UFC on Fox 4 Recap: Shogun, Machida win in Los Angeles, California

5626511049 fc16cb9b30 zUFC on Fox 4 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, is in the books and it has presented one of the most exciting cards in UFC history. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua fought Brandon Vera in another all-out war, extending his great legacy against an opponent who left every ounce of his being in the Octagon tonight. Rua utilized some good wrestling and top control, but his bread and butter came through in the striking department, as he landed many significant strikes with punches, kicks, elbows and knees. Vera wouldn’t give an inch however, using his own very effective brand of Muay Thai to strike back with tons of back-and-forth combinations. In the end, fans were treated to a highly entertaining war, another in a long list from Shogun Rua, who scored the awesome knockout towards the end of the fourth round. Brandon Vera should show no shame in defeat as he appears to be back as one of the best strikers amongst Light Heavyweights.

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In the co-main event, Lyoto Machida made his case for the the title shot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson. He largely controlled the majority of the first round with his elusive striking techniques. In the second, he blocked a Bader right and threw back an absolutely vicious straight to knock his opponent out. With the win, Machida has apparently earned the next title shot at Light Heavyweight. A great, great showing by “The Dragon.”

In other main card action, Mike “Quick” Swick returned to the UFC for his first bout in nearly two years to show he is still relevant with a great knockout by grabbing DeMarques Johnson’s kick and flooring him with a right hand. Also, Joe Lauzon and Jamie Varner fought to another absolute war, striking with efficiency back-and-forth, with Varner showing great takedowns as Lauzon looked to his trademark BJJ. Lauzon won the fight off of a takedown with a great Triangle Choke.

UFC on Fox 4 brought us an amazing night of fights that the UFC desperately needed after some lackluster cards. Although Machida will face the winner of the main event at UFC 151, I thought that Vera brought a lot more to the table tonight in terms of skill and heart than Bader. In my eyes, Machida looked great, but Shogun just edged him with one his best all-time performances in a gritty win. And that is saying a ton. Who do you think deserves to face the winner of Jones vs. Henderson?

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UFC on Fox 4 Full Results:

Main Card:

Mauricio Rua def. Brandon Vera via R4 TKO (strikes)

Lyoto Machida def. Ryan Bader via R2 KO (punch)

Joe Lauzon def. Jamie Varner via R3 submission (Triangle Choke)

Mike Swick def. DeMarques Johnson via R2 TKO (punch)

Preliminary Card:

Nam Phan def. Cole Miller via split decision

Wagner Prado vs. Phil Davis ends in a no-contest due R1 to accidental eye poke

Rani Yahya def. Josh Grispi via R1 submission (North-South choke)

Philip De Fries def. Oli Thompson via R2 submission (Rear-Naked Choke)

Manny Gamburyan def. Michihiro Omigawa via unanimous decision

John Moraga def. Ulysses Gomez via R1 KO (strikes)

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LowKick.com Awards:

Performance of the Night:

In a night of great performances, Shogun Rua earns the nod here with his neverending skills of destruction. He never quit against a very, very determined Brandon Vera and delivered an incredible striking win.

Finish of Night:

Again, in a card featuring so many finishes, Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida gets the award for his incredibly powerful punch that knocked out the always-tough Ryan Bader. He gets the next crack at the 205 lb. Title with the impressive victory.

Upset of the Night:

There wasn’t too many upsets worthy of notices in these awards, so I would have to go with the gutsy, gritty performance of Brandon Vera in defeat. While he may not have won, he showed incredible heart in one of, if not the best fights this year versus Shogun Rua.