Tremendous Tirades: UFC 90 - Silva vs. Cote [Ultimate 2-Disc Edition] Posted by Larry Csonka on 02.25.2009
UFC 90 will likely be remembered for the main event antics of Anderson Silva, and the knee injury to Patrick Cote. With the exception of that main event, the show was strong, but could it improved with this Ultimate Edition? 411’s Larry Csonka reviews the new UFC 90 2-Disc DVD!
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 90 – SILVA vs. COTE
The DVD was released yesterday.
DISC: ONE
-LIVE from the All State Arena in Rosemont, Illinois!
Welterweight Bout - Pete Sell (7-5) vs. Josh Burkman (20-6):
THE RESULT: Pete Sell beat Josh Burkman by unanimous decision
THE TIRADE: Sell will enjoy a 3-inch reach advantage in the bout. Sell shot early, failed, and Burkman landed well and took it to the ground, which is where Sell wanted it. Sell was semi-out of it as Burkman landed with good ground and pound, including sweet elbows. Burkman kept landing sick elbows as he also looked for a darce choke. Sell got it back to the feet, but was taken back down with ease. Burkman’s elbows were excellent as he dominated the round. Sell would get back to the feet to stop the punishment, but was clearly down the round, and had a swelled left eye to show for it. Matt Serra is an awesome corner man, just due to his “motivational speeches.” While Burkman dominated round one, he expended a ton of energy, and looked tired as round two began. Sell took his time, found range and began his comeback. Burkman kept throwing with all of his power, further tiring himself out. Sell rocked Burkman with a right and then a crisp left hook. Sell found the range and was the fresher of the two as he began to work the body. Burkman is gassed as he huffs and puffs into the last minute of the round. Burkman became a stationary target, and that allowed Sell to tie up the round. Those body shots were excellent from Sell. Burkman tried to come out strong, but he was so tired that he remained stationary, and was eating clean and crisp punches from Sell. While Sell couldn’t get takedowns, he went for them, made Burkman defend and stuff them, thusly expending energy he didn’t have. Burkman was so tired that he looked in slow motion at times, while Sell was fresh and connected at will. Sell takes round three easily, and much credit for the comeback in the fight. He could have been done in round one, but weathered the storm and earned the victory.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.2
Lightweight Bout - Hermes Franca (19-7) vs. Marcus Aurelio (16-6-6):
THE RESULT: Hermes Franca beat Marcus Aurelio by unanimous decision
THE TIRADE: Aurelio is 4-inches taller and has a 3 ½-inch reach advantage. Franca is the student of Aurelio, which makes for an interesting dynamic. Franca sued power early, and landed well, but Aurelio answered and was able to use reach to his advantage. They danced a bit, and Aurelio started to reach for stuff, which allowed Franca to land good power shots and leg kicks. Franca controlled and landed good power shots, while Aurelio countered well enough, but Franca’s leg kicks landed all through out the round, and he was hurting Aurelio and took round one rather easily. Franca continued to land the leg kicks, which were really starting to hurt and weaken Aurelio. Franca was also able to fake the leg kick and land body, push and high kicks. Aurelio tried to keep moving, but he was unstable and hobbled by the leg that Franca was landing the kicks too. Franca just picked him apart and secured round two easily, and was up 20-18. Aurelio looked like he wanted to cry, not that I blame him. Aurelio tried to take it to the ground in the 3rd round, but had no power in his legs, due to eating 576 leg kicks from Franca. He did manage to get Franca down, finally, which is what he had to do at this point because he was losing the fight. The bruises on Aurelio’s leg were SICK due to the kicks. Aurelio knee’d Franca as they got up, so we got time, but it was legal. Bullshit warning to Aurelio there I have to say. Bottom line, Aurelio was humbled here, but I give him a TON of credit for battling through round three, that leg looked horrible! Good fight, but it was wash, kick and repeat. 29-28 for Franca from me.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
