Mark “the Hammer” Coleman and Randy “Captain America” were slated to meet in a much anticipated heavy weight tournament match at UFC 17, but Couture had to bow out due to injury. Now twelve years later after scaling the heights of MMA the two Hall of fame fighters Coleman age 45 and Randy Couture 46 are to meet in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 109. They are both on the decline and title shots are unfathomable but still they fight on for their respective reasons
Their careers are parallel. Randy Couture was an All-American Greco Roman wrestler at Oklahoma State, gold medalist in the Pan American Games and an Olympic alternate in 2000. At Ohio State Mark Coleman was an all American freestyle wrestler, NCAA champion and member of the 1992 US Olympic team. Turning to MMA in the 90s Coleman, Couture, Dan Severn and Dan Henderson changed the game of MMA. Utilizing double leg takedowns and slams the wrestlers were controlling their opponents on the mat and then when possible pounding them into submission.
Coleman and Couture are both former UFC champions and also distinguished themselves fighting abroad in Japan. During his bruising career Mark Coleman faced Igor Voychan, Maurico “Shogun” Rua, Minaturo Nogueira and Fedor Emelianenko. He lost to Nogueira and Emelianenko via submission but to his credit the Hammer claimed the 2000 Pride open weight tournament. After turning 40 the Hammer has won 3 of his last 5 fights losing to former Pride foes Maurico Rua and Fedor.
Randy Couture’s list is equally as impressive with championship wins over Maurice Smith, Pedro Rizzo, Vitor Belfort, Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell. Couture lost the light heavyweight title to Liddell in a series of UFC fights, retired took time off and then battled back winning the heavyweight title from Tim Sylvia at age 40.
Today in the last stages of their careers the paths of Couture and Coleman bend away in different directions. Randy Couture continues to compete in MMA because he loves the sport and believes with honest intent that he continues to get better even though he is not as athletic or iron clad as he was five years ago.
Mark Coleman fights to support his family and maintain a quality of life. He has two young children and outside of coaching wrestling and his work with his Hammer House MMA club fighting is all that he knows. He’s had a distinguished career but he is far behind Couture in popularity and lacks the notoriety that would bring in the kind of earnings to walk away from the cage comfortably. Know as “Captain America and the Natural” Randy Couture has performed fight commentary, owns a string of MMA gyms and has appeared in movies. Couture is 1-2 since coming out of retirement losing to Heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar and heavyweight contender Minatura Noguiera in another hall of fame matchup. Dropping back down to 205 Captain America used his wrestling and clinch game mixed with his brawling style of “dirty boxing” to take the decision away from the talented Brandon Vera. In each of his two losses of 08 and 09 he has been knocked down and TKO’d by Lesnar. Vera dropped him with a kick to the body that could have finished the fight decisively.
Mark Coleman’s record over two UFC fights is 1-1 TKO’d versus Mauricio Rua in a sad affair with the Hammer on his knees gassed and Rua throwing fist to the 44 year old Coleman’s head. Anyone knowing the onetime greatness of the Hammer and the depths of that spectacle at the end of his career wanted him to retire that night. Undaunted, he did not retire returning to take a bout against original Ultimate Fighter runner-up Stephan Bonnar. The Hammer rebounded surprisingly well against the struggling younger Bonnar and mixed his superior wrestling with ground and pound to win unanimously.
Coleman and Couture are still two amazingly talented wrestlers so in the clinch they all but negate the others abilities. The one thing Captain America has maintained well over the years is his cardio perhaps lent to the environment of charged up young fighters he continues to mentor and train along side. Randy Couture should look to carry the pace of the fight at a tempo that will wear Mark Coleman whose cardio has come into question many times down. If you’re Mark Coleman you have to take note of the fact that Randy Couture’s not really shucking off shots the way he used to let your fist fly early and often. A knockdown could pave the way to one last Hall of Fame victory.
Jdon Howard
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UFC 108: Evans Vs Silva Recap
Saturday night Rashad Evans reverted back to the wrestling form that won him honors at Michigan State, and won the fight against Thiago Silva.
The much anticipated Light Heavyweight event had the crowd on edge in Las Vegas. Silva’s presence alone creates a stir in the arena with his heartless focused stare. The Brazilian’s gaze is only out shined by the body art that probably found his physique first as a teen in Sao Paolo. He is a big man at 6’1” appearing to weigh around 215-220 on fight night. Sugar Rashad Evans is a very popular fighter, always entering the arena to applause bringing with him a celebratory energy. The excitement and energy are released when he enters the cage on all fours then quickly springing to his feet bouncing around the octagon with a lot of surplus energy circling then sprinting around as if laying claim to his territory.
