UFC 92: Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans

Overview:  Forrest Griffin had a confident fight strategy going into his UFC light-heavyweight title defense against top contender, Rashad Evans.  Griffin mentioned, he was not going to under estimate Evans and was well aware of his knockout power;  he was going to keep him at jab length and work his low kicks;  and he was going to make Rashad work hard at his take down attempts.  The fight mirrored everything he said with the exception that Evans did not attempt to take Forrest down.  Unfortunately for Forrest fans, Griffin did everything he wanted for two and half rounds before he got caught with Evans powerful right hand, which everyone in the UFC light-heavyweight division is well aware of.

Summary:  Griffin vs. Evans

Forrest Griffin clearly came out and dictated the pace for the first two rounds.  I felt that it was pretty convincing that Forrest had one the first two rounds and was continueing his success to start the third.  He was very unpredictable with his combinations while using all four limbs in his fluid and accurate attacks.  Evans, known for sitting back and waiting for the big shot, was on his heels most of the fight.  When Griffin was not attacking, he was defending minimal attacks from Evans with head movement,covering, and counter striking well.  His footwork and angles were also making it hard for Evans to land any solid strikes.

Throughout the first two rounds Griffin landed kicks seemingly at will.  The main reason for this success is that he was setting his kicks up with punches first and he was changes targets from low(legs) to high(head).  Ultimately though, he got caught when he kicked to the body without an effective set up with punches, which usually makes it easier for an opponent to catch the kick and unload a quick right cross counter.  This is all Evans needed as he drilled Forrest with the straight cross counter to the chin that dazed Griffin enough to allow Rashad to follow him to the ground and end up on top in Forrests guard.  Griffin, who has an effective MMA guard which usually allows him to stand back up by referees break or by hip heisting out.  This time he was to dazed from Evans initial right cross that he could not recover fully and he took to much punishment after over a minute on the ground.  The ref stopped the fight and Rashad Evans took the title from the initial dominant fighter in the cage that night, Forrest Griffin.

The author of this blog, Bruce Lombard, is a Certified Coach of Combat Submission Wrestling(CSW) and is available for training and provides a free initial consultation. To contact Bruce to setup your free consultation, please dial 814-404-7307 or write tfgma@yahoo.com for more information.

Quinton Jackson vs. Keith Jardine Breakdown

Overview -Both fighters coming off big wins, Jardine won a decision against Brandon Vera, and Jackson knocked out Wanderlei Silva.  Each fighter’s confidence should be strong going in.  Jackson is favored and awaits a title shot against Rashad Evans with a victory.  Jardine is used to the underdog role.  Both just recently fought Wanderlei Silva, Jackson knocked him out, while Jardine got knocked out himself in just 30 seconds of the first round.  This leads many to believe Jackson will win.  In this sport, previous results are less important at this highest level.  This sport has proven over and over that on any given night any fighter can be beaten.                        

 

Jardine Outlook -Any fighter coming out of Greg Jackson’s gym has proven to be very well prepared.  I look for Jardine to work his strong leg kicks as he did so effectively against Chuck Liddell and as Forrest Griffin did against Jackson in their title fight last fall.  Though when anyone kicks they are vulnerable to that quick counter punch knock out, as Jardine received from Wanderlei.  This will be a stand up battle and if Jardine can push the fight into the third he might be able to outlast Jackson for a close split decision.

 

Jackson Outlook - Jackson is not easy to rattle once he is in the cage.  Jardine’s odd fighting style will not get to him as it might have Chuck and Forrest in their loses to Keith.   ’Rampage ’ has a tremendous chin and a no quit mentality so I do not see Jardine Knocking him out.  Jackson is a heavy puncher with always improving boxing skills.  Quinton will remain patient and look for that opening for the big knockout. 

 

Prediction -These two will stand up the duration of the fight.  It will be a crowd pleaser with Jackson connecting midway through the second round with one of his powerful hooks and put Jardine to the canvas.  Look for ‘Rampage’ to jump on Jardine and finish him with ground and pound for the TKO victory.

The author of this blog, Bruce Lombard, is a Certified Coach of Combat Submission Wrestling(CSW) and is available for training and provides a free initial consultation. To contact Bruce to setup your free consultation, please dial 814-404-7307 or write tfgma@yahoo.com for more information.

Enter the ‘Rocktogon’ on the “Troy and Jerry Morning Radio Show”

Every Tuesday morning at the eight o’clock hour, I visit the “Troy and Jerry Morning Show”, heard on 103.1FM QWKRock radio station out of  State College, PA. 

Starting this Tuesday, Titan Fitness will be giving away one free month of martial arts or boxing training.  The  QWK rock guys have come up with a fun idea for listeners to take advantage of this free opportunity by participating over the airways as Troy and I enter the ‘ROCKTOGON’ for a “Brain Fight”.  Each week Jerry will present Troy and I with a UFC trivia question.  We both will give our answers, and the first caller taken has to pick who they think gave the correct answer.  If right, one wins a FREE month of training at Titan in the class of their choice!

You be the judge!  One does not have to know any current or old history of the UFC.  Just call in and guess, if needed, to whether Troy or I is right. 

Class options at Titan Fitness include:  Mixed Martial Arts and Self Defense, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Women’s Kickboxing, Boxing, Weapons Training, Jeet Kune Do, Youth Martial Arts.

The author of this blog, Bruce Lombard, is a Certified Coach of Combat Submission Wrestling(CSW) and is available for training and provides a free initial consultation. To contact Bruce to setup your free consultation, please dial 814-404-7307 or write tfgma@yahoo.com for more information.