Middleweight Bout - Dan Miller (9-1-1) vs. Matt Horwich (24-9-1):
THE RESULT: Dan Miller beat Matt Horwich by unanimous decision
THE TIRADE: THE IFL COLLIDES~! Miller took him down right away, landed BIG rights and immediately went to the half guard. Horwich survived the early barrage, and then went to the rubber guard and came close to an omoplata, but Miller escaped. After they got to the feet, Miller failed with a single leg and Horwich got a crucifix from the side/back position as Miller was on his knees. Miller worked back to full guard in a great exchange, and then back to the feet they went. Miller again controlled with the takedown, as Horwich worked the omoplata, but Miller escaped. AWESOME ROUND that I gave to Miller. Round two went right to the ground, which I approved of. Miller had the dominant position, and had good control, body punches and elbows. Horwich was close to a triangle try, and then the omoplata. Miller rolled, escaped, but Horwich was smothering him. Horwich got the back and sunk in a DEEP RNC and body triangle, but Miller broke the hands and survived, awesome. Horwich kept the dominant spot the rest of the round, including another DEEP RNC. Great control by Horwich and he evened up the fight. This fight makes me love life. Miller took round three back to the ground right away, which was questionable to say the least. Horwich got the omoplata once again, only for Miller to roll out and get into the guard. Horwich continued to work the rubber guard, but Miller got out and landed solid body shots. Miller had good riding time and continued to work the body from the guard. Horwich again worked that rubber guard, but with him being trapped against the cage, and it being so late in the bout (fatigue, sweat) he couldn’t control it. Miller also cut him in the last 90-seconds, and was able to ride out the victory in an excellent fight. This is the shit that makes me LOVE the sport. I have it 29-28 for Miller by the way, as did all the judges.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 9.5
Lightweight Bout - Spencer Fisher (22-4) vs. Shannon Gugerty (11-2):
THE RESULT: Spencer Fisher beat Shannon Gugerty by third-round submission (triangle choke)
THE TIRADE: Gugerty is 3-inches taller and will enjoy a 3-inch reach advantage. Fisher has crazy shorts, I approve. Fisher checked leg kicks well early, but Gugerty got the take down and worked from the guard. Fisher showed a strong guard as he took little to no damage in the first half of the round. Fisher would get to his feet, they worked the clinch and Fisher was able to land some good elbows standing. There isn’t a ton happening, but Gugerty has been controlling the bout thus far. Fisher has thrown and landed good elbows. Fisher opened things up late, cut Gugerty and the elbows keep coming as the tide turned. Fisher dropped Gugerty with a right, and DID A JIG~! Ok, that was great. Fisher completely turned the round and took it with great overall work. Gugerty has a big vagina over his left eye, sucks to be him. The doctor, who is a sexy MILFY looking babe OK’s Gugerty for round two. Gugerty threw a big head kick early in round two, but ended up on his ass. Fisher would work him into the cage, and muscle him around and connect with knees and elbows. This ref sucks, as he keeps saying “work it” when Fisher is landing knees and elbows. Fisher controls the round with combos, gets a takedown only to be caught in a guillotine. It was never deep, but Gugerty came out of that with a great combo, high kick and a second wind. They went back to the ground for the end of the round. A much closer round, but I am inclined to give it to Fisher, due to control and damage. But I could see it going either way, which means round three decides it. And Fisher decided to end the decision train with a triangle. Thanks dude. Fun fight overall.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
-We get a video package for Sean Sherk (36-3-1) vs. Tyson Griffin (12-1).
