Tremendous Tirades: UFC 89 – Bisping vs. Leben [Ultimate 2-Disc Edition] Posted by Larry Csonka on 02.24.2009
If you like fights that end in round three, go all the way to decision or a show that feels like it lasts forever, then this card is for you!
Notes: Fights that appeared on the original broadcast will have full blow by blow recaps as well as the “tirade” from the My Take On Column from after the event. Bonus bouts will just have the results and tirade (mix of blow by blow and opinion), due to time constraints. Hopefully this will allow me to complete this DVD as well as UFC 90, which should post tomorrow. Also, in the spirit of complete disclosure, this DVD was sent to me as a review copy.
UFC 89 – BISPING vs. LEBEN
The DVD is out today.
DISC: ONE
-LIVE from the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England!
Lightweight Bout - Per Eklund (14-3-1) vs. Samy Schiavo (10-5):
THE RESULT: Per Eklund defeats Samy Schiavo via submission (rear naked choke) in round three
THE TIRADE: Lightweights opened the evening, with not many in attendance. I always feel bad for these guys, because many times, the prelims contribute many FIGHT/SUB/KO’s of the night. Schiavo had a good first round, with a knockdown and chock attempt, but Eklund was able to recover and did some nice work from the rubber guard, although his rubber guard was very loose. I would go with Eklund for round one. Schiavo rushed out to begin round two, but misses his shot and Eklund worked good knee strikes. Schiavo finally connected with very good strikes and knees, and was able to take Eklund down, although he didn’t want to be there and stood right back up. Eklund worked the clinch from there, and delivered some awesome knee strikes to get Schiavo down and took the back of Schiavo, but his poor body triangle never allowed him full control as he worked for a choke, which never got sunk in. Schiavo was in survival mode, and while Eklund was in control, Schiavo was never is real danger. Eklund was up 20-18 at this point. Eklund took it right to the ground in round three, got the back, the hooks and won with the rear naked choke. A solid opener with good, but loose work by Eklund. He was finally able to lock things up in the last round for the submission win, and was never in trouble.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 6.5
Lightweight Bout - Jim Miller (11-1) vs. David Baron (14-2):
THE RESULT: Jim Miller defeats David Baron via submission (rear naked choke) in round three
THE TIRADE: Miller, the former wrestler took the fight to the ground early, and looked completely at home. Baron threw some good elbows from the bottom as Miller worked from the half guard. At one point Miller got the back (RNC) but Baron was smooth enough to turn out of it. Miller also had a chance with the mount and even a head and arm choke, but Baron worked him back to half guard. They would get to the feet, but Miller was able to pull him back down and his control of the round was very impressive. Miller easily took round one with me, Baron survived as he was in danger many times. Baron had some early success in round two with the stand up, but Miller smartly took him back to the ground and once again controlled the round, did some solid ground and pound and elbows that cut Baron. Once again, Baron survived, but was outworked. It was only a matter of time, Miller had taken him down the entire fight and previously had the back. Baron was tired, mentally defeated and Miller was just too good and won with the RNC he wanted in round one. Miller is a lightweight stud and future contender for sure. A little too one-sided to be a “great fight,” but Miller’s performance was excellent.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Lightweight Bout - Terry Etim (10-2) vs. Sam Stout (14-4-1):
THE RESULT: Terry Etim defeats Sam Stout via unanimous decision
THE TIRADE: Etim will enjoy a 3-inch reach advantage. They came out BANGIN with some sweet kickboxing, with Etim getting the advantage early with his reach, and Stout not being able to get the groove. Etim keeps setting up Stout, after establishing the leg kick, then faking and landing solid combos. Interesting fact as they trade, both lost to Rich Clementi, who is now released. Etim constantly changed things up, but Stout has a good chin. Etim completely controlled the round, taking it 10-9, even with Stout’s flurry at the end of the round. Tons of great stand up action here, easily the most energetic of the show thus far. Etim controlled, but Stout was able to land hard body shots. Some will say that 3-inches isn’t a huge reach advantage, but combined with the leg kicks and height advantage, Etim was able to control very well. This was a great round, and I have it 20-18 for Etim, although round two was close. Round three was more stand up, less energetic than round two, but they were getting tired. Both guys simply put on a show, but Etim was just too much. Great fight and a great win for Etim. Stout finished strong, and was beginning to figure Etim out, which makes me wonder what would have happened if this was a 5-round fight.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.5
