UFC Fight Night 89 (6/18): The Red King vs. Wonderboy

[Bernman]

Wonderboy-Rory wasn't a good fight until the 4th rd when Wonderboy decided he needed to display some urgency. I am a Wonderboy fan and was rooting for him, but I agree with the one judge who scored it 48-47. I thought Wonderboy lost 2 of the first 3 rds just posturing and throwing ineffectual side kicks to keep distance. At least Rory would time the occasional solid hook when Wonderboy circled. But the last two Wonderboy had more ideas and gumption on how to hit and not get hit, lunging to angles, throwing in combo, getting out, hitting again on the counter. Wish all 5 rds were like the last two. Before that it looked like a sparring session between two buds.

Cerrone's head movement looked much better in that fight and he was a man on a mission. Didn't show any timidity in spite of moving up a weight class. Loved the kicks at the end of combos. I agree with those who say he's grown on them. He's humbler and wiser these days. If Bisping can break through, any high-level gatekeeper can I guess.

Bosse-O'Connell was great entertainment/drama. Can't say much about a fight like that from a technical p.o.v. though.

Cirkunov-Cutelaba was more an entertaining, technical match-up. Started out as a slobberknocker, but Cirkunov adjusted to step back out of distance and counter with an over-hand or use the element of surprise going forward and get out. Then that work on the mat was so slick. Chained the arm triangle hold to immediately jump to the other side before Cutelaba could react. Cirkunov was on the radar for a long time as a prospect due to his physical gifts mostly, but needed time to refine his skills and awareness in the cage. Could be a future contender with his collective attributes.

Gutted for Barncat, but he earned getting ko'ed on account his movement and mentality were incredibly lackadaisical. Jotko was ready from the opening bell, getting out of range/to angles, ducking down, and then leaped in to drill him with that short hook.

Happy for Soto. He was getting pieced up on the feet by a superior athlete but eventually got a td off determination/technique. IIRC started with an ankle pick, took his back, dragged Beal back on top of him after he got up, then took advantage of a guy who is clearly green on the ground and who couldn't keep his poise otherwise he may have still won a decision. Sort of reminiscent of Holm-Tate.

Alvey needs to fight stand and bangers or wrestlers otherwise he's going to be in boring fights and/or have trouble. Doesn't offer much athletically or as a leader. Excellent counter-fighter.

Was Joanne's opponent's stomach made of marshmallow? That was a light kick.

Good fights overall from the ones I saw.

[Jasen777]

Spinning ****! Some highly questionable reffing on breakages in the ladies fight.

[Headliner]

Pretty sure she had a fractured rib or something

[Headliner]

I think the fight might end up underwhelming because of the friendship.

They knew each other too well, and the fight was boring, which I expected.

Friendship and training together so you know each other's tendencies makes for a bad fight the majority of time

[lilfishi22]

I thought Rory/Wonderboy was a good fight. Not a ton of action but in the same way two high level grapplers go to the ground and nothing really happens because both are battling for position and tying to not fall into a bad one, this is the stand up version. This was two very high level guys on their feet battling for their preferred striking distance while not trying to overreach and put themselves in a position to be countered. It was a high level chess match.

I am a little worried about Rory though. He took a ton of damage in his last title fight against Lawler, looked like he got his nose busted again and didn't seem to be able to find that sense of urgency . Now I know it's much easier said than done, especially from a cheeto-fingered keyboard warrior such as myself but as an MMA viewer for many many years (purple belt), I was surprised he didn't push forward more when he had opportunities to back Wonderboy against the fence.

[REDDzone]

I thought it was good as well. Just an interesting tactical battle. Rory is one of the best when it comes to nullifying guys, not too many dudes are going to look great vs him. Also some nice battles in the clinch, Rory conceding the underhook so he could lock on the whizzer and keep Wonderboy close. Wonderboy's bicep control on the other arm when he had the UH to not let Rory get back in that neutral clinch and possibly be in a favorable position for a takedown.

