UFC 175 Results: Ronda Rousey Rolls, Chris Weidman Wins
Photos by Getty Images for Zuffa LLC
by Dr. Octagon, J.D.
Bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey (above) needed just 16 seconds to win on Saturday at UFC 175 in Las Vegas, while Chris Weidman (below) won a terrific battle against Lyoto Machida to keep his middleweight title.
Rousey’s opponent Alexis Davis opened up as a 20-1 underdog and looked very much the part while getting steamrolled in the first minute. Ronda landed a punch, followed by a knee, then put Davis down with a spectacular judo throw that morphed into a headlock. From there all it took was roughly ten undefended strikes to the face before referee Yves Lavigne stepped in to stop the fight. Davis was clearly out of it; she attempted to grapple with Lavigne after the fight was over and clearly had no clue what had happened.
[[MORE]]It was another easy win for Rousey, and should do little to slow her skyrocketing rise to prominence. Ronda might be the most marketable fighter in the sport, but the lack of quality opposition may catch to her before long. Fans lose interest in a novelty, even one as compelling as Rousey. Only a quality opponent can bring out the best in her, though a rematch with Miesha Tate might have to suffice.
Weidman has considerably more trouble in the main event, but still won a clear decision by scores of 49-45. 48-47, and 49-46. The champ opened the first round by pressuring Machida heavily. Machida landed a few counters, but Weidman had the greater output. The 2nd round was more even initially, but Weidman finished it with a takedown and some excellent ground-and-pound. He also put a solid knee on Machida’s head when he stood up.
Weidman scored another takedown in the 3rd, but Machida was able to get back up. Weidman still out-struck his opponent, who seemed fatigued. The champ opened a cut on Machida’s face while taking him down again. When Machida rose, Weidman slammed him to the mat once more. Weidman looked to be cruising going into the championship rounds, having won the first three on our scorecard.
Even with Weidman well ahead in the 4th, Machida still took his time coming forward. He landed some good punches in the round, and Weidman began breathing heavily in response to his onslaught of body kicks. But Machida also sported a cartoonish welt on the side of his head, and likely needed a knockout in the 5th to win the fight.
Machida shook off a takedown attempt to start the 5th, and went back to kicking the body. He remained in counter-attack mode, likely a mistake with so little time left. Weidman shot a single and Machida stuffed it, and then landed some punches as the champ stood up. Weidman responded with a hard inside elbow, and another takedown with two minutes left. Weidman got the full mount and took Machida’s back, likely hoping to ride out the remaining time, but Machida was able to stand. Machida poured on the offense leading up to the bell, but it wasn’t enough.
Weidman gained notoriety by dethroning legendary middleweight champ Anderson Silva and backing it up in the rematch. More fights like this will help burnish his reputation, and set him up for stardom in the near future. In other Pay Per View action, Russell Doane defeated Marcus Brimage by split decision in a lackluster bout, and Uriah Hall fought through a gruesome broken toe to win a close decision over Thiago Santos.
Unfortunately it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the UFC, as the undercard fight between Stefan Struve and Matt Mitrione was cancelled after Struve fainted before the fight. Struve has battled heart problems, but had been cleared to fight.
“Tonight, during my warm up prior to my scheduled fight with Matt Mitrione at UFC 175, I began experiencing discomfort and anxiety. However, given my extended layoff as a result of my recent medical issues and the passing of my father, I dismissed my physical and emotional feelings as nothing more than nervousness. Unfortunately, as my warm up progressed, I collapsed in the locker room. After consulting the UFC and the doctors, the determination was made that in an abundance of caution I should not be allowed to compete,” Struve said in a statement released by the UFC. “I will take some time to myself to evaluate my health and career. Thank you for your support and understanding.”
We wish the Dutchman a speedy recovery.