London, England welcomed back the UFC with open arms at the O2 Arena. The card was light on “superstars” but definitely not light on action! With only a couple of fights going the distance, it was non - stop action from start to finish, with knockouts, submissions and upsets.

Josh Koscheck Vs. Paulo Thiago
“Kos” came into this fight as a heavy favorite against the undefeated, (UFC) debuting Brazilian. But somebody forgot to tell Paulo! Josh was looking to land his big over hand right and finish early and Thiago was hoping for something similar. Both fighters were swinging sporadically with intent. No real damage had been done when Koscheck drops his head and lets fly with another fast right, missing its target (Paulo’s head). Thiago drills home a stinging right uppercut followed by a bell ringing left hook and it was nighty - night for Koscheck.

Josh complained that the stoppage was early but once he sees the replay and sees his eyes roll back into his head like an old fashioned slot machine he’ll settle down. Paulo was probably a little lucky to win in such a fashion, however luck favors the brave in MMA. Thiago via TKO at 3:29, R1

Demian Maia Vs. Chael Sonnen
For those of you that thought the dominance of BJJ was fading (me included) just take a look at maestro Demian Maia. He has extended his win streak to 10 straight, with 5 wins in the Octagon. Taking on WEC veteran Chael Sonnen, I expected the fight to at least make the second round. It didn’t, as Maia man - handled Sonnen, a former collegiate wrestler, with a great front suplex, finishing on top in the mount position. Sonnen rolled right to where Demian wanted him as he silkily sunk in a fight ending triangle choke.

It is one thing to be a great BJJ player when wearing a Gi and rolling on the floor. Maia is a true master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu MMA style and is on another level all together! Maia wins via triangle choke at 2:37, R1.

Nate Marquardt Vs. Wilson Gouveia
This anticipated match up at the pointy end of the MW division had all the makings of great battle and that’s what we got. With the winner to move within reach of a title shot, both fighters were out to stamp their authority on the fight. Nate made in-roads early with nice leg kicks and crisp striking. Wilson was always on the front foot pushing the pace. It’s pretty even through the round until Marquardt lands a takedown, slides out of a guillotine and connects with some good shots from inside the guard to finish strongly.

The pace quickens in the second round and both fighters are presented with chances. Neither can capitalize, although Nate is starting to pull away on the scorecards. Gouveia is beginning to slow as Marquardt continues to pepper the Brazilian with various kicks, to the upper and lower body.

Marquardt is growing in confidence; Wilson is trying to raise the tempo further in his search for a way through Nate’s defenses, in the process leaving himself open for attack. Nate drives forward with a flying knee that clips Gouveia. Then follows up with a crazy combination of kicks, spinning punches and more knees. Wilson crumbles under the avalanche and the ref steps in to end the fight. Marquardt is victorious by way of TKO at 3:10 of R3.

“The Great” has improved markedly since his first fight with Anderson Silva, particularly in the striking department and is hoping to get another shot should “The Spider” be successful over Thales Leites.

Dan Hardy Vs. Rory Markham
Local lad Dan Hardy came up against his toughest test to date in the form of hard-hitting Rory Markham. Hardy had won a tough split decision over veteran Akihiro Gono and Markham was backing up from a lovely KO victory over Brodie Farber.

Just over a minute in “The Outlaw” caught Markham with a smashing left hook and Rory was down and subsequently out. The 02 Arena exploded as the local favorite claimed a stunning victory. Dan Hardy wins via KO at 1:09, R1.

Joe Stevenson Vs. Diego Sanchez
The main event pitted two previous TUF winners against each other, Stevenson who was hoping to stop a slide and Sanchez was out to make a statement in his new domain, the LW division.

Diego started with all guns blazing, as usual and set a hectic pace. Stevenson was happy to stay calm and counter. “Nightmare” was getting the better of the stand up as he showed more variety, using kicks and knees along with some strong punching combinations. “Daddy” meanwhile was looking a little one- dimensional and was content to throw out his jab and offer the occasional two or three punch combo. The first round went to Sanchez 10 – 9.

The second round continues at a blistering pace, again both men are happy to keep this one on the feet for the time being. Plenty of punches are thrown, and still Diego has the edge. He is showing more versatility and range. Joe realizes this and shoots for a takedown, getting a hold of one leg, he lifts Diego up and tries to slam him but Diego slips away. Joe goes for his trusty guillotine, Sanchez slams him, escapes and takes Joe’s back monetarily. After some nice scrambling on the ground they get back to their feet and continue to trade.

Sanchez is up by two rounds and “Daddy” needs to pull out something big to steal the win. Diego is still going at his usual high speed and out classing Joe in every aspect. Stevenson is trying hard, even urging the crowd to get behind him and motioning to Diego to bring the fight, in the hope that he will make a mistake. “Nightmare” scores well again in the last round and claims a unanimous decision victory over a gallant Stevenson.

Other notable mentions were Englishman Paul Kelly, who dominated Troy Mandaloniz over three rounds and Junior Dos Santos unloaded his rock hands on new comer Stefan Struve, putting the HW division on notice.

A great showing from all fighters involved and another successful sojourn into the UK.

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