UFC 2005: A new era is dawned

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

"He's got the armbar locked, the arm is being extendended!"

"There's no way out"

"He taps!! It's over!!!!!"

"I can't beleive what I have just witnessed!"

This was the reaction of UFC's beloved commentators Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan when Randy Couture was finally beaten.

With the 21 win record now joined by a single loss, it's clear a new era has started. The sport is ready to boom.

Ok here's another attempt at a diary by myself. Hopefully a more succesful one. I'm using the DOMMA mod, and have played until 2005. I stuck with the original rules and changes for a while but then went in my own direction.

Notable Rule Differences: Pride Judging, Closing Guard Illegal, All strikes to a downed opponent legal.

The next event is UFC 110 which will be up shortly, after a recap of the highest grossing PPV to date, UFC 109. I will do fighter profiles as they appear in events, especially of the bigger stars.

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">UFC 109: Couture vs. Fedor III

Fedor Emelienenko (16-2) bt. Randy Couture (21-1) via Submission (Armbar) in 3:22 of Rd 1 to win the Heavyweight Title

Forrest Griffin (9-4) bt. Ken Shamrock (24-16) via TKO (Strikes) in 4:13 of Rd 2

Wanderlei Silva (23-6) bt. Royce Gracie (23-7) via KO (Punch) in 0:31 of Rd 2

Rikki Van Suydtbroek (6-4) bt. Masakatsu Funaki (26-15) via TKO (Strikes) in 1:45 of Rd 2

Vitor Ribeiro (9-2) bt. Norifumi Yamamoto (10-2) via Submission (Triangle) in 3:05 of Rd 3

-------------------------------------------------

Amaury Bitteti (16-6) bt. Frank Trigg (10-10) via Submission (Kneebar) in 2:28 of Rd 3

Andrei Arlovski (10-6) bt. Oleg Taktarov (13-16-1) via Unanimous Decision

Ebenezer Fontes Braga (24-7) bt. Evan Tanner (15-14) via Submission (Armbar) in 2:27 of Rd 2

Drew Fickett (14-3) bt. Jens Pulver (9-6-1) via Unanimous Decision

Shinobu Takano (4-1) bt. Robbie Lawler (8-7) via TKO (Strikes) in 4:26 of Round 1

KO of the Night: Wanderlei Silva

Submission of the Night: Fedor Emelianenko

Fight of the Night: Vitor Ribeiro vs. Norifiumi Yamamoto</div>

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">UFC 110: Marquadt vs. Gracie III

http://fiveouncesofpain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/nate-marquardt-4-150x150.jpg vs. http://www.bestmmafighters.com/images/renzo-gracie-big.jpg

Nate Marquadt (15-3-1) vs. Renzo Gracie © (27-8)

UFC Middleweight Title

Josh Barnett (18-4) vs. Kevin Randleman (17-7) - Heavyweight

Frank Shamrock (23-9-1) vs. Kazushi Sakuraba (15-10) - Middleweight

Marco Ruas (12-12-1) vs. Quinton Jackson (17-4) - Light Heavyweight

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (11-5) vs. Hidehiko Yoshida (1-4) - Heavyweight

