UFC 85-Bedlam A card that began with controversy has now ended with even more. With more lineup changes than any UFC event in recent memory, UFC 85 is finally in the record books and has caused quite a stir amongst the millions of PPV fans watching around the world. Controversial referee stoppages appeared to be the common theme on this card, referees and judges were an integral part of the event this time as several of the fights were stopped early or sent to judges to determine the final outcome.
Mike Swick vs. Marcus Davis
Swick had a point taken away in the second round but used his obvious size and skill advantage to win the unanimous judges decision over Marcus Davis who had won 11 straight matches prior to his fight with Swick.
Swick by Unanimous Judges Decision.
Nate Marquardt vs. Thales Leites
Marquardt was dropped early in the first by a straight right, he fought back and even began to control the action, returning the favor in the second round but ultimately being penalized by the referee for two very questionable rules infractions. The two points taken away from Marquardt were just enough to tip the scales in favor of Leites.
Leites wins by judges Split Ddecision.
Michael Bisping vs. Jason Day
Local fan favorite Bisping made quick work of his UFC rookie opponent Day, using a flurry of punches to knock Day down in the opening round, stopping him at the 3:42 mark of Round 1.
Bisping wins by Ref Stoppage Rd 1
Fabricio Werdum vs. Brandon Vera
Referee Dan Miragliotta made his presence known immediately in this first fight of the televised card. Vera tried to keep the fight standing, using kicks and jabs to prevent the takedown from his larger and probably more mat-skilled opponent Werdum, however, Werdum was able to force this one to the ground, taking the mount position and landing several blows to Vera's head prompting the referee to stop this fight with only 20 seconds remaining in the first round. Both fighters as well as the vast majority of knowledgeable fight watchers agree that this fight should have continued those remaining seconds and into the second round, referee Dan Miragliotta made no friends tonight unless those friends were betting on Werdum.
Werdum wins by referee stoppage Rd 1
Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves
Matt Hughes has more successful title defenses than any other fighter in UFC history but is now probably facing retirement after being completely demolished in his first fight since losing to current 170 pound champ Georges St Pierre. Thiago Alves, a brazilian Muay Thai expert, was able to catch Hughes with a knee to Hughes face while he was attempting to take Alves down to the mat. Hughes looked good early on in the first round, controlling some of the action and landing a few solid shots on the rising star from Brazil however this fight signalled the end of the Hughes era, Thiago Alves has certainly demonstrated that he has the skills to compete for the 170 pound championship.
Thiago Alves wins by ref stoppage Rd 2
Undercard Fights
Hardonk def Sanchez
Taylor def Liaudin
Cane def Lambert
Burns def Carneiro
Wiman def Tavares
Kampmann def Rivera
