Ahead of UFC 208, the big questions coming into Brooklyn were, why is the UFC launching a women’s featherweight division, how will the company’s 3-man makeshift commentary team handle Mike Goldberg’s absence, will the middleweight division be shaken up by Jacare and The Spider, and will Holly Holm be able to bounce back from the first consecutive losses of her career by jumping to a new weight class?
Some of those questions were answered yesterday, but there wasn’t much to be excited about by the end of Saturday night.
Germaine de Randamie Wins Women’s Featherweight Title, Already Announces Hiatus
The main event was a slowly contested bout between two experienced strikers that was accompanied by a chorus of boos for the better part of 25 minutes. The crowd didn’t come to see a chess match after witnessing 8 decisions in the night with only one finish, and Brooklyn quickly became hostile towards both women.
It didn’t help that the Dutch kickboxer landed illegal blows on Holm after the bell had sounded in two consecutive rounds — putting heel heat on the to-be champ. All three judges scored the bout (48-47) in favor of de Randamie.
Apparently though, the Women’s Featherweight division is will already be held up as Germaine will need to undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments in her hand — prolonging an ‘inevitable’ about Title bout with Cris Cyborg.
It was announced this weekend that Cyborg will likely be granted a retroactive TUE by USADA after her suspension for a banned substance at the end of last year and be back inside the octagon soon.
Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza Finishes Tim Boetsch With Nasty Kimura
On of the few bright spots on this card was Jacare’s submission victory over TIm Boetsch in 3:41 of the first round. It’s been known for a long time that Souza is among the middleweight division’s elite — but none of that matters if he isn’t given the next title shot (after Romero vs Bisping).
Jacare took home an extra $50,000 for his win via Kimura, and called for the next shot at the belt, but may have to fight #2 ranked Luke Rockhold in the meantime, depending on the length of Michael Bisping absence.
This was the only finish of the night.
Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier Flop on Commentary
Each man had their moments on Saturday night, but there is without a doubt a void that needs to be filled at the announcing table. Two experienced fight commentators were not enough to replace Mike Goldberg, and it appears the Ultimate Fighting Championship is aware that things didn’t work out, as Dominick Cruz announced he will be given an opportunity at UFC 209 to join Joe Rogan at the announce table.
@CAshe86 UFC 209 👊🏽
— Dominick Cruz (@DominickCruz) February 12, 2017
Mike Goldberg is heavily rumored to be making his Bellator debut in the coming months.
Thx for the love & support! Missed calling the fights at #UFC208 with my powerful partner, @joerogan. You'll see me around soon 😉 #DreamTeam
— Mike Goldberg (@MFG16) February 12, 2017
Anderson Silva Defeats Derek Brunson, Future Remains Unclear
‘The Spider’ returned to the octagon against #8 ranked Middleweight Derek Brunson in Brooklyn and won a unanimous decision bout. The bout wasn’t necessarily boring, but it was clear that Silva had lost a step since his he was in his prime a few years ago, and he stopped just short of retiring in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
We will have more to say about Anderson Silva’s future later this week, as The Spider’s hinted his days as a challenger are over.
Holly Holm Loses Three Straight, Desperately Needs Win
Even though Holly Holm made history when she kicked Ronda Rousey’s head off and became the queen of the UFC Women’s Bantamweight division at UFC 193, it appears her time in the UFC will come to an end should she lose her next bout inside the octagon.
Holm’s UFC record now sits at 3-3, and even though she is one of the few proven draws TV draws on the women’s roster, she will likely be cut following a fourth straight loss.
‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ had a lot to say about the inaugural women’s featherweight bout at UFC 208’s post-fight press conference.
UFC 208 Results:
Women’s FW TItle Bout Germaine de Randamie def. Holly Holm Decision (unanimous)
Middleweight Anderson Silva def. Derek Brunson Decision (unanimous)
Middleweight Ronaldo Souza*** def. Tim Boetsch Submission (kimura) — Round 1
Light Heavyweight Glover Teixeira def. Jared Cannonier Decision (unanimous)
Lightweight Dustin Poirier*** def. Jim Miller*** Decision (majority)
Welterweight Belal Muhammad def. Randy Brown Decision (unanimous)
Flyweight Wilson Reis def. Ulka Sasaki Decision (unanimous)
Lightweight Islam Makhachev def. Nik Lentz Decision (unanimous)
Featherweight Rick Glenn def. Phillipe Nover Decision (split)
Welterweight Ryan LaFlare def. Roan Carneiro Decision (unanimous)
key: ***= Awarded $50,000 for Performance of The Night Bonus
