One of the greatest heavyweights in modern UFC history, Frank Mir’s career has been in freefall in recent years. Walking into his main event encounter with aggressive slugger Todd Duffee with an undesirable 1-4 record in his last five outings, was the former 2-time champion and Octagon legend able to string back-to-back victories for the first time in nearly four years?
Frank Mir and adversity have been used in the same sentences for over a decade, but the veteran has constantly found ways to overcome his considerable challenges; be that coming back from a potentially career-ending motorcycle accident, or defeating his favoured opponents inside the cage. Mir can now add his incredible knockout win over Todd Duffee to his seemingly endless list of triumphs.
Charging out of the gates and engaging in an intense toe-to-toe battle, the two fighters bit down on their mouthpieces and let the MMA gods decide who would emerge the victor, and with both suffering from suspect chins, everyone knew that this wouldn't last very long.
Wildly winging punches with reckless abandon, Mir’s unusual and dangerous deviation from his gameplan paid off massively after just 77 seconds of the first round. Taking advantage of a huge hook attempt from his younger opponent, Mir found the perfect opening and connected with a brutal left punch which instantly turned the lights out, causing Duffee to crash face-first into the canvas.
Despite his age being fairly average for the heavyweight division, the 36-year old Mir is extremely worn from his battles over the years. He may have found a way to win again here but just like his last win over Bigfoot Silva, both have come against fighters with exceptionally fragile chins. Can Mir continue to string wins against the more elite of the fairly shallow division? I'm not so sure, but I've learned over the years to never count the man out.
Duffee’s brand of offence has long left huge holes in his defence and once again it cost him his consciousness. For the fighter once touted as a legitimate title contender his the choice is simple: Adapt and evolve, or die.
UFC Fight Night 71 Main Card Results
Welterweight
Alan Jouban def Matt Dwyer via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27*)
Lightweight
Kevin Lee def James Moontasri via submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
Bantamweight
Manvel Gamburyan def Scott Jorgensen via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Women's Bantamweight
Holly Holm def Marion Reneau via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
Lightweight
Tony Ferguson def Josh Thomson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Heavyweight
Frank Mir def Todd Duffee via KO (punch) in round 1
Charging out of the gates and engaging in an intense toe-to-toe battle, the two fighters bit down on their mouthpieces and let the MMA gods decide who would emerge the victor, and with both suffering from suspect chins, everyone knew that this wouldn't last very long.
Wildly winging punches with reckless abandon, Mir’s unusual and dangerous deviation from his gameplan paid off massively after just 77 seconds of the first round. Taking advantage of a huge hook attempt from his younger opponent, Mir found the perfect opening and connected with a brutal left punch which instantly turned the lights out, causing Duffee to crash face-first into the canvas.
Despite his age being fairly average for the heavyweight division, the 36-year old Mir is extremely worn from his battles over the years. He may have found a way to win again here but just like his last win over Bigfoot Silva, both have come against fighters with exceptionally fragile chins. Can Mir continue to string wins against the more elite of the fairly shallow division? I'm not so sure, but I've learned over the years to never count the man out.
Duffee’s brand of offence has long left huge holes in his defence and once again it cost him his consciousness. For the fighter once touted as a legitimate title contender his the choice is simple: Adapt and evolve, or die.
UFC Fight Night 71 Main Card Results
Welterweight
Alan Jouban def Matt Dwyer via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27*)
Lightweight
Kevin Lee def James Moontasri via submission (rear naked choke) in round 1
Bantamweight
Manvel Gamburyan def Scott Jorgensen via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Women's Bantamweight
Holly Holm def Marion Reneau via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-28)
Lightweight
Tony Ferguson def Josh Thomson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Heavyweight
Frank Mir def Todd Duffee via KO (punch) in round 1
*Jouban was deducted 1 point for an illegal knee
What did you think of the fight and this Fight Night in general? Leave your comments and analysis below!