Lightweight Bout - David Bielkheden (12-6) vs. Jess Liaudin (12-10):
THE RESULT: David Bielkheden defeats Jess Liaudin via unanimous decision
THE TIRADE: Bielkheden shot early to get Jess down early and to the cage. Jess was able to walk up the cage, but was immediately taken back down and ate numerous knees and a 5-6 punch combo, and was then taken back to the mat. Jess has an omoplata for a moment, but Bielkheden escapes and maintained control of the round with another takedown. Bielkheden was on his way to a 10-8 round, but Jess was able to pull him down and do decent work from the guard. Bielkheden easily took round one 10-9. Bielkheden began round two with another takedown, worked from the guard and Jess again looked for the omoplata, but couldn’t lock it in. Bielkheden was able to keep him down again and control things, until a stand up. That allowed Jess to get the takedown and do some nice work from the guard, like at the end of round one, but again, too little and too late as I have Bielkheden up 20-18. Round three was more of the same as he got the early takedown, and just controlled the fight with some nice elbows that cut open Jess. Bielkheden wins easily, in a good, if unspectacular fight.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Welterweight Bout - Dan Hardy (19-6-1) vs. Akihiro Gono (28-12-7):
THE RESULT: Dan Hardy defeats Akihiro Gono via split decision
THE TIRADE: The good news is that the Akihiro Gono entrance is in the extras, so VIVA this DVD. Hardy is 5-inches taller and will enjoy a 6-inch reach advantage. Hardy controlled early with leg kicks, power rights and good jabs, utilizing his reach. Gono tried to catch the kicks for a takedown, and was able to land a bit, but nothing major. Gono then worked some body kicks and was beginning to get inside, and then they traded wildly. Round one was pretty close, but I feel Hardy’s dominance early and cage control was enough to get him the round. Gono has a small mouse by his right eye as we begin round two, and they traded round kicks, with Gono landing some good power shots. Gono would get the takedown, side control but Hardy escaped with no damage. They danced a bit, back spin kick and right by Gono followed by a knee got him some control. Gono also got a sweet left hook, which was an open handed bitch slap. Gono is finding his way inside and bloodied Hardy as he began to dominate the round. He did a great job of countering Hardy, and in my mind evened up the fight 19-19. With the close first round, I could see an argument for Gono being up 20-18. Gono continues to counter well as we begin round three, but also taking some shots. Hardy hurt Gono with a side kick, backed him off, but Gono continued to counter well. Gono is bleeding a bit, but keeps landing the bitch slap and leg kick combos. Hardy remains aggressive, but Gono is countering and changing angles very well, well, until he got kicked in the JUNK! Gono was hurt bad, but didn’t take much recovery time as they went back to action. Gono got the takedown, he back as Hardy got to his feet. He bucks him off and Gono with another takedown. Gono then threw two illegal knees as Hardy was downed, no points off, but a warning and time out. That’s unfortunate. Back to action and Gono keeps avoiding punishment, and caught Hardy with a right. The illegal blows really took away from a great fight in my opinion, and I had Gono winning 29-28, but hey, don't let it go to the cards if you want the win. The end is awesome as the horn horn, Gono goes for a flying knee and referee Dan Mirgliotta tosses him down as he is in mid-air…tremendous.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.5
Heavyweight Bout - Shane Carwin (9-0) vs. Neil Wain (5-0):
THE RESULT: Shane Carwin defeats Neil Wain via technical knockout (strikes) in round one
THE TIRADE: Wain was a big guy, 264, but gave up a ton of reach. Wain charged in, but Carwin took him right to the ground, got side control, busted Wain open and then took mount and just destroyed Wain. Destruction. The UK crowd was not pleased as Wain never stood a chance. Carwin is a stud, and along with Cain Velasquez, Brock Lesnar and a rejuvenated Frank Mir, they are making people care about the UFC heavyweight division.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
-We get a video package for Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly.
