Well first of all let me apologize for the late start. All this snow we got here complicated all types of stuff, but we're here regardless. I want to thank all those that showed up for the open thread last night, that was a good time. Overall, I think last nights show was enjoyable, but the opening fight really put a damper on things for me. I was expecting a lot more from that fight, but in hindsight I can see why both fighters fought the way they fought. However, I'm not agreeing that they should have fought so cautiously. The remainder of the card kind of made up for it though. I went 9-2 with my picks, so maybe I'll be the new MMA4Real Fantasy Champion! Charles should have that stuff computed later on tonight. Let's get right to it:
Hicks/McCullough-As I stated previously, I was really looking forward to this fight and it didn't deliver at all. I really thought McCullough would use that 5 inch reach advantage to tee off on Hicks, but he was too concerned with the takedown or something. I don't know maybe he couldn't find his range or something? Regardless, the fight was pretty lackluster and it's hard to say where both fighters go from here. Hicks has dropped two in a row, and McCullough has lost to the champ and the former #1 contender in Cerrone. So I guess we'll see.
Aldo/Mickle-Jose Aldo is going to be a star point blank period. The kid is only 22 years old, has skills, and understands the showmanship aspect of things. He completely overwhelmed Mickle and it's time for him to take an established name. Maybe a match with Leonard Garcia could be on the horizon?
Lamas/Palaszewski-Lamas pretty much dominated the veteran fighter much to my surprise. He displayed some pretty solid GnP, and also had very good control of Palazewski for majority of the fight. I LOL'ed at a couple of his kicks and guard pass attempts! I look forward to seeing this kid fight again. Palaszewski is a good fighter that will serve his role well as gatekeeper, so I expect to see him back again. The guy has a hell of a chin on him.
Page/Galvao-When I saw that this match was being aired, I knew Page would win. He always comes out guns blazing and he didn't disappoint in this one. That was a brutal KO. He was throwing Sonic Booms and Street Fighter IV Dragon Punches in that cage!
Garcia/Brown-I knew that Brown would be too big and strong for Garcia. I knew that Garcia would overcommit with those big wild punches. However, I expected Brown to land takedowns, not counterpunches with flames trailing behind it. Garcia showed mad heart, but once Brown established top control it was pretty much over. I was surprised Brown ended it with the arm triangle though, but I suppose thing open up a lot easier when you are raining punches down.
After seeing Brown run through Garcia like castor oil, I'm really looking forward to the re-match between Brown and Faber. Initially, I thought Faber would win the re-match, but now I'm not so sure. That should be a good one. I thought the WEC did a decent job of promoting their upcoming show in Chicago with Miguel Torres. It was good to give him some shine on the camera. The way they showed Faber on camera when asking Brown about the re-match was on point. I wished Faber would have walked into the cage, but what they did will suffice as well. Overall, I enjoyed the show even with the snoozefest that opened the show. What was your take on it?