What We Learned: Reflections on The UFC of FOX 2

- Rashad Evans is a better, more well rounded MMA fighter than Phil Davis. Admittedly, I thought Davis would find a way to take the fight to Rashad, get it to the ground, and grind out a victory. Turns out for five rounds, Rashad took control of the fight and defeated a fighter similar in stature and makeup as the current champion, Jon Jones. Granted, Jones is a more dynamic striker than Davis (who looked unsure of himself when trading with Rashad all night), Rashad is a former training partner of Jones and you would have to think has a good understanding of how to attack the champion. Coming into the Davis fight, I thought that Rashad would be too small and ineffective to defeat Davis, let alone the champion. After the fight, I have a higher appreciation of what Rashad Evans can do and he is a good challenger for the phenom Jon Jones (I still wouldnt pick Rashad over Jones, but I do think he'll give him a good fight).

- Chael Sonnen is more entertaining as a fighter than I would have admitted before. He is a fighter that doesnt take a step back - its just not in his vocabulary. For that, I respect him and appreciate that whomever he fights, his formula remains unchanged - boxing to close the distance to allow for a tie-up against the cage and eventually a takedown where he can grind and ground and pound. Sure, winning via decision fight after fight isnt the most ideal way to do things, but thats not to say he isnt trying to win and instead is just looking to survive in his fights. Hes aggressive and strikes with hammers in his fists. And I havent even started on his post-fight interviews which (although clearly inspired/ripped off from pro wrestlers of past and present) are still entertaining to watch if nothing else because no one else does it in MMA.

- Demian Maia is the new gatekeeper at MW. Great grappler, quality wins against established fighters, will never become THE guy though because of his lack of striking and athleticism to take him over the top.

- Chris Weidman may be a great prospect, but his standup will get exposed more and more as he progresses against the more polished and well rounded fighters of the division. May also want to improve his conditioning since he appear gassed and worn out towards the end of his fight with Maia. Granted, he wasnt training to fight Maia, but against quality competition, he cannot gas the way that he did on Saturday night.

- The production value of the entire event is something to be improved. They need to include the intros and production videos that are usually seen from the PPVs to help set up the fights. Setting up the fight via fighter analysts Q&A just doesnt work imo. If you want to introduce new viewers to the sport, you need to build up the intrigue and drama between the two fighters and thats not currently done with the format being used by the UFC. Showcase the fighters who are fighting and build up the drama and suspense leading up to the opening bell and you'll attract viewers much easier.

That be it for now, stayed tuned for a break down of Diaz-Condit sometime later this week. Until then, keep pointing to the stars and your legs crossed.

- Saxed