UFC 158 was one of the most anticipated cards in promotional history, as welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre successfully defended his title for a record eighth time against hated rival Nick Diaz.
While the fight didn’t live up to the hype, it was another masterful performance by “Rush.” Additionally, the next title challenger at 170-pounds was crowned while another fighter showed he is clearly knocking on the door.
Let’s also not forget about the massive announcement UFC President Dana White made regarding “The Ultimate Fighter” during the main card.
BIGGEST WINNER
Johny Hendricks: Despite being screwed out of a title shot at least once (arguably twice), “Bigg Rigg” managed to defeat another very dangerous opponent and fellow top contender in Carlos Condit.
It’s a real shame to even call Condit a loser in what is likely going to be a “Fight of the Year” candidate, but there’s no doubt that Hendrick’s non-stop aggressive striking and wrestling was enough to win the fight.
Hendricks has now won six in a row including consecutive wins over Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Martin Kampmann and now Condit. It would be downright criminal for him not to fight Georges St-Pierre for the title next.
WINNER
Jake Ellenberger: “The Juggernaut” was so close to a title shot before Martin Kampmann staged an infamous comeback against him at “The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale” in June.
However, with his ridiculous knockout of former Strikeforce champ Nate Marquardt Saturday night, Ellenberger proved he is a true contender and should be no more than one big win away from a title shot.
WINNER
Georges St-Pierre: While it wasn’t necessarily that pretty, “Rush” made another successful title defense in front of his home crowd this weekend.
Despite taking some damage, each of the three judges on hand scored it 50-45 for the champion. The biggest downside of this fight was there was no finish and GSP looked uncharacteristically flat in the latter three rounds … but Diaz still didn’t have any answers.
WINNER
Ronda Rousey: The UFC women’s bantamweight champion didn’t compete on the card, but she still saw her stock soar at the event.
UFC President Dana White announced that the “Rowdy” one will coach the next season of “The Ultimate Fighter” opposite the winner of Miesha Tate vs. Cat Zingano next month. That’s just the latest notch in the belt for MMA’s most marketable superstar.
BIGGEST LOSER
Nick Diaz: After hyping up his title fight with Georges St-Pierre like there is no tomorrow, Diaz looked flat and had no answers for the champ’s wrestling.
Sure, he stuffed some takedowns, but even while he was able to keep the fight standing, his boxing did not look very impressive. He arguably won the third round, but none of the judges saw it that way.
The fact that Diaz was willing to hug it out with GSP afterwards was commendable, but also confusing given the personal insults he hurled his way during fight week. Retirement would be disappointment, but anything is possible with Nick Diaz.
LOSER
Nate Marquardt: Dating back to Feb. 2010, Marquardt is just 3-4 in his past seven fights. However, no loss was as lopsided and embarrassing as his UFC 158 knockout to Jake Ellenberger.
“The Juggernaut” hits like a truck, but the loss shows “The Great” is no longer a true contender. On top of that, the fact that he argued the stoppage was downright pathetic.
LOSER
Carlos Condit: In all seriousness, it’s a crying shame that a guy who fought like “The Natural Born Killer” on Saturday ended up the loser. In a fight like that, everybody wins, including the fans.
Still, the facts are the facts and Condit’s takedown defense is awful in a division full of accomplished wrestlers. Odds are his days as a title contender are over, which is sad.
LOSER
Colin Fletcher: You can’t come out in a clown mask to death metal, essentially looking like the lost member of Slipknot, and then get absolutely outclassed in your fight.
“Freakshow’s” striking was laughable and despite being a respected grappler, looked completely lost on the ground. Fletcher’s opportunity inside the Octagon has come and gone.