Both fighters stood passively listening to the referee’s instructions, no signs of impending destruction. At the beginning of round one both men came out patiently finding their rhythm. Evans made the first move darting forward out of his boxer’s footwork throwing a combination. Silva quickly covered up to deflect the blows. However Sugar Rashad was only baiting the Brazilian to raise his hands a little higher and open himself up for a takedown attempt. Silva recovered and began to fight the takedown but it was only a matter of seconds before Evan’s superior grappling ability won the battle and Silva crashed to the mat. This was a predicted winning strategy for Rashad Evans that worked according to plan minus the ground and pound fight stopping finish. Silva is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu accustomed to being on his back and he had no problem regaining his feet.
The first two minutes of round 1 action encapsulated the entire Light Heavyweight main event. Evans took Silva to the mat three or four times in the first round and repeated the same strategy in round two, never hurting the Brazilian but controlling the action. Thiago Silva was plainly unprepared to stop Rashad’s wrestling takedowns. The murderous emotion filled fisticuffs and fireworks at center octagon never happened. Evans used his boxing standup only to parry and flurry long enough to work inside and grapple.
By round 3 Silva was clearly flummoxed and frustrated. Midway through the round he began to mimic the movement that Evans is known for in the octagon and taunting the “wrestler” even jutting out his chin. Fatigued, Evans paused long enough for Silva to piston forward a right hand that sent the former champion reeling back into the cage. Perhaps it was also a matter of fatigue on the Brazilians part; he had Evans hurt and could not find another gear to finish the fight.
5 to 1 there were more Rashad Evans fans than Thiago Silva fans but at the first sign of a potential knockout the arena erupted. The volume was soon lowered when Evans shaking off the effects of the punches regained his composure and had Silva in another controlled clinch before the fight’s end. All judges scored the bout a unanimous decision for Rashad Evans.
The two fighters extended courtesies of respect toward one another, Silva seemingly acknowledging that though he may be the tougher fighter he did not do what was needed to win the fight. At 14-2 Silva is not going anyplace it’s almost guaranteed that White will have him on another UFC card in the next four months? Rashad Evans did what he needed to do—win. How he won opens a discussion as to his future success at Light Heavyweight. Slowly but surely the charismatic ex champ is being exposed as a fighter who cannot afford to take a heavy handed punch against a skilled striker.
If he is to face Quinton Rampage Jackson next this places him in a perilous position against a man with knockout power in both fists and began his career as a wrestler. For now Sugar Rashad goes back to Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico for a little rest and further strategizing.
Jdon Howard
The much anticipated Light Heavyweight event had the crowd on edge in Las Vegas. Silva’s presence alone creates a stir in the arena with his heartless focused stare. The Brazilian’s gaze is only out shined by the body art that probably found his physique first as a teen in Sao Paolo. He is a big man at 6’1” appearing to weigh around 215-220 on fight night. Sugar Rashad Evans is a very popular fighter, always entering the arena to applause bringing with him a celebratory energy. The excitement and energy are released when he enters the cage on all fours then quickly springing to his feet bouncing around the octagon with a lot of surplus energy circling then sprinting around as if laying claim to his territory.
Both fighters stood passively listening to the referee’s instructions, no signs of impending destruction. At the beginning of round one both men came out patiently finding their rhythm. Evans made the first move darting forward out of his boxer’s footwork throwing a combination. Silva quickly covered up to deflect the blows. However Sugar Rashad was only baiting the Brazilian to raise his hands a little higher and open himself up for a takedown attempt. Silva recovered and began to fight the takedown but it was only a matter of seconds before Evan’s superior grappling ability won the battle and Silva crashed to the mat. This was a predicted winning strategy for Rashad Evans that worked according to plan minus the ground and pound fight stopping finish. Silva is a Black Belt in Jiu Jitsu accustomed to being on his back and he had no problem regaining his feet.
The first two minutes of round 1 action encapsulated the entire Light Heavyweight main event. Evans took Silva to the mat three or four times in the first round and repeated the same strategy in round two, never hurting the Brazilian but controlling the action. Thiago Silva was plainly unprepared to stop Rashad’s wrestling takedowns. The murderous emotion filled fisticuffs and fireworks at center octagon never happened. Evans used his boxing standup only to parry and flurry long enough to work inside and grapple.
