What mattered most at UFC 241 in Anaheim, Calif.? Here are a few post-fight musings …
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1. A winning Nathan Diaz makes MMA a better place
From beginning to end, Nate Diaz’s (20-11 MMA, 15-9 UFC) return to the UFC after nearly three years was executed flawlessly. His interview quotes made headlines, his actions (smoking the CBD joint at open workout) went viral, and his performance in a unanimous decision over Anthony Pettis (22-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC) was impressive.
Like any big name in the sport, Diaz has his detractors, but he really shouldn’t. MMA is the wild west compared to many other major sports. However, it can be rather mundane at times due to the number of shows being put on across all organizations and how difficult it is for fighters to stand out.
No one will ever accuse Diaz of not standing out, though, and that makes him a necessary asset. Now hopefully we don’t have to wait another three years to see him fight again, because things are a lot more fun when he’s here.
2. Never doubt Stipe Miocic again
All the credit in the world to Stipe Miocic (19-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) for finding a way to make the necessary adjustments after a rough few rounds against Daniel Cormier (22-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) only to win by knockout in the fourth and regain the UFC heavyweight title.
After losing in brutal fashion in his first meeting with Cormier almost 14 months ago, Miocic would not be denied in the rematch. He was the underdog and had most picking against him, but that didn’t deter him. Now there’s no denying his greatness.
With his 37th birthday just around the corner, it remains to be seen what Miocic can make out of his second title reign. Would it shock me if he lost it back to Cormier in a trilogy bout, or to Francis Ngannou in a rematch? Not at all. But Miocic’s spot in history is written. He’s the most decorated heavyweight we’ve ever seen.
3. Daniel Cormier’s pride got the best of him, and will keep him around
There will be regrets from Cormier about his strategic decisions against Miocic for a long time to come, particularly when in regard to his choice to not listen to his coaches and essentially abandon any semblance of wrestling beyond the first round.
“DC” is prideful man, and that’s carried him well through his life and career. In this instance, though, that pride resulted in his downfall and the loss of his UFC heavyweight title. Now there’s questions about what will be next for Cormier.
No one has a crystal ball and ability to read the future, but knowing Cormier as I do, it’s hard to see him going out like this. It might take a while for him to digest the loss and regroup, but Cormier is one of the most competitive people on this entire planet in my book and he won’t want the final image of him to be slumped against the fence after being knocked out.
Once Cormier gets back in his role as an analyst and is around the sport, I suspect he’s be enticed back for at least one more in hopes of going out the right way.
4. Paulo Costa is the complete package
I had Yoel Romero (13-4 MMA, 9-3 UFC) beating Paulo Costa (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) by a score of 29-28 in their key middleweight matchup, but I’m hardly as upset about the result as the Anaheim crowd, who relentlessly booed “Borrachinha” after he was given the unanimous decision nod to remain undefeated.
The way Costa chose to fight Romero was slightly insane. He said post-fight he couldn’t have done much to make it easier on himself, and that just goes to show what a madman the Brazilian is. He went straight after Romero from the opening bell to the last, and that’s just simply not what people do against arguably the scariest man in the sport.
It was a razor-close fight, and the margin between victory and defeat was so thin. Regardless of the result Costa proved he belongs near the very top at 185 pounds, and with an unblemished record, a marketable look, the ability to speak multiple languages and a style that produces sheer excitement, he’s got everything going for him and should absolutely fight the Robert Whittaker vs. Israel Adesanya winner for the title next.
5. Cory Sandhagen is a problem with a problem
Bantamweight continues to be one of the best divisions in the UFC, and it’s because of guys like Cory Sandhagen (12-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC), who validated himself as a true title threat with a convincing decision victory over perennial contender Raphael Assuncao (27-7 MMA, 11-4 UFC).
Sandhagen has essentially the perfect attributes for the weight class. He’s got a lengthy frame which he knows how to use to his advantage, good power on the feet, even better grappling on the mat and a winning mindset. In summary, he’s got championship potential, but finding a road to that belt will be tough.
Henry Cejudo, of course, reigns atop the 135-pound division. “Triple C” is calling for fights against the likes of Urijah Faber, Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar, then beyond that there are proven commodities such as Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan. He’s also got the flyweight division to deal with, as well. Because of that, it’s fair to assume Sandhagen isn’t getting anywhere near that title shot for a while.
