UFC 194 was set to be the biggest, baddest fight card in UFC’s history. While the metrics are still flowing in to tell us how successful it was, one can not deny the magnitude that was UFC 194. In the main event showcase, two champions in Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor would collide to determine the UFC featherweight champion. It was a polarizing match up between one of the pound-for-pound greats and an absolute superstar. Despite all the build up and analysis, the verdict was decided in a mere 13 seconds. Here is breakdown of all the action that took place in one of the most historic sporting events of all time – UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor.
“The Celtic Cross” strikes again
As labeled by MMA analysis Robin Black, Conor McGregor’s left cross – aka “The Celtic Cross” – might just be the most devastating weapon ever seen in MMA; perhaps rivaling that of Mirko Cro Cop’s left high kick and Chuck Liddell’s overhand right. In his title unification bout with Jose Aldo, McGregor took the center of the Octagon quickly and began prying to try and get a reaction from Aldo. A right straight, left hook combo was the attempt by Aldo, and a beautifully-timed left cross the answer by McGregor. Aldo, unconscious on impact, folded to the ground to be finished off by a couple hammerfists. Nobody expected the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the UFC to go down so easily, and so quickly – except for Conor McGregor. After all, “Mystic Mac” did predict that the fight would be settled after the first exchange. An absolutely mind-blowing outcome to what was one of the most highly-anticipated contests of all time.
Rockhold shuts down Weidman
In another surprising outcome – but definitely less so than the main event – middleweight challenger Luke Rockhold captured the title from reigning champion Chris Weidman in what was meant to be his fourth title defense. Weidman got off to a good start as he showcased his advantage in wrestling – taking Rockhold down and even taking the back at one point – but Rockhold stayed patient and waited for his opportune moment. Some back forth exchanges on the feet and clinch led us into the third round where a missed spinning wheel kick by Weidman was capitalized on by Rockhold. Luke took the vulnerable champion down, transitioned into mount, and began dropping elbows from hell. Weidman spent a big part of the third round on his back eating devastating elbows. Controversially, the bout could have been stopped at any time in that last part of round three, but Weidman returned to his corner to come out for round four. It wasn’t long after that Rockhold was able to take a depleted Weidman down, pass to mount again, and finish the fight with ease. Rockhold is now our new middleweight champion, and he did so rather dominantly.
The number one contender?
In a bout to decide the number one contender for the middleweight belt, Jacare Souza and Yoel Romero fought to a split decision verdict. This was a very similarly-matched contest, but what played out was a rather peculiar fight which didn’t seem to warrant a clear number one contender. Yoel Romero blasted Souza with a spinning back fist in the first round, and nearly had the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist finished. Souza came out for round two though, and began to take the momentum back. It wasn’t until the third round though that Souza was able to charge forward and blast Romero with punches, and wind up on top. The real deciding round was the second round where neither man was able to mount much offense. In turn, a 10-8 round in the opening stanza put Romero in prime position to win on the scorecards, but it doesn’t come without controversy. Romero blatantly grabbed ahold of the fence in the second round to avoid getting taken down, when Souza was able to wind up on top, the ref paused the bout to warn Romero about the foul. Rather than resetting them on the ground, Souza and Romero returned to the feet. It’s not enough to warrant a rematch, but now the question becomes whether Yoel Romero is the true number one contender. Time will tell.
Maia remains the best grappler around
In a BJJ superfight match up, welterweights Gunnar Nelson and Demian Maia put their grappling skills to the test. After three intense rounds, Demian Maia proved that his grappling is still unrivalred in the welterweight division. Nelson, teammate to Conor McGregor, proved competitive in the opening moments, defending takedown attempts and reversing Maia for top position, but as the fight went on, Maia’s pressure overwhelmed Nelson. The Brazilian found his way onto Nelson’s back and controlled the fight from there while landing crushing blows throughout. After his decision win over Nelson, Maia voiced his desire to fight for the title.
Max Holloway continues his streak
In the opening PPV bout, Max Holloway continued his win streak and advanced it to 8-in-a-row following his decision win over Jeremy Stephens. Holloway used his movement and devensive wrestling skills to stay in control of the bout and completely shut down Stephens’ offense. It wasn’t until later in the bout that Holloway was able to really capitalize with offense of his own. It wasn’t the standout performance many hoped Holloway would put on, but it a dominant win and yet another to his streak. Holloway also voiced his desire to compete for the title – either Croke Park versus Conor McGregor, or Hawaii versus Aldo. However, with Edgar ranked above him and coming off of an impressive win, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where Holloway gets a shot at the title.