Lightweight Bout: Sean Sherk (36-3-1) vs. Tyson Griffin (12-1):
ROUND ONE: The official is Dr. David Smith. And UFC 90 is underway. They touch, wide stance by both men and Sherk in with a combo, to the cage they go and gets him down. Sherk works to flatten him out, gets the back of Griffin and Griffin stands. Sherk holds on, Griffin walks to his corner and snaps Sherk off. They stand, combo by Griffin. Good body shot by Griffin, but a counter by Sherk. Leg kick by Griffin, right and an uppercut by Griffin. Sherk gets a leg, rushes Griffin to the cage and lands a knee. Gets Griffin down, rights by Griffin and he bloodies the nose of Sherk. Griffin to his feet, more rights land and Sherk keeps him against the cage. Sherk with the single leg, Griffin out and after taking a knee lands a great right. Leg kick by Griffin, left hook by Sherk. Leg kick by Griffin, uppercut by Sherk and then a leg kick. They trade combos, lefts by Sherk and a head kick try by Griffin misses, but he lands a right. Left by Sherk, Griffin shoots and is stuffed. North south by Sherk, he spins and almost has the back, does, hooks in and Griffin stands again. Sherk gives it up and then lands a leg kick. Uppercut by Griffin, another to the body and then a left hook lands clean. They both throw wild uppercuts and get a piece of each other as the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Great first round. Griffin gets credit for getting out of Sherk getting his back, but Sherk had the two takedowns, back control and solid striking. I have it 10-9 for Sherk.
ROUND TWO: Round two begins and jabs by Griffin. Great body kick by Griffin, Sherk shoots and has Griffin against the cage, scoops the legs but Griffin is back up. Good knee by Sherk, left hook follows and they trade straight rights. Leg kick by Sherk, a jab by Griffin and another. Left hook by Sherk, but Griffin back with the leg kick. Great right by Sherk, a combo and backs off Griffin. Four punch combo by Sherk, leg kick follows and then another. Body shots by Griffin, double jab by Sherk and then a leg kick by Griffin. Another, left hook by Sherk lands again, double jab and then a right by Griffin. Strong combo by Griffin, but Sherk with the left hook lands again. Uppercut by Sherk, jabs and Griffin looks tired here. Combo by Griffin, jab by Sherk and then a combo backs off Griffin. Sherk shoots, then gets a short combo and lands the left hook. They start to go to town a bit on each other, leg kick by Griffin and knees by Sherk. Leg kick by Sherk, Griffin is tired and breathing deep. Combo by Sherk again and Griffin misses a leg kick and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: This was another good round. Sherk took another with superior striking and Griffin is tiring quickly. Griffin worked hard, but just didn't do enough in my opinion. I have it 20-18 for Sherk.
ROUND THREE: Final round and they go wild and both land well. Griffin misses the head kick and Sherk lands a combo. Jab by Griffin, good right to the body and then Sherk with the left once again. Griffin with the right lands slightly, leg kick follows but a combo by Sherk lands to counter that. Two short left uppercuts by Sherk, double left jabs by Sherk and then a leg kick. Another leg kick and Sherk lands another and a left. Leg kick by Sherk, gets a great four-punch combo and they trade center cage, but Sherk with another combo. Good right by Griffin, left hook by Sherk and a leg kick by Griffin. Griffin with the body shot, Sherk misses a big left but gets the double jab. Left hook by Sherk and then a leg kick. Jab by Sherk, another and then they both land a jab. Combo again by Sherk, left hook and now Griffin with the body shot. Leg kick by Sherk, then one by Griffin. They trade a bit as the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Great fight as they decided to hang and bang. This was a close round overall, and I have it 29-28 Sherk.
THE RESULT: Sean Sherk via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Joe Rogan is with Sean Sherk. Sherk says that Griffin fights like him but is younger. He thanks his camp, friends and family for their support. Sherk wants another shot at the title. He feels as if he was more active, but it was a close fight.
