Chicago Illinois played host to the MMA juggernaut, witnessing Anderson Silva retain his Middleweight title belt… Patrick Cote was stopped but not how anyone in the arena wanted or expected him to be. “The Muscle Shark” returned to the winner’s podium and “Junior” announced his arrival, also “Pitbull” continued his demolition of the Welterweight division.

Tyson Griffin Vs Sean Sherk
These two guys could have been separated at birth looking at their physiques and styles. Both excellent wrestlers, each was keen to display their respective striking skills. Although Griffin landed the harder shots, Sherk definitely landed more frequently. Right from the opening bell it was like a pair of bulldogs going at it for their dinner! Sherk willingly stood with Tyson and traded and was just that little bit more crisp and a touch quicker. Griffin tried a couple of times to take it south to the floor but was stuffed each time by a stubborn Sherk. In a tight one for the judges, I think they got it right, awarding the win to Sean via a unanimous decision.

Junior Dos Santos Vs Fabricio Werdum
In a battle of the Brazilians, new comer Junior took on top contender Werdum. Fabricio had been really impressive since entering the UFC and was pushing for a title shot with a positive result here. Dos Santos was on debut and with the likes of “The Spider” and “Minotauro” in his camp he certainly wasn’t nervous. Werdum was content to stand early and wait for his chance to get it to the mat, where he could impose his superior ground game. But the debutant had other ideas, stopping his fellow countryman cold, with a devastating uppercut just over a minute into his first UFC appearance.

It was not so long ago I recall many critics saying that the UFC heavyweight division was weak and light on genuine talent. What a difference a few months makes! No they are lining up and there should be some tasty match ups coming our way!

Gray Maynard Vs Rich Clementi
Undefeated in the UFC (officially), “The Bully” was out to keep a clean sheet against TUF veteran and crafty ground specialist “No Love”. Gray showed a more complete game as he frustrated and out worked a tenacious Clementi. Maynard faired better on the feet and took Rich down on several occasions almost at will. Granted once on the deck Maynard couldn’t finish Clementi, as the BJJ exponent worked tirelessly from his back and late in the fight even got a glimpse of Gray’s back but couldn’t capitalize. Maynard continued on his winning way with another impressive win, showing a great work ethic inside the Octagon, getting the green light from all three judges.

Thiago Alves Vs Josh Koscheck
With just two weeks notice, “Kos” was more than accommodating, stepping in to challenge “Pitbull”. Both fighters careers are definitely on the rise and the winner would catapult himself into the title picture. Josh showed great conviction and courage, wading in to strike with one of the best in the game, in the shape of Thiago. Koscheck felt the destructive power of the Brazilian early and was rocked badly dropping down and clasping a leg. He managed to hold on (somehow) and eventually regained his composure. The second round saw Thiago continue to edge ahead on the scorecards with his quality striking and punishing leg kicks. “Kos” eventually started to look for the takedown but was thwarted every time by an obviously well drilled opponent.

Taking nothing away from Josh, he pushed Alves every step of the way and made “Pitbull” earn the victory. Thiago was never really in danger and remains powerfully impressive. The ATT (American Top Team) member must be tantalizingly close to a shot at the Welterweight belt.

Anderson Silva Vs Patrick Cote
I’ve been a long time fan of Patrick Cote and I was quietly hoping for an upset in the main event. It was always going to be a near impossible task against the ridiculously talented champion. Silva showed plenty of confidence and was very poised as he waited well over a minute to throw his first piece of leather in anger. Cote was game and brought the fight to “The Spider”, if anything perhaps Silva was a bit too respectful of “The Predator’s” power as he danced, shimmied, jumped and swayed throughout the first two rounds. Anderson was ahead on points, thanks mainly to a precision right punch and a tasty knee that found its mark.

Round three began and Cote was smiling and growing in confidence as he motioned to the crowd with three fingers. Happy knowing that he was the first fighter to extend the champ into uncharted territory inside the Octagon. Cote skipped in then planted his right foot and immediately fell to the floor like he had been shot by a sniper from the crowd. Herb Dean was forced to call an end to the fight “The Predator” was unable to continue. Silva was gracious (as always) in the acceptance of his belt and had nothing but praise for the challenger. Patrick on the other hand was gutted and most apologetic to everyone present. Hopefully he can make a full and brisk recovery and return to finish the intriguing battle that was well set up through two rounds.

Despite the disappointment of the premature end to the main event it was softened by a talent packed card of quality fights and the continual rise of MMA talent. Posing UFC match maker Joe Silva with just one problem, who should fight who??!!

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