If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times – with MMA you can never really plan how things are going to go. Sometimes things play out the way you wanted them to, and then other times you’re left scratching your head. UFC on FOX 2 left me feeling a little unsatisfied when all was said and done; like I sat down for a nice steak dinner, only to find my meat overcooked. There were good points, bad points and then one’s that were just ugly.
The Good:
As far as the outcome of the fights, the people got what they wanted. The main and co-main events were set-up under the pretence of the next fights to happen – it was expected that Rashad Evans would dominate Phil Davis, and that Chael Sonnen would grind out a victory. Each would go on to fight the champions of their respective champions. Fortunately, for the UFC and the viewing public the desired outcomes came to be.
Each of these upcoming championship bouts has great build-up potential. Rashad left Team Jackson so he could fight Jones prior to his injury late last year; there was a lot of trash talking after this took place. Chael Sonnen’s build up to his first bout with Silva was comical, until he stepped into the ring and almost ousted the MW champ; while he lost the match, he gained a ton of respect. A match-up between Sonnen and Silva has been what people have been waiting for since the end of the first bout – get ready for this one, it’s going to be a show!
Another positive in this fight was the addition of the seasoned commentator in Randy Couture with the post/pre fight analysis; having Goldberg and Rogan back ringside was nice too.
The Bad:
This was FOX’s second fight card on conventional TV, and first full event card. With only three fights on the main card, and two of them with higher-level fighters, one would have expected some exciting action to match. Unfortunately, the main card did not deliver.
All three fights on the main card (Weidman v. Maia, Sonnen v. Bisping and Evans v. Davis) could best be described as uninspiring. Yes, each fighter did what he needed to do to win, and didn’t take any chances by playing too much into their opponents game – but, when trying to attract to viewers to a sport first impressions are everything. As a first exposure to MMA, the fights on FOX (not the undercard) may have left them feeling a little underwhelmed.
The Ugly:
To be determined.
Initial viewership numbers for the event were 4.37 million, which in my opinion is not up to expectations for an event of this size through this medium. This was likely due in part to the lack of strong marketing by FOX. Yes, they advertised the event on FOX, but only really did so with during Sunday/Monday Football and not with any great frequency at that.
What the final determining factor will be, as to whether or not this criticism will apply, is the final ratings when they come in (as they could be much higher). UFC on FOX 1 initially came out at 4.64 million viewers, but topped out at a more respectable 5.7 million viewers. So, we will wait and see.
Notable Results:
- Rashad Evans defeated Phil Davis via decision after five rounds.
- Chael Sonnen outpointed Michael Bisping in a closely contested fight. Sonnen’s dominance in the third likely won him the fight, as the first two rounds were too close to call.
- Matt Weidman overcame Damien Maia in three rounds to pick-up the unanimous decision (incorrectly announced as a split).
- Evan Dunham picked up a TKO via doctor stoppage over Nik Lentz in the second.
- Cub Swanson also picked up a TKO in the second round against George Roop.
- Charles Oliveira got back to his roots and a transformed a heel hook into a calf-slicer into a submission win against Eric Wisely.
…and that is the last word.