THE TIRADE: I will freely admit that I figured that Sherk would win the fight. But the fact is that I dislike Sean Sherk, and I had to pick against him; I think you understand. The former lightweight champion was looking to prove that he wasn't done and that he could get back into the mix. With Griffin being 12-1, and 5-1 in the UFC a win here would do that. Conversely a win for Griffin would make a case that he needed to be in the top 3-4 in the division. The first two rounds were Sherk using his striking as well as a few takedowns to completely control Griffin. Sherk even had the back of Griffin to times in the first round, but Griffin was able to walk him around and escape both times. Unfortunately those were his main highlights as Sherk controlled and Griffin appeared to be very tired. He did make good in round three I felt as Sherk was uncharacteristically tired. Sherk just seemed to coast and leave his hands low, but he still walked away with the victory. We have Stevens vs. Ken Flo coming up. Ken Flo seems to be the default #1 contender, and a loss there would open the division wide open. There is a lot of hype for Nate Diaz right now, and it wouldn't surprise me to see Sherk and he face off early in 2009. This was a great opening fight, and completely different than I thought it would be. I honestly expected a lot of this to be on the ground.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.5
-We get a video package for Fabricio Werdum (11-3-1) vs. Junior dos Santos (6-1).
Heavyweight Bout: Fabricio Werdum (11-3-1) vs. Junior dos Santos (6-1):
ROUND ONE: The official is Marc Fennell. Dan Severn is in the crowd. Round one begins and a leg kick by Werdum. They circle, leg kick by Werdum. Santos in and misses a right. Leg kick again by Werdum, and then one by Santos. Santos misses a right, they clinch and then break. Leg kick by Werdum, but Santos DROPS Werdum with a right uppercut, pounces and lands three more shots and IT IS ALL OVER!
THE RESULT: Junior dos Santos (1:20) KO
Joe Rogan is with Junior dos Santos. Through his translator Santos says he trains with the best, and he believed in his hands and knew he could get him.
THE TIRADE: Fabricio Werdum was a guy that felt as if he was left on the outside when Randy Couture came back to the UFC. Randy means money to the UFC. Brock has meant money to the UFC already in his career. They already had NOG vs. MIR set and the Ultimate Fighter lined up, so he became guy #5. If he kept winning, he would have gotten a shot at the final four winner. The thing is that I NEVER understood why he felt as if he was entitled to a shot or why so many people felt he deserved one. If the UFC said he was getting a shot and then changed their mind, that's their right. Get that shit on paper buddy. Follow me here, Fabricio Werdum was 2-1 in the UFC. He lost to Arlovski (no shame) and then beat Gonzaga (one hit wonder) and Vera (overrated) and is he isn't a PPV draw. What has he done to bitch so much? Well I guess it doesn't matter because Junior dos Santos jacked his jaw, wiggled his ears and knocked him the FUCK out in the first round. Hey Fabricio Werdum, shut you trap; if you can't beat BIG NOG'S boy, you can't beat BIG NOG. This was spectacular just because it shut Fabricio Werdum the hell up.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0
Lightweight Bout: Gray Maynard (6-0-1) vs. Rich Clementi (40-12-1) :
ROUND ONE: The official is Todd Frederickson. They touch and here we go. Clementi stalks Maynard, great combo by Maynard answers that. Jabs by Clementi, a right by Maynard and then a good left. Body shot by Maynard, high kick by Clementi checked and then gets backed off. A right by Maynard, and then an uppercut backs off Clementi. Maynard shoots, stopped and they circle. Maynard with a good combo, Clementi misses a kick and Maynard with the combo backs him off again. They both land rights, jabs by Clementi and then a good right by Maynard. Leg kick by Clementi, Maynard gets the takedown, Clementi works for a guillotine but Maynard escapes and into half guard. They get warned to work, some body shots by Maynard land as Clementi tries to posture up, Maynard into the full guard and lands some clean elbows. Good lefts by Maynard as the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Clementi looked as if he wanted to feel things out, and that allowed Maynard to score standing and get the late takedown and do good damage. I have it 10-9 for Maynard.
ROUND TWO: Round two begins and a jab by Maynard to begin. A good right follows, but Clementi with the leg kick. Maynard shoots, to the cage and now knees by Maynard. They separate, high kick checked by Maynard, jabs by Clementi and Maynard shoots, to the cage and gets the slam on Clementi. Maynard into the half guard once again, guillotine by Maynard, Clementi stands and then escapes. Maynard takes him down again, Clementi looks for the arm as Maynard is in guard. Clementi looks for the arm bar, Maynard out and Clementi looks at the clock as he keeps Maynard into the half guard. Rights by Maynard to the body, Clementi with the escape, guillotine on Maynard, but he escapes. Maynard now looks for the neck, working for side control as well. Maynard now gets the back of Clementi, then to side and lands a few clean shots and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: A very good round for Maynard, Clementi isn't offering much here at all. I have it 20-18 for Maynard.
