UFC 104: Post-Mortem

A disputed decision in the main event capped off what was otherwise a very successful event for the UFC. The best news coming out of UFC 104 is that the UFC has already announced plans of an immediate rematch between Shogun and Machida. While the main event left some fans without a sense of closure, many other questions were answered.

Machida vs. Shogun

The unanimous decision might not have been the correct one, but as many commentators have already noted, it wasn’t a robbery. Neither fighter really proved decisive superiority over the other in what was a cautious and tactical battle. The fight is even closer if you watch it with the audio off.

Most analysts, including this writer did not believe that Shogun would have the patience and ability to execute such an intelligent and conservative strategy. In previous fights, Shogun has won by using reckless and relentless aggression. Shogun impressed everybody with his performance. Furthermore, Shogun also proved that he is back in good physical condition.

Two years ago, Shogun was completely gassed out after fighting for two rounds against Forrest Griffin. This time out, he went five rounds, and looked as fresh in the fifth as he did in the first. Shogun is back, which is a great news for the UFC.

The rematch comes at a good time as well, because there really isn’t any other stand-out challenger for light-heavyweight belt, especially since the temporary retirement of Rampage Jackson. Randy Couture, Brandon Vera, Luiz Cane, Rogerio Nogueira, Rashad Evans, and Thiago Silva are all in the mix, but nobody has distanced himself from the pack. Machida and Shogun will settle the score, while the rest of the division gets time to sort itself out.

Velasquez vs. Rothwell

The stoppage was ill-timed, as Rothwell was on his way back to his feet, but despite Rothwell’s protests, referee Steve Mazzagatti only saved Rothwell from greater punishment.

Rothwell had been worn down by the relentless assault of Cain Velasquez, and while Rothwell looked visably tired, Velasquez looked like he could have continued the beating for another ten rounds. Since Rothwell couldn’t stop the takedowns, further beating would have been inevitable.

Velasquez is a cardio machine who is known for out-working everyone at his gym. He might not yet have the power to stop fights quickly, but if Velasquez can drag Carwin or Lesnar into the later rounds, Velasquez should have a big advantage.

In defeat, Rothwell proved that he is a tough and durable heavyweight. He’s not going to be challenging for the belt anytime soon, but he’ll be a good measuring stick for any of the up-and-coming contenders in the division.

Stevenson vs. Fisher

Stevenson proved that he’s still a force to be reckoned with by dominating Spencer Fisher. Stevenson might not be the best striker in the UFC lightweight division, but the guy knows how to grapple. With his second straight victory, Stevenson has assured that he will be sticking around in the UFC for a while longer.

Spencer Fisher won’t be hurt too bad despite losing. He’s always an exciting fighter for the UFC to plug in somewhere, even though he’s not a title contender.

Johnson vs. Yoshida

Yoshida never really got into this one, as Anthony Johnson overwhelmed him with strikes in the first minute of the bout.
In winning, Johnson reiterated the fact that he is an explosive striker capable of knocking people senseless. Despite the win, Johnson leaves UFC 104 with some criticisms as well, due to missing the weight cut by a ridiculous five pounds. Johnson normally walks around at well-over 200 lbs, and was over 220 lbs before his training camp began.

That’s almost as big as heavyweight Cain Velasquez. At this point it seems like Johnson has simply outgrown the 170 lb division, and needs to make a new home at 185. The middleweight division should still be a good home for Johnson, although Johnson probably matches up better with Georges St. Pierre than he does against Anderson Silva.

Chael Sonnen vs. Yushin Okami

Chael Sonnen put on arguably the best performance of his career in defeating Yushin Okami. With the win, he’s earned himself at least a few more fight in the UFC. For Yushin Okami, things are a little bit more difficult.

Okami was heavily favored to win this fight, but looked completely lost against Sonnen. His striking combinations lacked variation, and he was dominated on the ground. Due to this loss and a string of less-than-impressive victories, speculation has already begun concerning Okami’s future in the UFC. For a fighter who was once thought to be the best contender in the division, this has been a long fall. If Okami is going to turn his career around, he’s going to need to make some serious changes in his fight preparations, and come out with a much more impressive performance.

Okami should seriously consider moving his training camp overseas if he wants to make another run at the title.

By Darren Wong for FightMania.com

Tags: Anderson Silva, Brandon Vera, Cain Velasquez, Chael Sonnen, Forrest Griffin, Georges St. Pierre, Randy Couture, Rashad Evans, Thiago Silva, UFC