By round 3 Silva was clearly flummoxed and frustrated. Midway through the round he began to mimic the movement that Evans is known for in the octagon and taunting the “wrestler” even jutting out his chin. Fatigued, Evans paused long enough for Silva to piston forward a right hand that sent the former champion reeling back into the cage. Perhaps it was also a matter of fatigue on the Brazilians part; he had Evans hurt and could not find another gear to finish the fight.
5 to 1 there were more Rashad Evans fans than Thiago Silva fans but at the first sign of a potential knockout the arena erupted. The volume was soon lowered when Evans shaking off the effects of the punches regained his composure and had Silva in another controlled clinch before the fight’s end. All judges scored the bout a unanimous decision for Rashad Evans.
The two fighters extended courtesies of respect toward one another, Silva seemingly acknowledging that though he may be the tougher fighter he did not do what was needed to win the fight. At 14-2 Silva is not going anyplace it’s almost guaranteed that White will have him on another UFC card in the next four months? Rashad Evans did what he needed to do—win. How he won opens a discussion as to his future success at Light Heavyweight. Slowly but surely the charismatic ex champ is being exposed as a fighter who cannot afford to take a heavy handed punch against a skilled striker.
If he is to face Quinton Rampage Jackson next this places him in a perilous position against a man with knockout power in both fists and began his career as a wrestler. For now Sugar Rashad goes back to Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico for a little rest and further strategizing.
Jdon Howard
TUF TALK TOO
Not by choice but I traveled through wind, rain and snow to make it home in time for the Ultimate Fighter Finale. Coach Rashad Evans was in attendance; Quinton Jackson was notably absent…posting a message on his sight of a 2010 return versus Evans.
Posing as two pit gladiators, hammer fisted Houston Alexander and Kimbo Slice faced off at 215lbs. Slice stalked Alexander throwing bombs at every opportunity and for the first time I saw Houston Alexander back away from contact at center cage. Instead he focused on leg kicks to Slices reportedly bad leg. The fight had lulls and lapses at times, fans booed. Kimbo did treat UFC fans to his newly acquired American Top team moves with some awesome wrestling and good solid ground maneuvers. Twice Slice power slammed Alexander like he was on the Junior Varsity. Both men fatigued as the fight wore on but Kimbo clearly carried the fight to Alexander and so his official UFC coronation began with a unanimous decision.
I was intrigued by the prospect of Matt Hamill versus UFC Rookie MVP Jon “Bones” but like fans in attendance was a bit disappointed with the outcome. Both Hamill and Jones are former All-American wrestlers. Matt Hamill from TUF 3 is as tough as they come and has transitioned from just a tough wrestler to an all around MMA fighter. Jon Jones took the wrestlers edge away in the opening minutes with a top shelf Greco Roman trip and slam. On the mat he easily controlled Hamill gained the mount and began to rain down punches and elbows. Hamill could not work out from his back barely fending off Jones’ blows. According to what the referee saw Jon Jones threw an elbow in the vertical position and was initially penalized for an illegal blow. Standing again Matt Hamill informed the referee that he could not continue and the fight was stopped and awarded to Hamill on an infraction. Evidently it was not the elbows but the slam on his shoulder that ended Hamill’s night. Jones’ infraction snatched victory from his mitts Saturday. Perhaps a rematch down the road might erase Saturday’s bad showing.
I said Big Country Roy Nelson stood an even chance of winning the finale and I was serious. Saturday Nelson’s chances went from even to lopsided. Brendan Schaub is a good athlete always in great shape. He came in aggressive working a stiff jab but was no match for Nelson’s strength and takedowns. Nelson had Schaub in trouble early maintaining side control and looking to end the fight on the mat. Schaub is outstanding at getting back to his feet. Nelson, a wile MMA vet found a flaw in Schaubs standup defense because back to the feet for less than :30 Nelson rushed in and landed a thudding right cross that KO’d the Jackson’s prospect and shocked Dana White et al cageside. Big Country has a physique rivaling Humpty Dumpty and Burger King in his favorites but he is a serious UFC masher.
