Chael Sonnen (Photo/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)First, we learned that the UFC Monster is on a hot streak, picking correctly and being "in the black" his last three UFC fight cards.
Fight recap time ... Here is what we learned from the UFC on FOX 2 main card and what is (or could be) next for the fighters:
Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Evans defeated Davis by unanimous decision
What we learned about Evans: Well, we didn't learn a ton about Evans other than the obvious ... He is still much more experienced and more well-rounded fighter than Phil Davis. Evans was very fluid and despite not be able to stop the fight against Davis. Evans is still the most dangerous opponent to current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
What is next for Evans: Evans is next in line for a super-hyped, drama-filled fight with Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight championship belt. The fight was announced for April 21 in Atlanta at UFC 145.
What we learned about Davis: The silver lining is that Davis was introduced to the upper echelon of the UFC light heavyweight division. The step up in competition proves that Evans is not ready. He tensed up after feeling the power of Evans. Davis must clean up his striking and ground game, as Evans took side mount and put Davis in the crucifix multiple times. While Davis is a "game" competitor, we mainly learned that he was ready, and will need to polish his overall skill set.
What is next for Davis: Davis should look to fight again with a longer than normal layoff so as to work on aspects of his game, I would look see him in six months versus someone like Forrest Griffin, Rich Franklin or Stanislav Nedkov.
Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping
Division: Middleweight
Result: Sonnen defeated Bisping by unanimous decision
What we learned about Sonnen: Sonnen is still the best trash talker in the game. We learned that Sonnen had a tough weight cut and did not look like his smothering self. He worked takedowns, and controlled Bisping in the third round. The first two rounds were very up in the air. Most pundits had Sonnen losing the first round, and winning the second and third. We learned that regardless of how you feel about Sonnen, he seems to find ways to get the job done and is a great interview.
What is next for Sonnen: The win will put Sonnen in a rematch with current UFC champion Anderson Silva. Sonnen dominated for four rounds against the current champ before getting caught in a triangle choke. So Sonnen gets a chance to avenge his loss and complete his ultimate goal. The fight is rumored to take place in San Paulo, Brazil, thus making the rematch even more intriguing.
What we learned about Bisping: He was the cleaner of the two in striking and we learned that Bisping is not far away from his title shot. He was able to neutralize the takedowns in the first two rounds, but may have lost the fight due to a lopsided third round that went to Sonnen. Two of the three judges had it even going into the third round.
What is next for Bisping: Bisping should be able to rebound quickly. I think a fight between him and Chris Weidman makes sense, and a fight between Bisping and Rousimar Palhares also would clear up a muddled middleweight picture.
Damien Maia vs. Chris Weidman
Division: Middleweight
Result: Weidman defeated Maia by unanimous decision
What we learned about Weidman: We learned that he was gassed due to cutting 31 pounds in 11 days and that the "All-American," gutted out a tough win against a creditable opponent on a big stage on short notice. We learned that Weidman is in the top 10 and is a couple wins away from being in the upper echelon and/or title contention.
What is next for Weidman: He should be in the top 10 of the InterMatFight rankings, and should fight someone who is in the top tier of the middleweight division. I think that Yushin Okami, Michael Bisping, or Rousimar Palhares would be the correct path.
What we learned about Maia: We didn't learn much about Maia other than he was severely gassed and looked poor on a big stage. He didn't remember his roots in his world class submission skills and looked to land a straight left hand the entire three rounds. Weidman countered the straight left and took him down at will. Wediman also had the better striking.
What is next for Maia: Maia is going to answer a lot of questions about his preparation and cardio. Losing two out his last three bouts puts him in a perilous situation. I look to see Maia bounce back against Aaron Simpson, Brian Stann or even his originally scheduled opponent Bisping to get him back in the top 10 in the middleweight picture.
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