Welterweight Bout: Marcus Davis (19-4) vs. Paul Kelly (8-0):
ROUND ONE: The official is Marc Goddard. And here we go. Davis with a leg kick, eats a straight right and backs off. Another leg kick by Davis, in with a left and then back to the leg kick. Straight left by Davis, Kelly in with a combo and Davis fights him off with some jabs. Both men miss with combo tries, back to the jab by Davis who works some leg kick and right hand fakes. Jabs by Davis, a combo follows and then a body kick. Back to the leg kick he goes, Kelly misses a huge left, body kick by Davis and then the leg kick. Davis with the combo, he shoots in, gets the takedown and Kelly works for a guillotine but Davis escapes to half guard. Elbows by Davis, into side control and starts to land left elbows and then as he tries a mount, Kelly gets to his feet. Leg kick by Davis, another and then a high kick checked by Kelly. Kelly throws a high kick as the round ends, but it is checked.
SCORECARD:: A fine first round, nothing that exciting but Davis looked rally good in his standup, got the takedown and some nice work as well. I have it Davis 10-9.
ROUND TWO: The second begins as Davis looks to back off Kelly, they circle and Davis looks for a body shot, good jab follows and then to the leg kick. Another leg kick by Davis, the jab again to counter a miss by Kelly and then a wild combo by Kelly misses. Kelly lands a good left, shoots in and gets Davis down, but Davis locks in a guillotine against the cage. Davis pulls full guard and Kelly taps.
THE RESULT: Marcus Davis via RD2 (2:16) Submission
Joe Rogan is with Marcus Davis. He is happy with his performance, especially coming off an injury and awful loss. He knew Kelly was strong, and had to take his time and his angles. He had eye surgery to fix scar tissue, but he got it all repaired and he feels great and thanks the doctor. Davis loves coming to the UK, and he made a friend in Kelly. They hug, and he BEGS Dana to have him fight in Ireland.
THE TIRADE: The opening bout of the evening was the undefeated Paul Kelly facing off with a personal favorite of mine, Marcus Davis. Davis had a very tough time out last time he was in the cage. He faced off with Mike Swick and was brutalized over three rounds. It came out after the fight that not only were the cuts giving him fits, but that he had a shoulder injury going into the fight, which limited him. I really wish guys would be a bit smarter going into fights. I appreciate that they want to put on a show and look strong, but if you are injured so badly that it will limit your performance to the degree that the shoulder injury did last time out, then you have to pull out. But that was the last fight, and this is the new. The first round of the fight was a good round, nothing extremely exciting, but a good round that saw Davis dominate on the feet with clean and damaging standup. The takedown helped him as well and he also did solid work on the ground. With Davis up going into the second round, Kelly was the aggressor and was looking to take control of the fight. Unfortunately his aggression was what cost him the fight. Kelly charged in for the takedown, got it but was caught right away with the guillotine. Davis would pull it into full guard, and Kelly had no choice but to tap. Kelly did well here, but Davis was game and completely recovered. He mentioned not only healing from the shoulder injury, but also the operation on his eyes to remove scar tissue. That is a great thing because that was a weakness he had, and it hurt him in the last fight. Now with that taken care of, he has a better chance to succeed. Davis now starts over again and looks to string together some wins to get back into the title hunt.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
-Now we have a video package for Chris Lytle vs. Paul Taylor.
Welterweight Bout: Chris Lytle (35-16-4) vs. Paul Taylor (9-3-1):
ROUND ONE: The official is Kevin Mulhall. They come out a bit wild and are lighting each other up, with Lytle landing really solid combos. Taylor back with the kicks, body shots by Lytle and to the cage they go. Lytle with knees against the cage, some body shots as well follow. They exchange knees, big right by Lytle and they break. Lytle with another nice right, they clinch, to the cage they go and Lytle with a great throw, but Taylor is back to his feet. Lytle with more knees and body shots against the cage. Taylor back with some knees, Lytle back with a combo and then they both land rights. Both land combos, Lytle with a great right, then a left right combo and to the cage again. More knees by Lytle, they both land while against the cage and then more knees by Lytle. Taylor turns Lytle, they separate and a looping left by Lytle lands. Taylor misses a spin kick, to the cage and more knee by Lytle. Knees and rights to the body by Lytle as he is controlling the fight. They both work knee strikes, rights by Lytle and then one by Taylor. Taylor gets another and that rocked Lytle a bit. They stay clinched and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: A damn fine first round there. Both guys decided to stay standing and that made for some excitement. Taylor wasn't totally dominated, but Lytle had good control and worked the body well and of course, the throw never hurts. I have it 10-9 for Lytle.
