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KELLER'S UFC 111 BLOG: Ongoing random thoughts in chronological order
Mar 27, 2010 - 8:58:36 PM KELLER'S UFC 111 BLOG: Ongoing random thoughts in chronological order

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By Wade Keller, MMATorch Supervising Editor

KELLER'S UFC 111 BLOG
MARCH 27, 2010
AIRED LIVE ON SPIKE TV & PPV

SPIKE TV PRELIMS

-Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan introduced the show, hyped the top PPV matches, and then set the stage for the opening match.

1 -- RICARDO ALMEIDA VS. MATT BROWN - 170 LBS.

Almeida wins this one via sleeper tapout late in the second round (3:30). Most of the fight against the fence and drew crowd boos and two ref re-starts in the center. Rogan did a nice job explaining the nuances of Almeida's late sequence leading to the submission win... After the fight, Almeida said the weight cut "was hell" (dropping from 185 to 170), but he was obviously the win made it worth it... Not the type of fight that makes the casual mainstream MMA fan fall in love with the idea of seeing either fighter again or MMA in general... (*+)

They showed GSP backstage between rounds of the first fight and then Dan Hardy. Hardy drew boos from the crowd.

Rogan interviewed GSP. He asked if he's at risk of not being motivated since he's consider by many to be the best fighter in the world. GSP said he wants to win by KO or submission and feels very motivated to keep beating the best to be considered the best. Rogan asked him about the addtional weight he's put on. He said he said felt small against Thiago Alvez who was 30 pounds bigger than him in that fight. He said he thinks his added weight will give him more power in striking and grappling. Rogan asked if a move to 185 is on his mind. He said he's thinking of nothing but Dan Hardy. Rogan asked him what he wants his legacy to be. He said he wants to be known as the pound-for-pound best fighter and the person who took the sport to a new level.

-Goldberg plugged the Tito Ortiz-Chuck Liddell season of "The Ultimate Fighter" beginning on Wednesday. A "sneak peak" aired of Charley Lynch (6-0) vs. Clayton McKinney (4-2) featuring pre-fight comments from both fighters plus their Octagon entrances.

-They showed Shane Carwin and Frank Mir backstage prepping for their fights later.

2 -- RORY MARKHAM (16-5) vs. NATE DIAZ -- 185 LB.

Markham didn't make weight, so they've moved the fight from 170 to 185. Rogan said too many fighters are trying to cut too much weight these days. He said it cost Markham against Hardy where he entered the fight weak and ended up getting knocked out. Rogan said it's not fair to the opponent when a fighter doesn't make weight, as Markham came in seven pounds heavier than Diaz... Markham looked a lot bigger, Diaz looked a lot quicker and more nimble... At 1;30 Diaz pelted Markham over and over, landed a knee, and Markham cowered. Diaz then got his back on the mat and controlled him with a body triangle at 2:30. The ref stepped in about 15 seconds later after pounding away at him from behind. Rogan said he's very happy Diaz decided to go up in weight. Nick Diaz congratulated his brother in the Octagon afterward... Diaz said he had energy to train since he didn't have to cut as much weight and it was felt great. As usual, he was in his own world and took the interview in the direction he wanted to, thanking a lot of his trainers and training partners... (**)

-They showed Thiago Alves sitting in the front row. Goldberg said he has a "procedure" coming up later this week, but he told him he will be back.

-Rogan interviewed Dan Hardy who was wearing red contact lenses. Rogan asked him how much weight he had to cut. Hardy said he was 205 when he started training, then 195 eight weeks out, and now he cut 8 pounds before weigh-in. He said he has a strength and training coach who knows when he should rest and when he should train. Rogan asked him about his incredible confidence going into this fight against someone of GSP's level. Hardy said GSP has been amazing up until this point and someone is going to step up past him. Hardy said he needs the belt to prove that GSP isn't the best anymore. He said he's worked too hard not to walk away with the belt tonight.

-Goldberg did a Tale of the Tape with GSP and Hardy. He noted that Hardy has never been knocked down in UFC and his right hook could shock the world.