ROUND THREE: Final round begins here and they touch, both throw jabs and Maynard shoots and slams Clementi down. Right to the half guard, Clementi looks for a guillotine again but Maynard also has a chance for a choke. Maynard pops his head out, Clementi looks for a Kimura now, and a she tried to get to his feet Maynard gets back to the guard. Clementi is trying to control the right arm of Maynard, lands some elbows. This ref sucks as he keeps saying to fight, they are asshole. Maynard still in half guard and landing some shots. The crowd hates it but they suck. Side control by Maynard, works for mount but Clementi stops that and to north south then go. Maynard goes for the back of Clementi, they stand and to the cage they go and Maynard take him down again. Knee to the body by Maynard as they work against the cage. Clementi with a great reversal, almost gets the back of Maynard, but Maynard escapes. Maynard again with the double leg take down, into half guard and is content to ride this out. Lefts by Maynard, Clementi tries a sweep, but Maynard continues with top control here and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: All Maynard there, and he should easily take this 30-27.
THE RESULT: Gray Maynard via Unanimous Decision (30-27 Across the Cards)
Joe Rogan is with Gray Maynard. Rogan says it was a good win and Maynard says he wanted to strike a lot more as he worked his boxing a lot. He gets boo'd a ton here as Maynard says that he wanted to be careful at first. He couldn't do much on the ground as Clementi was controlling his hands.
THE TIRADE: When the fight was over, I think it went as many expected. Maynard worked his takedowns, didn't do much with them, but controlled the fight and took the decision. Clementi just never offered much here. In the first he looked like he was feeling out Maynard, which I get. But quite honestly he just never got into his game. I thought that Clementi's experience would be a big factor here and that as the fight went on he would gain an advantage, it just never happened. When it was all said and done, Maynard got the big win in a less than interesting fight. On a side note, official Todd Frederickson is an idiot. Telling guys to work when they ARE working is bullshit. I understand that the crowd was restless due to seeing so many decisions, but that should not influence the official. Finally I do understand Joe Rogan's frustrations with him, but dude, calm down. Seriously we didn't need to hear you vocalize it so many times.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 5.0
-Silva is winning the text vote with 68% right now.
-We get a video package for Welterweight Bout: Thiago Alves (21-4) vs. Josh Koscheck (13-2).
Welterweight Bout: Thiago Alves (21-4) vs. Josh Koscheck (13-2):
ROUND ONE: The official is Dr. David Smith. They touch and we're underway. Leg kick by Alves, jabs follow and then a good left lands. Left kick and jab combo by Alves, Koscheck slips on a sidekick try, back up and they circle. Jab by Koscheck, he gets caught and is down. Alves with shots, Koscheck up and fights back. Goes for a single leg, Alves escapes and they stand. Alves in with a Superman, leg kick combo and then Koscheck back with a right and they circle. Combo by Koscheck, they both look for jabs and a head kick by Alves lands. Jabs by Koscheck, leg kick follows and Alves back with the jab. He works the leg kick, misses the Superman and Koscheck catches Alves with a great right. Body shots follow, leg kick and a jab by Alves. Koscheck tries to go to both levels, misses and eats a leg kick. Jab by Alves, good right by Koscheck, rights by Koscheck, he eats a knee but he catches a leg against the cage. Alves escapes, head kick checked by Koscheck and Alves with the leg kicks again. Combo by Alves, they dance and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Koscheck was almost done there, but showed some great comeback ability and stayed with it. Alves landed better striking and was chopping him with leg kicks as well. I have it 10-9 for Alves.