Also, James Mcsweeny of Jackson’s MMA stopped Darril Schoonover in round two of a heavyweight bout. I’m anxious to see when Mcsweeny makes the move to 205. Matt Mitrione the house whiner on TUF 10 KO’d Marcus “Darkness” Jones in their “grudge” match. Mitrione like Brendan Schaub exploited Jones’ tendency to lower his hands and went for the home run bomb. Dana White likes whiner Mitrione so look for him to stick around in 09. I would think that Saturday’s loss pointed Marcus Jones towards the UFC exit but I could be wrong.
Jdon Howard
Posing as two pit gladiators, hammer fisted Houston Alexander and Kimbo Slice faced off at 215lbs. Slice stalked Alexander throwing bombs at every opportunity and for the first time I saw Houston Alexander back away from contact at center cage. Instead he focused on leg kicks to Slices reportedly bad leg. The fight had lulls and lapses at times, fans booed. Kimbo did treat UFC fans to his newly acquired American Top team moves with some awesome wrestling and good solid ground maneuvers. Twice Slice power slammed Alexander like he was on the Junior Varsity. Both men fatigued as the fight wore on but Kimbo clearly carried the fight to Alexander and so his official UFC coronation began with a unanimous decision.
I was intrigued by the prospect of Matt Hamill versus UFC Rookie MVP Jon “Bones” but like fans in attendance was a bit disappointed with the outcome. Both Hamill and Jones are former All-American wrestlers. Matt Hamill from TUF 3 is as tough as they come and has transitioned from just a tough wrestler to an all around MMA fighter. Jon Jones took the wrestlers edge away in the opening minutes with a top shelf Greco Roman trip and slam. On the mat he easily controlled Hamill gained the mount and began to rain down punches and elbows. Hamill could not work out from his back barely fending off Jones’ blows. According to what the referee saw Jon Jones threw an elbow in the vertical position and was initially penalized for an illegal blow. Standing again Matt Hamill informed the referee that he could not continue and the fight was stopped and awarded to Hamill on an infraction. Evidently it was not the elbows but the slam on his shoulder that ended Hamill’s night. Jones’ infraction snatched victory from his mitts Saturday. Perhaps a rematch down the road might erase Saturday’s bad showing.
I said Big Country Roy Nelson stood an even chance of winning the finale and I was serious. Saturday Nelson’s chances went from even to lopsided. Brendan Schaub is a good athlete always in great shape. He came in aggressive working a stiff jab but was no match for Nelson’s strength and takedowns. Nelson had Schaub in trouble early maintaining side control and looking to end the fight on the mat. Schaub is outstanding at getting back to his feet. Nelson, a wile MMA vet found a flaw in Schaubs standup defense because back to the feet for less than :30 Nelson rushed in and landed a thudding right cross that KO’d the Jackson’s prospect and shocked Dana White et al cageside. Big Country has a physique rivaling Humpty Dumpty and Burger King in his favorites but he is a serious UFC masher.
Also, James Mcsweeny of Jackson’s MMA stopped Darril Schoonover in round two of a heavyweight bout. I’m anxious to see when Mcsweeny makes the move to 205. Matt Mitrione the house whiner on TUF 10 KO’d Marcus “Darkness” Jones in their “grudge” match. Mitrione like Brendan Schaub exploited Jones’ tendency to lower his hands and went for the home run bomb. Dana White likes whiner Mitrione so look for him to stick around in 09. I would think that Saturday’s loss pointed Marcus Jones towards the UFC exit but I could be wrong.
Jdon Howard
TUF TALK
I’ve blogged about the best fighters’ worst judging and weighed in with my fighter predictions concerning every major promotion. So, by design and not an accident I completely omitted the premier of The Ultimate Fighter 10 back in September—but I watched. Dana White calls season 10 the best highest rate ever. Bragging does go along with shameless promotion and absurd behavior. The fights have been some of the worst I have seen in 10 seasons and the overall level of fitness laughable. Out of the crop of heavyweights there are three real contenders and two guys who could realistically compete at Heavyweight. Saturday’s TUF finale adds more bulk to the current UFC roster.
The big show players of a bad bunch.
Kimbo Slice: YouTube hero Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson has been in the headlines since 07 first promoted as the baddest of the bare knuckle backyard brawlers. In the ring and then the cage he looks like a scary mere mortal. Slice works hard, but at 35 I am not sure he can hang with heavyweight fighters a few years younger and more skilled. No cakewalk in his official UFC debut Saturday when he faces Heavyweight bone crusher Houston Alexander. Rage in a cage is all I can say.
