UFC 160: Cain Velasquez retains, Hunt, Dos Santos in War as part of Defining Night in Vegas

Heavyweights. Heavy Hands. Heavy Stakes. Things were colossal in Las Vegas, as UFC 160 came LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden. It was all to play for in a huge card that included a Heavyweight war, World title match and many other entertaining bouts. The final result saw Cain Velasquez retain his UFC Heavyweight Championship.
 

#UFC160 Predictions: Winners will be TJ Grant, Donald Cerrone, Glover Teixeira, Junior Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez
— Nisar Khan (@iNisarKhan) May 26, 2013

Kicking off the main card was the Lightweight Divison, as Donald Cerrone battled KJ Noons in what was indeed a dominating display by 'The Cowboy'. KJ Noons - who was making his UFC debut - was victim of vicious Ground & Pound attacks, including several elbows that were to cut open Noons' face many a time. KJ Noons did land an excellent spinning fist, but it was a minority of attempts in his loss via Unanimous Decision to Donald Cerrone. Dominant.
FINAL RESULT: Donald Cerrone def. KJ Noons via Unanimous Decision

Cerrone lands a kick on Noons. Picture Courtesy: Las Vegas Sun

Living Legends!!!! @miketyson and @chuckliddell twitter.com/danawhite/stat…
— Dana White (@danawhite) May 26, 2013

It was a pivotal lightweight bout between TJ Grant and Gray Maynard as a shot at the Lightweight Championship was up for grabs. This was to add to the mix of the intriguing match-up between the two who were coming off strong runs. The two came out striking, but it was straight in the first round where TJ Grant stepped it up on the biggest fight of his career, with a series of strikes as he got Maynard against the cage before the stoppage. An emphatic knockout victory that puts TJ Grant first in line for a shot at the Lightweight Championship. Execution.
FINAL RESULT: TJ Grant def. Gray Maynard via TKO (Round 1, 2:07)

TJ Grant knocks out Maynard and is in line for a title shot. Picture Courtesy: Las Vegas Sun

Glover Teixeira continued his winning ways by a Round 1 victory over James Te Huna. The Light Heavyweight battle was highly anticipated by many in the UFC, and Glover Teixeira did a fantastic technical display to submit James Te Huna via the Guillotine Choke and Te Huna tapped. Just as Teixieira thought that glory couldn't get any better, he received a standing ovation from the one and only, Mike Tyson.

When you get a stannding ovation from Mike Tyson, you know you have done a good job. Teixeira wins by submission. #UFC160
— Nisar Khan (@iNisarKhan) May 26, 2013

Teixiera was overwhelmed by the fact that Mike Tyson gave him the standing ovation, what a night for Glover Teixeira of which puts him right in the mix in the Light Heavyweight divison, and he is currently ranked #4. Uprising.
FINAL RESULT: Glover Teixeira def. James Te Huna via Submission (Round 1, 2:38)

Teixeira locks in the Guillotine Choke on Te Huna. Picture Courtesy: MMA Fighting

In the co-main event, Heavyweights - and lethal strikers - Junior Dos Santos and Mark Hunt battled for a shot at the Heavyweight title. There was some superb striking on the part of Dos Santos, and he caught Hunt with a THUNDEROUS hit round the ear, but Hunt managed to pull through. Hunt gave many damaging strikes of his own, but Dos Santos was to quick for him, and the damage took it's toll on Hunt. The fight came to an end in the 3rd Round, even though it was evident that Dos Santos was on course for a decision win, he proceeded to get the finish, and did so in emphatic fashion with a spinning wheel kick knocking out Mark Hunt. Junior Dos Santos was ecstatic after his victory, meanwhile the 39 year old Mark Hunt was looking the worse for wear as he struggled to get back up after the fight. He did indeed prove he had courage and heart to fight on, but it was not enough for the win. Dos Santos reigns supreme in Vegas, a much better result than the last time he was there and he lost his title. Retribution.

Spinning Heel Kick: Heavyweight Edition by JDS.WOW just WOW @junior_cigano! #UFC160
— UFC (@ufc) May 26, 2013

FINAL RESULT: Junior Dos Santos def. Mark Hunt via Knockout (Round 3, 4:18)

Dos Santos lands a huge shot on Hunt. Picture Courtesy: UFC.TV, attained by Bleacher Report

In the main event, Cain Velasquez made his first UFC Heavyweight title defense as he faced Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva. Velasquez and Silva had previously met before with it being one of the bloodiest fights in UFC history. It was indeed a similar outcome to the last meeting as Cain Velasquez yet again knocked out Silva in the first round. One solid punch got Silva down, before Velasquez finished him off to retain his UFC Heavyweight Championship. Cain Velasquez is proving that he is a force to be reckoned with after knocking Silva out for the second time. Deja Vu.

DEJA VU! Cain Velasquez defeats Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva by 1st round TKO... just like he did exactly 1 year ago. Velasquez improves to 12-1.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 26, 2013

FINAL RESULT: Cain Velasquez def. Antonio Silva via Knockout (Round 1, 1:21) Retains Heavyweight Title

Velasquez retains his title. Picture Courtesy: UFC.TV screenshot attained from Bleacher Report

100% on my main card predictions and indeed an entertaining night of fights, with a stacked card that did live up to expectations, great knockouts and definitely defining some of the title pictures in the UFC. Does this set up Dos Santos vs. Velasquez III, considering they were both victorious? And how about TJ Grant, when will he get his Lightweight shot? Not to mention Teixeira creeping into Light Heavyweight contention. The prospects following a great night are very exciting.
UFC 160 was a defining night. Cain Velasquez reigns victorious.
And still, your UFC Heavyweight Champion. 


Picture Courtesy: Las Vegas Sun, MMA Fighting, Bleacher Report
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