ROUND TWO: Round two begins and Koscheck misses a huge uppercut. Leg kick by Koscheck, gets a combo and then a leg kick again by Alves. Leg kick and left jab combo by Alves. Koscheck with the high kick and backs off Alves. Double jab by Koscheck, leg kick by Alves but answers back and then shoves Alves, knee to the body and against the cage they go. Knees by Koscheck, Alves misses an elbow strike and a leg kick by Alves lands. They circle, jabs by Koscheck and the leg kick by Alves. Left kick by Koscheck, leg kicks by Alves again. High kick and uppercut by Alves, a leg and then body kick follow. Koscheck misses a big right, leg kick by Alves and Koscheck goes to the body. A left and then a shot by Koscheck, to the cage they go and then foot stomps by Koscheck. Koscheck is looking for a leg here, goes for the waistlock now and they work the cage. Some knees by Koscheck and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: A much closer round I feel, but Alves is working those deadly leg kicks and keeping control. I have it 20-18 for Alves.
ROUND THREE: Final round now and they trade jabs and leg kicks. A great leg kick and knees by Alves, Koscheck tries to get back up, does and he is rocked. Against the cage they go, a right by Koscheck and they trade jabs. Leg kick and combo by Alves, to the cage and knees by Koscheck. Koscheck tries for the takedown again, Alves stays up and lands a knee and a combo. Alves pokes Koscheck in the eye, we get time for a moment, and back to action. Good trade from both, but Alves lands that leg kick again. Koscheck keeps going in and lands a left, but then eats that leg kick again. A combo and leg kick by Koscheck, he then checks the high kick but can't answer. Jabs by Koscheck, and now Alves gets poked in the eye. Time back in, they touch and jabs and a leg kick by Alves. Alves' left eye is swelling, but he keeps pushing forward and landing. Misses the Superman does Alves, gets the leg kick and then a wild trade by both men. Koscheck is coming forward and throwing everything he has, combo, sidekick and then after the horn Alves takes Koscheck down.
SCORECARD:: Alves looked great here as he consistently picked Koscheck apart with the leg kicks, and also Alves almost ended it twice. Koscheck showed great heart here and did what he could, but he just didn't have the tools to win tonight. I have it 30-27.
THE RESULT: Thiago Alves via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Joe Rogan is with Thiago Alves. Alves says he is happy with the win and also gives respect to Josh for taking the fight on short notice. Alves asks if the fans want the title shot. He tells Dana he is a good boy and still wants the title shot.
THE TIRADE: With Diego Sanchez out due to an injury, Josh Koscheck stepped up on two-weeks notice and agreed to tale on Thiago Alves in a welterweight battle with much importance. Alves was coming off of the destruction of Matt Hughes, and this fight would either get him a welterweight title shot or close to it. Josh Koscheck was hoping for a win here, as well as hoping to keep his December match-up; and if he could get the back-to-back wins would have been in line for a title shot as well. Alves almost finished Koscheck early in round one, but Koscheck showed a great ability to recover and stayed alive. Alves took round one with good aggression, the near stoppage and his ability to chops down Koscheck with leg kicks. Round two was close as Koscheck worked hard, but more leg kicks from Alves were keeping him in control and weakening Koscheck badly. Round three was all Alves. Koscheck was throwing bombs and going for the win, but Alves just destroyed him with leg kicks and again came close to ending it. Alves gets a huge win here over a game opponent, and he has to be in line to face the winner of Penn vs. GSP. Koscheck showed a lot of heart and an ability to recover, and by taking this fight on short notice and delivering such a good performance has earned bonus points with the UFC. I think Koscheck is doubtful for his December fight now as he leg was getting destroyed with the kicks. But if Koscheck has any say, he'll still fight in December.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 8.0
-Silva is still winning the text vote with 64%.
-Joe's beard and Mike Goldberg discuss the main event.
