UFC Live 6: Cruz vs. Johnson Winners and Losers
Last night, Zuffa and Co. entered into Washington D.C.’s Verizon Center with a decent free card on Versus network and showed the capital and the rest of MMA why smaller weight classes are always exciting and that Dominick Cruz is easily becoming the most dominant bantamweight fighter of all time.
Included below are the “winners & losers” from UFC on Versus 6.
DOMINICK CRUZ: WINNER
“The Dominator” is no fluke of a nickname for the Alliance MMA champion, who has continued to pick opponents apart on the feet with unorthodox movement, dizzying footwork and one the best gas tanks in all of MMA. Earlier this year, he avenged his only career loss by defeating (and handling) Urijah Faber for five rounds. Whomever he faces next, either Bowles or Faber, he’ll holds the upper hand and looks to stay king of 135lbs for quite some time.
STEFAN STRUVE: WINNER
Standing at (6’-11”) and going against the smaller Pat Barry (5’-11”), Struve starting off slow as the fighters went through a feeling out process. As the pace picked up Struve was able to sink in a deep guillotine and transitioning into a slick triangle-armbar that was secured and got him the win, even after a power slam from Barry. In his next outing, Joe Silva should consider putting him against another big striker, Brendan Schaub.
JOSH NEER: WINNER
“The Dentist” is back practicing in the UFC and looked impressive in his fight last night. Given the fact his opponent stood there and virtually let Neer hit him until doctors had enough in the second round. As a seasoned, veteran welterweight, put him in there against either new blood like Rick Story or a veteran like Dan Hardy in his next bout.
DEMETRIOUS JOHNSON: LOSER
As quick and aggressive as he was in the opening frame and throughout the fight, “Mighty Mouse” could not come to his own rescue and secure the championship. It may not be the end of the world for him, he will need to re-examine his strategy for his next outing. A move down to flyweight, if the UFC had one yet would be a perfect move for DJ.
PAT BARRY: LOSER
First things first, we (MMA) love “HD”; his passion and drive for competition is second to none but in the evolving world of mixed martial arts, he is shown to be extremely one-dimensional. On the feet, he is probably the best well versed striker in the division, as soon as it hits the ground he’s in trouble. Being knocked out in his last match against Cheick Kongo and submitted last night, the one thing going for him to not be cut is that he is still a fan draw. Put him against Shane Carwin in his next bout for heavy-handed boys to throw leather.
MAC DANZIG: LOSER
In a match that was given to him (and Wiman) after their first meeting ended in controversy, these two met and delivered the “fight of the night”. It was back and forth, but eventually Wiman was declared winner and Danzig was sent back to the drawing board. Despite winning the Ultimate Fighter, it would be wise to institute his services in Strikeforce and help build that brand, should Showtime pick up the extension.
CHARLIE BRENNEMAN: STALEMATE
He was kicked in the face and looked to be hurt, perhaps finished – truth is he was not, he was conscious enough to stop himself during the fall and land in a ready position. The referee is the one in charge and needs to make the calls for the fighters safety, however – in a situation like last night, maybe they should let the fighter take at least one extra shot to make the call concrete instead of giving the decision too quickly.
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