Five Takeaways From UFC 211

UFC 211 last night in Dallas, Texas was one of those nights where you witnessed history not once but twice. UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic defended his title in an impressive first-round knockout performance against Junior Dos Santos, defending his title for the second time. That ties a record for Heavyweight title defenses, meaning Miocic is jumping into the talks of all-time Heavyweight greats. Also, UFC Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk absolutely showed out, taking all five rounds in a beautiful display of violence on challenger Jessica Andrade. Joanna Champion has now made five straight title defenses and is slowly reaching the mark set by former UFC Bantamweight Champion and face of MMA, Ronda Rousey. There was a lot to take away from last night’s card, so let’s talk about it with my five takeaways from UFC 211.

1. Stipe Miocic On His Way To Heavyweight Immortality- Stipe Miocic defended his UFC Heavyweight Title last night by defeating Junior Dos Santos. Dos Santos was the last man to defeat Miocic, defeating him in an absolute classic. This time, it didn’t come down to a controversial decision, as Stipe knocked out JDS in the first round. A few things to take away from this. First thing is that Stipe is one win away from being the only man to defend the UFC Heavyweight Title successfully three times. Secondly, the way Stipe is handling his business is super impressive and the way it’s looking, no one will touch him for a long time.

2. Forget Rousey, Remember Joanna- Joanna Champion was successful again in what can be argued as her best title defense to date against the spark plug Jessica Andrade. Jedrzejczyck weathered an early storm by Andrade and then took the will out of her every round. Joanna struck at an efficient rate and when the fight hit the fourth and fifth rounds, Joanna turned into the championship round fighter we all know she can be. So what’s next? First, recognizing JJ as the best women’s fighter in the game and very possibly the best female fighter ever. Then, wait for the Strawweight Division to figure itself out. No matter if her next challenger is Rose Namajunas, Karolina Kowalkiewicz or Claudia Gadelha, Joanna will be ready to show why she is the best fighter in that division.

3. Frankie Edgar Keeps The Doubters Silenced- Going into Saturday night, Frankie Edgar was being considered as a big test for rising star Yair Rodriguez. Edgar proved he’s more than a test again, dismantling Rodriguez and forcing a TKO in the second round after he caused Rodriguez’ eye to swell shut. SO what does Edgar have next on his radar? Though some will say it all matters who wins the UFC Featherweight Title fight between Max Holloway and Jose Aldo, I tend to disagree. Edgar is the best contender waiting and he should get his title shot, no matter if it’s a fresh fight against Holloway or a trilogy fight against Aldo.

4. Maia Needs His Title Shot- Demian Maia won a split-decision victory over a very tough Jorge Masvidal who finished Cowboy Cerrone earlier this year. Maia controlled a lot of the fight and had himself in position for a rear-naked choke finish numerous ties throughout the fight. Kudos to Masvidal for evading the submission attempts throughout the three rounds, but the focus should be on Maia. The guy is so humble and is handling his business every time he goes out there. Though Welterweight Champion Tyron Woodley is waiting on a superfight, Maia is the next contender and deserves a title shot.

5. Alvarez/Poirier Needs A Redo– Though this wasn’t on the UFC 211 main card, this featured prelim fight was turning into a fantastic fight before Eddie Alvarez landed an illegal knee to a downed Dustin Poirier, causing a referee stoppage that ultimately led to a no contest. Both men want this fight again to prove their worth and to finish what they started, so why  not run the fight back? Let’s see this fight again as soon as the fighters are ready. Fans are definitely ready for the second clash between these two.