Talking Points from UFC 154

Canada always brings out the best in the UFC and its fighters. Last weekend didn’t disappoint with some cracking action across the 12-fight card. JOE takes a look at the fallout from UFC 154 in Montreal.

JOE

By Fergus Ryan

Return of the King

After 19 months out with a knee ligament injury Georges St.-Pierre returned to win in impressive fashion against Carlos Condit. Though it was another decision win, GSP looked awesome in victory.

Bar a head-kick that rocked him in the third, GSP dictated where the fight went. Condit mixed his combinations of punches and kicks well but once GSP felt the heat he took Condit to the mat. By the end of the first Condit was a bloody mess. By the end of the fifth both fighters carried the scars of an epic 25 minute battle.

Though the scorecards don’t reflect it, Condit pushed GSP harder than any fighter has in a title fight.

Superfight

It looks like Anderson Silva won’t be stepping up to light-heavyweight for the UFC’s next ‘superfight’. Even before his hand was raised against Condit, GSP was being slated to fight Anderson Silva in March or May 2013 with Texas Stadium or a Brazilian soccer stadium being touted as the venues in post-fight discussions.

There’s a few reasons why this doesn’t sit well. Approximately a month ago Dana White was saying he would do what it takes to make Jones v Silva happen in 2013. Now it’s GSP v Silva, next month will it be Junior Dos Santos v Jones if JDS gets past Cain Velasquez? Superfights rarely happen, so there’s no point in holding your breath over these ones.

Also, what about the contenders in the welterweight and middleweight divisions?

For example, Michael Bisping would have his title shot sidelined till late 2013 or early 2014 if Silva fights GSP next May. Equally, Johny Hendricks would have to join Bisping on the bench if he’s considered the new #1 contender in the welterweight division. Do they take a fight in the meantime and risk a loss or sit out till the title shot comes?

If the champion is not active in his division it’ll create a log jam amongst the top-ranked fighters. Surely it’s better to have the belt defended than create chaos in the division due to the champion being otherwise engaged.

What’s next for…

Johny Hendricks: A title shot. Hendricks has blasted his way to the top of the heap with KO of the night against Martin Kampmann. Hendricks is on a five-fight win streak, three of which have won him KO of the Night bonuses. Having beaten Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck and now Kampmann in his last three fights, the powerful wrestler with dynamite in his left hand deserves a tilt at the title.

John Maguire: A move to lightweight. Maguire’s last three opponents have all been much taller and rangier than him. Though he beat DaMarques Johnson, he struggled to get started against John Hathaway and couldn’t get inside Matt Riddle. With a 2-2 record in the UFC he’ll need to change something to remain on the main card. Having taken the Riddle fight on short notice he shouldn’t have to worry about being cut.

Rafael Dos Anjos and Pablo Garza: Top 10 competition. In the UFC’s most competitive weight class Dos Anjos put in a near perfect performance in beating Mark Bocek. Title contenders should take note and even take him on if they’re looking for a credible opponent. Same for Garza. The featherweight division is in need of someone else behind Chan Sung Jung to mount a title challenge.

Francis Carmount: A gut check. Tom Lawlor can feel hard done by after losing a very close decision. When Dana White was asked what he thought of Carmount’s performance, his reply was “I didn’t”! Having not lost since 2008 and now having gone 4-0 in the UFC, Carmount is a better fighter than his performance on Saturday. If he wants to push into the top tier of his division, he won’t do it with performances like his last.

UFC 154 Results

Georges St-Pierre defeated Carlos Condit Decision (unanimous) (49–46, 50–45, 50–45)
Johny Hendricks defeated Martin Kampmann KO (punch) Rd 1 0:46
Francis Carmont defeated Tom Lawlor Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
Rafael dos Anjos defeated Mark Bocek Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)
Pablo Garza defeated Mark Hominick Decision (unanimous) (29–27, 30–26, 29–28)
Patrick Côté defeated Alessio Sakara Disqualification (punches to back of head) Rd 1
Cyrille Diabaté defeated Chad Griggs Submission (rear naked choke) Rd 1
John Makdessi defeated Sam Stout Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 29–28, 30–27)
Antonio Carvalho defeated Rodrigo Damm Decision (split) (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
Matthew Riddle defeated John Maguire Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 29–28)
Ivan Menjivar defeated Azamat Gashimov Submission (armbar) Rd 1
Darren Elkins defeated Steven Siler Decision (unanimous) (30–27, 30–27, 30–27)