Saturday, June 2, 2018

UFC Utica: Thoughts and Reflections 

33 seconds and a switch kick ended Rivera’s 20 fight win streak. Not really any other way to put it. That shin bone glancing blow was all it took. A setback for Rivera but enough other mid 5-10 ranked bantamweights to death match that he’ll be in title contention soon enough.


Alvey skates by Villante in a close fight which he fought right on the edge of danger and avoided all but a few punishing shots. Smart fight. Oh yeah, and he had Brienne of Tarth in his corner. 

Gillespie from the outset smothered, dragged drown, and sapped the strength out of Pichel. Took zero chances and closed the distance and showed relentless persistence in improving position. Time for a top 5 guy for Gillespie. 

Harris picked up a needed rebound after an ill-fated late replacement against Fabricio who tapped him like a white belt ( no shame in that, Fabricio is along with Big Nog gonna go down as probs the greatest HW’s for MMA/JiuJitsu - probs Frank Mir on that list as well). 

Saunders reinvigorated his career with a HL finish Muay Thai knee against a time to retire Ellenberger. 

Arce looked sharp and in control while punishing, evading, and with a quick back take and short choke from the back finish toward the end of the fight. 

The other Teymur defeated Lentz with movement, leg kicks, and some fence grabbing and eye pokes. 

Eubanks used well-time takedowns and pressure to defeat Murphy. Struggled to advance position or pass the half-guard but won the rounds. 

Belal won via another U Decision Recountre. Good movement, accurate counter striking and well-timed takedowns. 

Green won a sloppy kickboxing match over Tibau who seemed unable use any head movement or octagon control to get to the hips. It was a name win for Green over a very experienced UFC fighter but lackluster throughout. Not sold on Green based on the two fights of his that I have seen. 

Wood submitted Eduardo with a quick Darce choke in a fight he was losing on the feet to a crafty veteran. 

Torres got a pass when Brooks slammed himself into KO land aka Maynard vs Emerson. Brooks was winning the fight with sharper punching, movement and grappling up until that point. Was actually a better showing for Brooks than the more heavily hyped Torres up until that point. 

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