UFC 47 Review- It's On!

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UFC 47 Review- It's On!
by Warsmer, Mod @ www.IronLife.com

For full article you can check it out at the following link:
http://www.ironlife.com/mag/issue8/ufc47.shtml

Pictures from the event can be found by clicking here.

After a lack luster card for the 10th year anniversary, and a follow up show that had the main event end in disappointing fashion: it left UFC fans craving for a better show. UFC 47 did not fail to deliver. The great match-ups and names on the card alone had me excited, as we would finally see the much anticipated Ortiz vs. Liddell fight (over 2 years in the making). Not to mention that the heavyweight title would be on the line. However, announced at the weigh-ins was the fact that Tim Sylvia failed the drug test (traces of an anabolic agent was found in his system) and would not be able to compete. Zuffa scrambled and was able to rearrange the card to have Cabbage fight Arlovski, and to have Wes Sims (in town as a spectator, and only given 1 days notice) to take on Mike Kyle. The card was now set: A sold out Mandalay Bay event center with 11,431 fans in attendance, was about to witness one of the greatest nights in mixed martial arts history.

Genki Sudo vs. Thomas Brown

Sudo defeated Brown by submission (Armbar) 3:31 of round 1. A fighter known for his grand entrances was not able to do so at this event. There was no ramp to come down, nor was their any physical room for his theatrics. Instead, Sudo demonstrated his talents in the ring. When the bell rang both men came out and traded shots which quickly engaged into a clinch. With short knees exchanged by both fighters, the fight was taken to the ground. Sudo, also known for his devastating triangle choke; was able to catch Brown with one 3:31 into the first round. With a 3 fight deal with Zuffa completed for Sudo, many are wondering if he will ever return to the octagon.

Jonathan Wiezorek vs. Wade Shipp

Wiezorek defeated Shipp by TKO (Strikes) 4:40 of round 1. Little was known about either one of these fighters going into this fight. We did know that Wiezorek was coming in with an undefeated record, and that Ship was going to try to change that. Ship came out "on fire" throwing bombs left and right. He hit Wiezorek with many clean shots leaving him a little dazed and wobbled. However, Ship was not able to keep up the pace and Wiezorek was able to take the fight to the ground. An exhausted Ship gave his back, which was met with many strikes to the back of the head from Wiezorek. When Ship stopped defending himself the referee stepped in to call the fight.

Mike Kyle vs. Wes Sims

Kyle defeated Sims by KO (Punch) 4:59 of round 1. This would be the controversial match of the night. Sims came out aggressive as ever, looking as he wanted to end the fight fast and early (he later admitted that this was his strategy, because the lack of prep time for this fight). Each fighter landed good shots on their feet and then displaying some good ground game. However, the was fight eventually was stood back up (earlier Sims got Kyle in a front head lock, he gave it up when it appeared that he could not finish Kyle with the submission). It turns out that Kyle apparently bit Sims on the left pec to escape from the hold. Sims had thought the referee was going to step in to investigate, but instead was met with a looping right and a cracking knee from Kyle that wobbled Sims. This was followed with a flurry of rights and lefts that knocked Sims out with 1 second left to go in the 1st round. Mike Kyle later denied any wrong doing; neither the commission nor Zuffa has not taken any further action.

Nick Diaz vs. Robbie Lawler

Diaz defeated Lawler by KO (Punches) 1:31 of round 2. In my opinion, this was the fight of the night (clearly it was the upset of the night). Diaz is a WEC Champion, and IFC Champion; know for his excellent ground game - came out to test his striking ability against the always dangerous Robbie Lawler. I could not believe that I saw Diaz standing pressing the fight as he taunted Lawler for the whole 1st round. Diaz constantly raised his arms in the air, challenging Lawler to come in and hit him. Toward the end of the round Diaz open hand slapped Lawler with a right and then nailed him with a straight left that nearly knocked him out. The 2nd round was much in the same, both fighters on their feet, Diaz pressing the fight while each fighter landed good shots. However as both men stood toe to toe in the center of the octagon, swinging wildly (no defense). Diaz caught Lawler with a right hook that knocked Lawler out cold on his feet. When Lawler came too he was furious in defeat, but later backstage was humble and looking forward to his next fight.

