The UFC returned to Brazil on Saturday evening for UFC on FX 8, where Vitor Belfort notched a clear “Knockout of the Year” candidate when he knocked out Luke Rockhold with a spinning wheel kick.
Unfortunately, the win is marred in controversy and, therefore, another title shot against 185-pound superstar Anderson Silva seems impossible.
Additionally, an entertaining lightweight scrap ended in a highly-disputed decision and one of the top grapplers in the world made it known he is a force to be reckoned with inside the Octagon.
Let’s evaluate who the biggest winner and losers were from Jaragua do Sul, Brazil.
BIGGEST WINNER
Vitor Belfort – “The Phenom” scored his second consecutive headkick knockout over another top 10 opponent in former Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold.
Belfort, currently ranked number 2 in the UFC’s official rankings, now boasts a 5-1 record at 185-pounds, with his only loss coming against Anderson Silva.
If he is able to put together one more quality win on his resume, it would be pretty tough to deny him a title match even if Silva beats Chris Weidman at UFC 162 in July.
WINNER
Ronaldo Souza – Just about everyone and anyone predicted “Jacare” would tap out Chris Camozzi in the first round, but the highly-regarded grappler showed why his submission skills are a cut above the rest.
Souza managed to choke Camozzi unconscious with an arm-triangle in under three seconds, a feat that previously seemed impossible. Souza has now won four in a row, all finishes, and a fight with a true contender like Belfort certainly sounds intriguing.
WINNER
Nik Lentz – A fringe contender at lightweight, Lentz has now quietly won three in a row at featherweight.
His scrappy, wrestle-heavy approach may not always be flashy, but it sure is effective. It’s time to match Lentz up with a top 10 opponent as soon as possible.
WINNER
Evan Dunham – When UFC President Dana White says you were robbed by the judges, it’s usually safe to say they made the wrong call.
Dunham effectively outstruck and outgrappled Rafael Dos Anjos for the better part of 15 minutes, yet still lost a unanimous decision.
BIGGEST LOSER
Vitor Belfort – This isn’t a typo folks. As impressive as the KO over Rockhold was, it’s buried in controversy as Belfort refuses to talk about his testosterone replacement therapy usage.
Keith Kizer, the Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, has already stated that Belfort would not be granted a TRT exemption in the states due to getting popped for steroids in 2006.
Belfort is one of the best in the world, but will never be champion again if he has to continue fighting overseas in order to get a TRT exemption.
LOSER
Luke Rockhold – Rockhold talked a big game heading into his headlining bout with Vitor Belfort, but that was all he was able to do.
Inside the cage, the American Kickboxing Academy product simply had nothing to offer the former UFC champ. He remains a top 10 fighter and has plenty of time to improve at 28-years-old.
LOSER
Rafael dos Anjos – The Brazilian has officially won four in a row, but everyone knows Evan Dunham was the real winner on Saturday night.
The blueprint has been laid out on how to beat the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, so dos Anjos better hope he doesn’t face a hard-chinned grappler with effective counter punching in his next outing.
LOSER
Roger Hollett – Two UFC appearances, two incredibly boring decision losses.
Even though he entered the Octagon on a five-fight win streak in September of last year, Hollett clearly isn’t ready for the big leagues and needs more time to improve on the regional circuit.