-Rogan interviewed Dana White at Octagon-side. Rogan said "dudes get scared" before facing GSP, but not Hardy. White said he learned a lot about Hardy from the UFC Primetime show. He said his standup is awesome and he can knock anyone out on any given night. Rogan said he's been working hard on defending himself on his back. White said the key to the fight for GSP is getting Hardy down and against the fence and pound away. He said Hardy is looking for a big KO by keeping the fight on their feet. Rogan asked about the weigh-ins for the heavyweights - both coming in at 265. He said Mir looks huge. White said the Heavyweight Division has never looked better and he raved about Mir's performance against Check Kongo. White said either Mir or Carwin can end the fight any way at any time. Rogan said he loves that Ben Saunders called him and asked for the fight against Jon Fitch. White said Saunders told him after his last fight he had a lot of personal problems and wanted to prove he wasn't himself in that fight. He said he wanted another chance and this is it. He touted his killer knees. Rogan did the wide-eyed final hard-sell.

3 -- TOMASZ DRWAL vs. ROUSIMAR PALHARES

They went quickly into this fight with just 7 minutes left in the pre-show.

Palhares held on for at least a second or two longer than he had to after the tapout and destroyed Drwal's knee.You hate to see that. There should be ramifications - serious - for not tapping out immediately, especially when the ref moves in and he still cranked on it... Palhares flexed his crazy physique afterward... Rogan asked him if he knew his opponent was tapping for several seconds before he let go. Rather than stay with the fighter's facial reaction to the question, the director cut away to a replay of the finish again. That was frustrating. Palhares said he fought until the ref stepped in but feels bad if he hurt his opponent whom he respects. He sounded nice, but I'd like to see fighters face real strong consequences for throwing punches after the ref steps in against a defenseless fighter or cranking on a submission long past the tapout. Way too much is at stake not to plant a seed in the mind of fighters to stop when they have the win sealed and not a second longer to the point of damaging their opponent...

PAY-PER-VIEW MAIN CARD

-After soundbites aired with the four main eventers, they panned the crowd as Mike Goldberg introduced the show. Goldberg told Rogan that GSP is "the perfect Ultimate Fighter." Rogan said he is, but Hardy is "ferocious and fearless," which was a great description. Rogan called Carwin a monster, but said he is in love with the new Mir who is approaching this sport as a professional full time and not relying on his natural talent anymore.

1 -- JIM MILLER vs. MARK BOCEK

ROUND ONE: Bocek went for a takedown early. Miller blocked it nicely and ended up dropping at 1:00 to try for a guillotine. Bocek popped out and went for his own guillotine. They ended up standing center-ring at 2:30 for a few seconds, but Bocek shot in and slammed Miller to the mat... Miller nearly tapped him with a kimura. Bocek thought about it and even lifted his hand, but managed to escape, but damage may have been done... Miller controlled another 30 seconds until the horn sounded...

ROUND TWO: Bocek took Miller down in the opening seconds. Miller went for an anklelock and Bocek rolled 360 sideways to finally escape. Bocek then got a body triangle and trapped one of his arms and then punched him from behind. With a minute left in the round, Rogan said it was a terrible position for Miller and a real test of his heart. Miller survived, holding on despite Bocek's really dominant position. Miller celebrated his survival when the horn sounded. His cornermen got in his face and really talked psyched him up for that impressive defensive stint at the end of the round. Very good display of ground work. Rogan said he's never seen anyone last that long in that position and not get tapped...

ROUND THREE: Miller connected with an uppercut early. Bocek held his own on his feet, then shot in at 2:30. Miller defended well and even went for a takedown himself against the fence. Bocek got a takedown with a minute left. Miller got Bocek's back in the final seconds. Rogan and Goldberg felt it was very very close...

WINNER: Miller. All three judges gave it to Miller 29-28. Bocek was clearly disappointed, throwing his head back and exhaling...