ROUND TWO: Round two begins and Taylor is out with quick combos to begin. Good right by Taylor, and then they just unload on each other and then go to the cage. Knees and body shots by Lytle, he looks for and gets a single leg takedown. Taylor pulls guard, Lytle into half guard as Taylor works shots from the bottom. Guillotine try by Lytle, Lytle with kicks to the body as well and then good knee strikes. They go to the feet, separate and then leg kicks by Taylor. They clinch, dirty boxing and then a takedown by Taylor, but Lytle right back to his feet. They trade short shots against the cage, knees by Lytle again. They separate, leg kick by Taylor and then looping, sloppy shots by Lytle follow and miss. A body shot by Lytle, but a leg kick by Taylor follows. He caught Lytle low and we get time. Back to action as they touch, they begin to unload once again but Lytle is looking tired. Against the cage again, Lytle with a knee and then a right. Taylor works to avoid the takedown and does. He almost gets the takedown, Lytle blocks as they battle against the cage again and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Another good round here. Lytle is tiring and Taylor was able to control the round and land good shots. I have it 19-19 overall.
ROUND THREE: And here we go with the final round. Lytle throws a high kick, checked by Taylor and both land rights. Lytle with a body shot, great left and then begins to unload with HUGE shots on Taylor. Knees now and more body shots by Lytle. Lytle continues to connect to the body with rights and knees. They work against the cage, short uppercut by Lytle and they separate. Lytle is dropping his hands and throwing very sloppy punches. Leg kick by Taylor, he misses a right and then a left-right combo, and leg kick by Taylor. Lytle presses it back to the cage, they trade knees and they get separated. Great uppercut by Taylor, Lytle back with a left hook and a combo. Taylor stuffs a takedown, but Lytle then gets it anyway. Lytle works him against the cage, in half guard and Taylor makes it to his feet. Good right by Lytle, another lands and then he just continues forward and eats shots as well as delivers. Taylor starts to unload big time, to the cage they go and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: A very close round. Lytle got the takedown, but did absolutely nothing with it. Taylor was able to escape and had more effective striking all round long as Lytle was gassed. I have it 29-28 for Taylor.
THE RESULT: Chris Lytle via Decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Joe Rogan is with Chris Lytle. Lytle says he loves how Taylor fights, and the fight was what he wanted. Lytle talks us through some of the exchanges on the replay. Lytle wants to fight Davis.
I am shocked that not one judge thought Taylor won, almost as shocked at the 30-27 round.
THE TIRADE: For the second straight fight we had a Welterweight battle. The first round was a very good round as both guys decided early that they wanted to stand and bang. Lytle didn't completely dominate the round, but he had the better striking and a good throw. I had him up as we headed into round two. Taylor was able to come back in this round as he dominated the striking game, and Lytle was looking very tired and wanting to just unload with every shot. As I had it even, round three was another close round. Lytle got a takedown and did absolutely nothing with it. Taylor would escape that, worked his striking much better and while it was close, I had it 29-28 for Taylor. But it wouldn't be an MMA event without SOME controversy. I had Taylor winning the fight, but it was close. I was completely shocked that not one judge thought Taylor won, almost as shocked at the 30-27 round for Lytle. There is no way he took all three rounds, and even before the show I had a ton of people asking about the fight, as most felt that Taylor won. Chris Lytle picks up the win he needed, moving to 2-2 in his last four fights. He wants to challenge Davis, which I think would be a good fight, and if Davis can win, it gets him closer to a title shot.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0
-Earlier tonight Rogan talked with Anderson Silva. Silva says Cote is a great fighter and strong opponent. Rogan discusses people saying that he is the best pound for pound fighter. Silva says that it is too early to say that, but maybe when he is done they can say that. They discuss the KO of Irvin and Silva fighting at Light Heavyweight. Irvin is good he says and he enjoyed fighting at LHW, due to their being so much talent in that division.