Roy Nelson: Finalist Roy “Big Country” Nelson came into season 10 with the most experience and a title belt as the former International Fight League champion. Lets start with…Dana White cannot stand this guy, that’s two strikes. Next, he’s badly in need of the Subway diet. Big Country is cagey and seems to follow his fight plan. If he gets you to the mat and gains side-control you’re doomed. Saying Nelson had the superior skills amongst the group is not really saying that much. Against Brendan Schaub in the finals I give him an even chance of winning even though he loses ground in height and reach.
Marcus Jones: 6’6” Marcus “Darkness” Jones one of several ex NFL players hoping to avoid concussion syndrome by fighting MMA is a case study. Outside the cage Jones shrieks at the sight of the ordinary brown spider. On the dark side Jones if pushed emotionally to the brink could rip your head off like you were a useless G.I. Joe doll. Jones has very good Jiu Jitsu for a newbie but his standup is suspect. Time and temperament will determine if he is a legit MMA fighter.
James Mcsweeny: MCsweeny out of Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico definitely has skills, but I don’t know if he truly has game at heavyweight. MCsweeny looks more like a light heavyweight and though the UK born fighter won’t back down from anyone he’s easily overpowered by the average heavy hitter. The UFC could drop him down into the heavy weight ranks but Mcsweeny will need to bring the pain in the promotions toughest division.
Brendan Schaub: Schuab 6’4” hits hard, moves well came in great shape, has the frame to bloom into a true heavyweight. The ground game is supposedly his weakness though against big Marcus in the semi-finals he managed an amazing scramble to the feet out of a near hopeless position. He will face Roy Nelson on Saturday and needs to keep the fight on the feet use his greater range and wear the rotund Nelson down.
Jdon Howard
The big show players of a bad bunch.
Kimbo Slice: YouTube hero Kevin Kimbo Slice Ferguson has been in the headlines since 07 first promoted as the baddest of the bare knuckle backyard brawlers. In the ring and then the cage he looks like a scary mere mortal. Slice works hard, but at 35 I am not sure he can hang with heavyweight fighters a few years younger and more skilled. No cakewalk in his official UFC debut Saturday when he faces Heavyweight bone crusher Houston Alexander. Rage in a cage is all I can say.
Roy Nelson: Finalist Roy “Big Country” Nelson came into season 10 with the most experience and a title belt as the former International Fight League champion. Lets start with…Dana White cannot stand this guy, that’s two strikes. Next, he’s badly in need of the Subway diet. Big Country is cagey and seems to follow his fight plan. If he gets you to the mat and gains side-control you’re doomed. Saying Nelson had the superior skills amongst the group is not really saying that much. Against Brendan Schaub in the finals I give him an even chance of winning even though he loses ground in height and reach.
Marcus Jones: 6’6” Marcus “Darkness” Jones one of several ex NFL players hoping to avoid concussion syndrome by fighting MMA is a case study. Outside the cage Jones shrieks at the sight of the ordinary brown spider. On the dark side Jones if pushed emotionally to the brink could rip your head off like you were a useless G.I. Joe doll. Jones has very good Jiu Jitsu for a newbie but his standup is suspect. Time and temperament will determine if he is a legit MMA fighter.
James Mcsweeny: MCsweeny out of Jackson’s MMA in New Mexico definitely has skills, but I don’t know if he truly has game at heavyweight. MCsweeny looks more like a light heavyweight and though the UK born fighter won’t back down from anyone he’s easily overpowered by the average heavy hitter. The UFC could drop him down into the heavy weight ranks but Mcsweeny will need to bring the pain in the promotions toughest division.
Brendan Schaub: Schuab 6’4” hits hard, moves well came in great shape, has the frame to bloom into a true heavyweight. The ground game is supposedly his weakness though against big Marcus in the semi-finals he managed an amazing scramble to the feet out of a near hopeless position. He will face Roy Nelson on Saturday and needs to keep the fight on the feet use his greater range and wear the rotund Nelson down.
