Did that really happen?

I don’t know about anyone else, but I was shocked to see the main event of UFC 198 turn out like that. Not because I didn’t think that Stipe Miocic didn’t have the capability to knock out Fabricio Werdum; it was more about the manner in which it happened. Leading up to this fight everyone knew that Miocic was a dangerous striker on his feet, particularly with his boxing. Apparently it seems that Werdum completely forgot that fact. The contest was fairly even for the most part. The two Heavyweights traded blows as they tried to get the range and figure out their opponent in the opening minutes of the contest. Hell, Stipe was even throwing some leg kicks which was pretty unexpected. Kicking with a man that more than likely wants to take the fight to the ground is always a dangerous proposition, yet Miocic was getting away with it, so he fed Werdum a healthy dose. Then it happened. Something that everyone would expect of a Heavyweight clash. Stipe landed a nice punch that stunned Werdum. It wasn’t surprising that Miocic would land a quality punch on the champion, it was what Werdum decided to do next that was truly shocking. It seemed that Werdum was so invigorated by the crowd, so desperate to get his own licks in, that he abandoned all reason and rushed forward at Miocic. Werdum chased down the challenger with wild, sloppy punches, took away his angle as he ran into the fence, then ate a well placed right hand from Miocic for his troubles, sending him crashing to the canvas and ending the contest in emphatic fashion. What. The. Hell. Was. That?! Rather than take a shot, relax, regroup and reset, Fabricio Werdum committed the cardinal sin of striking. When you take a good shot the best alternative is to absorb the shot, take a breath and wait for another opportunity to throw your own offense. It seemed that Werdum’s pride got the better of him and took control of his actions. That he was willing throw caution to the wind and open up with wild punches like that demonstrates the true mastery of striking, or in this case, the lack there of. The fact that Werdum wouldn’t stay disciplined and regain the center of the octagon proved not that his striking is particularly lacking, but that his maturity in the stand up department has a long way to go before it’s fully matured. Taking away from Stipe Miocic’s win would be a major disservice to the new Heavyweight champion. He had to be patient, see that opening, and fire the punch in order to get the knock out victory after all. That being said, Werdum truly lived and died by the sword in this fight. If there’s anything to take away from this fight it’s that pride and confidence are great in small doses, but in order to remain champion that simply isn’t enough. Sometimes the old saying is true, “pride hurts, it never helps.” What did you think of UFC 198’s main event? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.