Thoughts from the Ruas Camp.....

[Hitchahard]

Were obviously very upset about the decision. The fight happened pretty much the way we expected; Randy very strong and agressive from the opening bell. Pedro is difficult to take down: Babalu and others cannot do so even at full strength, so a lot of credit should go to Couture.

None of us expected Pedro to take as much punishement as he did in the 1st round, but such as life! I actually thought McCarthy stopped it at the end of the 2nd round. My bad! I couldn't travel to the event so I watched it at Marco's house. The entire house celebrated too early!

In short, we feel Pedro won three rounds and Randy won two. In addition, we feel he received as much punishment in the second round as Pedro did in the first. People who don't truly understand the sport would disagree. Although Randy gave Pedro a lot of surface damage to the face there was little damage to his body and legs. If you've ever been kicked in the leg like Randy had from an expert fighter, you would know that the leg kicks can be far more damaging to a fighters well being.

Anyway, I have no doubt Pedro will "Reign Supreme" in the not too distant future. Some of us are having a more difficult time than others in accepting the decision. For me, I think we, at a minimum, deserved a draw and immediate rematch. I'll talk to Marco in detail this week and see how the conversations went after the fight.

One thing worth noting: We were told by McCarthy and the owners of the UFC that Pedro won the fight.

Regards,

Hitch.........

[Ryan The Bad]

Ya, Rizzo did win that fight. Couture was totally gassed from the first round and Rizzo would have finished him eventually; however, there was always the possibility that Couture could have come back strong. Either way, it was an awesome fight.

[Mr. Miyagi]

There should be a new rule in MMA stating that American wrestlers are not allowed to win a fight by decision.

[YeLLa-TiGeR]

Hitchahard, you should post this on the UG.

I was really upset when Rizzo lost. I was praying for a victory!!!

[MEB Boy]

I coulnd't believe the judges gave it to Couture. Of course Randy won the 1st round decisively, but Rizzo then won the 2nd round just as decisively. Couture was very gassed and looked out on his feet from then on. Rizzo gave him punishing leg kicks, and was very good sprawling. Rizzo, IMHO, won at least 3 of the the 5 rounds.

After numerous unsuccessful shoots, Couture had a hard time getting back up b/c he was so fatigued. He even looked like he wanted to quit, and McCArthy had to tell him to stand up several times, b/c he just stayed kneeling on the ground w/ a frustrated look after his unsuccessful shoots.
The last 10 seconds of the 5th and last round, Couture was on all fours as Rizzo was punching him in the face. So Rizzo finished the fight w/ a flurry.

After the fight, Couture did not look like a fighter who thought he won. Couture didn't even have any reaction or know what to do when he was announced as the winner.....I think he couldn't believe it either. Rizzo's superficial facial damage from Couture was from the 1st round only. But Couture's broken and bleeding nose and purple thigh were from Rizzo's beating over the next 4 rounds.

Rizzo won that fight and Couture should count his blessings since the UFC just gave him a Henderson. (Note--from now on, in regards to the UFC, a Henderson means a bad decision winner, ala Dan Henderson vs Alan Goes and Carlos Newton).

Later
MEB Boy

[hounddog]

i thought Pedro beat the shit out of Couture in the 2nd rd. i was actually hoping the fight wouldn't get stopped in the 2nd because i didn't want it to end so soon. I was convinced Couture was through but I wanted to see Pedro finish Couture off in the 3rd.

i cannot believe Couture lasted 5 rounds. Unbelievable, that guy has heart. I thought Pedro should have won a split as well but he also showed signs of passivity in the last 3 rounds, ala his match with Randleman. He was probably tired though and justifiably so.

all in all a great match, i wish Pedro would have attacked more in the last 3 rounds but I still think he should have gotten the nod.
-hounddog

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

Couture is one of the few wrestlers I have respect for because he actually goes out there to win and isn't a roid monster. He's the only wrestler that always has exciting fights and can fight from his guard. He's incredible and lasting those last 4 rounds against Pedro looked like hell, but Couture hung in there for the win. I can't say I agree with the decision, but I can say that Randy impressed me again.

[keithws]

Randy outright won rds 1 and 4/
Rizzo won rounds 2 and 5
3 was a toss up

I thought the decision was justifiable especially when you consider the pitter pat style Rizzo used the last round. How can you expect someone to take a belt from a champ on an extremely close decision?

And come on Hitchahard: You first state that your camp couldn't believe Rizzo took so much damage, then comeback with "it's just surface damage!"

There's nothing light about getting pounded in the face: Besides obvious effects, it wears down your attritution which was quite apparent by Rizzo's lack of activity the last 2 rounds.

Couture deserved to keep the belt! I like Rizzo but he fizzled when he should have ignited in the last couple of rounds.

later dudes......

[Hawk]

I felt Rizzo won, however when it goes to the score cards anything can happen.
Hawk

[Mad Dog]

Although I gave Rizzo the edge, it was a close fight IMO, and not too much bitching should take place. Of course, Rizzo absolutely deserves an immediate remath. Hats off to both fighters for an incredible display of heart! A lot of slackers in the MMA world who do just enough to win boring decisions should watch this fight and be embarrased.

[fil]

Originally posted by keithws
Randy outright won rds 1 and 4/
Rizzo won rounds 2 and 5
3 was a toss up

I agree, I scored it:

1st round 10-8 Couture
2nd round 10-8 Rizzo
3rd round 10-10 even
4th round 10-9 Couture
5th round 10-9 Rizzo

Scoring it like this would result in a Draw, but I understand why the judges would score the 3rd round for Couture since he showed more ring generalship (control, dictated how the fight went) in that round. Rizzo let Couture off the hook after the 2nd round when Couture was clearly close to being finished Rizzo did not finish him. Couture showed the heart of a champion and while he may not have won that fight I dont think Rizzo did either.
I hope Babalu gets his chance for the belt in the UFC now instead of Rizzo.

[Hitchahard]

Thanks for the feedback guys, with the exception of the ignorant comment of keithws. I have no problem with someone disagreeing with my opinion, but to twist my words into an incorrect statement is a bit irritating.

Anyway, I plan on speaking to Marco about the fight tonight, so I'll see what he has to say. And your absolutely correct Hawk - anything can happen when a fight goes to the scorcard. However, I don't agree with comments that a challenger has to beat a champion convincingly to be victorious. I think that each fight should be based on its own merits.

Thanks everyone!

Hitch.....

[Underdog]

We from Ruas Vale Tudo italy were gathering at my house at 4a.m., wired to the web to follow UFC. Obviously we were very sorry for the decision, but, hell, this is life.

My instructor was especially upset, he has helped the preparation for the Severn fight, and he knowed that Rizzo was in top condition.

Hitch, in the UG the general consensus is that Rizzo didn't showed enough eggressivness to capitalize after round 2.

Did you agree with that?

[keithws]

Well Hitchahard, maybe I misunderstood your "surface damage" comments which usually implies that it's not as bad as it looks.

There are quite a few gentlemen who act as if getting their face pounded isn't a big deal. Something I find quite amusing when you consider how many fights change after someone lands a good shot to the face......

late.............