History of the UFC 05.05.08: UFC XXXIX - The Warriors Return
Posted by Matt McEwen on 05.05.2008
Matt Serra vs. BJ Penn could headline a PPV today, but it's just a support match at UFC XXXIX as Randy Couture's quest to become a three time heavyweight champion is the main event.
It’s September 27th 2002, we’re fresh off the UFC’s semi-disastrous UK debut, and we get to crown a new heavyweight champion.
In other words, life is good.
Well, not that good really. The “semi-disaster” I mentioned isn’t what happened in the cage, as UFC XXXVIII was actually pretty good action wise, but rather what happened to Zuffa’s bank account. Let’s just say “Financial Haemorrhaging" and leave it at that.
The Octagon is back in the friendly, not exactly regulated, confines of the Mohegan Sun Arena for a card, which on paper looks pretty bloody good (which you can say about most of the cards at this time period as Zuffa was trying hard). We get the first round of a four man lightweight tournament to crown a new champ in that division featuring Din Thomas taking on Caol Uno and BJ Penn going up against Matt Serra. Hell, that latter fight could headline a PPV today....and just might sometime in 2009.
On top of that, the always entertaining Phil Baroni takes on the returning Dave Menne, Tim Sylvia makes his Octagon debut and, in the main event, Randy Couture tries to become a three time heavyweight -champion as he takes on a non-celebrity, non-celebrity Ricco Rodriguez. So.....on to the show...
We open up the show with a music video – directed by Frank Fertitta and Dana White, seriously, they’re listed as the directors – of action highlights set to a song by a shitty Limp Bizkit sounding (redundant, I know) band called Reveille. I’m not sure what the music world was thinking in 2002, but I was busy checking out Lamb of God, Walls of Jericho, Sparta and other decent bands, so I have no clue if Reveille was actually popular or just some random band that would let their music be used on the cheap. /rant.
One quick comment about announcers. Goldberg is doing play by play of course, but my ears are still being subjected to Jeff Osbourne. He really doesn’t add all that much to the shows in spite of seeming possibly knowledgeable. I’m really hoping they have Joe Rogan on board soon.
And one last thing – I seem to have a full fledged, three hour long PPV copy finally, so I get the whole show and not the “all fights, all the time” versions I’ve been watching the last two or three months. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, but what can you do?
Middleweights
Dave Menne
(5’10, 178lbs, 34-4-1, 2-1 UFC)
Vs.
Phil Baroni
(5’9, 182lbs, 4-1, 1-1 UFC)
The subtitle of the show is “The Warriors Return”, which I assume was mostly based on Dave “The Warrior” Menne making his return to the UFC after losing the middleweight title to Murillo Bustamante. Now, I’m no expert on fighting, non-paying UFC reviewer job or no, but I’m going to say that if you got knocked out by Bustamante, Baroni might pose a wee bit of an issue.
Round 1
Yup...glass chin. A nasty right hook by Baroni staggers Menne, and the eight punches he gets in before McCarthy can step in and stop the fight put him out like a light, onto a stretcher and off to the hospital. 19 seconds in total.
While Menne is being attended to – off camera, as a potentially serious injury of the KO variety is never to be shown on TV – Baroni is his usual gracious self in victory. This would be the last time Menne would appear on PPV, but he would take part – and lose – at both Fight Night 5 & 7.
Next up, we get a quick explanation of the heavyweight title situation. Josh Barnett tested positive for a “anabolic agent” according to a male pattern baldness sporting Dana White but since the Nevada Commission didn’t overturn his title win they had to strip him and have the title fight tonight. He strongly suggests that he considers Couture the champ going into the fight tonight.
Heavyweights
Pedro Rizzo
(6’1, 246lbs, 13-3, 7-3 UFC)
Vs.
Gan McGee
(6’10, 265lbs, 10-1, 0-1 UFC)
So we’ve got a guy who just lost close to 40lbs in order to reach the new heavyweight division limit of 265lbs and a dynamic striker who only loses in his title shots. Should be interesting.
Round 1
McGee has a rather odd stance, but when you’re 6’10, you can get away with that. He holds his right hand low, which works ok since Rizzo has to throw up to hit him, which he eventually does. The left that lands immediately starts McGee’s right eye swelling, but Rizzo is unable/willing to follow up. McGee has felt enough of Rizzo’s power and decides to take the fight down. The problem with that is Rizzo has a great sprawl, which he uses to keep the fight up. With about 20 seconds left, Rizzo lands a nasty leg kick that looks like it hurts McGee, except that it also seems to wake him up and he lands a big overhand (and at 6’10 that’s a big “over”) that EXPLODES Rizzo’s nose.
10-9 round for Rizzo as he actually seemed to be dealing with McGee’s odd size very well until that last punch. Unfortunately for him though, the doctor’s decide he can’t continue with the cut/broken nose and McGee wins by doctor’s stoppage before the second even starts.