-----------------------------------------

Din Thomas (10-6) vs. Miguel Torres (25-2) - Lightweight

Cyrille Diabate (6-2-1) vs. Lyoto Machida (6-1) - Light Heavyweight

Javier Vazquez (8-3) vs. Yuki Kondo (13-10-1) - Welterweight

Fabricio Werdum (6-2) vs. Gabriel Gonzaga (5-1) - Heavyweight

Egan Inoue (11-10) vs. Ed Herman (12-0) - Middleweight

</div>

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">History of the Belt: Middleweight http://quidnovi99.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/ufcbelt.jpg Welcome to the first of a new feature on ufc.com, "History of the Belt." Over the next few months, before each title fight we will give you an overview on the UFC title that is to be defended. Today we start off with the Middleweight Title, set to be put on the line as 2 time champ Renzo Gracie defends against Nate Marquadt. Only one man not named Gracie or Silva has ever held the UFC belt and he was the first. That said though, he has a pretty famous name himself. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="32825" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>May 1999 - August 1999 - Frank Shamrock Frank Shamrock never techincally won the Middleweight title. In fact you have to go all the way back too November 1997 to see the birth of the Shamrocks reign. He would defeat Anthony Macias via TKO to win the Welterweight crown (at the time, active divisions were Lightweight, Welterweight, Heavyweight). He would succesfully defend against Egan Inoue and Matt Lindland before winning the Middleweight crown at Extreme Fighting whom he was also contracted too at the time. Back in the UFC, and a couple of succesful defences later, the welterweight division's weight maxiumum was lowered and a middleweight division added. Frank Shamrock was given a choice, either continue as the Welterweight champion, and cut the weight needed to defend it, or be awarded the newly created Middleweight championship. He chose the later, but in retrospect maybe it was a bad omen. In the first ever defence of the Middleweight title, he came up against Renzo Gracie who caught him tight in the Guillotine, forcing him to tap. </div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="32825" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>August 1999 - March 2002 - Renzo Gracie The first reign of Renzo Gracie lasted 3 years, but it should of ended several times before. He became the first man to defend the title when he defeated a prime Pat Miletich by decision but then he came up against The Gracie Killer for the 2nd time in his career. The first one had not gone well for Renzo, and the 2nd meeting would not be much better. The Gracie Killer got the win via split decision, but he had missed weight by 3lbs making it a non title match. Lucky escape #1 An immediate rematch was made. Gracie hadn't beaten Sakuraba in the previous two fights, and this time he had made weight. Gracie though overcame and got the win with a unanimous decision to silent the critics that said he was not the true champion. He would then go on to beat top contenders Funaki, Rutten and Bitetti before coming up against Jeremy Horn. Horn overwhelemed Gracie and got an easy decision victory, but amazingly had come in a huge 10lbs overweight! Lucky escape #2 Horn rejected an offer of an immediate rematch, stating he felt he couldnt handle the weight cut and wished to move up to the newly created Light Heavyweight division. He would beat Marquadt in the next bout, and then got another win over Sakuraba. But young star Anderson Silva would then take the belt away with one huge punch.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="32825" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>March 2002 - July 2003 - Anderson Silva He was just 5-1 when he got the shot against Renzo, but no one could argue his credentials. He had beaten former champ Shamrock and top contender Dajiro Matsui and made easy work of the formidable Gracie. In all 6 wins that saw him march his way to the title, he finished either via KO or TKO and only twice did it make the 2nd round. His first defence was a tough one against seasoned vet Pat Miletich. Easy work for Silva who hit him with a vicious knee early in the first round. Next up, Amaury Bitetti, who becomes the first submission victim of The Spiders career. But then along came a Gracie...Ryan Gracie. A similarly bright start to his career, he was able to neutrilize the Spiders bright offense and took him to a decision, where he won the title.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="32825" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>July 2003 - August 2004 - Ryan Gracie Undeated and coming off the biggest win of his career over Sakuraba, 5-0 Ryan Gracie stepped into the Octagon to face Silva with confidence. That confidence kept him out of The Spiders clinch, and his Gracie name meant he was able to avoid any submission attempts. He walked away with the title, and a new found respect from the MMA world. His first defence saw him submit Dajiro Matsui, a man who has worked himself up to contender many times, but never able to pull off the performance on the big stage. Frank Shamrock was up next, trying to win back the title he could never defend, but Gracie picked up his 2nd Guillotine victory in a row. Then at the biggest event in the history of MMA, UFC 100, Anderson Silva tried to avenge what was just the 2nd defeat of his career. He succeded and in turn, handed Gracie the first defeat of his career. Silva rocked Gracie and rained down the strikes leading to a TKO victory.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="32825" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> August 2004 - January 2005 - Anderson Silva He won the belt off a Gracie, but was instantly having to prepare for another one. Former foe Renzo was back and wanted the belt. Renzo had been one of the top contenders for a while, but refused to fight family. So once the oppurtunity came up, he jumped at the chance and locked in a fight and title winning Guillotine on Silva.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="32825" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>January 2005 - Present - Renzo Gracie Having won the title back, Renzo's sights were set towards a third meeting with Nate Marquadt who beat him after he lost the title to Silva. Since that fight Renzo is 5-0 and ready to battle in the rubber match with Nate. </div></blockquote> </div>

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

Fighter Profile - Renzo Gracie

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bjL1ywMacKA/TS8-bOD_AkI/AAAAAAAAAPU/KjPvy3gA_wo/s1600/Watch-UFC-112-Matt-Hughes-vs_-Renzo-Gracie-Free-Online-Live-Streaming-Latest-Updates-and-Results.jpg

Renzo Gracie came into the UFC with a 4-0 record. A member of the famous Gracie family, he was instantly mentioned with the best in the buisness more by reputation than anything. But he came into his own quickly as he made his debut at UFC 8, in the openweight tournament. He looked shaky in the first round, earning a split decision victory over Oleg Taktarov. Then he went on to show his Gracie family legacy with a heel hook on Dan Severn and a guillotine on Ken Shamrock, crowning him the UFC 8 Tournament Winner.

