UFC 76: The Dean Reigns Supreme

It was a hard night for some fans to watch. Long time MMA supporters know names like Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Kazuhiro Nakamura, and watching long time staples of the sport lose was not easy.

Still, the night turned in some impressive performances.

On the main card, Forrest Griffin choked out Pride 205 pound legend Mauricio "Shogun" Rua in the third round, proving that many Pride fighters are not dominant without dependence on the rules and the ring.

Jon Fitch won a close decision over Diego Sanchez, but certainly proved that he deserves to be in title contetion. With 7 straight UFC wins, Fitch holds the largest streak in the UFC's 170 pound division. It's beyond doubt that we will see him fighting a top name opponent very soon.

Lyoto Machida defeated Kazuhiro Nakamura with a decision. Machida is certainly appearing to be in the picture for the UFC title shot. Still, he has yet to finish a UFC opponent, so I don't expect him to get a title shot right away.

Also, Tyson Griffin beat out Thiago Tavares, to hand Tavares his first career loss. Griffin is showing good form in his last few fights and even with his loss to Frankie Edgar, may be considered in the top tier at 155.

Rich Clementi choked out Anthony Johnson, who didn't turn in the explosive kind of performance he had displayed against Chad Reiner in his debut (Johnson knocked out Reiner in 13 seconds).

Jeremy Stephens and Matt Wiman won decisions over Diego Saraiva and Michihiro Omigawa, respectively. Christian Wellisch submitted newcomer Scott Junk with a heel hook in the first round.

To finish the card, Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine went to war with former UFC -lightheavyweight champion Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell. The fight was close and went to the judges scorecards, but two of the three judges scored the fight for Jardine.

Jardine will certainly be considered a contender now, but if anyone is happy about this win it is Houston "the Assassin" Alexander, who defeated Jardine in his UFC debut back in April, when he defeated the Dean with strikes in 48 seconds.

While beating a former champion will work wonders for his career, Alexander can probably feel his stock rising when he's not even in the cage.

Still, a good night of exciting fights. Up next: UFC 77.