2 -- BEN SAUNDERS vs. JON FITCH

ROUND ONE: Saunders is replacing Thiago Alvez who didn't pass his physical due to a brain abnormality that may end up not being serious... Rogan said he's disappointed about not seeing Jake Ellenberger, who is an exciting younger fighter who was scheduled to face Ben Saunders. Rogan said a win over Fitch will be huge for him and really impress him. Rogan said Saunders took on a vegan diet for this fight and his body feels much better for it. He said he feels great with better energy and recovery and lost a lto of weight, too. He said it'll be interesting to see how he performs with this diet... Fitch controlled the round, most of which was found with him on top against the fence scoring points, but not coming close to ending the fight. Saunders tried a few up kicks, but otherwise didn't do much... Saunders's corner told him he needs this round and they knew what Fitch was going to do... They showed Cain Velasquez sitting front row. Roga called him spooky. Rogan said Brock Lesnar is in attendance...

ROUND TWO: A minute in Fitch had Saunders on the mat and went back to his signature ground and pound. The crowd got restless and began booing mid-round. Rogan called it "the meathead factor." He said he appreciates what Fitch can do to guys, taking a dynamic guy like Saunders and just shut him down. "It might not be pretty, but it's beautiful in it's ugliness," he said... At 1:20 the crowd booed more and the ref stood them up, much to Rogan's expressed disgust. He said he hates stand-ups. In this case, Fitch was delivering blows... They showed Liddell in the front row. He was wearing clothes...

ROUND THREE: Saunders smiled as the round was about to begin. Fitch landed a right and then shot in and pushed Saunders against the fence. He threw a few more punches and then returned to center-ring. He threw more aggressive punches. Saunders went for a kimura as Fitch had him against the fence. He defended it well and escaped any potential danger. The ref moved them back to center-ring at 1:30. Fitch was better on his feet, landing some more punches and pushing Saunders against the fence. Saunders again went for the kimura, but Fitch defended well. Mid-round they ended up back center-ring where again Fitch looked better and stronger. Rogan said regarding Fitch: "If he doesn't win a decision here, some people need to go to jail"... They embraced after the fight in a show of mutual respect...

WINNER: Fitch 30-27 unanimous. (**)

3 -- KURT PELLENGRINO vs. FABRICIO CAMOES

ROUND ONE: Excellent opening two minutes with both men giving up their back and both looking to be in trouble multiple times. Pellengrino carried Camoes weight and head-planted him to escape a rear naked choke attempt. Fun round with a lot more maneuvering on the ground and reversals of advantage than typical...

ROUND TWO: At 2:00 Pellengrino got a full mount. Rogan observed a big smile on Pellengrino after getting that position. He said it's the best they've seen him, touting his association with Kenny Florian as helping him get better... Pellengrino said before the fight he wanted to wear Camoes down to the point that he didn't want to come off the stool at the start of the second round. That strategy might have come a round late, but Camoes seemed to be wearing down mid-way into this second round. He got a tapout late in the round with a rear naked choke... Rogan was very impressed. Goldberg said at age 30 this was his time to make a statement that he's a real contender at 155... Pellengrino

WINNER: Pellengrino at 4:20. Really enjoyable fight without any striking. (***)

4 -- SHANE CARWIN (11-0) vs. FRANK MIR (13-4) -- Interim Heavyweight Title

PRE-FIGHT: Carwin said: "I'm a f---in' handful for anyone... I'm a tough f---in' dude"... Goldberg's quote of the night on Carwin: "He had a baby... He and his wife, of course"... Goldberg touted that not only does Carwin end fights quickly, on average just over a minute, but his training partners say his cardio is fantastic in part from training in high altitude in Colorado... Rogan said Mir is "complete obsessed" with getting another shot against Lesnar. He said he loves that his dedication and discipline is finally meeting his talent level... They showed Lesnar watching from ringside next to Dana White. He smiled when the crowd booed... More cheers for Mir, but neither fighter escaped boos nor got overwhelming cheers... Mir had a slight weight advantage during the staredown...