UFC 9 was next, and a fight with the first ever UFC Superfight Champion Bas Rutten. 4 straight times El Guapo had defended the belt, but Gracie was a class above. With his Royce on his 4 year hiatus from MMA, Renzo had come in and stolen the show. A rear naked choke had given him the superfight title.

He lost it at the very next event. Dan Severn proving too much for Renzo in their rematch. His record looked like a rollercoaster over the next two years, unable to put together a win streak of 3 at any point. Able to put away easier foes like Schilt, Rhodes, Azerado, he would come up short against the tougher competition like Barnett, Rizzo and Sakuraba. The heavyweight class was proving too much for Renzo.

Then came the middleweight division. He quickly earned himself a shot at Frank Shamrock's title and won it. A new lease of life came over Renzo as he went on a streak of 9 fights without losing the title, but of course he did suffer the losses to Sakuraba and Horn, but amazingly both men missed weight and he kept the title. A loss to Silva ended his remarkable run though, and Renzo had to fight back up the ranks again.

A loss to Nate Marquadt set Gracie back further, but then Renzo was able to step up his game once more beating Sonnen, Filho, Shonie Carter and Takano on his way to a rematch with Silva. He locked on the guilotine choke and cranked it for the win. Now he looks to the rubber match with Marquadt for his first defence, the 2nd time around.

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">Rankings - Middleweight

Ahead of this months Middleweight title clash, we take a look at the top 25 UFC Middleweights, and the top 15 ranked worldwide as rated by Sherdog.com.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4449/ryanoh5.jpg

UFC Top 25

1. Ryan Gracie

2. Renzo Gracie

3. Dajiro Matsui

4. Carlos Newton

5. Ed Herman

6. Nate Marquadt

7. Amaury Bitetti

8. Paulo Filho

9. Shinobu Takano

10. Frank Shamrock

11. Rodrigo Gracie

12. Gustavo Machado

13. Kazushi Sakuraba

14. Ricardo Almeida

15. Kazuo Misaki

16. Murilo Rua

17. Pat Miletich

18. Yushim Okami

19. Crosley Gracie

20. Jorge Santiago

21. Egan Inoue

22. Shonie Carter

23. Jason Macdonald

24. Jason Miller

25. Frank Trigg

Sherdog.com Top 15

1. Ryan Gracie - UFC

2. Renzo Gracie - UFC

3. Anderson Silva - UFC (recently moved to LHW, but not enough fights to rank)

4. Dajiro Matsui - UFC

5. Renato Verissimo - Pride

6. Jutaro Nakao - Pride

7. Dave Strasser - Pride

8. Daiju Takase - Pride

9. Carlos Newton - UFC

10. Delson Heleno - Pride

11. Ed Herman - UFC

12. Amaury Bitetti - UFC

13. Carlo Prater - Pride

14. Alex Stewert - Pride

15. Dean Lister - KOTC

</div>

IWWROCKS · November 22, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">Heath Herring - Official Statement

http://www.mmalinker.com/images/Fighter_Pics/Heath_Herring.jpg

It is our sad news to today confirm the passing of UFC Heavyweight Heath Herring. We learnt the sad news this afternoon and wish to extend our condolences to the Herring family.

A book of rememberence will be avaiable for fans to sign at UFC 110 in two weeks time. We can not comment on the cause of death, but we understad police are not treating it as suspicious. An announcement will be made in the near future with regards to Herring's UFC 111 bout with Tim Sylvia.

Herring had an 18-7 record, with 5 wins and 3 losses inside the UFC. His highlight in the company was a fight of the night TKO victory over top heavyweight contender Mirko Cro Cop.

</div>

ttj0001 · November 23, 2011

Very nice. I'll be following.

