rounds, Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir jolted the slumbering Indianapolis crowd on Saturday after knocking out the legendary Mirko Cro Cop with a knee at UFC 119.

The bout was just as awkward as it was slothful. Neither fighter seemed intent on engaging. Cro Cop seemed to average under 10 strikes per round.

Mir continuously sought out the clinch and failed at advancing his position. For the majority of the bout, both fighters remained stalled up against the cage.

The whole awkward nature of the bout and Cro Cop’s demeanor left the audience sulking in boos. Cro Cop was overly apologetic after hitting Mir below the belt. There were way too many smiles and handshakes exchanged.

At one point against the cage, Cro Cop started talking to Mir and laughing as if they were two chums sparring.

The early portion of the fight may have been all fun and games for Cro Cop, but the ending was no laughing matter.

In the third round, Mir countered a missed overhand with an unexpected knee. The Croatian hero crashed to the canvas, and Mir followed up with a couple of sickening shots for good measure.

Mir knew the victory wasn’t impressive, but a win is a win.

"It looked kind of ugly to be honest," Mir told Rogan after the fight. "But I guess it’s better to pull of an ugly win than an ugly loss."

This win puts Mir back on track for title contention. He understands that improvements must be made if he ever wishes to reclaim the Heavyweight throne.

"Mirko is dangerous. My strategy was to take him down, but his takedown defense is good. I have to keep improving my wrestling," Mir said.

After this showing, Cro Cop could be cut from the UFC. His octagon record stands at an unsavory 4-4. In the fight world, sometimes you wake up and you just don’t have it anymore.

The fearless striker is gone, and he’s been replaced by man who is too friendly with his opponents, plays paddy cake with the fans, and refuses to exchange.

"Darth" Continues his Light Heavyweight March

In the co-main event, Ryan Bader relied on his wrestling in his unanimous decision victory over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.

Despite showing improved takedown defense, Nogueira couldn’t thwart the wrestler’s offense. Bader was relentless with his takedown attempts.

On the feet, Nogueira proved to be the better technical Boxer. Bader showed great athleticism and hung tough with the Brazilian in the exchanges.

The ground was just an inescapable quicksand for Nogueira. He couldn’t get much going with sweeps and submissions as Bader imposed his solid top game.

"The good thing about being a wrestler is keeping them guessing and dictating where the fight goes," Bader said.

It was a solid victory that definitely pushed Bader into contender status. The celebration could get cut short. The word on the block is that Bader’s next opponent will be fellow Light Heavyweight prospect, Jon Jones.

Nogueira has to really work on his wrestling. He can still improve. The judges scorecards may have read 30-27, but the bout was a lot closer than it appears on paper.

Lytle Avenges TUF 4 Loss

In one of the night’s more entertaining bouts, Chris Lytle demonstrated improved striking in his three-round dismantling of Matt Serra.

Lytle used his reach and head movement to sift through Serra’s wild punches on the outside. By the end of the fight, Serra looked like he had just been mauled by an African Tiger.

It was a rare performance from Lytle, who is known for his overly aggressive standup. Instead of rushing in recklessly, Lytle was more methodical and patient in his approach.

Serra basically threw all of his ground knowledge out the window. Despite getting roughed up, Serra stood tall in his grown man lashing and never attempted any takedowns.

He stood in the pocket and tired himself out with wild and inaccurate haymakers.

This was a completely different Chris Lytle than the guy who lost to Serra at the TUF 4 Finale in 2006.

It’ll be interesting to see who the UFC matches him up against next.

As for Serra, he may want to consider dropping the pasta diet because the Lightweight division is calling.

Sherk Returns to Form

In a memorable war, the Sean Sherk of old resurfaced in his split decision victory over Evan Dunham.

Instead of handicapping himself with his T-Rex-like reach, Sherk was relentless with takedown attempts. His exposed neck put him in several dangerous positions with the BJJ black belt.

There were times when Dunham had tight guillotine chokes locked in, but Sherk would somehow survive and scramble free.

In the first round, Sherk really worked his ground and pound after a takedown. A hard elbow from top opened up a huge gash above Dunham’s eye that poured blood like a water faucet.

The fight started to tip in Dunham’s favor towards the second half of round two. Dunham was successful in defending the majority of Sherk’s takedown attempts and used his reach to get the better of the exchanges.

Apparently, Sherk still hasn’t learned to stop telegraphing his offense with his back to the cage. B.J. Penn caught Sherk coming off the cage with knee in May 2008.

Déjà vu ran aplenty against Dunham. Sherk was hit with multiple flying knees. He was even staggered late in the final round.

It was an incredible performance by both fighters that’ll be looked back on as one of the better fights of 2010.

After the decision was read, the crowd erupted in boos. It was a close fight that could have honestly gone either way. Nobody was a loser in this bout.

Guillard Decisions Stephens

The most mature Melvin Guillard we’ve ever seen showed up in his split decision win over Jeremy Stephens.

This was a bout many were calling a possible Fight of the Year candidate. Both fighters are known for their aggressive offense and brutal knockout power.

Guillard came out lighter on his feet than he’s ever been. He was able to explode inside with one-twos and pop back out of range while avoiding Stephens’ power.

Instead of being aggressive, a frustrated Stephens remained in the pocket waiting for Guillard to engage.

As the fight wore on, Stephens started to find his mark with kicks and a swift uppercut. Guillard’s offense was limited as he kept his distance. His strategy was dependent on avoiding Stephens’s power.

The crowd wasn’t too thrilled about his performance, but it still earned him the split decision.

You can chalk Guillard up as another success story for the guru, Greg Jackson.

Bonuses

Fight of the Night - Sean Sherk and Evan Dunham; Matt Mitrione and Joey Beltran ($70,000 Each)

Knockout of the Night - None Rewarded

Submission of the Night - C.B. Dollaway ($70,000)

Official Results

Main Card

Frank Mir Defeats Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic By Round 3 KO (4:02)

Ryan Bader Defeats Antonio Rogerio Nogueira By Unanimous Decision

Chris Lytle Defeats Matt Serra By Unanimous Decision

Sean Sherk Defeats Evan Dunham By Split Decision (29-28 twice, 28-29)

Melvin Guillard Defeats Jeremy Stephens By Split Decision (29-28, 30-27 Guillard, and 29-28 Stephens)

Prelims (Spike TV)

C.B. Dollaway Submits Joe Doerksen By Round 1 Modified Guillotine Choke (2:47)

Matt Mitrione Defeats Joey Beltran By Unanimous Decision

Undercard (Non-Televised)

Thiago Tavares Submits Pat Audinwood By Round 1 Guillotine Choke (3:47)

Waylon Lowe Defeats Steve Lopez By Split Decision (29-28 twice, 28-29)

T.J. Grant Defeats Julio Paulino By Unanimous Decision

Sean McCorkle Submits Mark Hunt By Round 1 Kimura (1:03)