Another fight card has come and gone in Sweden, as the UFC invaded for UFC on FUEL TV 9 this past Saturday. Fight fans were dogging the card due to the lack of star power, however to much surprise it delivered.
With a six fight main card and three of which going to a decision there was room for improvement. All in all it was a fun fight card.
Check out how I graded each of the five UFC 158 main card fights below.
Gegard Mousasi vs. Ilir Latifi
Grade – D+
The hometown boy took a beating on short notice in his UFC debut. From the sounds of that you would think it was a dynamic, exciting fight. However, it was fairly lackluster to say the least. Mousasi did what he had to do to win, utilizing his unique style and quick jab he bloodied up the face of Latifi by the end of the fight. Many expected the skilled fighter Mousasi to walk through Latfi, however following the fight we learned that “The Dreamcatcher” was fighting on an injured leg that will require surgery.
Ross Pearson vs. Ryan Couture
Grade – B-
Pearson proved he was definitely a step above Couture in their co-main event battle, but it didn’t come without some work. The first round of their battle had Couture using his father’s grinding style to earn him the round in most people’s eyes. Come round two, Pearson figured out his range and used his fantastic footwork to set up a combination that dropped Couture. This fight showed that Pearson is a force to be reckoned with in the 155-pound division.
Matt Mitrione vs. Phil De Fries
Grade – B+
With walking papers on his mind, Mitrione took just 19-seconds to hold on to his job. De Fries looked for a takedown and immediately ran into the Meathead’s fist. A fantastic performance by Mitrione who has shown that he has speed and tricky footwork that set him apart from some of the other heavyweight fighters.
Brad Pickett vs. Mike Easton
Grade – A
Pickett and Easton was a back and forth battle for three full rounds. UFC President Dana White mentioned leading up to this fight that Pickett was one of his favourite fighters to watch because of his style. He showed that go for broke style on Saturday night and earned a split decision and “Fight of Night” honours.
Diego Brandao vs. Pablo Garza
(Photo by Martin McNeil for SB Nation)Grade – B
With a huge reach advantage and a very big height advantage, Garza was not able to use it against Brandao. The former Ultimate Fighter winner used his takedown to secure a slick little arm triangle. Garza attempted to hold on for as long as he could, but the choke was just sunk in too tight. Brandao has now gone on a two-fight winning streak and is 6-1 in his last seven.
Akira Corassani vs. Robbie Peralta
Grade – C+
Corassani used his funky footwork to set up looping punches, but the clinch work of Peralta kept the first round fairly even. The second round was back and forth with both combatants landing big shots that wobbled one another. The third round was the difference maker for Corassani as he landed a takedown and kept up the damage to finish the round. Corassani has now gone on a two-fight winning streak and is 8-1 with 1NC in his last 10 fights.