ROUND ONE: The official is Herb Dean. They touched gloves and bowed during instructions, much respect there. And here we go kids. They touch again and we're underway. They circle, big right by Cote misses. Leg kick by Cote, another and Silva stalks him. They dance, Silva blocks a right and then Silva runs a lap basically, leg kick by Cote again and then Cote misses a combo. Leg kick by Silva, Cote misses a big spin kick, Silva stands back and gets a leg kick. Gets another, Cote checks a body kick and then gets a leg kick. Silva is toying with him, combo by Silva now and Cote with the body kick. Cote switched stance, Cote in with right and misses. Great knee by Silva, combo and Cote is cut on the forehead. Leg kick by Cote, Silva plays with him more as he dances, circles and a leg kick by Silva. Nice leaping kick by Silva and the round will end.
SCORECARD:: Silva was constantly toying with him and sizing him up, and while he had two great shots (kick and knee) he did little else. Cote landed well with the leg kicks and was aggressive. I have it 10-9 for Cote.
ROUND TWO: Cote lands a spinning back fist as Silva was dancing and looking to play again. They clinch against the cage, backs off and avoids Cote. Big kick by Silva, leg kick follows and then a body kick. Cote in, Silva takes him down off of the sidestep and is in full guard. Silva stands, back in with a left and then works some body shots. Good elbow by Cote, Silva stands and throws playful kicks and then offers to help up Cote. Jesus Silva has no fear. They touch as Cote stands, Cote misses a kick and now they circle and dance. Push kick by Silva, Cote in and misses the left. Silva is playing still with his hands now, avoids Cote and Silva backs off Cote, throws the right kick and Cote catches it To the cage they go, some body shots by Cote, vicious knees by Silva and the round ends.
SCORECARD:: Silva continues to play games, but this time he decided to actually work and he took this round. I have it 19-19 overall.
ROUND THREE: Well who saw this coming? They come out, good right by Cote and then a leg kick. Jab by Silva, and then as Cote comes in he collapses. Cote begs to continue to fight, but Herb Dean calls it. Cote appears to have blown out his ACL.
THE RESULT: Anderson Silva via RD3 (0:39) TKO
Cote and Silva embrace after the announcement.
Joe Rogan is with Anderson Silva. Silva says he apologizes for the end of the fight. Cote should not be boo'd because no one knows what fighters go through to prepare for the fight. He says Cote is a great athlete and they were putting on a great and fun fight.
Joe is now with Cote. Cote apologizes, and says he is the only guy that has taken him into the 3rd round. It was an old injury, and we see the replay. Cote thanks his people and apologizes again.
THE TIRADE: And now we come to the main event of the evening, although by just watching Anderson Silva you'd think that this was a sparring session. The fight, which wasn't much of a fight was Silva dancing around, being able to avoid most of Cote's offense, making Kung Fu hand gestures and even offering to help up Cote at one point. Round one was almost nothing, and I gave it to Cote as he appeared to actually, you know, fight. Round two was more of the same messing around, and due to that Cote was the first man to take Silva to round three here in the UFC. And then Cote's knee blew out and it was over, much to the displeasure of the crowd.
Dane White when asked about the fight said, "If you don't know him and you showed up for the first time, you'd think that guy was goofing around, he was acting arrogant and cocky and trying to play with Cote like he was a little kid. That is not this guy's style, that's not his personality, that's not who he is." That may very well be the case, and as I mentioned Silva treated this as a sparring session. I am not going to go wild and bash Silva here, although I do feel that his performance was bullshit. It's one thing to be playful, to be a showman and entertain; but he just showed no interest in the fight. Silva finished people and does it well, that is why he is in the position he is in. Dana and Joe need to sit down and figure out what can motivate Silva and get it done. This shit isn't going to make money, it will turn people off of the product.
As for Cote, it's unfortunate. I hope that he recovers well and makes his way back to the UFC and does well for himself. Many people have been asking if they should do a rematch here, since it was a fluke injury and on some scorecards the fight was one round to one. In my opinion, and no disrespect to Patrick Cote here, there should be no rematch. This was a sparring session for Silva, he treated it as such and Cote didn't offer up anything to change my mind about that. Let's all move on and forget this main event ever happened.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 2.0
-We get a video package for Thales Leites (13-1) vs. Drew McFedries (7-4).