-We get a video package for Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou vs. Luis Cane.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (5-2) vs. Luis Cane (9-1):
ROUND ONE: The official is Marc Goddard. Here we go, they come out and dance a bit, circle and a leg kick by Sokoudjou. Short right by Sokoudjou, and then the leg kick again. Combo by Cane, body shot as well follows. A great body kick off of the combo by Sokoudjou. Sokoudjou is backing Cane off, Sokoudjou with a right and then a left elbow by Cane. A good right off of a jab fake by Sokoudjou. Great body kick by Cane, but Sokoudjou back with one of his own. Leg kicks by Sokoudjou, misses an uppercut but then gets a great combo. Sokoudjou misses a knee, but a combo follows. Push kicks by Sokoudjou, and then an uppercut follows. Body shot by Sokoudjou, another and then a big right follows. They trade jabs, Cane backs off Sokoudjou and gets a solid combo. Sokoudjou misses a body kick and he is slowing down already, breathing through the mouth. An excellent body kick by Cane, right hook by Sokoudjou and then a straight right. They trade rights, circle a bit and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Sokoudjou commanded well early and scored with great body shots. He did get tired, but I feel took the round 10-9.
ROUND TWO: Round two begins and Cane is stalking him, backing him off and then delivers a leg kick. They say it was low, and we get a time out. Yeah, that WAS low. Damn. Back to action and they circle, jabs by Cane now and a HUGE leaping body kick by Sokoudjou. Jesus he caved in some ribs there. Cane back with a combo, straight right but then Sokoudjou back with a right to answer that. Good jabs by Cane, Sokoudjou is breathing heavily now and Cane with a right. Cane with the jab again, stalking Sokoudjou around the cage and stays with the jab. Sokoudjou is basically stationary, but does get a body kick. Sokoudjou is standing flat-footed now, Cane with a straight left, a knee and Sokoudjou continues to look very tired. Jabs by Cane, Sokoudjou fakes a knee and Cane with the left again. Cane is controlling and then gets a great knee to the face of Sokoudjou. Another knee by Cane, a right slap and left hook drops Sokoudjou and then unloads with SIXTEEN UNANSWERED SHOTS and the fight is stopped!
THE RESULT: Luis Cane via RD2 (4:15) TKO
Sokoudjou was down still after commercial, and then on the stool during the decision being read. Cane goes over to check on Sokoudjou after he is announced the winner.
Joe Rogan is with Luis Cane. Cane speaks, they have a translator, but I think he said, "I did this for Brazil, I followed my game plan and I am a bad mother fucker. Yeah."
THE TIRADE: The Light Heavyweight Division in the UFC has become a division to watch as they have a ton of talent and some guys that should be getting their shot and soon. Sokoudjou came in with a ton of hype, and was 1-1 in his first two UFC fights. Cane was 1-1 in the UFC going into the fight as well, but his loss was a DQ loss; so he hasn't been "defeated" thus far in the UFC. He was looking to make it two in a row in a stacked division. I had discussed in the roundtable that all points go to a Sokoudjou win, but as many in the Roundtable have mentioned Cane could work a smart game plan ala Machida, which could get this into the later rounds. And I thought that is where Sokoudjou would have problems. Sokoudjou was dominating early in the first round, throwing huge leg kicks and very good body shots. But he tired as the round went on as he looked to be throwing full force on everything, and as I thought, he certainly had issues later in the fight. Sokoudjou was tired, breathing through his mouth and standing flatfooted a minute into the second round, and Cane then picked him apart with knees, dropped him after a sweet slap/left combo and then destroyed young Sokoudjou on the ground until it was stopped. I don't know if Sokoudjou has any fights left on his deal, but at this stage I would expect his next fight to be a "loser leaves town" match. November and December will see the WEC Light Heavyweights fighting not only to win their fights, but also to get into the UFC with those divisions being ended in the WEC. I could see one of those guys getting a bout with Sokoudjou in January or so to see who will truly stay. As for Cane, he has looked great thus far in the UFC; but I feel that he needs two-three more wins before receiving a title shot.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
-Rogan gets final comments as well as a Last Will in Testament from Patrick Cote.
