I had rampage winning the first 2 rounds just by being the aggressor. He had a few good solid punches in those rounds as well (uppercut, body shot, etc). Machida clearly won the third round, and it was the most dominate round by far for either fighter, but he didn't win it by a 10-8 decision. He had to either submit or KO Rampage that 3rd round, even though those first 2 rounds were not as entertaining. Machida after his flurry of punches and takedown in the third round, didn't do a thing on the ground.
I thought Rampage looked very improved, and did what he had to to win....and i'm not a big rampage fan either. His conditioning was back and not an issue the entire fight. Machida didn't do anything the first two rounds (outside of a few leg kicks) and only had that flurry of punches w/ a takedown in the third.
I didn't agree with Rampage thinking he lost the fight. But I do look forward to the rematch.
Penn was fired up this fight, about damn time. I wanted Matt to win, but even if he lost, I just wanted to see a 3 round brawl between the two....win or lose. I guess BJ fans are excited as hell...lol.
Lauzon looked great in the first round and then did a 180 and gassed out. I couldn't believe it, it was like somebody flipped a switch...lol. Sotiropolous hung in there and took it.
BMJ