They pimp they’re next event, and it’s a pretty big one. The main event of UFC XL is going to be the long awaited grudge match that spans the different eras of the UFC – original star Ken Shamrock returning from the WWF to butt heads with the new bad boy, Tito Ortiz. That oughta be fun if a bit one sided. Nice promo hyping up the event, which they air 3 or 4 more times, in spite of Ortiz sounding more than a bit fake in his comments.
Next up, we get the explanation of how Jens Pulver was stripped of the lightweight title. Can you imagine if we had two champs being stripped of their titles today? All the chicken little’s of the internet would be have simultaneous conniption fits about how much of the sky was already down.
Lightweight Tournament Semi-Final
Caol Uno
(5’7, 154lbs, 14-5, 2-2 UFC)
Vs.
Din Thomas
(5’9, 152lbs, 13-2, 1-1 UFC)
So, these two fought 3 years prior to this in Shooto, with Uno winning. However, Thomas has since joined up with American Top Team, so he feels as if that fight is entirely meaningless.
Round 1
Thomas starts out by landing a big right hand and takes the fight to the ground. Uno fights his way up, but goes right back down and gets mounted. Thomas postures up to throw some shots, but ends up taking Uno’s back. He rolls for an armbar but Uno avoids and comes out on top. He’s not safe there either though, as Thomas locks in a triangle that nearly finishes the fight, but Uno pulls free to end the round.
10-9 Thomas in a really exciting opening round. Trust me, it was more fun to watch than to read what I just wrote.
Round 2
Thomas liked how the fight was going on the ground, so he takes it right back down. They scramble around for about a minute before they make it back to their feet and Uno takes Thomas down. Things slow down from there until Thomas lands a heel to the back of Uno’s head while Uno is on his knees over him. The ref calls for a pause in the fight and penalizes Thomas a point.
On the restart Uno lands a couple of big punches and then ends up with a takedown and a little pounding to finish out the round.
10-9 round for Uno, but the foul makes it 10-8 and gives him a 19-18 lead going into the third.
Round 3
Thomas gets the better of the striking to open the round, but Uno takes him down and lands a few punches. Thomas looks for a few submissions from the bottom, but neither guy stays very busy and the fight is stood up with about half the round left. Thomas scores with a nice throw, but Uno is able to control his weight and end up in top position. He lands some short elbows and they both stay busy through the end of the round.
10-9 for Uno based on the takedowns and overall control, giving him a 29-27 win in my book.
All three judges see it the same way, giving Uno the unanimous decision and earning a shot at the lightweight title.
Lightweight Tournament Semi-Final
BJ Penn
(5’9, 154lbs, 4-1)
Vs.
Matt Serra
(5’6, 154lbs, 5-1, 2-1 UFC)
Like I said in the intro, we just might be seeing this one sometime in 2009 if Serra is able to move back to his natural weight.
Round 1
Serra wants the fight on the ground immediately, but eats a jumping knee as he tries for a single leg. That’s mostly the round – Serra trying hard for the takedown, Penn avoiding and peppering in a few shots. Serra’s face is showing the signs of Penn’s power by the end.
10-9 round for Penn in a fast paced if not action filled first.
Round 2
Penn comes out, slips and nearly gets caught in a guillotine. He’s able to avoid it, but Serra scores the takedown. They don’t stay down for long though, as Penn ties up Serra and opens enough space to hop back to his feet. Penn scores a takedown later in the round, but he lets Serra up as he apparently doesn’t want to fool around on the ground. That’s not a great plan though, as Serra is able to land a few nice right hands and push Penn against the fence as the round comes to an end.
10-9 for Serra mostly due to the bombs he was landing at the end.
Round 3
Serra looks pretty tired, as his shots a slower and sloppier. He eventually gets his hands on Penn’s leg for a single attempt, but eats a few punches. Much like the first, this is the story of the third...Serra trying hard for the takedown, Penn landing mostly body shots and staying up.
10-9 round for Penn, giving him the fight 29-28 in my book.
Again, all three judges see it my way, and Penn gets the unanimous decision and a rematch with Uno for the lightweight title.
Heavyweights
Tim Sylvia
(6’8, 259lbs, 13-0, UFC debut)
Vs.
Wesley Correira
(6’3, 263lbs, 7-3, UFC debut)
Sylvia is “The Grizzly Bear” and looks in better shape than he usually does nowadays, though he’s still an awkward looking bugger. “Cabbage” Correira has some nicely multicoloured hair, and has a gut that makes Sylvia look like he should be trying for the Mr. Olympia title.
