There was a reason that Dan Hardy and Chris Lytle, both coming off losses, were tapped to headline UFC on Versus 5 tonight (Aug. 14, 2011) from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
It was all about putting on an exciting show, which was made even more dramatic with the recent announcement that Lytle would retire from mixed martial arts win, lose or draw immediately after the fight.
"Lights Out" came out aggressive, winging wild punches to the head and digging deep shots to the body. Hardy countered, but it was clear that it was Lytle, not Hardy, who was going to go out on his shield in his last professional appearance.
Lytle landed big punches early and often and Hardy, to his credit, continued to move forward. He was never truly in trouble, but it was clear that he was one round down heading into the second stanza.
Hardy continued to stand his ground after five minutes of action, and even staggered the seemingly invincible father of four with several hard punches that sent him backward. Lytle fought back valiantly, but Hardy, who even attempted a takedown, seemed to be turning the tide against the veteran.
It was a bit closer as the round came to a close, with Lytle landing another looping left, but it seemed to be even heading into the third and final frame.
With five minutes left in the MMA career of Lytle, he came out slugging. Once again, he landed several big shots, but Hardy was game. It continued this way for about four minutes until Hardy inexplicably went for a takedown, which the submission-savvy Lytle used to his advantage.
He quickly sunk in a guillotine choke from the top position, stepped over Hardy and had him tapping seconds later. It was the first time the fight his the floor and the last time.
Lytle wins via submission in the last minute, tying an exciting ribbon around a very fun fight career. Storybook.
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