IWWROCKS · November 23, 2011

Thanks for the comment, much appreciated <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Was shocked at Herring! Especially as he was meant to be fodder to the soon to be debuting Tim Sylvia. Will do a couple more fighter profiles and then post up the show <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

IWWROCKS · November 23, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">Fighter Profile - Nate Marquardt

http://prommanow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nate-marquardt-3.jpg

Nate Marquardt's career can be described simply as "the best available at the time." He came into the UFC with an impressive 10-1-1 record and easily dispatched Scott Baker with a rear naked choke in his debut. With no other natural contenders around, he was thrown into the title match with Renzo Gracie. The legendary Gracie Jiu Jitsu was too much for Nate to handle though as he fell victim of an armbar.

Nate wanted to prove Gracie Jiu Jitsu was overrated and called out Royce immediately. The match was set and Marquardt layed his way to a unanimous decision. He did however come in 10lbs overweight, and missing weight has been a big problem in his career.

Next up was a rematch with Renzo Gracie, who had just lost his title to Anderson Silva. A very close fight ended with Marquardt earning a perhaps controversial split decision victory to avenge his first loss in the UFC. Fans wanted more though, and a rematch with Royce was arranged. Close to a title shot, if Nate could beat a man he'd already bested, he would be fighting for the title once more.

It was not to be though. 30 seconds away from a decision victory, Royce locked on an armbar and made Marquardt tap. He bounced back with back to back victories over Egan Inoue and top 10 ranked Middleweight Carlos Newton. With Silva having lost his title, Ryan Gracie unwilling to fight his brother, and Nate being the best ranked middleweight on any form of winning streak, he was once again the best man available and now gets to complete his trilogy with Renzo Gracie.

</div>

IWWROCKS · November 23, 2011

Fighter Profile - Josh Barnett

http://mmatrainingworkoutsonline.com/wp-content/gallery/josh-barnett/josh-barnett-9.jpg

Josh Barnett has forever been one of the top contenders in the UFC. He debuted at UFC 12 against David Abbot and got an easy decision victory. This was the first of a 7 fight win streak to kick his UFC career off, with notable wins against Renzo Gracie and Bas Rutten. Then, he got the title shot. His opponent was Randy Couture. Both men had undefeated records, but it was Barnetts who fell as he suffered a submission loss.

He bounced back quick, beating Inoue, Wanderlei Silva and the late Heath Herring. He was quickly back in contention and was given a 2nd shot at Randy Couture. Another loss befell Barnett and the heavyweight star was perceived to be a man who could not make the final leap needed. He suffered back to back losses for the first time in his career, as Dan Henderson was able to knock him out.

Randy Couture left the UFC for a hiatus from MMA, and Barnett knew he had an oppurunity to make it back to the top. He beat Rizzo, and then Shamrock for a 2nd time. He managed to get a 3rd title shot, but a big russian named Fedor was in his way. Barnett was 1 judge away from the heavyweight title, but that judge said Fedor won the fight, and so Barnett dropped the split decision victory.

Through there fights, Couture and Barnett became very good freinds and Barnett publicly stated he would never again fight his closest buddy. So it must of made barnett feel sick to see the still undefeated Natural return to the UFC to take the heavweight crown. Barnett put together an amazing 5 fight win streak, taking revenge on Henderson, completing the hatrick over Shamrock, and adding Nogueira, Yoshida and Severn to his list. With Couture now dispatched, Barnett could well be in line for another shot at Fedor.

IWWROCKS · November 23, 2011

UFC 110: Marquardt vs. Gracie III - Results

Prelim Results

Ed Herman (13-0) def. Egan Inoue (11-11) via Submission (Armbar) in 1:30 of Rd 3

Fabricio Werdum (7-2) def. Gabriel Gonzaga (5-2) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:08 of Rd 3

Yukki Kondo (14-10-1) def. Javier Vazquez (8-4) via Unanimous Decision

Lyoto Machida (7-1) def. Cyrille Diabate (6-3-1) via TKO (Strikes) in 1:11 of Rd 3

Miguel Torres (26-2) def. Din Thomas (10-7) via Submission (Guillotine) in 3:38 of Rd 1

Main Card

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Hidehiko Yoshida

Round 1

Minotauro opens the round as the aggresor, hitting a few soft jabs and shooting unsuccesfully for the takedown. They tie up and Minotoro tries again for the takedown this time getting it. Yoshida tried to hook a guillotine but couldn't hold it. Nogueira passes straight to side control and attempts a kimura but abandons it. He has an armbar and it looks deep, but Yoshida is able to pull out of it. Nogueira takes the back but time runs out.

