Sparks and fists flied Sunday morning as the UFC enthralled fans once again with UFC 137, held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
This event was marred with a number of cancellations and line-up changes, with the card’s main event originally slated to be welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre defending his title against Nick Diaz, with BJ Penn vs. Carlos Condit as the co-main event.
Due to non-appearances at media events, Diaz was pulled from the title fight. Condit was then thrust into the main event, with Diaz fighting Penn in the co-main event slot.
St. Pierre then suffered a knee injury and was forced to withdraw, resulting in the main event of Penn vs. Diaz.
The Main Event: BJ Penn vs Nick Diaz
Nick Diaz’s trademark high-pressure style proved too much for BJ Penn, as the off-season tri-athlete unleashed an endless barrage of blows to his face and body. At the fight’s conclusion, Penn was a bloody and battered mess en route to a unanimous decision loss.
The former lightweight and welterweight champ had his moments in the first round, when he took down Diaz and managed to secure back control. Diaz defended well and found his second wind, from which Penn never recovered.
What’s next for Penn: Penn abruptly announced his retirement after the fight. We’ll see if it sticks.
What’s next for Diaz: He called out the champion GSP after the fight which caused a rumble from the belt-holder. In the post-fight press conference, Dana White announced that an angry St. Pierre will fight Diaz next, with Condit stepping aside to allow the fight to happen.
“Georges St. Pierre flipped out tonight after Nick Diaz was in the ring. Nick needs motivation…he’s got it. He’s going to fight Georges St. Pierre. Carlos Condit has agreed to step aside and get the next guy”
The co-main event – Kongo vs Mitrione
The night’s co-main event saw a relatively lacklustre heavyweight affair between Cheick Kongo and the previously-unbeaten Matt Mitrione. The judges all ruled in favour of Kongo with scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
The fight received a chorus of boos throughout the first two stanzas as neither man was willing to fully engage. In the third round, the aggressive Mitrione succumbed to two takedowns. Kongo unleashed some lethal punches and elbows, opening a cut near the former NFL player’s left eye.
What’s next for Kongo: It’s hard to say – Kongo can beat lower-tier fighters but will always lose to the top 10, which relegates him to gatekeeper status. Another fight against a prospect is most likely his next move.
What’s next for Mitrione: While he is slightly old at 33, Mitrione is still young in terms of MMA years (6 fights)and still has a lot to learn. This loss shouldn’t halt his progress too much.
Nelson vs. Cro Cop
Despite showing glimpses of his vintage form, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic came up short in the Octagon once again, succumbing to a third-round TKO at the hands of Roy Nelson.
The heavyweight fighters were on even terms throughout most of the fight. Cro Cop had the iron-chinned Nelson reeling in the second round with some powerful punches. Later in the round, Nelson took down Cro Cop and secured a crucifix side mount, unleashing punches until the round’s end.
By the third round, it was clear that Cro Cop was spent. A right hand from Nelson sent the Croation reeling, and a sloppy left hand forced Cro Crop to attempt a sprawled takedown. From there, Nelson secured the back mount and unleashed punches to force the referee to halt the fight.
What’s next for Nelson: He called out the winner of the upcoming Cain Velasquez – Junior Dos Santos fight after his victory, though this may be stretching it a bit. A fight against another top contender before a title fight would be best.
What’s next for Cro Cop: A long-overdue retirement. Let’s hope the PRIDE legend hangs up the gloves for good.
Other fights on the main card:
Bantamweight: Scott Jorgensen defeated Scott Curran via unanimous decision
Featherweight: Hatsui Hioki defeated George Roop via unanimous decision
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