-We get a video package for Brandon Vera vs. Keith Jardine.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Brandon Vera (9-2) vs. Keith Jardine (13-5-1):
ROUND ONE: The official is Kevin Mulhall. Jardine out quick with a right and takes Vera down. Jardine in the guard, Vera works for a kimura on the left arm and Jardine is bleeding already from the top of the head. Vera has wrist control, Jardine is able to escape and back to the full guard. Jardine with some ground and pound, a big right lands and controls as he is bleeding in a steady stream from the head. Vera works from the bottom, but Jardine is still controlling with some body shots. They get stood up to the delight of the crowd, they clinch and to the cage they go. They separate on their own, circle and a good body kick by Vera. Push kick by Jardine, but Vera back with the leg kick. Right hook by Jardine, a leg kick and into a combo by Jardine. Vera catches him, Vera in and he is caught and Vera is down in his knee and Jardine with wild shots connecting and Vera is able to get to his feet as the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Not pretty at times, but the end was exciting. Jardine had good riding time and better striking, and I have it 10-9 for Jardine.
ROUND TWO: On to round two and Jardine with leg kicks to begin. Another leg kick off of a punch fake, they circle and they both throw a bit wildly. Knee to the thigh by Jardine but Vera with a combo lands. Vera stuffs a shot by Jardine, catches Jardine with a left, catches a high kick and takes Jardine down. Vera with elbows to Jardine, knees to the body follow as Jardine gets to his feet. They separate, circle and Vera with a short uppercut. Combo by Jardine, both land rights. A great body kick by Vera follows, Jardine misses wild shots and Vera blocks a body kick. Body kick by Vera, another and then Vera catches Jardine in the clinch and gets short uppercuts. Jardine charges in, gets nothing as Vera sidesteps him. More body kicks by Vera, and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: A pretty bland round there. Vera got the takedown and had better striking, and while it was close, I have it 19-19 overall.
ROUND THREE: And the final round begins and Jardine out quick with a right. Leg kick by Vera, they circle and Vera with a knee to the body. Vera controls the cage, Jardine with wild counter shots and Vera gets a body kick, caught but he escapes. Vera with the leg kick, combo by Jardine and then they both land lefts. Jardine with a grazing body kick, shoots and rushes Vera to the cage, Vera fights to stay up and Jardine with good punches from the clinch. Jardine with the back and keeps landing good strikes and knees, they separate and Jardine with a leg kick. Vera half-heartedly heads into Jardine, gets a short left but backs away. They trade leg kicks, a knee by Vera and a right by Jardine. Jabs by Vera, they trade jabs again and then a body shot by Jardine. Jardine throws bombs in the last 10-seconds, lands well and the fight ends.
SCORECARD:: A close round there again. Vera never got aggressive and seemed to be fighting not to lose, which I feel hurt him. I have it 29-28 for Jardine.
THE RESULT: Keith Jardine via split decision (29-28 Vera, 29-28 Jardine, 29-28 Jardine)
Joe Rogan is with Jardine. They show the replay of his knee getting jacked, and he said it hurt him badly in the second round. Jardine says he cannot complain as he is getting great competition. He was taken out of his game and it hurt his feelings to get boo'd. Rogan chalks it up to them drinking a lot. Jardine puts over the UK fans, and then thanks his peeps.
THE TIRADE: I am very honest when I say that Brandon Vera has NOT impressed me at all since his return to the UFC. He just got by Reese Andy, and didn't look great in doing so. And then there is Jardine, a true enigma and a guy that NEEDED to win here. He beats Forrest, and then gets obliterated by Alexander. He comes back with a win over Liddell and then Silva about puts him in a coma. He is just an odd cat, I mean; he defeats Forrest AND Liddell, a former and the now current champion. But he is on the bubble because of devastating losses to Alexander and Silva. I was not looking forward to the fight; and unfortunately I was right. I just never got into the bout. It wasn't a bad fight, but you would think that two guys that had a lot to fight for would have been doing their best to not only win, but to do so with some urgency. The first round wasn't very pretty, but overall was a good round. Jardine was able to get the takedown and was effective with his offense. He also had the better striking and was off to a good start. But Vera buckled his knee with a kick and hurt Jardine in round two. This round was all Vera as he had the takedown and this time he had the better striking, and I had it tied up going into round 3. Round three seemed bland as neither man showed much aggression. Vera never pushed as he should have, and that lack of aggression and Jardine's striking was just enough to get him the split decision victory. Vera drops to 1-1 as a light heavyweight, but is only 1-3 in his last four fights. Jardine's victory was one he needed as he moves to 3-2 in his last 5-fights. He'll need to stack up some victories if he wants to get near the title shot he desperately wants.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 5.5
-Rogan and Goldberg discuss the main event.