Round 2

A tentative start to round 2. Yoshida jumps in to throw some strikes but Nogueira is patient and backs away. Both men feint and move but nothing significant is happening. Yoshida sprawls and pushes Nogueira down into the mat to counter the takedown. He gains side control, but then simply stands up not wanting to fight on the mat. The round ends.

Round 3

They both go to throw strikes but it ends in a messy clinch. Nogueira lifts Yoshida up ready to slam him, but the japanese star moves away. Yoshida blocks a takedown attempt. Both men seem tired as Nogueira counters a missed jab with a weak hook to the body. The round is over and the Judges will give their decision.

All three judges have the winner as...Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira!

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (12-5) def. Hidehiko Yoshida (1-5) via Unanimous Decision

Marco Ruas vs. Quinton Jackson

Round 1

Rampage instantly presses Ruas, moving in closer and shooting for the takedown. Ruas blocks it, and then almost insultingly lifts Rampage up and slams him to the ground. Ruas passes to half guard, but Rampage keeps him there when he tries to go further. Rampage reaches up and has a guillotine choke locked in, but Ruas dosen't seem too concerned. Rampage lets go. Rampage explodes, and scrambles so he is on top. He gains side control but then the round ends.

Round 2

Rampage feints in and out trying to get Ruas to bite. He then shoots for the takedown, and drives Ruas into the ground. He easily gains side control and starts unleashing elbows. Ruas is not defending himself, and the referee stops it!

Quinton Jackson (18-4) def. Marco Ruas (12-13-1) via TKO (Strikes) in 1:41 of Rd 2

Frank Shamrock vs. Kazushi Sakuraba

Round 1

Sakuraba goes for the suprise factor, diving straight for a leg, but Shamrock is able to pound away until he lets go. They tie up. Shamrock pushes him up against the cage, but Sakuraba quickly turns it around. Sakuraba drops for the takedown, but Shamrock defends well against it. Shamrock then tries a takedown for himself, but this time Sakuraba stuffs it. Persistence pays off and Shamrock finally completes the takedown. Sakuraba moves his hips, and locks in a triangle!! The bell rings and saves Shamrock.

Round 2

Sakuraba opens this round again by diving for a leg but Shamrock again defends it. Sakuraba instead uses the threat to complete a takedown. Sakuraba moves to side control. He takes the back and attempts the armbar, but Shamrock defends and the round ends.

Round 3

Both men look tired as they move about waiting for an opening. Sakuraba hits a hook to Shamrocks right eye. He then shoots in for the takedown and gets it. Both men actively look for submission attempts but neither are able to get one. Sakuraba moves to side control and locks in an armbar, but Shamrock is once again saved by the bell and we go to the judges decision.

All 3 judges have the winner as...Kazushi Sakuraba!!

Kazushi Sakuraba (16-10) def. Frank Shamrock (23-10-1) via Unanimous Decision

Josh Barnett vs. Kevin Randleman

Round 1

Randleman throws a jab, and then moves back quickly to avoid a Barnett takedown. Randleman kicks Barnetts thigh. Randleman is able to move around lots, throwing feints, hitting point scoring shots, and avoiding Barnetts takedown. Both men cautiously circle each other as a quiet round ends.

Round 2

Both men miss strikes, and Randleman again avoids Barnetts takedown attempt. Randleman circles and hits a quick jab. Again Randleman avoids a takedown. Barnett tries to grab hold of Randleman but can't even do that. Round two ends to boos from the crowd.

Round 3

Barnett finally gets takedown early in the 3rd round! He easily passes to side control. He takes the back and easily locks in an armbar for the submission victory!

Josh Barnett (19-4) def. Kevin Randleman (17-8) via Submission (Armbar) in 2:36 of Round 3

Nate Marquardt vs. Renzo Gracie - UFC Middleweight Title

Round 1

Marquardt hits a hook to the body and follows it with a straight to the head. Confidently, Marquardt hits another tidy combination. The confidence goes too far, and Gracie catches a kick and trips Marquardt to the ground. Marquardt looks to get a guillotine but Gracie blocks it. Gracie is unable to pass, and the referee stands them back up. The round ends.

