UFC 71

I watched UFC 71 this Saturday night.
here are my thoughts

Kalib Starnes/ Chris Leben: Leben has the willingness but is a bit flintstonian in his skills and Starnes is much more technical but sometimes you wonder if he really wants to be fighting. These are two good, but not great fighter who had a good but not great fight. They are both what I would call gate keepers. A top contender should be able to handle either one these two.

Terry martin: Terry Martin defeated Ivan Salaverry. Martin dropped down from 205 and still looks chubby. You get the feeling this guy easily could make 170 and maybe 155.
He obviously has punching power and wrestling skills. It will be interesting to see how far that will take him in the 185 pound weight class.

Karo: Karo has been my favorite fighter to watch since I first saw him at UFC 44. Karo has added to his game by greatly improving his striking. When you add his striking skill too his sambo infused judo stylings he can be competitive against anyone at 170. Karo asked for a title shot after the bout.. he is going to have to be patient With
Serra fighting Hughes at the end of the year and the winner facing the winner of the Koscheck/ ST Pierre bout, Karo will be lucky to see a title shot by the fall of 08.

Houston Alexander: Some people have ko power Mr. Alexander has it, wether he has the other skills to be successful in the UFC over the long hall we will have to wait and see.

Chuck liddell: DON'T BACK UP WITHOUT COVERING UP. Liddell moved back dropped his hands and left his chin sticking out. Quinton Jackson's right hand connected with Lidell chin and ended Liddell's title reign. Chuck needs to realized that their are some fighters you can't fight with your hands down at your waist.

Quinton Jackson: Quinton Jackson fought everyone at 205 in pride and was fading towards the end of his time in japan. It's cool to seem him regroup and become champion. He's put in the blood sweat and tears in the sport and he fought a smart fight.

Down the road:

Quinton Jackson VS Dan Henderson: Styles make fights and these two have styles that complement each other. Jackoson like to dominate his opponents with ground and pound but Dan although smaller is a far superior wrestler. Jackson is technically a better striker but has problems when people take the fight to him when standing.. which is Dan's style. So the bout between these two has the potential to be very good.

Karo: Has is not going to be getting a title shot any time soon, Hopefully he doesn't let that bother him. He can have exciting bouts with any of the top contenders in the division