BY NISAR KHAN
Tim Kennedy scored a decision victory over Michael Bisping as the TUF Nations series culminated in Quebec, Canada.
After months of bitter exchanges between one another, they let their fists do the talking. Tim Kennedy opened up early with his ground game, keeping Bisping on his back and able to score. It would be a different picture in the second round, though, as the Brit was able to keep things stood up and score in his favor. The fight went the distance and consisted off big strikes from either combatant, though none powerful to score a knock down. This was acknowledged in the post-fight interviews, “I hit you with my hardest shots, man” Kennedy told Bisping after the fight. Kennedy was disappointed that he couldn’t get the finish, while Bisping was unable to really showcase his real game in regards to his striking and so on. The animosity had faded throughout the course of the fight as both recognized mutual respect for one another. Tim Kennedy moves to 3 – 0 in the UFC while Bisping is derailed on his quest for the ever-illusive title shot.
The coaches from the series themselves, Patrick Cote and Kyle Noke, put on a show in the co-main event from the fight card. Canadian Patrick Cote edged his coaching counterpart in a close unanimous decision win. The Australian Noke, though, had a great showing highlighted by a massive knee in the second round. Patrick Cote won closely with the decision, lighting up the building as the Canadians swept the night.
With it being the TUF Finale, of course, we would see the crowning of two New TUF Nations Champions. First, Chad Laprise outlasted his teammate Olivier Aubin-Mercier in a split-decision win in the Welterweight final. This was followed by Elias Theodorou’s triumph in the middleweight tournament final, with his second round TKO victory against Sheldon Westcott.
Dustin Poirier began the proceedings for the main card with a resounding finish in the second round of the bout against Akira Corassani. Both Featherweights would exchange heavy blows to one another in a pulsating round to begin the fight. An early submission attempt from the Swede Corassani put Poirier in mountains of trouble, though the outspoken fighter would be able to redeem himself and land a knee flush as the two stood back up. Neither would be phased during the break, and they would begin how they finished the first round – finishing, though, much quicker. Dustin Poirier ratted Akira Corassani with a bombarding uppercut, breaking the nose of the Swede, amounting in intense pain as Poirier finished the job.
Earlier, in the prelims, there was some noteworthy action. Women Bantamweights Leslie Smith and Sarah Kaufman engaged in a ferocious battle of which the latter won via unanimous decision. KJ Noons put in a shout for performance of the night leaving Sam Stout a confused mess at the hands of his knockout – no further understanding was needed by observers, as Stout – moments after being knocked out – got the referee in a headlock after being finished. The first knockout of the night came from Ryan Jimmo, who shut out Sean O’Connell in impressive fashion.
Analysis, Breakdown & Reaction
As much as I hate to criticize, sometimes that may be the only solution. The Ultimate Fighter seems less important than the good old days of Bonnar and Griffin – not just my opinion, there was not as big a buzz for it than on previous occasions, even considering the fact that it was TUF Nations. Obviously there was plenty of showcasing to the younger talents and the fights were far from subdued.
KJ Noons… enough said! You know you’ve knocked someone out when they wake up thinking the referee is their opponent – bizarre, somewhat comical to watch, but when you hit as hard as that, it will do some damage.
The main event aftermath is what we’d like to see more often – two prior-hating now-respecting combatants acknowledging the respect gained for one another throughout a contest. Both will be disappointed with their performances, Bisping more though, as he was shut down by Tim Kennedy. Both will hope to do much better when they find their next match in a fulfilled Middleweight division.
After months of bitter exchanges between one another, they let their fists do the talking. Tim Kennedy opened up early with his ground game, keeping Bisping on his back and able to score. It would be a different picture in the second round, though, as the Brit was able to keep things stood up and score in his favor. The fight went the distance and consisted off big strikes from either combatant, though none powerful to score a knock down. This was acknowledged in the post-fight interviews, “I hit you with my hardest shots, man” Kennedy told Bisping after the fight. Kennedy was disappointed that he couldn’t get the finish, while Bisping was unable to really showcase his real game in regards to his striking and so on. The animosity had faded throughout the course of the fight as both recognized mutual respect for one another. Tim Kennedy moves to 3 – 0 in the UFC while Bisping is derailed on his quest for the ever-illusive title shot.
The coaches from the series themselves, Patrick Cote and Kyle Noke, put on a show in the co-main event from the fight card. Canadian Patrick Cote edged his coaching counterpart in a close unanimous decision win. The Australian Noke, though, had a great showing highlighted by a massive knee in the second round. Patrick Cote won closely with the decision, lighting up the building as the Canadians swept the night.
With it being the TUF Finale, of course, we would see the crowning of two New TUF Nations Champions. First, Chad Laprise outlasted his teammate Olivier Aubin-Mercier in a split-decision win in the Welterweight final. This was followed by Elias Theodorou’s triumph in the middleweight tournament final, with his second round TKO victory against Sheldon Westcott.
Dustin Poirier began the proceedings for the main card with a resounding finish in the second round of the bout against Akira Corassani. Both Featherweights would exchange heavy blows to one another in a pulsating round to begin the fight. An early submission attempt from the Swede Corassani put Poirier in mountains of trouble, though the outspoken fighter would be able to redeem himself and land a knee flush as the two stood back up. Neither would be phased during the break, and they would begin how they finished the first round – finishing, though, much quicker. Dustin Poirier ratted Akira Corassani with a bombarding uppercut, breaking the nose of the Swede, amounting in intense pain as Poirier finished the job.
Earlier, in the prelims, there was some noteworthy action. Women Bantamweights Leslie Smith and Sarah Kaufman engaged in a ferocious battle of which the latter won via unanimous decision. KJ Noons put in a shout for performance of the night leaving Sam Stout a confused mess at the hands of his knockout – no further understanding was needed by observers, as Stout – moments after being knocked out – got the referee in a headlock after being finished. The first knockout of the night came from Ryan Jimmo, who shut out Sean O’Connell in impressive fashion.
Analysis, Breakdown & Reaction
As much as I hate to criticize, sometimes that may be the only solution. The Ultimate Fighter seems less important than the good old days of Bonnar and Griffin – not just my opinion, there was not as big a buzz for it than on previous occasions, even considering the fact that it was TUF Nations. Obviously there was plenty of showcasing to the younger talents and the fights were far from subdued.
KJ Noons… enough said! You know you’ve knocked someone out when they wake up thinking the referee is their opponent – bizarre, somewhat comical to watch, but when you hit as hard as that, it will do some damage.
The main event aftermath is what we’d like to see more often – two prior-hating now-respecting combatants acknowledging the respect gained for one another throughout a contest. Both will be disappointed with their performances, Bisping more though, as he was shut down by Tim Kennedy. Both will hope to do much better when they find their next match in a fulfilled Middleweight division.
Tim Kennedy has mastered the game to shut down and defy Michael Bisping – moving him to further, brighter prospects in the middleweight division. What’s next for Kennedy? How will Bisping bounce back?
GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facbook page.
WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.
TheSportMatrix.com
– Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.
Share This Post:
Connect With Us!
/**/
TheSportMatrix.com 