The Big Gamble at UFC 161

The Big Gamble at UFC 161

This Saturday at UFC 161 we witnessed a card with a lot of storylines. From two UFC heavy hitters in the main event between light heavyweight contenders Rashaad Evans and Dan Henderson to the coming out of Stipe Miocic defeating Roy Nelson via a 3 round beating of “Big Country.”

It has been stated by UFC president Dana White that the loser of the main event would probably never get a title shot again in the UFC. Unless Saturday’s fight was for a title, the stakes could not have been higher for either fighter. Evans came out on top via split decision and saved his chances of a possible future title shot. Although Evans isn’t necessarily “in the mix” in the light heavyweight division at the moment, the victory proved that his passion for fighting is still there. After two straight losses, including an admittedly lackluster performance against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 156 some people questioned his heart and love of fighting. Every fight in the UFC is important and means something, but Evans’ victory was a little more important giving the fact that with a loss his chances of ever getting another title shot and being a UFC champ again would be slim to none.

On the losing end of the main event was Dan Henderson. After his second straight split decision loss “Hendo” may never get a chance to fight for a title in the UFC again. Henderson did prove something Saturday night: he still has the ability to compete at the highest level. If there is one thing we know about the UFC; never say never. Dan still has power in his hands and the heart and desire to stay in the upper echelon of the UFC’s Light Heavyweight division, and if he chooses, in the middleweight division as well.

 

Tonight’s biggest loser (no pun intended and no fat joke intended) has to be Roy Nelson.

Saturday was the last fight on Roy’s UFC contract. The UFC offered “Big Country” a contract extension about a month ago and he turned it down. The thinking was that if Roy beat Stipe Miocic in Saturday’s co-main event that he would be in title consideration along with getting a more favorable contract. After 3 straight knockout wins over Cheick Kongo, Matt Mitrione and Dave Herman, Nelson had put himself in great position to command more money. Things didn’t quite work out that way. Stipe battered and boxed Roy in a dominant fashion for 3 rounds, and even though Roy wasn’t knocked out or finished, the result was just as bad. Roy seemed to be “winging” punches looking for that powerful overhand right he is famous for, but could not get close enough to land the power shot. UFC president Dana White said last night during the post-fight media scrum that he wants Roy Nelson in the UFC but that Nelson made a gamble and it did not payoff. “Roy Nelson rolled the dice tonight. He had a high stakes poker game tonight and he lost.”

 

Despite a contentious relationship with the UFC president, Dana White also said that he wants Roy in the UFC and the fact that fans love him and get excited when he steps into the octagon does carry some weight with the brass at Zuffa. At least Roy has the support of the fans and for now has a great chance at being re-signed by the promotion. Just not at the pay rate Nelson would have had if he had beaten Miocic Saturday night.

 

As fans, we all love to see “Big Country” fight. When he wins, he does so using his knockout power. But when he loses, he does so just as convincingly. The way Stipe beat Roy was reminiscent of the way Junior Dos Santos, Fabricio Werdum, Frank Mir and Shane Carwin beat him.

I for one hope Roy Nelson is willing and able to re-sign with the UFC and continue to give us exciting fights. Roy will always be a big draw whether it’s on pay-per-view cards or some of the free cards. Roy will make the UFC money by putting butts in the seats, he will even make some money for himself, just not as much as he would have if he had been victorious at UFC 161.

 

The winners of Saturday’s UFC 161 event were as follows:

Yves Jabouin via split decision over Dustin Paque

Mitch Clarke over John Maquire via unanimous decision

Roland Delorme beats Edwin Figueroa via unanimous decision

Sean Pierson beats Kenny Robertson via majority decision

James Krause beats Sam Stout via submission

Jake Shields defeats Tyron Woodley via split decision

Shawn Jordan knocks out Pat Barry

Alexis Davis over Rosy Sexton via unanimous decision

Ryan Jimmo defeats Igor Pokrajac via unanimous decision

Stipe Miocic beats Roy Nelson via unanimous decision

Rashad Evans beats Dan Henderson via split decision.

 

 

Happy Father’s day and stay safe

Randy Casjens- Twitter @SavageRandy