UFC 105 Recap

Brandon Vera has no one to blame but himself for losing the fight. He repeatedly put himself into poor position and allowed Couture to push him into the cage (Usually by swinging wildly following a break by the referee. A better idea might have been to circle towards the center then throw strikes.). He also did not try to force his way off the cage because he was worried about being taken down. Basically, he was content to sit against the cage. The judging criteria is not brand new. We all know how much judges love "Octagon Control". This type of cautiousness isn't new for Vera. I started calling him "The Ultimate Fighting Turtle" for a reason. He goes into his shell at the first sign of danger. For anyone who was outraged by the decision, re-watch the fight. Couture landed more strikes than I realized, especially in the 3rd Round. I think it will surprise you. In that round, he won striking and control. Vera had two positive moments - a solid body kick and the takedown (which resulted in zero damage and Couture getting up). The 1st Round was much closer, although it's difficult to give it to Vera. He landed a couple strikes right off the bat then didn't do anything for the rest of the round. Couture looked tired to me. It was his first cut to 205 lbs in nearly four years and it had to take something out of him. The prevailing wisdom is that when a fighter drops to a lower weight class that they will enjoy an advantage. While I believe this is true, I do not think it applies to the first bout at the lower weight. If Couture fights Machida/Rua/Jardine, he isn't leaving the cage with his internal organs intact. Michael Bisping saved his career. I'm glad he canned the counter routine and decided to be aggressive. I'm also glad he got rid of the shaved head chemo look. Mike Goldberg might be a robot. Ross Pearson was putting on a striking clinic and Goldberg knocked out a promo without ever thinking about stopping. He's like a sleazy guy who repeatedly tries the same pickup lines on girls until one finally gives in. Nothing gets in his way. Even if Goldberg has to resort to roofies, he's getting through the Assassin's Creed II promo. I finally understand the "stone" unit of measurement. Give me five years and I'll master anything. "He got luckily." - Tito Ortiz on Machida's escape from the Triangle/Arm Bar at UFC 84. There should be an expiration date on being announced as an "Ultimate Fighter Winner". We're up to the tenth season. No way should we still hear "Ladies and gentlemen, HE is the Ultimate Fighter Season 3 Light Heavyweight Winner...MICHAEL 'THE COUNT' BISSSSSSPING!!!!" GSP's trash talk needs work. Yo, Logan. You have the easiest job on Earth. Would it kill you to act like you're happy to be at these events?