Intermission - Marc Laimon

A new feature of the UFC was a short instructional video that demonstrated how to execute a triangle choke, the mechanics behind it, and how to look for it. I found this to be a great idea, educating the new or novice spectator about the sport.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Wesley Correira

Arlovski defeated Cabbage by TKO (Strikes) 1:15 of round 2. The dangerous Arlovski agreed to take on the granite chin Correira 1 day before the event. When I asked him if he was disappointed that he would not get the title shot, he replied: "I do not care; I will fight anyone they put in front of me". The fight went as many anticipated, a long feeling out process and blows exchanged. As usual Cabbage put up little defense as Arlovoski landed many unanswered shots. Round 2 was much of the same with Arlovski scoring a TKO as Cabbage hit the mat and rolled backwards. Good combinations were thrown by each, but it was clear that Arlovski absolutely dominated this fight from start to finish.

Yves Edwards vs. Hermes Franca

Edwards defeated Franca by Decision (Split) 5:00 of round 3. With 2 of the best lightweights in the world stepping into the octagon, this was to be a much anticipated bout. These 2 great fighters would square off, unfortunately leaving 1 in defeat. Although each fighter was able to neutralize the other for all 15 minutes, it was clear that Hermes pressed the action. However, Edwards was the one who was scoring the points with submission defense and striking. The fight looked completely even until the 3rd round where Edwards started to pull ahead. In reality the judges decision could have gone either way. Afterwards, Edwards called out Josh Thompson for a winner to be declared the lightweight title holder.

Chris Lytle vs. Tiki Ghosn

Lytle defeated Ghosn by submission (Bulldog Choke) 1:55 of round 2. Tiki came in the octagon with a 0-3 record. As many speculated, he would leave with a 0-4 record. Although Lytle was coming off a loss to Lawler, he looked really good in the match. The 1st round was slow as not much action occurred. Each fighter was cautious to commit. The 2nd round saw the pace increase as the fight took to the ground and Lytle was able to secure the choke. Lytle will move on in the division, Tiki will most likely never return.

Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz

Liddell defeated Ortiz by KO (Punches) 0:38 of round 2. I have been to many sporting events and different venues, but I can honestly say that the energy level in the crowd for this main event stood unparalleled to anything that I had ever witnessed before. As both fighters entered the octagon the decibels in the event center had to be at unbelievable levels (it was clear there were more Chuck fans in the crowd). The first round of this fight was some what slow, as both fighters circled each other while each landing a few good shots. At the end of the round Liddell hit Ortiz with some good strikes and finished the combination off with a right round house as the bell rang. This infuriated Ortiz as he pushed Big John McCarthy into Liddell when the round had ended (why no one spoke of this afterwards, I am not sure). The 2nd round saw Liddell coming out swinging; catching Ortiz with a good shot that seemed to have shaken him up. When Liddell smelled blood he went in for the kill, throwing hard combinations to Ortiz's head: finally knocking him to the canvas. The crowd went wild as chuck celebrated in the octagon. Ortiz was very upset in defeat (throwing a fit when he came to), as he went 0-2 in the octagon for the 1st time in his career. Liddell has to be looking for a title shot after this win; Ortiz's future seems less certain.

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Genki Sudo Vs. Mike Thomas Brown

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Jonathan Wiezorek Vs. Wade Shipp

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Mike Kyle Vs. Wes Sims

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Nick Diaz Vs. Robbie Lawler

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Andrei Arlovski Vs. Wesley Correira

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Yves Edwards Vs. Hermes Franca

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Chris Lytle Vs. Tiki Ghosn







Chuck Liddell Vs. Tito Ortiz

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Miscellaneous

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The ring girl pics are the best lol.

[gracilva]

Thanks mate, cool pics, the fifth misc pic is beautiful