In this piece we are looking back at all the ups and downs and everything that happened in the main card of UFC 235. So let’s gets started.

I’ll start with Cody Garbrandt and Pedro Munhoz, all I can say is wow, what a fight. For me it was definitely the fight of the night, some great exchanges from both men and a great win for Munhoz. That being said I still feel Cody lost that fight rather than Pedro winning it and I’m trying to not take anything away from Munhoz but to get emotional like that and stand and trade shots is a dangerous game and unfortunately for Cody it didn’t pay off. I’d rather Cody fight like he did against Cruz and be more methodical and flurry rather than looking for that one big shot but credit to Munhoz he look great his timing was great his boxing was great and he made Cody pay.

Next we had Tecia Torres against Weili Zhang and it was a great effort from both woman in a highly competitive fight with Zhang getting the decision. I feel she controlled the fight well and did what she had to do against a highly skilled opponent and it will be interesting to see who the UFC put in front of her next, Joanna Jedrzejczyk would be a great challenge and a great step up for the Chinese superstar.

It just wouldn’t seem right to not have a controversial decision for Ben Askren’s first UFC outing. So first things first how great did Robbie Lawler look, that man is a monster. The intensity in that man’s eyes before the first bell was truely frightening and he went for it from the first second and even rocked Askren with a huge slam but Askren being Askren persevered and grinned through the next few minutes, scoring a takedown and securing a bulldog choke. Now the controversy Lawlers arm seems to go limp and after not really responding to referee Herb Dean the fight was called off. As soon as Ben stood up it was clear Robbie was fine. Now no shade at Herb Dean it looked like Robbie was out and even the commentators were stating that he was out so it was a safe call per say but I feel the fight has to be run back, even if Ben doesn’t want to.

So now we are the co main event and I can honestly not think of a more dominate perform in a title fight. Usman looked incredible, to be able to take someone like Woodley, a man some argue as one of the greatest welterweights of all time down and just dominate him in the way that he did was nothing short of amazing. It will be a tough road back to the top for Woodley and I can’t see a rematch happening anytime soon but I’m excited to see how long Usman can hold onto the belt.

Can anyone beat Jon Jones? I don’t think so he is just to good and he showed us why many consider him to be the greatest of all time. He managed to control the fight despite a good start from Smith, Jon was able to adapt and shut down the strengths of Smith and control the fight. Hats off to Smith as well for not taking the easy way out and not continuing after the illegal strike by Jones, his stock definitely doesn’t godown and I’m excited to see what he does next. With Jon he has cleaned out the decision twice now and I’d be excited to see if there are any heavyweights that can figure out the puzzle that is Jon Jones.

With UFC 235 round the corner these are my picks for the event. Now I’m not going to lie I am super biased towards certain fighters as I’m a fan first and foremost but I would still try to look at thing logically. Anyways have a read and let me know what you think.

Jon Jones Vs Anthony Smith

I mean is the result even in doubt with this one? I just don’t see how Smith can win this, is he talented yes absolutely but for me Jones is just far superior in every way. Can Smith frustrate Jones I’m not sure, yes his constant pressure and never say die courage may aid him but Jones has always beat people at their own game and I think Jon will just shut down Smith offence with low kick and his reach before taking him down and subbing him.

Winner Jon Jones 2nd Round Sub

Tyron Woodley Vs Kamaru Usman

God I’m sick of Woodley, im sick of his bland sulky personality, im sick of his moaning, his boring safe fighting style and right I get it the man is a beast and potentially one of the best fighters pound for pound but what annoys me the most about Tyron is that the fact he very rarely let’s himself go I just wish he would tuck is his chin and start swinging I mean fans would flock to the guy. Annoyingly though I feel like this will go the same way all Woodley fights go, safety first and a win by decision.

Winner: Tyron Woodley Decision

Robbie Lawler Vs Ben Askren

Arguably the first real test for Ben, its been well stated that Robbie does well against wrestler but Ben is a whole new level of wrestler and I’d be surprised if this fight doesn’t go to the ground. That said though Robbie is no walk in the park all it takes is one shot and your done. I still feel like Ben should be able to nullify Robbie enough, keep him off his feet and off his game.

Winner: Ben Askren Decision.

Tecia Torres Vs Weili Zhang

The first real test for Weili Zhang is The Tiny Tornado Tecia Torres, who has lost her last two fights and is in need of win to get momentum back. With her flurry style of fighting I expecting Tecia to just be to much for Zhang to handle.

Winner: Tecia Torres Decision

Cody Garbrandt Vs Pedro Munhoz

UFC 235 marks the return of former Bantamweight Champ Cody Garbrandt, his first fight since his 2nd round loss to TJ Dillashaw. His opponent Pedro Munhoz has currently won 4 of his last 5 fights against some tough competitors however I still feel like Cody is a step above, the next level per say. Cody’s hands and movement will just be to slick and to fast and I’m fully expecting Cody to win by ko. I would even be as bold to go as far as saying it will be early as well, well early 2nd round.

Winner: Cody Garbrandt 2nd Round ko.

Oh what could have been, don’t get me wrong UFC 236 is looking mouth watering already with the main event being the rematch between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. However for me I just think Tony Ferguson and Max just would have been far more intriguing and I know Tony has been rumoured to have turned it down and fair enough maybe he doesn’t want to fight for an interim belt given how’s his last reign went no one can blame him for that. Although I just cannot help but wonder what would have been, picture this two fighters both have long unbeaten streaks, both love to stand and trade, both have cardio for days neither takes a back step. It is the definition of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object neither warrior looks like they can ever be beaten and this isn’t a bash at Poirier even at the higher weight class I still think Max takes the win but against Tony Ferguson I just have no idea and its a shame that its not going to happen it would have been spectacular i feel that the fans are losing out on what will be another great fight never made. How would have Max handled Tony Ferguson’s ground game? How would Tony have handled Max’s slick counter punching? These are questions I need answers to! Again no disrespect to Dustin Poirier who is as dangerous as they come and I can not wait for UFC 236 but I am just left wandering what if…….

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton