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Who had the most impressive performance at UFC 129?
RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
Obviously KOs and submissions are nice and all, but Rory MacDonald stood above and beyond. MacDonald, in his first fight since losing to Carlos Condit, ragdolled a very capable opponent for 15 minutes. MacDonald fought a very controlled fight, and wasn't in trouble for even a second of his victory over Nate Diaz.
ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
The most impressive performance had to come from Mark Hominick. He took an absolute beating from Jose Aldo, as have previous opponents of his, but the difference here was that Hominick was able to give back what Aldo was giving, and then some. He may not have looked impressive after the fight, but Hominick proved he can easily hang with the champion, and I would look forward to a rematch between the two.
ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Lyoto Machida, hands down, was the most impressive at UFC 129. He not only knocked out Randy Couture's tooth, he used a technique that is rarely used in MMA to do it. He did this to one of the best fighters in the history of the sport and made it look easy. If this is Randy Couture's last fight at least it is a memorable one. Machida had a run of two bad fights for him and this win puts him back in the mix at light heavyweight. That kick will be remembered and talked about for a long, long, time.
GRIFFIN MARSH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Lyoto Machida! If anyone disagrees you're insane.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
I think I'd have to go with Jose Aldo. Lyoto Machida had a great highlight, but Randy Couture isn't the fighter he once was. Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields both had subpar - for them - performances. Mark Hominick is a legitimate contender and Aldo was able to pull out the win and do a number to Hominick's face. Nobody really stood out, and a lot of people were really good, but I think Aldo's title defense over Hominick was the most impressive.
MATT PELKEY, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
I'll take the upset pick here and say Vladdy Matyushenko. Yes the fight only lasted 20 seconds, but that was the result of a crisp two punch combination on the feet and some brutal hammerfists on the ground. In the biggest event in MMA history, in a fight everyone was labeling the "bathroom break" fight, Vladdy threw his name in the hat for KO of the night (although he finished a distant fourth in that race) in defeating a fighter most were expecting him to lose to. At 40 years old, Matyushenko is still diligently working to improve his game, and has somehow managed to keep himself relevant in MMA's premier division.
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