UFC on Fox Fallout

It was a card that was going to be loaded. It was a card that was supposed to give us the next title challengers in two weight classes and see which aging legend could mount another run. Sadly it became a card hit by a injures and two PED issues. Shogun Rua and Tony Ferguson both were the injures. Lyoto Machida was the high profile PED issue. Still though the UFC manged to keep enough of the card together and the fighters showed up willing to perform.

The In Ring Action- Glover Teixeria has often spoke of the fact Mike Tyson is his favorite fighter. And his win over Rashad Evans was Tyson like. Teixeria backed Evans up early on landed a devastating hook to the chin that dropped the former champion and than followed up with a shorter vvicious hook from the other side that put Evans out cold. Glover has clearly put the two fight losing streak behind him and is back to being a top contender who might has put himself in the perfect postion to get a title shot later this year or early next year. For Evans you can't help but wonder if we are seeing the end of a career. In the co-main event Rose Namajunas avenged his previous loss to Tecia Torres. As expected the two straweights kept a high pass in the end Namamajunas takedown and her ability to steal rounds was key. After two long years plagued by injures Khabib Nurmagomedov returned. Darrell Horcher offered little opposition to AKA product but can hold hi head high for taking the risk against such a talented foe. For Nurmagomedov simply getting through a camp and fighting should be viewed as a win. In the opening fight of the night Cub Swanson returned to his old form and got a much needed win beating Harcran Dias. The prelims saw exciting finishes by Michael Chiesa, John Dodson, Santiago Pnzinbibio, and Michael Graves.

Biggest Winners

Glover Teixeria- There is no denying Teixeria has put himself right back into title contention with a KO win over Evans. First if OSP can some how upset Jon Jones he can make the claim of having already beat OSP. And the call out of Johnson makes sense in several way. The fight should be great with two powerful strikers. And it would a great stay busy fight for Johnson. Even if he can't Rumble Teixera will no doubt get another top contender or featured fight in his next UFC appearance.

Rose Namajunas- She backed up her dominated win over Paige VanZant by hanging the first official loss on another top five fighter. She showed improved takedowns. Also she never got overwhelmed even after being hurt with a punch in the first round. The 115 division is still forming with three wins in a row and an interesting style and growing fan base we very well could see Thug Rose getting a second chance to gain the UFC title.

Khabib Nurmagomedov- He was 22-0 the last man to beat the current champion entering the fight. He also hadn't fought in nearly two years. It seemed to be a cruel pattern he was injured would rehab have a comeback fight set and than another injury would force him to pull out. Finally he managed to get into a camp and fight. With Tony Ferguson out the fight became a tune up fight with new comer Darrell Horcher. Nurmagomedov was also very honest point blank admitting he couldn't afford to lose to Horcher. Early on The Eagle looked rusty early on but eventually got back into the grove.

Darrell Horcher- Officially it goes down as a loss but Horcher deserves respect. Horcher was dominated but still had moments where he looked good. Everything worked against him in this fight he had never fought on a show as large as a UFC event, he had never faced anyone close to a top ten fighter, and he took it on extremely short notice. Odds are Horcher will get another UFC fight and this time face someone more on his level.

Biggest Losers

Lyoto Machida- Any time fighter is linked to banned substances it taints his legacy. USADA will likely show Machida some leancy since he disclosed his use instead of getting caught with a failed test. Already several fighters have openly blasted him online. It also doesn’t help that Machida's story is he simply didn't know the substance was banned. Except that excuse doesn’t hold much water and any high level athlete has a team around them that should keep track of what is banned. Epically given Machida is friends and shares a manager with Anderson Silva another fighter who claimed “I didn't know” not that long ago.

Rashad Evans- He looked slow and unwilling to engage. Evans is now 0-2 since returning from ACL injury that kept him out all of 2014 and most of 2015. For a fighter like Evans who relied greatly on speed and athleticism a leg injury could career ending. Evans also was knocked out for the second time in the career. Anyone watching the post fight show clearly saw a devastated Evans unsure of where his career goes from here. Why its not out of the question that Evans could fight and win again it seems at thirty six he may be unable to ever truly contend for a championship again.

The Referee for Nurmagomedov vs. Horcher- I tried to find his name but couldn't It's not personal against the guy. I just feel he took way to long to stop this fight. Why Horcher was still trying to escape he took way to many unprotected shots to the head. The referee should have stopped the fight sooner.

What Comes Next- For Texeria the fight with Rumble Johnson makes all the sense in the world. Both men are extremly powerful strikers with knockout power. The highlight reel used for the promos alone would sell the fight it would perfect main event for FOX or Fightpass event or co-main for a PPV in the fall. Also why Rumble appears to be next in line for a title shot he will have to wait. It's not clear when DC will be back and there always a chance the winner of Jones vs. OSP could be hurt as well and need time off. Plus the UFC already seems to be leaning towards doing unification fight at the MSG debut in November. Plus if Johnson is truly the number one contender he should be able to beat Glover.

Dana White said Rose Namajuans is still a few fights away from another title shot. He even admitted he doesn't want to rush into another shot given she's only 23. I think a perfect fight for her would be Michelle Waterson. Waterson is the former Invicta Atomweight champion and is 1-0 UFC. She was supposed to fight Torres at UFC 194 but pulled out with an injury. She like Namajunas she has a background in traditional martial arts. Match up wise it could be very compelling and would give Thug Rose another win over a top ten fighter.