The main event of UFC Fight Night 24 featured a grizzled old veteran taking on the proverbial young hungry lion. It was to be a classic battle of experience vs excellence, the old guard against the new kid on the block.
It was Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Phil Davis, in what was being touted as the biggest test of the latter's career. After all, he was up against the stiffest competition of his budding career, with possibly the biggest audience tuning in to see him.
Davis has been touted by experts as a potential future title holder, one who may even be the man to give newly crowned champion Jon Jones a run for his money.
If tonight was any indication, "Mr. Wonderful" still has a ways to go to reach those gargantuan expectations.
That's because he was less than impressive, despite taking home a decision win (unanimous) in the first main event fight of his career.
Davis, a strong wrestler with what were thought to be nearly unstoppable takedowns, was repeatedly stuffed in the opening frame, finding little room to operate in the normally spacious cage.
He was also taught a lesson in boxing, as "Lil' Nog" tagged him a few times and let him know this would be no walk in the park.
However, the old adage "hard work pays off" rang true once again, as Davis used his superior grappling to keep the pressure on and eventually break through Nogueira's much improved takdown defense.
Add in a spot of top control with sporadic ground and pound and the victory was is. That said, I don't think anyone will be clamoring for a fight with Jon Jones anytime soon.
What did you think of "Mr. Wonderful's" performance tonight? A bump in the road to an eventual title shot? Or was he "exposed" in some way, shape or form?
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