Round 2

Gracie is able to catch another kick, and takes Nate down. He easily moves to side control. He attempts an americana but can not get it. Gracie is in mount! He goes for the armbar, but Marquardt is able to get out of it, and get side control as a result. Nate stands up. Both men exchange weak punches as the round ends.

Round 3

Once again Gracie catches a Marquardt kick and gets a takedown. Gracie easily gets to side control and attempts an americana but can not get it. He hits a huge knee to the stomach. He gets the mount. De ja vu as Gracie goes for the armbar, and Marquardt is able to get side control and stand up from it. Round 3 ends.

Round 4

Gracie easily moves out of the way of several Marquardt strike attempts. Marquardt is heavily gassed, and Gracie is able to duck and counter everything Marquardt throws. Round four ends with Gracie all over Marquardt hitting clean strikes every time.

Round 5

Gracie throws a few strikes, but now he also looks exhausted. He lazily shoots for the takedown but Marquardt defends and clinches. They quickly break up. Marquardt is now the one able to counter the strikes but not much happens and the fight is over.

All three judges have the winner as....Renzo Gracie!!

Renzo Gracie (28-8) def. Nate Marquardt (15-4-1) via Unanimous Decision to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship

Analysis by Sherdog

Fight of the Night: Quinton Jackson vs. Marco Ruas
Submission of the Night: Fabricio Werdum
KO of the Night: Lyoto Machida

Egan Inoue announced after his fight with Ed Herman, that it was his last fight and he is now retired.

Josh Barnett apologized to the crowd for not finishing Randleman sooner, but promised if he got the shot at Fedor he would end it quicker.

Matches to Make
Josh Barnett may not have been convincing, but he is the hottest Heavyweight in the UFC. Until Sylvia debuts and proves himself on the highest level, Barnett is the man to face Fedor

Renzo Gracie's next challanger is not so clear. There is no one who stands out right now with Ryan Gracie unwilling to face his family. The best option may be an eiliminator between Dajiro Matsui and Amaury Bitetti.

Quinton Jackson and Forrest Griffin could both benefit from a fight against each other. Both men have strung together two wins, and a win over the other would propel them into the top 10. Plus it would without doubt be a great fight for fans.

While it might not be a particularly easy fight for Marquardt, the last time he lost to Renzo, he came back and beat another Gracie. So maybe Nate would find luck against Ryan Gracie, although his 10-1 record might disagree with that statement.

ttj0001 · November 23, 2011

No problem. Good to see Barnett win to set up the Fedor fight. Not really sure what happens if Nate beats Ryan Gracie though.

IWWROCKS · November 23, 2011

Not every fight that's mentioned in the post card analysis will actually be what happens. It's an outsiders views. I put some of them in as a sort of red herring <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> UFC 111 card up shortly.

IWWROCKS · November 23, 2011

<div style="text-align:center;">UFC 111: GSP vs. Serra II

http://jabsngrabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/serra-vs-st-pierre.jpg

UFC Welterweight Championship

Ricco Rodriguez* (13-4) vs. Tim Sylvia (17-0) - Heavyweight

Hayato Sakurai (19-16-2) vs. Alexandre France Nogueira (12-5-1) - Welterweight

Chuck Liddell (13-8) vs. Matt Lindland (14-5) - Light Heavyweight

Akihoro Gono (14-8) vs. Joe Stevenson (19-6) - Lightweight

---------------------------------------------

Gabe Lemley (4-4) vs. Kenny Florian (4-1) - Lightweight

Bao Quach (5-3) vs. Sergey Golyaev (7-3) - Lightweight

Crosley Gracie (1-3) vs. Ricardo Almeida (5-2) - Middleweight

Shonie Carter (11-12-2) vs. Rodrigo Gracie (5-4) - Middleweight

Timothy Grunge (4-2) vs. Ben Rothwell (11-8) - Heavyweight

* Ricco Rodriguez will replace the late Heath Herring. Both men have agreed to donate half of their purse to a charity in Herring's name.

</div>

ttj0001 · November 24, 2011

Darn, got me haha. Oh well, it'll still be interesting to see what happens with Nate.

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