The UFC went off with a bang last night from Indianapolis! Carlos Condit delivered in the main event, overcoming a fast start by opponent Martin Kampmann to earn a win over a man who owns a split decision victory over him. Condit has established himself as a clear top contender again for the Welterweight title, complicating things as he has losses to the two top guys in the division.
Falling from grace is ‘Cowboy’ Donald Cerrone. Long considered one of the top Lightweights, Cerrone confirmed an alarming pattern and that is that in a fire-fight, he fades. Although dos Anjos took some damage early, he weathered the storm and pressured Cerrone throughout the fight. Cerrone seemed to settle in to a fight he was going to lose and he did. Look for dos Anjos to fight a top ten guy someone like Gilbert Melendez next. Kelvin Gastelum showed his killer instinct, finishing his opponent in the first round and ending his fight in a spectacular finish that sets him up for a step up fight next.
Overall, the UFC’s free offering in Indianapolis was a stand out show. Local hero Darren Elkins took on Jnapanese fighter Hatsu Hioki in a bout that saw Elkins battle back from behind and do so in gritty, dominant fashion. Elkins likely needs one or two more wins to be considered elite in the weight class and earn a title shot.