Review: UFC 159

Michael Bisping (L) of England exchanges punches with Alan Belcher in their middleweight bout during the UFC 159 event

Jon Jones defeats Chael Sonnen via TKO at 4:33 of Round 1.

Does it come as any surprise? Jon Jones, the most gifted fighter to ever get into this sport so far in my humble opinion, made quick work of the brash Chael Sonnen in an emphatic manner. However, what elevated the demolition to another level is that Jones outwrestled Sonnen and in his words, ‘Chael Sonnened’ Chael Sonnen. Now that’s the mark of a true champion, the one who tells his opponent how he is going to do it exactly and then still goes ahead and does it. Sonnen on his part did try and match upto Jones and fight his way out, but his younger opponent’s strength and size pretty much sealed the deal when he got him to the ground, on his back.

Michael Bisping defeats Alan Belcher via technical decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28); fight stopped in the third round due to accidental eye poke from Bisping.

This was a very good fight, for as long as it lasted till the end came in an anticlimactic manner. But as seemed to be the case with many fights during the night, this bout too was stopped due to an accident. Michael Bisping was leading on all scorecards by being the more active fighter throughout the match and also connected with many clean shots to Belcher’s face, when in the third round his fingers went through Belcher’s left eye in a brutal manner, leaving Belcher bleeding from his eye!

Roy Nelson defeats Cheick Kongo via knockout at 2:03 of Round 1.

Termed as the ‘Ultimate under-achiever’ by UFC Prez Dana White, “Big Country” showed how far he has come since that comment by knocking out the hulking Cheick Kongo with a single effective blow. Wham! Just like that! And by the replays, it didn’t even look like he had put all of his power into that shot. Nelson, with this win, has made a serious claim for the heavyweight crown, which will be contested between Silva and Velasquez next month.

Phil Davis defeats Vinny Magalhaes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

I missed this one, but from what I heard, I didn’t miss much!