Marcus, the best striker on Team Franklin, will be matched up against Joe. Joe is the best grappler on Team Hughes. We later find out that Joe's background also includes boxing. My prediction prior to the fight was for the short, compact Joe to be able bring the fight to the ground and win a decision or submission. However, don't count Marcus out, he claims to have held back his skills as a strategic move and hasn't shown his grappling skills. Either way, the fight promises to be a quality, good old classic matchup of the striker vs the grappler.
Watching Marcus walk into the ring in his kilt reminds me of a scene from the movie, The Great White Hype. Both fighters come out of their corners tentative and get involved in a long feeling out. Joe initiates the first single leg shot and picks up Marcus for a spectacular slam. Marcus emerges in a half guard but Joe quickly improves his position to a side mount and starts dealing elbows. Marcus tried very hard to create space to possibly escape the side mount but was simply outmatched on the ground by Joe's experience. With one hand trapped between Joe's legs, Marcus was unable to intelligently defend against the barrage of elbows and the referee had to stop the fight.
So there you have it, Marcus' involvement in the alliance is short-lived and we see an impressive take down match from Joe Stevenson. Look forward to more on-going mind games between Matt Hughes and Jorge. But am I the only one not looking forward to seeing the fighters prance around in the next episode (courtesy of the previews) in their tighty-whitey undies? Urrgh.
Ed: JH
Article comments
1 - Joanie
While I know I'm not very likely to ever watch the series, I love your recaps!
2 - psyschomav
Does anyone know their theme music like when the fighters before they fight. Like Stevenson...when he came out of the doorway?
3 - ratistiss
is jorge grugel ever gonna fight in the ufc again
4 - Freddy
Where is Mikey Burnett?