Starting with the prelims, Nik Lentz and Charles Olivera put on one of the more entertaining first rounds in awhile. It was back and forth with big shots, grappling reversals, near submissions, had me fired up! Unfortunately, the fight ended controversially in the 2nd round after Olivera landed a blatant and brutal illegal knee which the referee "did not see." However, I have no idea what the ref was watching because on the replay it looked like he had a clear view of the action. The athletic commissioner came into the cage and instantly informed the referee he had missed an illegal knee. Joe Rogan then informed the audience that the commission would immediately review the fight and could possibly change the fight to a no contest. The knee definitely cost Lentz the fight, I don't think Olivera is a dirty fighter, but it was an unfortunate way to end what was a very entertaining fight (won fight of the night, despite the controversial ending).
In the first fight on the Versus card, Matt "Meathead" Mitrione took on Christian Morecraft. I said before the fight that I still wasn't sold on Mitrione's heart and skills but once again Mitrione put on an impressive performance. Meathead dominated the stand up rocking Morecraft several times in the first round. I was surprised with Morecrafts lack of takedown attempts. His corner was telling him to push Matt against the cage and take the fight to the ground, and although Morecraft was able to do this twice, he just laid on Mitrione and seemed complacent with resting rather than working. Mitrione went on to finish Morecraft with a beautiful hand combination and rather than pounding on the fallen Morecraft, Mitrione demonstrated class and walked away. That's five in a row for Matt Mitrione and I think it's time for a step up in competition, possibly a match up with Kongo is on the horizon.
In a fight that had job security implications, Matt Brown defeated John Howard by way of decision. Both fighters claimed the fight would be fight of the night, however, it wasn't the most exciting. Howard seemed slow, and gassed only after one round. Nothing much to talk about in this one, but looks like Matt Brown lives to fight another day in the UFC. Howard could find himself on the chopping block.
In the main event, Cheick Kongo and Pat "HD" Barry stepped up and ended the show with a bang! Both fighters started off exchanging low kicks with the advantage going to Kongo. However, Barry lands a huge overhand right dropping Kongo. Barry jumps on Kongo as the referee runs over and nearly stops the fight. Kongo grabs a hold of Barry's waist but Barry lands another big shot dropping Kongo again. Kongo looked to be out several times but was able to recover quickly after both crushing shots. Kongo makes it back up to his feet, visibly wobbly, he gets backed up against the cage. Barry is looking for the kill but Kongo lands a desperation right hand that stuns Barry then lands a huge uppercut that drops Barry. Kongo pounces with a couple of hammerfists but Barry is out cold! It was one of the greatest comebacks in MMA history. From the jaws of defeat, Kongo rises from the dead to pull off a miracle! Crazy.
Great night of fights, UFC 132 coming up this weekend, that's all I got for now. PEACE!
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