Middleweight Bout: Thales Leites (13-1) vs. Drew McFedries (7-4):
ROUND ONE: The official is Marc Fennell. And here we go. Drew in and drops Leites, Leites back up and shoots in, and slams Drew down. Drew works up kicks as Leites stands, , he turns him and then gets the back. Leites works to sink in the body scissors, Leites traps an arm, rear naked choke and good night sweet prince.
THE RESULT: Thales Leites via RD1 (1:18) Submission
Joe Rogan is with Thales Leites. Leites is very happy with the victory and says he took advantage of the chance the UFC gave him. He respects Drew for taking the fight on short notice and thanks him for that.
THE TIRADE: This was our extra bout of the evening, and it was a fight that Drew McFedries needed to win because he was a very average 3-3 in the UFC. After losing his first UFC fight, Leites had won four straight and was looking for five. McFedries looked good in the opening seconds, but it did not last as Leites got the slam, worked for and got the back and it was all over as he worked the choke on McFedries. I would not be surprised to not see McFedries for a long time in the UFC as he moves to 3-4 with the company. Leites now moves to 14-1 overall and 5-1 in the UFC. He has to be getting close to a title shot, and a Leites vs. Bisping match might be a good contenders match in January or so.
Larry's Enjoyment Index: 7.0
DISC: TWO
The Countdown to UFC 89: The Countdown to UFC 90 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 Silva vs. Cote and Alves vs. Koscheck. They do a good job of showing Silva’s dominance in the UFC, including his jump to 205, where he destroyed Irvin. They made him out to be THE BEST as well as unstoppable. Also, I believe that this was the first look we got into his childhood, which is another fun aspect, as we get to know the fighters better. As for Cote, they once again gave a good background of him, as well as made the challenger look as if he had as much of a chance to win as the challenger. Talk then switched to Alves vs. Koscheck. Koscheck, who took the fight on short notice, was put over well, noting his only loss in the last eight fights was to GSP. They also went into the “bad boy of MMA” stigma that was placed upon him as well as doing The Ultimate Fighter, where he knew NOTHING outside of wrestling. The Alves win over Hughes was played up as big as it was, although they failed to mention that he came in overweight. The hype for this was good, as they heavily hyped that the winner was going to likely be the #1 contender to the Welterweight Title. As usual, this was a good countdown show.
Weigh-In: This is the 15-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. Silva has some fun with Joe, but that’s about it.
Behind the Scenes: UFC 89 “Behind the Scenes” is a 31-minute presentation that heavily features the fighter preparing for the fights. Also included is Mike Goldberg doing some training and THE CROW is there~! Goldberg says it has helped him as an announcer as he has learned more about the sport. We also see him preparing for the fights with spreadsheets and all kinds of shit. Also show sis Bruce Buffer’s preparation for the event. This was a fun behind the scenes look, and a nice addition to the DVD, likely my favorite one because it was a change for the usual.
UFC.com Featurette: The “UFC.com Featurette” is a 52-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. It’s all the extra stuff from the prelims, pre and post match that you missed. If you are into this side of the event, then you will really enjoy this.
BSN Promo: This is a 2-minute spot with Dana White discussing UFC 90, 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: At the end of the night I felt as if this was just another show (the TV portion). While I feel the company can get away with a PPV and Fight Night, and hell even a WEC thrown into the mix, trying to run two "PPV caliber events," especially in back to back weeks wasn't a good idea. For the most part, both events just ran together in my mind and other than the Silva dance-fest, nothing really stands out to me.
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, the under card fights are good, including a MUST SEE Dan Miller vs. Matt Horwich bout, and add to the overall event. UFC has found a nice formula as far as the Ultimate DVD sets go.
A better show than UFC 89, even with the main event here that I personally had no love for. It’s a good DVD, and I would recommend it for the great ness of the Dan Miller vs. Matt Horwich bout. Thumbs up.
