UFC 218 – The Bodies Have Hit the Floor
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 02: Max Holloway (R) battles with Jose Aldo of Brazil (L) during UFC 218 at Little Caesars Arena on December 2, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Holloway defeated Aldo with TKO in Round-3. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
UFC 218 was a slobber-knocker. Regardless of what some journalist think, people who actually like the sport were treated to a spectacle of fights rivaling any card this year.
Yancy Medeiros defeats Alex Olivera in a potential fight of the year nominee
The UFC is getting better and better at match-making, especially on the preliminary card. What’s not to like? Yancy Medeiros and Alex Olivera put on a show that would set the tone for the whole night.
Several knockdowns by each fighter. Eventually Medeiros would end the fight with punches at just over two minutes into the third round. UFC commentator Joe Rogan repeatedly mentioned how it was one of the best fights he’d ever seen. Akin to Doo Ho Choi and Cub Swanson throwing hands. You missed a barn burner if you just tuned in for the main card.
Next up for Yancy Medeiros: Neil Magny, Dong Kim
Next up for Alex Olivera: Gunnar Nelson, Neil Magny
Tecia Torres puts on a clinic for The Karate Hottie
The UFC is putting more and more into the women’s divisions. Strawweight contender Tecia Torres showed she belongs among the top names of the division. After completely dismantling Michelle Waterson, Torres is looking prime for a title eliminator bout coming her way soon.
Next up for Tecia Torres: Jessica Andrade, Claudia Gadelha
Next up for Michelle Waterson: Alexa Grasso, Karolona Kowalkiewicz
Eddie Alvarez shows Justin Gaethje that there’s levels to this game
The battle for the title of UFC’s “Most Violent Man” is in the book. And it’s Eddie Alvarez who pieces together up and comer Justin Gaethje all night. While not escaping damage completely, Alvarez pieced together Gaethje all night, never being in any real trouble. The fight was a violent match, but Alvarez eventually did Gaethje in with a flying knee. In a cramped lightweight division, both fighters look to continue rise for another shot at kingpin Conor McGregor.
Next up for Eddie Alvarez: loser of Khabib Nurmagomedov/Edson Barboza, Nate Diaz
Next up for Justin Gaethje: Nate Diaz is the true fight to make here, Dustin Porrier
Henry Cejudo dusts off some old tools versus Sergio Pettis
Demetrious Johnson owns the flyweight division. It is only a matter of time before he’s dethroned, whether it’s by bantamweight champ TJ Dillashaw, as is rumored, or by someone in his division. Sergio Pettis is the only person “Mighty Mouse” has not yet run through and a victory over number two contender, Henry Cejudo, would have secured his spot for that shot. That was not the case. After showcasing his newfound striking abilities against Wilson Reis, Cejudo was back doing what got him to the UFC, Olympic gold medal wrestling. Cejudo looks to get another shot at UFC gold soon.
Next up for Henry Cejudo: Demetrious Johnson, Joseph Benavidez rematch
Next up for Sergio Pettis: Ray Borg, Wilson Reis
Has someone checked to see if Alistair Overeem is alive?
What more is there to say? Alistair Overeem wanted heavyweight rising star, Francis N’Gannou to “go through him first,” before getting a title shot against Stipe Miocic. So, N’Gannou punched him. Once. The uppercut from hell had veteran Overeem out for a good while. N’Gannou probably had the baddest man on the planet, and the heavyweight champ shaking in his boots after witnessing Reem’s execution this past Saturday night.
Next up for Francis N’Gannou: Stipe Miocic. Period.
Next up for Alistair Overeem: Cain Velasquez, Derrick Lewis
Max Holloway beats Jose Aldo like we wanted Conor McGregor to beat Aldo
Max Holloway has figured out the enigma that is Jose Aldo, who has reigned over the featherweight division for 10 years. Where McGregor laid Aldo out with one punch, Holloway outclassed and banged with Aldo for three rounds twice. Even with Aldo throwing the patented leg kicks that he chops down his adversaries with, he was no match for Holloway. Aldo stood in and banged with Holloway as best as he could and gassed, just like Holloway wanted him to. The Brazilian paid the ultimate price and was put down for the second straight fight for the first time in his career. Holloway, on the other hand, is on a 12-fight winning streak and has no looks of slowing down any time soon.
Next up for Max Holloway: Frankie Edgar, Cub Swanson/Brian Ortega winner, Conor McGregor rematch at a catchweight of 150 (long-shot)
Next up for Jose Aldo: Cub Swanson/Brian Ortega winner, Justin Gaethje
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