An in depth look at UFC 96, results and review of the bouts
Quinton Jackson win over Keith Jardine via unanimous decision – 29-28, 29-28, 30-27
This light heavyweight bout was definitely fight of the night. Many people were expecting a first round with someone being knocked out early on in the fight. Jardine did do well against the former light heavyweight champion, his unusual fighting stance and random attacks did cause Rampage a couple of issues, one with his kicks which he did not ulitise and one punch in the second. Rampage on the other hand did extremely well, and showed kicks of his own and two good take downs. He ultimately won the fight with better striking and two knock downs of Jardine, especially in the first and end of the third round. This fight ensures Rampage Jackson gets his title fight but it is a bit early (4 weeks training only) to fight Rashad Evans.
Shane Carwin win over Gabriel Gonzaga via knockout (punch) — Round 1, 1:09
This fight was between two of the biggest names touted for a title contention and two of the biggest fighters height and weight wise in the heavyweight division. Gonzaga had first blood ealy but rocking Carwin with two big punches but all credit to Carwin who held tight and a sweet short right knocked Brazilian Gonzaga out. This pushes Shane Carwin to top 3 contenders. With Mir pulling out of the main event at UFC 98, this allows time for him to possibly fight another top contender to push his credentials. Personally speaking I feel he needs to fight a wiley older fighter like Nogura or Couture to jump up to a title shot and not to mention Chuick Kongo who must be next in line.
Matt Brown win over Pete Sell via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 1:32
This was the most one sided fight on the card, Matt Brown actually won the fight twice and asked referee Yves Lavigne to stop the fight. He basically won his strike combinations twice. Pete Sell looked dead on his feet from the deadly head kick dished out from Matt Brown.
Matt Hamill win over Mark Munoz via knockout (head kick) — Round 1, 3:53
This was definintely knock out of the night, Matt Hamill looked so up for the fight and used a combo of good wrestling defence and greatly improved striking to beat Munoz who looked out of the match from the start of the fight. Munoz former light heavyweight from WEC needed extra medicial attention after fight from the savage head kick from Hamill.
Gray Maynard win over Jim Miller via unanimous decision – 30-27, 30-27, 30-27
Gray Maynard aka the Bully basically did bully Jim Miller throughout the fight. Maynard had great striking and went through Miller who had no answers to Maynard’s punches. Maynard must feel like he can know progress up the ladder.
Tamdan McCrory win over Ryan Madigan via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 3:35
Another one sided match which McCrory looked back to his best. It appeared throughout the only round he would submit Madigan in his debut in the UFC however mounting and controlling his oppenent forcing a TKO.
Kendall Grove win over Jason Day via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 1:32
The old Kendall Grove was back, the Hawiian native looked alot more confident and in control. After suggestion he could have lost his contract he finished Jason Day with a picture perfect straight right and finished Day off with brutal elbows and ground and pound. Grove had BJ Penn in his corner which appeared to spur on Kendall who will take good heart from his victory. He does have the best fight celebration too.
Jason Brilz win over Tim Boetsch via unanimous decision – 29-28, 29-28, 29-28
Brandon Vera win over Mike Patt via TKO (leg kick) — Round, 1:27
The Truth is back, Brandon Vera returned to his deadly best, his Muay Thai was on point and picked apart Mike Patt with devasting leg kicks which ultimately finished off Patt. Vera was also very attacking and looked like he was in his prime at heavyweight.
Shane Nelson win over Aaron Riley via TKO (strikes) — Round 1, 0:44
Update
Funniest moment of UFC 96
Danny Denhard
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