[REDDzone]

Also didn't realize you were purple, lilfishi. Good stuff. I'm working on my online brown belt.

[Jasen777]

Also didn't realize you were purple, lilfishi. Good stuff. I'm working on my online brown belt.

You could just but a black belt from the UFC store.

[GoRapstheoriginal]

Also didn't realize you were purple, lilfishi. Good stuff. I'm working on my online brown belt.

You could just but a black belt from the UFC store.

/tongue in cheek: Where would be the fun in that though? Heh ! ! ! !

[lilfishi22]

Also didn't realize you were purple, lilfishi. Good stuff. I'm working on my online brown belt.

I'm a purple belt at being a keyboard warrior, working on my brown. It's been a long road

[cowboyronnie]

Bosse in this second round looks like Fedor c. 2005! Seriously. This dynamic ground striking!

He stole Fedor's Fedor.

[cowboyronnie]

Rory just not willing to do what he needs to do to win. I'll never understand for the life of me guys who obviously work insanely hard going into these fights and then are not willing to pull the trigger to give themselves a chance to win.

Its easier said than done to run into a wood chipper.

I totally get that I really do but when he finally decided to trade he at least put himself in a situation where he could have landed a fight changer. For four rounds he had almost no chance. As a pro fighter your job is to do whatever it takes to win even if that puts you at risk of losing in dramatic fashion. To put in all the work these guys do and fight in a way where they have almost no chance to win is baffling.

My blackjack analogy is the dealer is showing a king and you're staying on 14, if that's your strategy why even sit at the table? I'm aware the dealer can't kick you in the mouth.

Not an issue of strategy. You don't have to initiate motor skills when you're playing black jack, neither is your nervous system anticipating a strike down your spinal column the moment you do. It's _physically_ difficult to let go. You lock up.

[cowboyronnie]

Cerrone creating angles with footwork! This MFer! What a beautiful display. The man improves constantly.

His tan/skinburn is disturbing and uncomfortable to watch.

[cowboyronnie]

Was Joanne's opponent's stomach made of marshmallow? That was a light kick.

Good fights overall from the ones I saw.

Disrespect.

She went 5 rounds with Jedz a year ago, she has insane credibility. Floating ribs are stick to nothing but other ribs, wrong angle and they bust. See Hopkins vs DLH.

She also dates LOmbard, which is maybe more impressive.

[lilfishi22]

Was Joanne's opponent's stomach made of marshmallow? That was a light kick.

Good fights overall from the ones I saw.

Disrespect.

She went 5 rounds with Jedz a year ago, she has insane credibility. Floating ribs are stick to nothing but other ribs, wrong angle and they bust. See Hopkins vs DLH.

She also dates LOmbard, which is maybe more impressive.

Wow really? I had no idea

[cowboyronnie]

Was Joanne's opponent's stomach made of marshmallow? That was a light kick.

Good fights overall from the ones I saw.

Disrespect.

She went 5 rounds with Jedz a year ago, she has insane credibility. Floating ribs are stick to nothing but other ribs, wrong angle and they bust. See Hopkins vs DLH.

She also dates LOmbard, which is maybe more impressive.

Wow really? I had no idea

Bern could not handle that much Cubano.

[phanman]

Wonderboy's ability to control the distance in the fight was very Cruz-like. Everytime Rory would try to engage, Thompson would be one step ahead cutting him off with punches and move out of the way.. It's not as if Rory didn't attempt to do so, its because Thompson's standup is so much better that he was able to attack and escape so fluidly.

His side kicks kept him at bay and if Rory did try to rush in, there is always the danger of being Ko'd by Thompson's kicks.

In that 5th round.. the only reason why we seen some fireworks imo is because you could see Rory trying to use his left arm to protect his face and just rushing in trying to create anything. It work for a few moments but in the majority of the time even Thompson wound up winning those exchanges.

That spinning kick at the end that busted his nose was a thing beauty, and probably would've ended the fight if he landed it flush.