From the main event draw to undercard judging controversy, UFC 127 was an exciting show that left Australian MMA fans wanting more.Most Upsetting Victory:
In a fight that most saw as a warm-up fight for Australian mixed martial artist George Sotiropoulos, an incredible performance by Dutch kickboxing king Dennis Siver made for the most upsetting victory of the night. For many MMA fans, Sotiropoulos was going to walk through Siver, take him down and strangle him. Siver didn't see it happening this way.
With a strong start and crushing takedown defense, Siver fought off all of G-Sots' attempts to take the fight to the ground and impose his submission game. It's hard to see what will be next for Siver but matchups with Jim Miller, Ben Henderson or Clay Guida may put him in the top of the division and in line for a much deserved title shot.
Least Impressive Attitude in Victory:
Michael 'The Count' Bisping put his trash talking opponent away after two rounds of back and forth brawling. As many fans expected, The Count's more technical striking won him the fight, but what occured afterwards wouldn't garner him as much respect.
Following his victory, Bisping approached his opponent's corner and spat in their direction, he then proceeded to shout at the downed Rivera, telling him to apologize for his pre-fight antics. Bisping had the perfect opportunity to look like the good guy against a big-mouthed opponent, but after screaming homophobic slurs at the UFC Live weigh-ins and his post fight performance, the British mixed martial artist blew his chance. Really unfortunate for such a talented fighter.
Gladdest to See Win:
Mark Hunt is a difficult fighter to rank, his victory at UFC 127 is his first in years, but barring his matchup with Sean McCorkle, the Kiwi has fought a laundry list of the best heavyweights in the world including Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop and Josh Barnett. It was really good to see Hunt win in such impressive fashion (Knock-out of the Night Candidate) even if it was against a less than impressive opponent. Regardless of the victory, Hunt shouldn't be relevant in the Heavyweight division anytime soon.
Biggest Judging Error:
Riki Fukuda should be contacting Sydney Police as he was robbed by judges in his fight against Canadian Nick 'The Promise' Ring at UFC 127. Throughtout the fight, Fukuda controlled the stand-up and secured powerful takedowns in what most saw as a Unanimous Decision victory performance. That was however not the case.
Judges scored the fight 29-28 unanimously for Nick Ring in what should serve as a lesson to Athletic Commisions everywhere on what NOT to do.
Strangest Wardrobe Choice:
In a performance that proved him to be not only a seasoned veteran, but a worthy adversary, Brian Ebersole shaved an arrow in his body hair, the length of his torso pointing towards his face. Perhaps this served him well as he controlled Chris Lytle for the length of the fight. If it worked as a distraction, it was a well-served strategy and if not, it was a damn fine fashion statement.
Most Deserving of a Step-Up in Competition
Swedish Light-Heavyweight, Alexander Gustafsson has been an unstoppable force against low-level competition, with his only loss coming to top-prospect Phil Davis. Now 11-1 in his MMA career and 3-1 in the UFC, it is well deserving to give Gustafsson an opponent of some name recognition. If Jon Jones can get a title shot, Gustafsson certainly deserves a Main Card slot.
With consistent and entertaining victories - all but 1 by way of submission or TKO - expect the Swedish prospect top earn fights against top competition in late 2011. Noguiera, Brilz, Franklin or Machida could all serve as catapults for this young up-and-comers light-heavyweight run.
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