Gonzaga vs Marello:
Gonzaga appears to be the real deal. There are so few good fighters in the HW division that it is hard to say if this was a legit test, but he can clearly strike and is a real threat on the ground. Looking forward to seeing more from him. He's also a local guy, always at the local events, so I'm a little bit biased here.
Bisping vs. Schafer:
Either Schafer is a legit BJJ fighter or Bisping is highly susceptible to subs. He ended up defending everything, but was in danger a few times. Both seem to be great additions to the LHW division. Since both are still early in their careers, it is hard to say how much of a threat either of them really is, but both seemed to live well up to expectations. Great fight.
Arlovski vs. PDP:
I really need to watch this again, b/c I was a bit stoned, but it looked like PDP was doing well until the Herb's warning. Although that was done for PDP's benefit, it was the key to AA's victory. You know that while PDP was talking AA said to himself, he'll never expect a quick right hand. And PDP only got $5G to get his head pounded into the mat. I want to see more, as PDP seems like a good addition to the HW division.
MacDonald vs. Leben:
This was a fairly mediocre fight. Leben was his typical scrappy self. He's not afraid to brawl, but is lacking in technique. MacDonald looked good at times, but he has huge holes in his game. How many times did he set up a shot with the same frickin' right cross. The next guy he fights is gonna see that vid and have a nice knee waiting for him. He needs to chill on his "contender" talk. He's good on the ground, but he looked pretty rocked by Leben a few times; that does not bode well for a bout with A. Silva.
Forrest vs. Jardine:
Forrest actually looked good for most of the fight. His skills have improved. The only thing he seemed to neglect is composure. Get yourself together man! Jardine looked good, but I think Chuck will demolish him. Jardine is not afraid to stand up and throw, and that jaw might last with Forrest, but it will not with Chuck. This one was a bit of a surprise.
Chuck vs. Tito:
I have to watch it again, but I think it was definitely a premature stop. i could have seen ending it in the first, but Tito was well protected. If it was allowed to continue, and Tito weathered that storm, Chuck would have been exhausted and we might have had a new champ.
I thought Tito looked pretty good. It just seemed that every time there Tito got hit, it looked like the fight would be over. Is Chuck that tough? Is Tito that weak? Or was it really just intimidation?
That inside leg kick seemed to be a good strategy until he caught the kneecap. That pain is excruciating. He did it too much w/o changing his setup. I'm guessing Chuck set him up for that shin to knee.
With the exception of Chuck/Tito, seemed like this was the night of late stops instead of early. A lot of guys took a lot of shots when they where already clearly defenseless...Forrest, PDP, DeSouza