Here is what I saw in UFC 120 London. First lets start with the main card.
Bisping vs. Akiyama
No matter how hard the UFC tried to hype up the main event everybody knew that both fighters were not that exciting though the fight was decent. Both Bisping and Akiyama tried hard and I give them respect for that.
Akiyama started better landing some hard shots and rocked Michael few times but never managed to really go for the knockout. On the other hand Bisping who seemed better conditioned kept his composure and relaxed more during the second and third round and outworked the japanese superstar.
Akiyama was too static not moving his head and taking a lot of punches which slowed him down. Seeing that he will probably lose he tried to lure Bisping into a slug match looking for a knockout but it didn't happen. Bisping got the decision and hopes for a title shot.
Personally I don't see him being a champion. He is competitive and hard worker but he just isn't that good to be champion and a win over Akiyama isn't such a big deal if you ask me - great respect to Yoshihiro but he seems to slow, gassed out and not durable enough from his first two fights in the UFC.
Hardy vs. Condit
I thought that Condit will make a huge mistake standing with Hardy to just prove a point but I was wrong. First off let me just say that the atmosphere and the crowd for this one were just outstanding. Brus Buffer was epic with the announcement. The game started in slow pace both fighters being cautious. Pretty even with slight advantage for Hardy landing a couple of punches and leg kicks. Then during one exchange both fighters went nuts and started swinging and Carlos got lucky landing first a heavy punch on Hardy's chin sending him in knock down and then finishing him on the ground.
Perhaps Hardy got too emotional and wasn't paying enough attention.I don't know why experienced fighters still do this mistake to get into slug fests risking it all.
Both men showed respect to each other after the fight and Condit gained a huge win.
Mike Pyle vs. John Hathaway
Nothing special here. The older and more experienced and mature Pyle managed to silence the home crowd outworking the Hathaway and won by decision.
Travis Browne vs. Cheick Kongo
Man, when Kongo looks like a real bad ass during his entrance and I felt like he was going to tear to pieces the other guy. But as usual Kongo disappointed. He was the more technical striker had a stand up game as he wanted and still was very insecure and not aggressive enough.This guy is officially mediocre for me. Don't get me wrong I don't want to disrespect Browne's effort but the guy had serious holes in his game throwing this big slow punches and Kongo didn't take advantage of that. You can't be a respected kick boxer and allow this.
Other than that nice event and a good warm up for next week's big match in UFC 121.
Here is the post event press conference:
