Perez's Take
PEREZ: The UFC on FX 1 Highlight Reel - The Top 5 Observations From UFC's FX Debut
Jan 21, 2012 - 4:05:20 PM PEREZ: The UFC on FX 1 Highlight Reel - The Top 5 Observations From UFC's FX Debut

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By: Anwar Perez, MMATorch Columnist

UFC on FX debuted last night with both stellar and so-so results. The UFC honestly couldn't be happier as this debut has the potential to overshadow their second card next week on FOX.

Note: No access to Fuel TV where I'm at, so this is strictly from the FX broadcast.

5.) Still old UFC with new UFC

With the UFC beginning to transition into a new, mainstream avenue by being on FOX and FX, I wish they would have new intro music (which was out-dated when I first got into MMA in 2005) to fully integrate a change for UFC and that includes using the NFL theme. Granted, it is a sport shown on FOX, yet it should be treated as separate with a different main theme to make a statement.

4.) Good sub for Neer against Ludwig

This was a different outcome considering both Josh Neer and Duane Ludwig are known for their highly combative stand up game. They both came out swinging and provided a good chance to see a knockout between either of them, but in the end it was Neer who was able to put Ludwig away, as one journeyman was able to move his way back up the ranks.

3.) Anik and Florian off to so-so start

Jon Anik has a good voice, and passion for MMA. His problem is that coming from ESPN, he's still calling fights as if they were highlights and not complete fights. It'd be the same if Scott Van Pelt called basketball games, but did it in a way that was only highlights and make it awkward to hear and understand. With a couple of more cards under his belt, he'll hopefully get more comfortable calling fights like fights, and not just highlights. Florian is Florian, but he's very bland on the mic. As much as fans roll their eyes at the over-reactionary things that Joe Rogan says, at least he shows passion, where I feel that Florian either lacks it or doesn't have it.

2.) Barry Shuts Critics Up

Pat Barry was VERY impressive against Christian Moorecraft as he was able to get out trouble on the ground. He never seemed worried or let it bother him that he kept being taken down, he kept coming with leg kicks, and finally connected with a punch that put Moorecraft away. A great fight and win for Barry.

1.) Jim Miller impressive with submission of Melvin Guillard

Melvin Guillard came out strong against Jim Miller, and looked to be the aggressor, providing much pressure against Miller. The problem is, that's usually Miller's job, and Miller was able to capitalize on the over-aggressiveness displayed by Guilard. It seemed like Guilard fell in love with the flying knees and just kept coming as if someone was pushing the A button on an Xbox controller. An impressive and heartfelt win for Jim Miller.

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