-We get a video package for Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben.
Middleweight Bout: Michael Bisping (17-1) vs. Chris Leben (18-4):
ROUND ONE: The official is Dan Mirgliotta. They come out, no touch and Leben works leg kicks. Body kick by Bisping, misses a Superman punch and Leben back with the leg kick. Another, they circle and then a body kick by Leben. Rights by Bisping, body kick by Bisping caught and he gets out, Shoot son Leben, stuffed, but a knee by Bisping lands. A good combo by Bisping, Leben back with the combo and they clinch. Knees by Bisping again, they separate and then a jab by Bisping. Push kick by Leben, knees follow and Bisping back with a right. Leg kicks by Leben, a body kick caught and Bisping back with the kick to answer that. Clinch and a knee by Bisping, Leben is bleeding from the nose. Leben with the leg kick again, but Bisping is counter punching very well. Left hook, a jab and then the clinch. A jab and knee by Bisping, big rights by Leben to answer. Body kick by Bisping, Leben swinging wildly now. Combo by Bisping, a knee follows and then a huge right by Bisping. Another right, Bisping shoots, stuffed and eats a few knees. Bisping gets a takedown at the horn as Leben missed a right.
SCORECARD:: Great first round. Leben is a more composed fighter, but still gets very aggressive. This allowed Bisping to counter, land cleaner shots and to do more damage. A close round, but I have it 10-9 for Bisping.
ROUND TWO: Second round now and they touch, leg kicks by Bisping to begin, and then a left to follow. Bisping sweeps the leg of Leben, goes in and Leben is up and is able to keep Bisping away. They then clinch, Leben shoves Bisping away and Leben is not only bleeding from the eye but also has a cut under the right eye I believe. Leben works the leg kick but is continually wiping his nose as it bleeds, he looks to be having some trouble breathing. A great jab by Bisping lands, Bisping blocks a combo by Leben and then Leben throws a low kick, and we get time. Bisping walks it off, and we're back to action mid-way through round two. Body kick by Bisping, another and then jabs and a knee by Bisping. Jab by Bisping, body kick follows and Leben misses a Superman style left. Back to the leg kicks he goes, Bisping catches a kick and counter strikes. Jabs and a leg kick by Leben, push kick follows but Bisping is able to counter strike and back off most of Leben's offense. Leg kick caught by Bisping, jabs by Bisping and Leben just keeps walking in and Bisping has figured it out. Leben unloads with a huge left as the round ends, but misses.
SCORECARD:: Bisping seems to have Leben figured out and is completely content with counter striking and picking him apart. I have it 20-18 for Bisping.
ROUND THREE: Final round now and Leben tries to work the leg kicks early. Good left by Leben, and we get time as Bisping got something in his eye, Leben's left hand maybe? He wipes the eye and we're good to go. Body kick by Bisping, left by Leben and they clinch, trade and separate. Good right by Bisping, answered by Leben. Leg kick by Bisping, lands a body kick, caught and he is able to escape without damage. Leben keeps coming forward and Bisping is connecting at will. Body kick by Leben, he catches a body kick again but can't do anything with it. Leben in again, jab by Bisping and a leg kick follows. Leben shoots and gets a takedown into the cage. Bisping works to get to his feet, body shots by Leben on the ground and then some good shots to the head. They stand, Bisping with a good right and another. Leben keeps coming in and eating more strikes than he is throwing. Leben shoots, gets a knee and they separate. Leg kick by Leben, he wants the big left and then just walks into Bisping with his hands down and asks to get hit, so Bisping does with a right and a kick and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: An odd end to the fight. Leben did get the takedown and did some decent damage, but Bisping controlled as he did in the second and in the end Leben jus gave up. A close round that could go either way, but I have it 30-27 for Bisping.
THE RESULT: Michael Bisping via Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Joe Rogan is with Bisping. Bisping and Leben hug it out after the fight, and then Bisping grabs his little boy for a hug. Bisping says the fight was tough, and he knew Leben could take a punch. It went according to plan though, and it paid off. He thanks the fans, Leben, his camp, the UFC and his family. Bisping says he isn't there is regards to a title shot, and he wants to earn that chance.
