UFC Fight Night 151 Wrap Up

We enjoyed another exciting instalment of UFC Fight Night this weekend, with Donald Cerrone taking home the main event by unanimous decision. Cerrone thoroughly outclassed opponent Al Iaquinta and decided to call out Conor McGregor post fight. Given McGregor’s recent form, it wouldn’t surprise me if ‘Cowboy’ opened as the favorite if those two were to fight.

Another huge winner from this event was Middleweight Derek Brunson. He beat local hope Elias Theodorou by decision and moved his career record to a stellar 19-7. Cub Swanson looks like he may be coming to the end after another loss, while Walt Harris and Merab Dvalishvili rounded out the main card with wins.

 

Brock Lesnar Retirement

Dana White announced last week that Brock Lesnar has retired and will not be returning to the UFC. This means that Stipe Miocic will get a shot at reclaiming his title against Daniel Cormier.

Given Lesnar’s history with USADA, it’s probably very likely that this is indeed true and that he doesn’t make a UFC return. Fortunately, this means the heavyweight division can move forward and the rematch between Miocic and Cormier can go ahead at UFC 241 in Anaheim.

 

Iranian Heavyweight Amir Aliakbari Signs

The UFC added a new member to the heavyweight division over the weekend, signing Iranian wrestler Amir Aliakbari. Aliakbari has a professional MMA record of 10-1 and should add some much needed competition to the heavyweight division. He competed as recently as March this year, registering a stunning first-round KO in the process.

Aliakbari immediately becomes one of the UFC’s most accomplished wrestlers, having previously won the 2010 world Greco-Roman title. He admittedly did have this title stripped for testing positive to anabolic steroids, so his relationship with USADA will be interesting to monitor going forward.