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D. FOX: Rapid-fire reactions to UFC Fight Night 70 "Machida vs. Romero"
Jun 28, 2015 - 1:15:49 AM D. FOX: Rapid-fire reactions to UFC Fight Night 70 "Machida vs. Romero"

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By: Dayne Fox, MMATorch Contributor

After many last minute changes, the much maligned UFC Fight Night 70 came and went, and after all the crap that went down it has to be considered an overall success. A KO of the year candidate, an awesome barn burner, and a main event that officially marked a changing of the guard all occurred, which to me represents a more than solid night.

Lyoto Machida's days as a contender are officially over, as he has now lost in a definitive manner for the second consecutive fight, and in violent fashion. That represents a sad day for many fans as Machida is one of the more beloved figures in the sport due to his unique style. He was a top fighter for about a decade, so it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that his time at/near the top is over. As for the man who made the transition official, Yoel Romero is actually older than Machida, but has much less tread on his tires and is one of the freakiest athletes in the sport. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Romero grab a title shot next year.

Here are the details:

Yoel Romero defeated Lyoto Machida via KO at 1:38 of the third round

This fight kept everyone on edge as you got the feeling that you would blink and miss something amazing as both fighters have cat-like reflexes. Leg kicks ruled the day early on with both reluctant to commit to a major action, though spurts came and went, including a bizarre attempt at a superman punch off the cage from Romero to close the second round. In the end it was a takedown from Romero that resulted in him landing some HEAVY elbows that sent Machida's head bouncing off the canvas before it was called.

Romero is a fighter that you can't take your eyes off of. He looks to be half-assing the fight at times as he stalks his opponent down only to explode in an unnatural manner for a man his size and strike suddenly. While we know that Luke Rockhold is getting the next title shot, Romero is likely in line to get a #1 contender's fight with Jacare Souza... a fight that has already been attempted twice only to be derailed by illness and injury. Hopefully the third time is the charm as there can't be any doubted the validity of Romero's abilities now.

While Machida is no longer a contender, that doesn't mean his career has to be over, and I don't expect it is (though I wouldn't be surprised to see him retire). He'll likely be used in fantasy fights that fans have wanted to see, but have never come to fruition at either 185 lbs. or 205 lbs.. Hell, catchweights as well. Rashad Evans no longer seems to be a viable contender and would probably love a chance at redemption... if Machida is willing. Maybe even a Nick Diaz appearance... barring he survives the commission's ruling on his unique drug test situation. How about Vitor Belfort? Maybe Michael Bisping? I will throw this out there... nobody wants a rematch with Dan Henderson! You listening Joe Silva?


Lorenz Larkin defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO at 3:07 of the second round

This was an easy choice for fight of the night. Larkin attacked Ponzinibbio's legs hard and heavy in the first round, leaving Ponzinibbio visibly affected by the damage. Ponzinibbio turned up the aggression in the second round and had Larkin dazed for a brief period before Larkin retaliated and floored the Argentinian. Ponzinibbio got back to his feet, but an onslaught of punishment continued from Larkin before the ref finally stepped in to end the punishment. Larkin looked better than he has before and seems to have FINALLY found a home at 170 lbs. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a ranked opponent next, but I'd give him one more lower level fight before that. Ponzinibbio came to fight and put on the type of losing performance that Uncle Dana won't punish a fighter for.


Antonio Carlos Junior defeated Eddie Gordon via submission at 4:37 of the third round

Carlos Junior put on a dominating performance in what was supposed to be a very close contest and reestablished himself as a youngster to watch. With him being in the UFC, it is easy to overlook the fact that he has only been a pro since 2013. Though he largely dominated the match with his grappling (his forte), he showed some progress in his striking as well... though there were some very apparent holes there a more experienced striker would have exposed. Gordon has now lost three straight and is on his way out. It seems to be a shame as the physical skills looked to be there, but he never put everything together. I could see him getting another shot, but not until he picks up a number of wins on the smaller circuit.


Thiago Santos defeated Steve Bosse via KO at 0:29 of the first round

I don't care how much longer Santos fight, I don't think he'll be able to top that KO throughout his career. Hell, it's my new front runner for KO of the year up to this point. Bosse didn't have his hands high enough and Santos made him pay by landing his shin cleanly to the dome of the former hockey enforcer and putting him out cold. I don't see Santos ever becoming a major player in the division, but he can be a fun fighter given the right matchups and should settle in nicely in the middle tier of the division at this point. Bosse... well, I can't say anything positive about this performance. He'll probably get another opportunity... if he wants it.


Hacran Dias defeated Levan Makashvili via split decision

Two crap rounds sandwiched a solid second round that involved submission attempts and takedowns from Dias. Takedown defense seemed to be the difference as Makashvili's failed him while Dias' held strong and allowed him to take enough rounds in the eyes of the judges. I agree with the decision and feel Dias is one of the more underrated talents in the UFC, but boring fights like this and a lack of activity have prevented him from rising in the division. The best thing for him would be to step back into the Octagon quickly. Makashvili did nothing to embarrass himself (besides bore the crowd) in his sophomore UFC effort and should grow from this. He still has a bright future even with the loss.


Alex Oliveira defeated Joe Merritt via unanimous decision

Oliveira may have walked out with a short notice win, which is impressive over just about any circumstance, but you can't help but feel that his stock dropped a bit. Fun to watch in his first two fights, Oliveira struggled to get takedowns and couldn't get a submission despite having the back of a dude with a questionable grappling background at best. Perhaps he can do himself a favor and actually have a full fight camp and then show what it is that he can do in the cage, seeing as how we still haven't seen that. Merritt looked strong and seems to have strong striking, but little else to change the perception he likely doesn't belong in the UFC. Overall, very forgettable fight.


Leandro Silva defeated Lewis Gonzalez via unanimous decision

Another forgettable fight featuring forgettable fighters. Both normally fight at lightweight and despite that it was very clear that they both came in on short notice as they were sloppy throughout. Silva's aggression with power strikes and submission attempts seemed to make the difference and it allows him to walk out of the Octagon undefeated in his last three bouts (with a no contest mixed in there). I wouldn't guarantee a step up in competition though... he hasn't been overly impressive in any of the fights. Gonzalez looked especially tired throughout and its very doubtful he is UFC caliber. Despite that, he'll likely get another chance to show what he can do. Side note: how the hell did a judge score that 29-27?


Tony Sims defeated Steve Montgomery via KO at 2:43 of the first round

So it may not have been a one-punch KO... but that was one hell of a punch! Montgomery rocked Sims with a knee earlier only to leave his chin open for Sims to connect with a heavy left about a minute later and leave Sims the victor. If Sims power and chin converts as well to his true weight class of lightweight, he'll be a true dark horse in a crowded division. Not that there isn't enough talent at 155 as it is... Montgomery looked tentative and didn't follow up on his knee for some inexplicable reason. Its clear he has the physical skills, so perhaps all he needs is more seasoning.


Sirwan Kakai defeated Danny Martinez via unanimous decision

The night opened up with an entertaining though sloppy at times fight. Many (including myself) assumed that Martinez would have a wrestling advantage, but Kakai looked improved from his recent performances while being the aggressor of takedowns. He very well may have bounced Martinez from the UFC as he is now 0-4 under the Zuffa banner. If that isn't the case the only thing saving Martinez is the fact that he took this on short notice for the UFC. Kakai doesn't seem to be an elite prospect, but he could stick around for a while with a ceiling as a mid-tier mainstay.