Leben joins Rogan now. Leben asks if the crowd liked the show, and he is happy he could put on a great show. He did talk trash, but Bisping's style won the fight. He says that this was his favorite fight ever, and that it was fun.
THE TIRADE: So we came to the main event of the evening. Bisping is a staple of these UK events as they are working to make him the face of the UFC in the UK, which is smart marketing. Leben is back from his stint in jail, was in shape and was looking to be a new man. Leben is now a more composed fighter, but still gets very aggressive at times. This allowed Bisping to counter his, land cleaner shots and to do more damage to take the round. Round two proved that Bisping had a game plan, and that he seemed to have Leben figured out. Bisping was completely content with counter striking and picking Leben apart to take another round. Round three displayed an odd end to the fight. Leben did get the takedown and did some decent damage, but Bisping controlled as he did in the second and in the end Leben just gave up and was asking for Bisping to hit him. It was a close round that could have gone either way, but I had it 30-27 for Bisping. Bisping is now 3-0 at Middleweight coming off of the loss to Evans, which is the only official blemish on his record. He stated that he feels he is not ready for the title shot, and I agree. 3-0 is great, but I would like to see another strong victory before he gets the chance. This was a fun main event overall, but not great.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.5
DISC: TWO
The Countdown to UFC 89: The Countdown to UFC 89 is a 41-minute presentation that originally ran on Spike TV the week before the event. For those unfamiliar with the concept of the show, the goal is to hype the main matches for the upcoming PPV, in this case Bisping vs. Leben and Jardine vs. Vera. Almost all of these shows are very good, in that you learn a lot about the fighters and the UFC tends to do a good job to make the underdogs look like they have a tremendous shot at winning their fight. Bisping vs. Leben is about Bisping’s continued quest for Middleweight superiority, while Leben tries to battle his past bad boy image to be taken as a serious contender. We also got a good history of Bisping, how he got involved in the martial arts, his near downfall, and rededication to martial arts through MMA. They did a good job of making Leben likable, as well as did a good job of showing his maturity as a fighter here. Jardine vs. Vera was a story of redemption for both guys, as they try to get to the top of the Light Heavyweight division. As usual, this was a good countdown show.
Weigh-In: The weigh-in is the 12-minute presentation of the weigh-ins. I am always amazed at how many people head to these things. Sure there is fun at times, but damn, that’s a lot of people. Anyway, this is nothing special, but it is nice to have for the sake of completion. Bisping and Leben talk shit, but no drama.
Behind the Scenes: UFC 89 “Behind the Scenes” is a 30-minute presentation that heavily features Michael Bisping doing promotional work for the event, the press conference, Leben’s thoughts, and more. It was a really good look at Bisping’s hectic schedule leading into the event. This was a fun behind the scenes look, and a nice addition to the DVD.
UFC.com Featurette: The “UFC.com Featurette” is a 43-minute presentation, highlighting some of the fighters right before or after their bouts, discussing their fights. This is just another feature for the hardcore fight fan that likes hearing about the strategy going into the fight and immediate thoughts about victory or loss. If you are into this side of the event, then you will really enjoy this. It also features many of the pre-fight promo packages as well as some of the prelim after match interviews that we normally don’t get to see. The complete Akihiro Gono entrance makes this MANY BUYS~!
BSN Promo: This is a 2-minute spot with Dana White discussing UFC 89, and sponsored by BSN, a sponsor of the event. Dana is a used car salesman here, and that’s a compliment. Dana personally takes BSN and endorses the product. What a guy.
Easter Eggs: None that I could find.
The 411: This wasn't a bad event, but it was a good one. The fights we saw were fine, some pretty good, and one that was a cure for insomnia. At the end of the night all I could think was, "Jesus, this show has lasted forever." That's not a good thing. In the end I was VERY glad that this was a fee show, because I would have been very disappointed if I had paid $45 for this.
As for the extras on disc two, I feel that it was the perfect way to “complete” the event. You get all of the background and honestly, if you have never seen the event, begin with disc two so that you can get the complete experience. The under card fights are good, and add to the event, which I felt was below average on the main airing. All of the fights, minus Vera vs. Jardine, are good or better, but nothing is great, and the card feels as if it lasts forever. But the prelims and extras have bumped up the score of the original event.
The event gets a recommendation, it’s a good show, but not a must own by any means.
