All the dust has settled. All the talk is done. It’s put up or shut up time for Chael Sonnen. Almost two years ago, he had Anderson Silva on the brink of defeat. One error in judgment cost him the title and he’s been trying to get Silva back in the cage ever since. And now is that time.
1. Mike Easton vs. Ivan Menjivar
Pretty even first round and fairly inactive first round. The round may lean toward Menjivar because of leg kicks, but Easton landed the best kick, which was right to the face.
Easton closed the second well, giving him another close round. The crowd has been patient with them so far. The story of the fight is Easton stalking Menjivar and Menjivar throwing counter shots going backward. Chael had full mount for the last 48 seconds.
Oof, I’m not sure why Menjivar didn’t think that he had to go out and win that third round. He was nearly as passive. Easton got a takedown and was just more active. He should win the fight.
Winner: Mike Easton by way of unanimous decision
He won 30-27, 29-28, and 30-27.
2. Cody McKenzie vs. Chad Mendes
Mendes put McKenzie down with a shot right to the bottom of his stomach and McKenzie was done.
Winner: Chad Mendes by way of 1st round TKO
3. Demian Maia vs. Dong Hyun Kim
Well, that wasn’t much fun. Maia got Kim’s back and was going for the takedown. He finally got it and Kim looked to possibly hurt his ribs or something near his abdomen. Maia got on top of him and must’ve heard a verbal tap as he got up and just raised his hands.
Winner: Demian Maia by way of 1st round TKO
4. Patrick Cote vs. Cung Le
Le landed some nice kicks, though Cote landed some punches. It’s a nice boxer vs. kick boxer fight. Cote went for one takedown and paid for it with a hook. Cung also hit him on the back of the head in what was the biggest shot of the fight so far.
Nice round of striking. Le’s still beating Cote to the punch, but Cote opened a cut over his eye. Le is throwing a nice little right hook that he’s scoring with. I have him slightly ahead in both rounds. Though, the fight overall is close, Cote needs to figure out how to close him.
I think Le gets the decision. Fought a safe third round, but then got a nice strong man grecco-style takedown. Cote looked a little winded. Could’ve pressed more.
Winner: Cung Le by way of unanimous decision
Scores were 30-27 for Le.
5. Tito Ortiz vs. Forrest Griffin
That’s a close round and I may side with Tito. He got two takedowns and stuffed Forrest’s scramble to get back up. Griffin did better in the standup, but both guys were sloppy and looked tired.
Tito started out the round well, dropping Griffin with a right hand. But he looked to hit a wall. Griffin dominated the second half of the round with his standup and stuffed Tito’s last second takedown to try and steal the round. I have it 1-1 right now.
Tough round to score. Tito landed a nice left that knocked Griffin down and he followed him to the ground, but couldn’t get passed his guard. Griffin landed more punches, but I’d lean toward Tito in this one.
Winner: Forrest Griffin by unanimous decision
All the scores were 29-28. Forrest interviewed Tito and asked Tito about gassing and Tito didn’t seem to like that question.
6. Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva
Five seconds into the round and Sonnen has Silva on his back with a takedown. He had the top position the entire round. Silva couldn’t really do anything. Sonnen was more safe on top as he didn’t really go crazy with the strikes from the top so as to not get caught. But really, much like the first fight.
Sonnen was so sloppy. He threw a spinning backfist and slipped to the ground. Silva threw a knee into his gut and finished him on the ground. Chael didn’t look like he was hurt, but he didn’t defend himself either.
Winner: Anderson Silva by way of 2nd round TKO
