Meia Back in Win Column
Demian Meia (13-2, 2 KO’s, 8 submissions) bounced back from an unsuccessful challenge to UFC middleweight champ Anderson Silva to win a unanimous decision over fellow Brazilian Mario Miranda (12-2, 6 KO’s, 4 submissions), who coincidentally had Silva in his corner.
It was mostly a tactical jiu-jitsu battle, which Meia controlled for the most part.
Maynard Earns Shot at Title
In a UFC lightweight title eliminator, Gray Maynard (11-0, 2 KO’s) earned himself a crack at the championship with a shutout unanimous decision over former title challenger and hometown hero Kenny Florian (15-5, 3 KO’s, 10 submissions).
In a tactical opening round, Florian got off first with some dirty boxing inside a clinch. However, Maynard would score a takedown towards the end of the round that probably won him the frame.
The 2nd round was more of the same. Maynard scored two takedowns and was on top of Florian for most of the latter half of the round. Florian began bleeding around the right side of his face within the round.
By the final round, some members of the audience began to boo. Maynard scored another takedown and worked from on top of Florian for most of the round. Florian made his way to his feet before being taken down again and tried to submit Maynard with two arm triangles. However, Maynard made his way out of each attempt.
Gray Maynard is next expected to challenge for the lightweight championship. He owns a win over main eventer Frankie Edgar.
It was Florian’s first fight in his hometown since joining the UFC in 2005. He made his entrance to the octagon to the Dropkick Murphy’s “For Boston”, a Celtic punk rock version of the Boston College fight song. Florian is a BC graduate.
“I’m very disappointed. I really worked on my wrestling. I wasn’t successful there and that was the difference.” Florian said following the fight.
Diaz Chokes out Davis
Nate Diaz (13-5, 3 KO’s, 9 submissions) made a successful jump from lightweight to welterweight as he sunk in an anaconda choke on veteran Marcus Davis (22-8, 6 KO’s, 8 submissions) causing his opponent to lose consciousness in the 3rd round. Referee Yves Lavigne stopped the fight at 4:02 of the round after realizing that Davis was no longer conscious and awarded Diaz the technical submission.
In the opening round, Diaz cut open Davis over the right eye with a right jab – overhand left combination. The doctor visited Davis in between the 1st and 2nd rounds and seemed to contemplate stopping the fight. However, the bout was allowed to continue.
“I wanted to stand with him coming in because I knew I had the reach. He definitely clocked me in the first round but I was able to recover. I was able to work my jab and use my reach to connect with his eye.” Diaz said.
The cut did not get better. It continued to bleed and it began to swell. Diaz started landing more at will on Davis in the 2nd and 3rd rounds until finally locking in the submission.
“I knew I had it tight. I felt him gurgle and I knew that that it was deep.” Diaz said of the submission.
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