UFC 135: Grading the Main Card Fights

UFC 135 has passed and left us feeling like its bark was louder than its bite.

One of my favorite shows to watch is Pardon the Interruption. If you’re not familiar with the show, two sports journalists debate popular topics of the day. In the middle of the show the two men engage in a “game” of sorts.

One of the games is called “Report Card.” The hosts are asked to give a letter grade on certain sports topics for day ranging from F-A. In the spirit of PTI, I’ll give the main card fights for UFC 135 a report card.

Nate Diaz vs Takanori Gomi

F.

The first fight on a PPV is always important for setting the tone for the show. Given UFC 135 had so much hype going in, it fell on Diaz’s and Gomi’s shoulders to put on a show. At least Diaz showed up to fight.

Gomi looked helpless in the fight. He swung from the hips as he usually does and seemingly didn’t land one offensive strike. Rogan screaming “Nate Diaz has arrived” is ridiculous. This fight was basically Diaz in the cage with a moving punching bag.

Travis Browne vs. Rob Broughton

D.

Count me as part of the altitude bandwagon. Many fans believe the high altitude affected the two heavyweight fights on the card. Browne and Broughton were obviously gassed through their fights.

Browne should’ve put Broughton away to cement his status as a legitimate UFC heavyweight. Give credit to Broughton for hanging in there but the bigger story is the raw skills of Browne. I hope the UFC realizes Browne is a true prospect with amazing physical gifts and doesn’t give him the “Stefan Struve” treatment.

Mark Hunt vs. Ben Rothwell

D.

Like the aforementioned Browne fight, both men gassed and gassed hard. I’ve never been a believer in Rothwell as a UFC heavyweight and last night only made me more certain in that feeling.

I’m still debating as to what was the most embarrassing moment for Rothwell in this fight. The fact that he had to be carried to his corner following the second round or watching him chasing Hunt while looking like a zombie trying to get some brains.

The only saving grace in this fight was Hunt coming back from that ugly losing-streak and the improvement in his ground game.

Matt Hughes vs. Josh Koscheck

C.

Although the fight only lasted one round, it provided the most back-and-forth action on the main card. Hughes came out and looked to do his best GSP impersonation by jabbing away at Kos. Kos seemed to be affected by it early on, but finally found his rhythm and dropped Hughes in the closing seconds of the first round.

It’s sad to know that this was probably the last time Hughes will grace the octagon and you would’ve liked to see the hall of famer retire on a win. But perhaps the loss is good for Hughes, who won’t have to see his reputation ruined by young fighters trying to make a name for them at his expense.

Jon Jones vs. Quinton Jackson

C.

Jon Jones dominated from bell-to-bell. He kept Rampage at bay with a vast array of kicks and controlled the action from the clinch when Jackson managed to close the distance. Jones admitted he wanted to finish the fight afterwards and proved you don’t have to be overly aggressive to stop the fight.

The fault with this fight lies entirely with Rampage. For weeks he claimed he was going to knock Jones’ head into the front row. He claimed Jones had no power and that he would show the world the best Rampage they’ve seen. He failed on all accounts. Like Mauricio Rua before him, Rampage did nothing but stare at Jones.

During the few times Rampage showed aggression, Jones was a mile-away and Jackson hit nothing but the thin Denver air.