With a card that is stacked with the top fighters from across a number of divisions, UFC 156 turned out to be a night of a lot surprises… and some of the same old ones.
One thing that stuck out in my mind as I watched the event was that a number of the fighters out there put together a different game plan for their opponent; many of these fighters found success. That being said, there were also quite a few fighters who went and just did what they do and didn’t mix it up at all; these fighters found far less success. In some cases it worked well, and in other cases not so much.
While I am not an MMA practitioner, I have a couple words of wisdom from the cheap seats for the fighters on the main card of UFC 156:
- Ian “Uncle Creepy” McCall: Don’t believe the hype – especially when it’s about you. While you have a solid game, when you’re going against the top ranks in the division, you need to have a better plan than: “go out and bang”.
- Joseph Benavidez: While you put together a solid win against a tough opponent, that doesn’t entitle you to an instant re-match against Demetrious Johnson. Mighty Mouse beat you, get over it. Work your way back up, your shot will come with time.
- Jon Fitch: It might be time to re-evaluate your game plan going into the octagon, as it seems like fighters are starting to figure you out. If you’re going in against one of the best jiu-jitsu fighters in the UFC who is a sub-par striker, practice escapes and submission defense, and work on your boxing – it’s not rocket science.
- Demian Maia: You’re looking good since moving to welterweight, but remember that Jon Fitch isn’t Georges St. Pierre; if you don’t believe this look at Jon Fitch’s face after his match with GSP. Jiu-jitsu alone isn’t going to win you a belt. That said, you put together a sound game plan – keep fighting smart, and you’ll make your way to the top in no time.
- Alistair Overeem: This is what happens when you cocky inside the ring. When you have a lead going into the third round, don’t let your guard down.
- Antonio “Big Foot” Silva: You’ve beaten two of the heavyweight divisions elite in your last few fights, but don’t forget that you were annihilated against the current champ. Put together a sound plan for Velaszquez in your next potential match-up, and a belt (BIG maybe) could follow.
- Rashad Evans: Never forget your fundamentals. If you’re one of the top wrestlers in the UFC, use your wrestling – especially when you’re going in against one of the premiere strikers in the game. Don’t be emotional in the ring.
- Antonio “Lil’ Nog” Rogerio Nogueira: Beautiful use of the jab. You lured your opponent in and he took the bait. Now you have to ask yourself if you’re ready for the division elite. If not, work on your plan moving forward, and ride the credibility wave based on this win for awhile longer.
- Frankie Edgar: A la Rashad Evans, if you’re facing one of the top strikers in the promotion and you’re not a striker by trade, defer to your base (re: wrestling)… and don’t wait until late into the fight to do so. Aldo clearly prepared for the takedown, you should have prepared for the leg kicks. Just because you find some success with striking doesn’t mean you should abandon the ground game altogether – get back to basics.
- Jose Aldo: While you beat Edgar, work on the cardio. That’s the second time you’ve run into trouble in your last three fights in the later rounds. You look untouchable at 145 lbs right now, maybe consideration to 155 lbs in the near future should be given.
Again, while I may have no on-the-mat MMA experience, I am a master coach from the couch. Don’t doubt these credentials, or I may have to pull out my belt from “the University of Lays” (actually, last night it was Doritos)! At any rate, I think of a lot of the strengths and weaknesses of the fighters from UFC 156 were quite clear to any hardcore fan of the game.
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