Phil Davis Defeats Brian Stann

Throughout the match, Joe Rogan generously compared Phil Davis to GSP. That’s about the highest praise a UFC newcomer can get. Indeed, Davis has a similarly chiseled physique. And let’s not forget those knees to the body of a downed opponent! Do you think Matt Serra remembers those? Yea, he probably does.

For MMA newcomers, wrestling is definitely the best skill set to break in with. Having that ability to control your opponent on the ground is essential. It’s possible that Brian Stann has some submission skills, but you wouldn’t know it from watching this fight.

It must have been discouraging for Stann, knowing he was going to get put on his ass at any moment. To deal with a guy like Davis, you need to have a great sprawl (ala Chuck Liddell) or a killer guard (like Minotauro Nogueira). If there’s anything this night has taught is, it’s that it sucks being on your back. Very few guys have the ability to be dangerous in bottom position. Therefore, Stann needs to recruit every wrestler from Greg Jackson’s camp (and there’s a few good ones) to help him out.

In fact, it’s odd that Greg didn’t prepare Stann any better for this match. They must have known what Phil’s one strength was. You can take one look at Davis and know that he can slam you to the ground and pound you out.

Phil had just a little bit of trouble keeping Stann on the ground. It’s not like Stann was able to stand back up. Phil simply wasn’t able to land enough consecutive punches to get the match stopped. He had to adjust his position from time to time. Once he gets more comfortable with his top game, he’ll be extremely dangerous.

Next Fight: Paulo Thiago vs. Mike Swick

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