Last Word on Sports looks back at the good, the bad, and the ugly of mixed martial arts events. This time, it’s UFC 171, which emanated Saturday, March 15, 2014, from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. We look at the good, bad and the ugly in our UFC 171 Recap.
The Good
Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler
We knew this was the beginning of a new age for the UFC’s welterweight division headed into the fight, and what followed couldn’t have signified it in a bigger way. After witnessing a division where Georges St-Pierre had reigned supreme for over six years by stifling foes with his technical game plans, fans were treated to a barnburner the likes of which we’d never seen in the first bout of the post-GSP era. Hendricks and Lawler, two of the most powerful punchers in MMA, decided to slug it out over a back-and-forth five round affair, demolishing the old record for significant strikes in the process. No doubt the fight was close, and it was almost poetic that Hendricks was compelled to seal the deal in the fifth round the same way St-Pierre had done against him, but the judges got it right; there’s no controversy to be had here.
The Rise of the Welterweight Division
The days of one-night tournaments are long gone, but UFC 171 was about as close as we’re ever going to get to a UFC Welterweight Grand Prix. Five of the night’s top fix bouts took place in the 170-lbs division, showcasing a bevy of talent all at different points in their careers. Aside from the title fight, Tyron Woodley staked his claim for a title shot by finishing #2 ranked welterweight Carlos Condit in the co-main event. Hector Lombard absolutely dominated Jake Shields, a fighter known for bringing the very worst out of his opponents, taking him down with some beautiful judo throws. Young gun Kelvin Gastelum also made his case for the top 15, as the 22-year-old former TUF winner earned the split decision victory over a very game Rick Story. Witnessing the reign of GSP was something special, but there’s something to be said for parity, and the welterweight division is poised to be more exciting than ever in the coming years.
The Bad
Jon Fitch, Yushin Okami, Jake Shields?
Despite being considered only a moderate underdog headed into his fight with Hector Lombard, the American Shields was dismantled by the judoka from pillar to post, landing only four significant strikes over the entirety of the three round affair. Despite being 3-0-1 headed prior to this bout, Shields could very well be receiving his walking papers from the UFC. As someone who serves to make a pretty penny every time he fights, and fights with a grating style that will be sure to knock off contenders as long as he’s around, Shields may find himself in the same bout as UFC veteran castoffs Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami. He may not deserve it, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Nikita Krylov: White Belt
I said as much in the UFC 171 preview, but I really don’t think Krylov belongs in the UFC. His submission loss in 1:29 only served to prove my point. As UFC lightweight Joe Lauzon made sure to note on his Twitter , the Von Flue choke he lost to is easily defended; it should not be working at the highest level of MMA. It’s a shame that in the aftermath of this event Shields might not have a job and Krylov probably will.
The Ugly
Carlos Condit’s Knee Injury
While he was clearly losing his fight with Tyron Woodley up until it ended, Condit is a fighter who is known for turning it on late, and you know he’d much rather go out on his shield. Woodley deserves all the credit in the world for how he fought, but nobody likes seeing a fighter, much less one who appears to be a legitimately good guy like Condit, go down to an injury like that. Best of luck and a speedy recovery to “The Natural Born Killer.”
Please Retire Diego Sanchez
Let Diego Sanchez blame his performance on beef tar tar as much as he wants, but the writing has been on the wall for years now; Myles Jury just highlighted it. The truth is Diego simply can’t hang with the best in the UFC anymore. When he faces someone who won’t be goaded into a firefight like Jury, he’s left bloody and outclassed. Sanchez deserves credit as one of the pioneers of the sport, and it’s time he tries to enjoy his retirement while he still can.
LWOS’ Picks Results:
James Carlucci: 4-1 (4-1 overall)
Mark Modeski: 3-2 (3-2 overall)
Chumbo Lex: 3-2 (3-2 overall)
Nitesh Dutt: 3-2 (3-2 overall)
Daniel Richeson: 3-2 (3-2 overall)
Notes: The only fight picked unanimously, Saint Preux over Krylov, was correctly predicted. All other fights had at least one staff member picking incorrectly.
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