UFC 88 quick thoughts
Wow. That’s all you can say after watching Rashad Evans’ knockout of Chuck Liddell. Actually, you could also say “OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH” which is what everyone said at the viewing party I attended. Evans put himself on the map with the KO of Liddell and now has been granted a shot at Forrest Griffin for the light heavyweight championship. Evans certainly elevated his game to elite status with the win and Liddell is left in a confusing position, having lost three of his last four fights.
He’s not ready to give it up, nor should he, as he’s still top 10 in the weight class and is a huge money draw. Should Forrest lose his belt (I think he will) I imagine the UFC will still get the teacher vs. student bout but with less fanfare.
Dan Henderson didn’t look terrific in his first UFC win in a decade as I thought Rousimar Palhares was going to submit him a couple different times. Fairly forgettable and while he wants a rematch with Silva, I think Silva would finish him quicker the second time around.
On the other hand, I was very impressed with Rich Franklin’s dismantling of Matt Hamill. Hamill took a slight step backwards and it puzzles me why he refuses to take advantage of his wrestling. Franklin, meanwhile, exhibited superior striking and could be a force at the LHW level if he gains some weight. Franklin needed the win more and with it he’s at an exciting crossroads in his career. Ace may still have some gas left in the tank to put together a run for the title.
As for the nitty gritty, gate numbers and fight bonuses, check out MMA Junkie.
Overall, it was a good not great show and worth the money. What did you think? What’s next for Liddell? Will Evans win the title? How far can Franklin go?
He’s not ready to give it up, nor should he, as he’s still top 10 in the weight class and is a huge money draw. Should Forrest lose his belt (I think he will) I imagine the UFC will still get the teacher vs. student bout but with less fanfare.
Dan Henderson didn’t look terrific in his first UFC win in a decade as I thought Rousimar Palhares was going to submit him a couple different times. Fairly forgettable and while he wants a rematch with Silva, I think Silva would finish him quicker the second time around.
On the other hand, I was very impressed with Rich Franklin’s dismantling of Matt Hamill. Hamill took a slight step backwards and it puzzles me why he refuses to take advantage of his wrestling. Franklin, meanwhile, exhibited superior striking and could be a force at the LHW level if he gains some weight. Franklin needed the win more and with it he’s at an exciting crossroads in his career. Ace may still have some gas left in the tank to put together a run for the title.
As for the nitty gritty, gate numbers and fight bonuses, check out MMA Junkie.
Overall, it was a good not great show and worth the money. What did you think? What’s next for Liddell? Will Evans win the title? How far can Franklin go?
Kevin Richardson has been a fan of mixed martial arts competition ever since UFC 3, when 600-pound sumo wrestler Emmanuel Yarborough was beaten by Keith Hackney. Kevin will cover the world of MMA — in Baltimore, nationally and internationally. He plans to take readers into the locker rooms and MMA schools, where they'll hear from local fighters and trainers. If you have a news tip or suggestions for the blog, please 
Comments
It's difficult to guess who Chuck will fight next, but it's not difficult to guess that he will, for better or worse, fight again. Chuck is probably the most popular fighter in the UFC and is a cash cow for the company even though he's lost three of his last four fights and, at age 38, is slowly and inevitably falling down the light heavyweight rankings. With the UFC light heavyweight division as stocked with talent as it is, I sincerely doubt he will ever get back to the top, but as long as he's a draw, he will fight.
I haven't given much thought to the Evans/Griffin fight yet, but Griffin is far from the most talented fighter in the division. I can't imagine his reign will be long and distinguished, but he is an entertaining fighter to watch because he is a great survivor in the cage.
Franklin fought well at 205. He appeared to have the same energy, power and quickness at that weight as he did at 185, but Hammill wasn't much of a test. Hammill also didn't try to take Franklin down which probably would have given a better idea of the extent to which Franklin can handle opponents in this weight class. Franklin's next opponent figures to be someone at the very least within arm's reach of the light heavyweight rankings.
Mark, with all of the worthy talent in the UFC's light heavyweight division, do you think Evans has done enough to earn a title shot? And do you think Mauricio "Shogun" Rua can make an impact in the light heavyweight division when he finally returns (hopefully) later this year?
Posted by: Chris | September 9, 2008 2:11 AM