Jdon Howard
WEC WRECKAGE
November’s UFC blitz and Strikeforce heavy hitters made it easy to overlook the little guys of the WEC.WEC started in 2001 as an MMA promotion featuring weight classes from bantamweight to super heavyweight. Fights are broadcast free throughout the year by the Versus TV network. Zuffa purchased the WEC in 2006 and now the promotions weight classes are flyweight through lightweight. The action is fast and furious and WEC fighters rarely leave it in the hands of the judges, lots of TKOs and knockouts. If you think that guys weighing 140 or 150lbs cannot bring the pain just spar 2 minutes with an undersized scrapper.
It’s viewed as a lower circuit fight promotion but a few of it’s fighters are web and magazine mainstays like Uriah Faber, Mike Thomas Brown, Jose Aldo, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Alex Karalexis, Jens Pulver, Ben Henderson, and Manny Gamburyan. Many WEC fighters are backed by top level MMA schools and academies such as American Top Team, Arizona Combat Sports, and Jackson’s MMA. The WEC Featherweight division at 145lbs has been one of the most exciting divisions the past two years. The belt has changed hands three times since 2007.
Last Wednesday night at the Palms Casino in Vegas Mike Brown of Florida and American Top Team defended his Featherweight title for the third time against Jose Aldo of Brazil. Brown is a boxer and grappler, brings it straight on and hits like a bulldozer. True to his Florida roots the champ’s walkout music of choice is Lynard Skynard’s “Simple Kind of Man.” Aldo is a deadly precise striker often doubling up on the kicks and punches, and he’s quick. Mike Brown came out swinging with bad intentions but Aldo answered back with his own home run bombs. A roundhouse shin kick to the body hurt Mike Brown in round 1. Brown went for the clinch and take down but Aldo has an excellent sprawl. Back at center cage Aldo stayed outside at range and fired off keg and body kicks. In round 2 Mike Brown came out pressuring Aldo looking to set the challenger up for a combination and then went for the clinch and takedown without success.
Sparring at center cage the two fighters clashed Mike Brown appeared to stumble backward. Rather than wait for the fight to return the feet Aldo sprang forward gained top position, Brown rolled over giving up his back and Aldo went to work with heavy strikes on a seemingly defenseless Mike Brown. Less than two minutes into Round 2, “the new WEC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo”! I was very surprised to see this fight curtailed at two rounds but that is how the action flows 155lbs and below. Champions in other WEC weight classes have won and lost their titles in a similar fashion. The replay I watched of WEC 44 aired Tuesday night and if you are one to channel surf into the wee hours, chances are you may catch the replay at another time during the week on Versus.
Jdon Howard
It’s viewed as a lower circuit fight promotion but a few of it’s fighters are web and magazine mainstays like Uriah Faber, Mike Thomas Brown, Jose Aldo, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Alex Karalexis, Jens Pulver, Ben Henderson, and Manny Gamburyan. Many WEC fighters are backed by top level MMA schools and academies such as American Top Team, Arizona Combat Sports, and Jackson’s MMA. The WEC Featherweight division at 145lbs has been one of the most exciting divisions the past two years. The belt has changed hands three times since 2007.
Last Wednesday night at the Palms Casino in Vegas Mike Brown of Florida and American Top Team defended his Featherweight title for the third time against Jose Aldo of Brazil. Brown is a boxer and grappler, brings it straight on and hits like a bulldozer. True to his Florida roots the champ’s walkout music of choice is Lynard Skynard’s “Simple Kind of Man.” Aldo is a deadly precise striker often doubling up on the kicks and punches, and he’s quick. Mike Brown came out swinging with bad intentions but Aldo answered back with his own home run bombs. A roundhouse shin kick to the body hurt Mike Brown in round 1. Brown went for the clinch and take down but Aldo has an excellent sprawl. Back at center cage Aldo stayed outside at range and fired off keg and body kicks. In round 2 Mike Brown came out pressuring Aldo looking to set the challenger up for a combination and then went for the clinch and takedown without success.
Sparring at center cage the two fighters clashed Mike Brown appeared to stumble backward. Rather than wait for the fight to return the feet Aldo sprang forward gained top position, Brown rolled over giving up his back and Aldo went to work with heavy strikes on a seemingly defenseless Mike Brown. Less than two minutes into Round 2, “the new WEC Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo”! I was very surprised to see this fight curtailed at two rounds but that is how the action flows 155lbs and below. Champions in other WEC weight classes have won and lost their titles in a similar fashion. The replay I watched of WEC 44 aired Tuesday night and if you are one to channel surf into the wee hours, chances are you may catch the replay at another time during the week on Versus.
Jdon Howard
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