Magnificent McGregor Claims Gold With Stunning Knockout
It took almost a whole year to promote, but Conor McGregor only needed 13 seconds and a thunderous left hook to prise the featherweight title from the clutches of its former holder. Never previously knocked out and undefeated in ten years, Jose Aldo looked tense and rigid from the onset, probably the direct result of a tough build which saw the former champion mentally worn down by the relentless tirade of trash talk from his brash challenger. The Brazilian knew that he had the weapons to defeat the Irishman, but instead he rushed forward hoping to connect with a lunging hook. McGregor stayed calm, moving back and landing a crushing counter left which sent Aldo crashing towards the canvas. Two subsequent hammerfists to the fallen Brazilian were all that was required for referee John McCarthy to call a stop to the fight, ending a jaw-dropping sequence that few could have ever predicted.
He did it. He really did it. Conor McGregor came, saw, and conquered. The new undisputed featherweight champion improves to 7-0 inside the Octagon and has finished everyone with the exception of Max Holloway. He still has challenges at both 155 and 145, but few will betting against the ‘Notorious’ Irishman after this latest triumph.
Weidman Wilts Under Rockhold Rampage
Relentless pressure and merciless ground and pound were the keys to victory for Luke Rockhold as he overcame the previously unbeaten Chris Weidman to become the new middleweight champion. Equally skilled in almost every area, the two men battled closely for three rounds before an ill-advised wheel kick from Weidman gifted Rockhold the opportunity to drag the fight to the ground where he mauled the former champion with a seemingly endless storm of blows from full mount. Barely surviving the round and severely rocked Weidman valiantly attempted to keep his title reign alive, but Rockhold refused to let his rival recover and completed his title-winning performance with another takedown and more punishment from the top in the fourth round.
Romeo Edges ‘Jacare’ In Close Contest
A dominant first round was just enough for hulking middleweight Yoel Romero as he overcame Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza in a closely-fought contest that will surely determine the next challenger for the 185 pound belt. A spinning back fist and heavy ground and pound had Souza on wobbly legs at the end of the opening frame but the Cuban Romero was unable to continue his assault in the following round, presumably as the result of expending so much energy in his initial onslaught. Souza continued to recover and eventually took advantage of Romero’s fatigue with a takedown in the final round, but unfortunately for ‘Jacare’ it was a case of too little, too late as Romero snatched the split decision and took one step closer to a possible future title showdown.
Maia Too Good For Iceland’s Nelson
Gunnar Nelson might be an elite Jiu-Jitsu practitioner but the Icelandic superstar proved that even the best can be schooled as he suffered a painful three-round beatdown at the hands of grappling wizard Demian Maia. Not allowing his opponent the opportunity to use his superior striking Maia put his faith in his sizable Jiu-Jitsu credentials by engaging Nelson in a ground-based battle, a gambit which soon paid off as the Brazilian secured a vice-like back mount that his adversary just couldn’t escape. Nelson fought gamely for the duration, but he had no answer for Maia’s suffocating ground game and vastly improved strikes from the mount. The 38-year old Brazilian is now an impressive 7-2 at welterweight, and might be on the verge of his first UFC title shot in six years.
Holloway Betters Stephens To Continue Ascent
Utilising vastly superior range movement and counter striking, Max Holloway continued his climb to the top of the featherweight division with an impressive three round display over the powerful Jeremy Stephens. Confident in his power after a knockout win over Dennis Bermudez in his last outing Stephens looked determined to throw everything into his strikes but Holloway identified this and wisely adjusted to chose elusiveness and speed over damage and a higher output. The end result may have been a slightly disappointing fight, but Holloway did enough to score while denying Stephens the same opportunity. At 24 years of age Holloway continues to impress not only with his range of skills, but also with an approach to fighting wise beyond his years.
UFC 194 Main Card Results:
Featherweight
Max Holloway def Jeremy Stephens via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Welterweight
Demian Maia def Gunnar Nelson via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)
Middleweight
Yoel Romero def Ronaldo Souza via split decision (29-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Middleweight Championship
Luke Rockhold def Chris Weidman © via TKO (punches) in round 4
Featherweight Championship
Conor McGregor def Jose Aldo © via KO (punch) in round 1
Event Awards:
Best Fight: Luke Rockhold vs. Chris Weidman
Best Finish: Conor McGregor
MVP: Conor McGregor
What did you think of UFC 194? Leave your comments and analysis in the comments section below!
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