Written by Derek Moody, September 11, 2016, at 11:45 p.m. Tweet To: @DerekMoody619
Miocic vs Overeem Recap
UFC 203 had many twists and turns but survived on the back of Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem. Originally thirteen fights were scheduled but only ten took place. A week ago two fights were scratched due to illness and visa issues leaving the card to eleven fights.
Earlier in the week Damir Hadzovic had visa issues so his fight with Yukawa Kazuya was rescheduled to Fight Night 97 in mid October. On Thursday, it was reported Ray Borg was to ill to fight so his fight with Ian McCall was canceled with no word of it being rescheduled.
The day of weigh ins there was an elevator incident involving many fighters and coaches that almost canceled the whole event. The elevator dropped three floors which caused CB Dollaway to be pulled from the card due to a back injury. All of the fighters that were removed from the card will still receive their fight purses.
What We Learned
Stipe Miocic is becoming a household name rather quickly with his knockout performances. Overeem had him close to defeat but he dug deep and overcame everything he had to offer. He might be one of the only fighters to completely take control of an arena. He’s the guy that broke the losing drought in Cleveland and instilled that fire within the Cavaliers as well as the city.
He never doubted the outcome of the fight regardless of the accolades Overeem has accomplished. The fight never made it past the first round but a lot took place in that short period. It was back and forth all over the cage with both guys landing heavy shots until Stipe got a hold of Overeem.
Demetrious Johnson, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Dominick Cruz and now Stipe Miocic are the only champions to successfully defend their titles and still have them. Robbie Lawler won a split decision against Condit that most people felt he lost and eventually he lost to Tyron Woodley. Titles will continue to change hands but as of now Stipe’s title is a lock.
Ducked by many fighters for a very good reason, Jimmie Rivera continues to dominate. Extending his fight streak to 19, Rivera was able to easily get by Urijah Faber. This was the ultimate test to prove if Rivera was ready to be in title talks. Nobody was willing to face Rivera, nobody but Faber.
It was a risky move on Faber’s part but he knows the feeling and stepped up to the plate. For that Rivera was very thankful and appreciative of Faber. Rivera worked his game plan early by taking out Faber’s lead leg to immobilize him and work his striking. Every round Rivera grew more and more confident and accurate. The result was Rivera winning by unanimous decision and climbing the rankings.
CM Punk vs Mickey Gall went as expected. Expectations of CM Punk shouldn’t have been very high as he’s fighting in the biggest promotion with absolutely no experience. Mickey Gall had two previous pro fights and two amateur fights which is leaps and bounds over someone with no experience.
Gall completely owned CM Punk from start to it’s quick end. Gall is now 3-0 with all wins in the 1st round by rear-naked choke. Punk deserves credit for doing what many people are afraid to attempt but what his future holds in mma only he knows the answer to that.
UFC 203 Results
Main Card
- Stipe Miocic def. Alistair Overeem via KO (punches) at 4:27 of R1
- Fabricio Werdum def. Travis Browne via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)
- Mickey Gall def. Phil Brooks “CM Punk” via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:14 of R1
- Jimmie Rivera def. Urijah Faber via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jessica Andrade def. Joanne Calderwood via submission (guillotine choke) at 4:38 of R1
Prelims
- Bethe Correia def. Jessica Eye via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Nik Lentz def. Michael McBride via TKO (punches) at 4:17 of R2
- Brad Tavares def. Caio Magalhaes via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
- Drew Dober def. Jason Gonzalez via TKO (punches) at 1:45 of R1
- Yancy Medeiros def. Sean Spencer via submission (rear-naked choke) at :49 of R2