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By: Anwar Perez, MMATorch Columnist
After a night of lackluster fights from last week's UFC on Fox 2, this week was only slightly better with two great fights, and a series of great moments for up-and-coming fighters in the UFC.
5. Josh Koscheck Looks Lost
Even though Koscheck was able to win his fight via split decision, he seemed to be completely out of it and not focused during the fight. Granted, Mike Pierce frustrated Koscheck to no end, and had him confused on what sort of gameplan to follow as he didn't use his wrestling as often as he usually does. Koscheck kept looking up at the monitors around the arena for the time, and he seemed to do it quite a bit during the fight. There's not too much of a small window to get another shot at the Championship, so he should be a couple of fights away. Hopefully, he comes back better than this lackluster fight.
4. New Intro, Old Song
With hype all week from the UFC and journalists alike, there was anticipation in seeing the new intro the UFC had made for the beginning of their PPVs. It did not disappoint, for better or worse at least. I enjoyed it, thought it fit the mold a little better with showing moments of classic fights to segue into the interview pieces before Stemm's "Face the Pain" kicks in. I was very surprised to see that song still in there, but to be honest, it's synonymous with the UFC, and for the time being, until something better is found, let's keep it that way. Some people didn't like the new intro, as one of my friends said "I hope they get their money back and go back to the gladiator." I guess some people liked it just the way it was.
3. Highlight Night for Poirier and Thompson
Both Dustin Poirier and Stephen Thompson will be remembered at UFC 143 for making an impact at the PPV. Poirier had a sick submission (actually, two) on Max Holloway as he submitted him via triangle-choke/arm-bar at the same time (I think the arm-bar did the most damage, but check it out for yourself). Earlier in the night, Stephen Thompson had a Mirko Cro-Cop like high kick that knocked out Dan Stittgen. Both Poirier and Thompson should be proud of their wins, as not only did it help elevate an otherwise boring preliminary card, but also put their names on the map as fighters that will hopefully next time make it to the main card.
2. Roy Nelson
I almost feel sorry for Fabricio Werdum. Even though he defeated "Big Country" Roy Nelson by unanimous decision, all Joe Rogan wanted to ask was what Werdum thought about Nelson's toughness and resiliency throughout the fight. Nelson didn't look great, per se, but damn if that guy didn't prove to the world that he may be the toughest fighter out there. Current champ Junior dos Santos couldn't finish him, and Werdum found out first hand how difficult it is to take a guy out that won't stop. He can't stop. No matter the outcome of the fight, Roy Nelson went in as a fan favorite, and because of his hard as nails attitude and willingness to almost take insane amounts of punishment to try and keep the fight going, he left an even BIGGER fan favorite as he proved that win or lose, he belongs in the UFC.
1. Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit: To Be Continued
Nick Diaz and Carlos Condit put on a great back and forth fight, that in the end went to a decision. The decision went to Carlos Condit as he became the new Interim Welterweight Champion while Champion Georges St-Pierre heals from an injury. After this fight, however, most people want to see a sequel to the first fight already. Diaz's comments after the fight were definitely noteworthy as he says "I'm done with this MMA s**t" and potentially leaves a great rematch on the table. The UFC is not sure exactly when GSP will be ready to fight Condit for an undisputed championship, but if he's not ready - and considering the lack of depth in the division - a rematch with Diaz would certainly suffice. It just seemed like this was the first chapter, and another seems to be waiting in the wings.
Questions? Comments? Follow me @anwarsajperez
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