07th Jun 2010
UFC 114: Highlights and Lowlights
The showcase fight for UFC 114 was the postponed pairing of Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson, in a rivalry that has been simmering since the two fighters with no love lost were originally scheduled to meet on December 12th. From the two feuding top dogs to the undercard leading up the main event, let’s take a look at the nights highlights and lowlights:
Highlights:
Rashad Evans – Whether Jackson was at the top of his game or not, give credit to Evans for not buying into all the media hoopla and sticking to his plan. His combination of savvy wrestling technique and quick lateral movement to avoid Jackson’s devastating hook, liable to strike in one quick blow at any point in the match, wore a less sharp Jackson down and earned him a unanimous decision.
Jon Hathaway – While Paul Revere was noticeably absent to announce his arrival in America, the young chap from the mother country impressed yet again improving to 4-0 in UFC competition.
Lowlights:
Dan Miller – Taking his 3rd consecutive loss in UFC bouts, Miller looked almost lethargic in his movement as he took the defeat to Michael Bisping. Neither fighter dazzled the crowd through three ultimately underwhelming rounds, culminating in a unanimous decision.
Rogerio Noguiera – Sure he won the fight but Noguiera came out flat and uninspired in what was supposed to be a sure fire victory. Jason Brilz, booked as a fill in opponent after Forrest Griffin went down with the injury Bug, showed some guts grinding his way to the losing end of a split decision. Perhaps Noguiera underestimated Brilz, or maybe he doesn’t have the make-up of the title contending caliber fighter he’s been billed to be.
Mike Russow – Another fighter who walked away with a hardly earned victory. After an embarrassingly erratic first two rounds, Russow was bailed out by a KO in the third that saved him from what would’ve surely been a decisive victory for Todd Duffee.