ROUND ONE: After circling each other tentatively for a minute, Mir made the first move with a couple punches. Carwin controlled Mir against the fence and landed a few short punches. The ref moved them back to center-ring, which Rogan didn't like. They ended up against the fence again. Mir looked patient, if not a little bored, as Carwin controlled him, but other than some short punches that seemed to annoy Mir, no big moves were made. Carwin then made a big move and threw about six punches that landed, Mir's legs went out, and Mir grabbed at Carwin's leg. He even tried to grab Carwin's arm, but Carwin landed lefts to the side and back of Mir's head. Mir flattened out, the ref watched Mir take a few punches, and then he stopped the fight. No question here, Mir was knocked out. The ref may have waited too long, but Mir has earned not having an early stoppage.

WINNER: Carwin in round one via TKO to capture the UFC Interim Hvt. Title. Decisive, dominant victory, not all that different from the way Mir lost to Lesnar. That's the type of win that makes Lesnar vs. Carwin a huge money fight. (***-)

POST-FIGHT: Carwin said it was a lifetime of work. He said it's destiny that they meet. Lesnar walked into the ring and shook Carwin's hand, saying, "Nice fight." Lesnar told Carwin, nearly drowned out by boos, that he was wearing a made-up belt. "That's the bottom line, baby." Carwin said, "I couldn't agree more, baby. That's why I'm coming after it." By the way, Carwin is nowhere close to the 6-5 they bill him at. Lesnar, who's 6-3 at best, almost towered over him...

-They replayed the Drwal vs. Ralhares prelim fight, then aired a movie trailer.

-Goldberg and Rogan talked up Hardy's confidence. Rogan said GSP sees this as a chance at redemption for the loss to Matt Serra, who was underdog and took lightly and lost to. Rogan said if GSP wins, he thinks a move to 185 is next.

5 -- GEORGES ST. PIERRE vs. DAN HARDY -- Welterweight Title Fight

PRE-FIGHT: GSP: "I'm a martial artist, he's not. He probably doesn't understanding the meaning of this. After the fight he will." Hardy: "Because he walks out to the Octagon in his pajamas, he's a martial artist and I'm not. It makes no difference. He doesn't know me." Hardy added that his only goal is to put fist to face as fast and often as possible... Rogan noted that while most give GSP the experience advantage, Hardy actually has more MMA fights, well over two dozen. The difference, he said, is the level of opposition that GSP has... Rogan said GSP is elite at every level of the game, including wrestling even though he didn't wrestle in high school or college... Rogan said one of the most dangerous things about Hardy is that he doesn't get nervous. He observed that he was calm as calm can be, totally loose even standing opposite by far the toughest opponent of his career... Judges. by the way were: Douglas Crosby, Cardo Urso, and Jeff Blatnick... Hardy actually did some trash talking, dancing, and pointing during the ring intros. He played to the crowd's boos and smiled and did some more dancing. Boy, if you don't like Hardy, he makes you eager to see humbled. If you do like him, he gives you a lot of confidence...

ROUND ONE: GSP took Hardy down in the first 30 seconds. Hardy managed to escape from a full guard. GSP got Hardy down mid-around and patiently worked on him and got full guard again. Hardy tried to escape. GSP locked on a full armbar. Hardy was in pain and it appeared to be over, but he escaped and survived the round. Impressive defense from Hardy, earning some people's respect lasting a round with GSP, but he did no damage with his fists.

ROUND TWO: After over a minute of stand-up with some big swings by Hardy but no contact, GSP shot in and easily took Hardy to the mat. He got side control quickly again before 2:00. At 3:00 Hardy ended up on top of Hardy after blocking an armbar attempt. GSP escaped, which didn't disappoint Hardy too much as they ended up back on their feet. GSP threw a sidekick of all things at 3:30 and then a Superman punch. Hardy was more conservative, keeping his distance and then throwing a couple rights that didn't land hard. He threw a high round kick that GSP blocked. GSP landed a punch and Hardy smiled, playing head games with GSP even this far into the fight. Another Superman punch by GSP landed, and then he shot in and slammed Hardy to the mat at 4:20. The round ended that way. GSP gets the round on points, but Hardy earns more respect for those who thought he'd be done by now. That said, he's showing no ability to control the fight, even standing... They showed Renzo Gracie in the crowd...

