Random Thoughts from the UFC's Fox Sports 1 Debut

by Dr. Octagon, J.D.

1. Announcers Joe Rogan and Anik are a good combination. I prefer both of them to Kenflo, Goldie or Stann.

2. I thought the Alistair Overeem stoppage was early. He looked like he was still with it. But I really don’t like Overeem, so I’m not going to lose any sleep over it.

3. I think it’s safe for us to conclude that while Uriah Hall was by far the best fighter in the The Ultimate Fighter house, he has a number of aspects of his game that he needs to work on before his next fight.

4. Chael Sonnen just dominated a top-ten light heavyweight, then called out a much lower ranked fighter in Wanderlei Silva. Given that UFC boss Dana White seems to be willing to let Sonnen fight whoever he wants, this fight will almost definitely happen, even though it makes no sense.

5. The main card tonight was so good, I’m no longer mad at Dana for making me buy UFC 163.  

6. As much as it upsets me to say it, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is a shadow of his former self and should think about retiring.

7. Overeem still has the chin of a light heavyweight. Too bad they don’t make an injection for that.

8. Both Travis Browne and Urijah Faber showed some serious heart, coming back from terrible positions to win the fight (in Browne’s case) and the round (in Faber’s case).

9. Where does referee Mario Yamasaki rank in the list of the worst MMA refs? In front of, or behind Kim Winslow?  

10. Fox Sports 1 could not have asked for a more excellent card to kick off their new channel.

11. Matt Brown continues to look unstoppable in the Octagon, but I’m withholding judgment until we see how he fares against a top-ten opponent.

12. I almost spit out my scotch when Matt Brown said Mike Pyle is better than Georges St. Pierre. Sort of a strange way to call out the champ.

13. I love the floor mounted cameras.