UFC
UFC on Fox 3 Results: Alan Belcher beats Rousimar Palhares at his own game, earns first round TKO victory
May 5, 2012 - 9:05:00 PM UFC on Fox 3 Results: Alan Belcher beats Rousimar Palhares at his own game, earns first round TKO victory

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Less than two years ago, the career of Alan Belcher was in limbo after suffering a detached retina in training. He spent 18 months on the sidelines after multiple surgeries, and it wasn't a given he'd return to the sport of mixed martial arts.

He returned last September and scored a quick and devastating win over Jason MacDonald, but injuries held him out of action for an extended period of time once again. However, on Saturday night in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Belcher proved to everyone that he's not only all the way back, he may just be better than ever.

Taking on Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt and leg lock specialist Rousimar Palhares, Belcher had no fear. The fight hit the ground early, and Belcher wound up being the one initiating the first attacks in a fantastic grappling bout. After failing to pull off a twister, Belcher was then in defense mode as Palhares furiously attempted to find a hold of his leg.

When he finally got free, most would have believed he'd stand and stay away from Palhares' game. Instead, Belcher stayed in his guard, then blasted him with a vicious elbow that hurt him. Once the opening was there, he continued raining down elbows and punches until the ref halted the fight, giving him his biggest career win.

Palhares has now lost for the third time in his UFC career, while Belcher earned his fourth straight win, and sixth in his last seven fights.

Penick's Analysis: This was such a fantastic fight, and really all the UFC could have hoped for when they put the bout together. Belcher should be considered one of the top fighters in the middleweight division, and will hopefully get a booking to reflect that his next time out. Palhares is immensely talented, but that fight was all Belcher, even playing into Palhares' game. Fantastic performance, great win, and an awesome fight.