ROUND THREE: GSP wasted no time and took GSP down at 15:00. Rogan noted that Greg Jackson told GSP not to pass this round and just ground and pound Hardy. Hardy had full guard and didn't take much damage, but was expending a lot of energy. Hardy may have taken an eye poke o his back as GSP was throwing punches from the top position while standing. GSP stood again, so Hardy went for a triangle. GSP countered by passing into side mount. At 3:50 Hardy slipped out and stood, but GSP never totally let up his grip and took Hardy down again. GSP took side control again. Hardy showed signs of fatigue with some deep breaths. Hardy gave up his back again with 30 seconds left. Hardy popped out, but GSP went for a leglock and then pounced on him with a punch and smothered him as the round ended. This is the type of performance from GSP that would turn anyone who thinks negatively about the sport of MMA into someone who gets the incredible skill level and grace on display by someone with GSP's skill level, and frankly the incredible defensive skills Hardy displayed just to hang in there and not lose even while being dominated.

ROUND FOUR: Hardy swung once and GSP just ducked and tackled him. Goldberg said GSP does it to everybody. He got full mount. Hardy tried to get up. GSP got his back. Rogan pointed out that GSP hasn't done much damage other than the armbar, and GSP wanted to finish Hardy, so he may not satisfied with how this is going. ardy appeared ready to tap to a kimura at 3:30. Rogan thought it was over again and if Hardy didn't tap, GSP would rip his arm off. Hardy ended up slipping out again. It almost seemed like GSP chose not to break his arm since he didn't fear losing to him even if Hardy escaped. Four dominant rounds in a row to GSP... Hardy lost his swagger at this point in his corner. His cornerman told him he has to hit GSP...

ROUND FIVE: GSP pelted Hardy and then took him down at 20 seconds. The crowd booed because they figured they were in for more of the same. The booing could work to inspire GSP to try to finish it. "He's just getting outclassed," said Rogan. GSP patiently tried to get himself into position to submit Hardy, but Hardy continued to defend against them. Rogan said if GSP wants to win it, maybe try for a choke because he might break Hardy's arm and he wouldn't tap. GSP ended with the very start of a leg submission... Afterward, Hardy applauded for GSP. GSP congratulated him for lasting five rounds. A mutual show of respect... Rogan said: "At the end of the day, he was dominated."

WINNER: GSP via unanimous decision to retain the UFC Welterweight Title. 50-43 (Crosby), 50-44 (Blatnick), 50-45 (Urso)... (***+)

POST-FIGHT: As the decision was announced, GSP put his arm around Hardy and asked him about his incredible ability to endure his armbars. Hardy pointed to his head and GSP laughed... Rogan asked him about that. GSP said he thinks Hardy is made of rubber. GSP said it's a win, but he's not happy with himself and made "stupid technical mistakes." He said he's going to ask his trainer who will show him the mistake he made so he will get better. GSP said his strategy was to fight him where he was weakest, but he was much better than he thought he was. Rogan said he won every minute of every round. GSP apologized to his fans and said he wants to come back better next time. He said he wanted to finish the fight in beautiful fashion. He told Hardy he did a lot better than he did in his first title shot. GSP walked up to Hardy and said they'd fight again. GSP was clearly impressed by Hardy... Rogan then interviewed Hardy, asking him what happened that he didn't expect. "I can see now why he is the champion," he said. "I wans't quite there tonight. But I'll be back." Rogan asked him how he didn't tapout to the armbar and the kimura. Hardy said the one thing he has above everything else is "no quit." He said he may lack technique or strength, but he doesn't give up. Rogan asked if he was even thinking of tapping. "I don't know the meaning of tap," Hardy said. "That's beautiful," Rogan said. I'm never crazy about pushing the idea that tapping is dishonorable. Hardy not tapping wasn't just deciding not to, it was an uncanny ability to endure the pain, arm flexibility and strength, and confidence he'd outlast him.

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