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Secondly, the atmosphere in Europe is always electric, from the very first fight on the prelims until the last. European fans understand that the opportunity to watch a live UFC event doesn't come around too often, and they always make the most of it. Preliminary fights in Vegas tend to be watched by more MGM Grand or Mandalay Bay security staff dressed in horribly colored blazers than fans with actual tickets, who are usually still playing $5 blackjack in the hotel casino.
Finally, on most European events, you'll usually find a few British fighters on the card. Jason Young, John Maguire and Brad Pickett all fought in Stockholm, Sweden last night, and here's what happened, from an Englishman's perspective:
JASON YOUNG (8-5) VS. ERIC WISELY (19-7) - FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT
Young came into this fight in a must win situation after going 0-2 in the UFC. To his absolute credit he pushed both Dustin Poirier and Michihiro Omigawa to their limit, despite suffering unanimous decision defeats. Wisely, on the other hand, was beaten by an extraordinary Charles Oliveira reverse calf slicer in his UFC debut earlier this year. Young started well, but quite rightly decided not to press the action too intently until he'd found his range. Both fighters proceeded to exchange leg kicks, before Young secured the first takedown of the night.
Half way through the round Young struggled to dominate Wisely whilst in top position, and Wisely maneuvered himself back up to his feet. I thought Young would comfortably take his back, but despite hanging on for a few seconds, the referee rightly separated them to restart the fight. For some reason the Swedish crowd booed the decision when it was clearly the right call to make. Young controlled the entire round, and started to get into his groove taking a comfortable 10-9 advantage.
Young continued to dominate heading into round two, and he secured an excellent judo trip takedown early on. Yet again though Wisely remained active on his back, and Young failed to secure a more dominating position that would have allowed him to land more effective strikes. Young rightly decided to give up the ghost and stood up, leaving Wisely on the ground impersonating a Stag Beetle, that had just been turned on its back by some cruel little kid. Wisely attempted to land several up kicks, but Young countered by landing a huge diving right hander. Young dominated from start to finish and won the round 10-9.
Wisely was quite rightly informed by his corner that he was down two rounds. He needed to come out all guns blazing in the third. He did just that by catching Young with a vicious high leg kick. Young weathered the storm for 90 seconds and then started to gain the advantage once more. He took Wisely down but yet again, failed to get into any sort of dominate position, which would result in him dropping bombs on Wisely. It's something Young needs to work on if he ever wants to move into the upper echelons of the Featherweight division. In spite of the first 90 seconds being all Wisely, I thought Young just about edged the round, yet two of the judges scored it in favor of Wisely 10-9.
Jason Young wins by Unanimous Decision (30-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Jason Young moves his record to 1-2 in the UFC and lives to fight another day. He's a very competent fighter and I just wish the UFC had given him someone like Wisely first, rather than throwing him in with Poirier. Young is a confident fighter and he has the stand up skills to move up the rankings if he isn't rushed. Really pleased for him, because if he'd been cut, there was a good chance he would have considered retiring. It's so hard for these up and coming fighters to make a decent living and he's finding it tough with a young family. Hopefully Joe Silva will give him someone like Akira Corassani or Issei Tamura next, and watch him rise steadily up the rankings.
BRAD PICKETT (21-6) VS. DAMACIO PAGE (12-6) - BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT
Here's where I am supposed to report on the Pickett vs. Page fight, yet I never actually got to see it thanks to ESPN UK. To set the story, ESPN decided to air live the French Cup Final, a football match no one cares about. This meant the UFC card in Sweden wouldn't air on UK TV until two hours after everyone else got to see it. It was bad enough being delayed two hours, but the final then went to extra time, resulting in a further 45 minute delay. By this time I am absolutely raging. However, If I refrain from using Twitter, stay off MMATorch, I'll still get to see all of the fights without knowing the results.
The delayed broadcast starts, and Mike Goldberg announces the Pickett fight is up next. ESPN goes to a commercial break and when they come back to the action, they start introducing the John Maguire fight. Did I miss something? ESPN must have edited the coverage to reduce the broadcast, and decided to omit the Pickett fight. A fight with an Englishman who's widely known and loved by MMA enthusiasts. Can ESPN be anymore stupid? If the UFC renew the contract with ESPN this summer it will be a travesty. I've said it before, i'll say it again, ESPN sucks and Sky Sports need to step up. From what I've read, I've missed an epic fight that won FOTN honors for One Punch, who won by submission in Round two. I am fuming with rage right now and I want to kick huge holes in my TV.
Brad Pickett wins by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in Round 2
Now Pickett is back to winning ways and hovering on the edges of the top 10 rankings. I wouldn't be adverse to seeing him fight Brian Bowles later this year. I know Bowles lost his last fight to Urijah Faber, but he's a top calibre fighter, who's higher up the rankings than Pickett. With McDonald, Torres, Barao (too soon anyway), Menjivar, Cruz and Faber all tied up in fights over the next few month, it doesn't leave Joe Silva with much to choose from.
JOHN MAGUIRE (17-3) VS. DaMARQUES JOHNSON (18-9) - WELTERWEIGHT BOUT
John Maguire started his UFC career with a comfortable win over Justin Edwards at UFC 138 last November. Johnson came into this fight off the back of a brutal KO win over Clay Harvison on the undercard of the UFC on Fox debut. A big reach advantage for Johnson required Maguire to get inside, and get the fight to the ground quickly. Johnson started by landing some heavy leg kicks but Maguire secured the early takedown. Maguire stayed tight, no doubt concerned with allowing Johnson too much space to land his elbows. Johnson went for an Omoplata but Maguire transitioned nicely back into top position. Maguire then keeps himself close on top, and is controlling the fight well. He then transitioned and managed to take Johnson's back, but doesn't secure the rear naked choke before the round ends. I've got Maguire winning that round 10-9.
Heading into round two, Maguire landed a solid left which lead to a single leg takedown. Johnson skillfully managed to transition himself into top position, and eventually into side mount. They both then maneuver themselves towards the fence, and Maguire finally manages to get back up to his feet. Johnson throws some vicious leg kicks and Maguire looks seriously wobbled now. Johnson strangely doesn't take advantage of it. Soon after that Maguire secures yet another takedown, and again he stays tight to Johnson. Now he is in complete control. Johnson gets hold of Maguire's arm, but the Englishman bides his time so he doesn't make a mistake. Johnson then edged himself into side mount, still looking for the Kimura finish. Maguire countered it, and brilliantly transitioned himself to lock in an armbar. Johnson tapped out almost instantly, and Maguire takes home yet another fantastic UFC victory to go 2-0.
John Maguire wins by Submission (Armbar) in Round 2
Gypsy Jiu-Jitsu gets you wins in the UFC and a Submission of the Night bonus. Obviously being a pink belt in GBJJ gives John Maguire instant credibility! Johnson is a very tricky opponent and John Maguire has really impressed me tonight. He's got a very likeable personality, and he'll go far now that he's a full time fighter without the distraction of a day job. Simeon Thoresen also looked very good tonight and he's my choice as Maguire's next opponent. They fought each other at BAMMA 3, with Thoresen taking the decision victory. It's time for some retribution gypsy style.
Please feel free to follow me on Twitter and share your opinions - @dannymoore5515
Murilo Bustamante Grant Campbell Gesias JZ Calvancante Luiz Cane Dos Caras Jr
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