Round 1
Cabbage lands the first flurry and rocks Sylvia, but can’t quite put him away. This is bad for him, as from this point on, I’d say Sylvia lands 15 or 20 punches that would knock out a normal human. Cabbage is pretty much unknockoutable at this point though, so the result an almost uncomfortable beating. Not to say he doesn’t get some shots in, because he does, but Sylvia is on target practice here.
10-9 round for Sylvia.
Round 2
Now it’s gone beyond uncomfortable to painful. Repeat of the first round, just without Cabbage swinging back. His corner throws in the towel and save his granite head from permanent damage. Sylvia wins his debut by human destruction but Cabbage becomes a damn near folk hero for taking
that ass kicking.
Heavyweight Title
Randy Couture
(6’, 227lbs, 10-4, 7-1 UFC)
Vs.
Ricco Rodriguez
(6’3, 243lbs, 13-1, 4-0 UFC)
Good promos before the fight as they highlight each competitor. They’re akin to something you’d see on the “Countdown” shows they air now.
The major storyline coming into the fight is about Rodriguez’s fitness, as he has been in questionable shape in some fights, while Couture is in such good shape that he’s training for an “Eco-Challenge.”
Rodriguez comes out looking to be in the best shape I’ve ever seen him in – i.e. no lovehandles – while Couture is his usually 5% body fat self.
Round 1
Long stand up period to start and it’s evident that Couture has really been working his striking. His leg kicks are sharp and his boxing – particularly his jab – is crisp. Rodriguez scores a takedown but can’t hold Couture down. When Couture scores his takedown though, he pounds away a bit and is able to control his bigger opponent. They get to their feet, but Couture scores another takedown as the round ends.
10-9 for Couture based on the extra takedown and those crisp kicks he was throwing.
Round 2
Couture takes the fight to the ground immediately and starts to work out of Rodriguez’s guard. He basically mauls and punches him for a bit before he slows down. Rodriguez is able to get up for a second, but that just leads to another takedown as Couture is making it look easy. Rodriguez twists his knee and actually screams in pain as Couture tries to pound out a stoppage, but to his credit Rodriguez recovers and survives the final 20 seconds.
10-9 for Couture again.
Round 3
Couture’s jab still looks sharp as the round starts. Rodriguez tries his trademarked flying knee, but gets taken down for his effort, which leads to more ground and pound. Different outcome this time though, as Rodriguez is able get to his feet and score a takedown of his own. He tries some submissions, but Couture takes advantage and reverses right at the end.
Very tight round, but I’d say 10-9 for Rodriguez for several sub attempts, but you could make a solid case for Couture winning the round.
Round 4
Rodriguez is feeling good after getting back in the fight in the third and burst out of the gates with a big takedown. He pushes Couture up against the fence and starts landing punches and elbows. He is able to trap one of Couture’s arms and lands more elbows. He moves to full mount and has a chance to finish the fight with 30 seconds left in the round (yes, he spent 4:30 on top pounding away) but gets greedy and tries to roll for an armbar, giving Couture the chance to reverse and land punches of his own. Rodriguez gets up and comes within two inches of getting himself disqualified as he throws a soccer kick that just misses right at the end of the round.
10-9 for Rodriguez, but would have been 10-8 if he hadn’t got greedy and given Couture some offense at the end. So, 38-38 going into the fifth.
Round 5
Big right hand opener by Couture, but Rodriguez shoots and takes him down. He’s in Couture’s full guard, but starts pounding away with elbows and punches. Couture blocks a lot at first, but they eventually start coming through and you can hear Couture say “That’s enough” for the verbal submission.
Your winner by submission and NEW heavyweight champion, Ricco Rodriguez!
Honestly, one of the best five rounder’s I’ve seen, and it’s made all the better that it was Rodriguez’s stamina – his supposed weakness – that won him the fight. For Couture, it’s his second straight defeat to a bigger heavyweight, so what is he going to do? At 39 he might retire, but we all know that doesn’t happen. Stay tuned...
To round out the PPV, quick prelim highlights as Sean Sherk (14-0-1, 2-0 UFC) defeated Benji Radich (8-0, 1-0 UFC, 1 NC) by pounding out a first round stoppage, and Matt Lindland (7-1, 4-1 UFC) won a unanimous decision over Ivan Saliverry (8-1, 1-0 UFC).
One last quick note. Bill Simmons - aka "The Sports Guy" - at ESPN's Page 2 was given a free pass to this show. He did an entertaining, if slightly MMA neophytical, article which you can check out here.
The 411: Yet another good event as you get just about everything you could ask for from highlight reel, lightning quick KO's, to displays of incredible toughness to a five round epic. We have a new heavyweight champion, we're on the road to a new lightweight champion and the main event for the next show has the potential to be a HUGE money maker for the UFC. The only bad thing is that, at this point, they NEED a big money maker as 9 shows into their ownership tenure, Zuffa is losing tons of cash.
