Photo/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesHere is what we learned from the UFC 140 main card and what is (or could be) next for the fighters:
Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Jones defeated Machida by submission in Round 2
What we learned about Jones: We learned that Jones can take a punch. Many critics have said that Jones has not been tested and have questioned his attitude and heart. He answered the critics in this fight with his finish of Machida. He lost the first round in the opinion of many experts, only to come back and display his grappling and submission of Lyoto Machida.
What is next for Jones: Jones is scheduled to face the winner of the Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans fight at UFC on Fox 2 on Jan 28.
What we learned about Machida: We learned that Machida is still an elite striker and contender in the light heavyweight division. Machida did a masterful job of closing the distance with his 10.5-inch reach disadvantage by darting in and out with his striking in the first round.
What is next for Machida: Machida should have a minor medical suspension and should get either the loser of Evans-Davis or possible a fight with Dan Henderson.
Frank Mir vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
Division: Heavyweight
Result: Mir defeated Nogueira submission in Round 1
What we learned about Mir: Mir can still take a serious shot and recover. Although Mir has been knocked out by Shane Carwin, Brock Lesnar and others in his career, his comeback was nothing short of spectacular. His is widely considered one of the top two or three in the division as far as submissions and jiu-jitsu. After his win at UFC 140, few can dispute his top billing jiu-jitsu skills in the heavyweight division.
What is next for Mir: The win puts Mir back in the top handful of heavyweights and a matchup with Cain Velazquez or the loser Allistar Overeem-Brock Lesnar makes some sense since Lesnar and Mir stand at 1-1 in their fights
What we learned about Nogueira: "Big Nog" showed that his hands/boxing skills are still formidable and he has tons of heart. He dropped Mir and made technical mistakes as he pounced and tried to finish the former UFC heavyweight champion. He refused to tap once it was clear (after he tried to roll out of the Kimura submission) that it would end his night and break his upper arm.
What is next for Nogueira: Nogueria will have a lengthy (minimal six-month) medical suspension with the arm break. I would look for him in the fall of 2012 against a top 10 opponent or rising prospect. A fight with Daniel Cormier, who is scheduled to fight Josh Barnett in the spring of 2012 would answer questions about both fighters.
Tito Ortiz vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Division: Light Heavyweight
Result: Nogueira defeated Ortiz by TKO in Round 1
What we learned about Nogueria: "Little Nog," who dropped two tough decisions against Ryan Bader and Phil Davis, is still formable in the light heavyweight division with his dismantling of Tito Ortiz. At 20-5, Nogueria needs a signature win to get his name in the handful of fighters who are in title fight conversations.
What is next for Nogueria: A fight with Forrest Griffin, Rich Franklin, or the winner of Alexander Gustafsson-Vladimir Matyushenko could be in store.
What we learned about Ortiz: The self proclaimed "The People's Champion" has now lost two in a row via TKO in his last two fights in the Octagon, and five out of last six UFC fights. The lone win during that stretch against Ryan Bader is looking more and more of an aberration.
What is next for Ortiz: Ortiz has one fight left on his contract and my guess is that Dana and the UFC will setup a farewell fight. Forrest Griffin, who Tito is 1-1 against, would be a great way to send out the former champ and future UFC Hall of Famer.
Brian Ebersole vs. Claude Patrick
Division: Welterweight
Result: Ebersole defeated Patrick by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
What we learned about Ebersole: The eccentric Ebersole is now 3-0 in the UFC and winner of his last 10 fights. His hard-fought, workmanlike effort against Patrick will now give him a chance to move up the middle ranks of the welterweight division.
What is next for Ebersole: It is time to move Ebersole up in competition against potentially his original match with Rory Markham or Paulo Thiago (who had his fight in January moved with Pierce, who is now fighting Josh Koscheck).
What we learned about Patrick: With his 13-fight winning streak snapped, Patrick will look to rebound quickly. We learned that although he was 3-0 going into the fight with Ebersole, he may need a bit more experience before moving back up the welterweight ladder. His overall game was on display.
What is next for Patrick: Potentially a fight against Jake Hecht, who won on the same UFC 140 card. It is a fight that would make sense.
Chan Sung Jung vs. Mark Hominick
Division: Featherweight
Result: Chan Sung Jung defeated Hominick by KO in Round 1
What we learned about Jung: We learned that Jung has a nice straight right hand, but in truth we did not learn much. The win does raise Jung stock's considerably as he beat Hominick, who was one fight removed from fighting for the title.
What is next for Jung: Jung, at 2-0 in the UFC, will likely get a fight that would set up an upper-tier ranking with an additional win. A fight against Tyson Griffin, Marlon Sandro, or Darren Elkins would allow the UFC to build Jung.
What we learned about Hominick: Hominick, who came into the fight off a loss to longtime trainer and friend Shawn Tompkins, merely got caught. He went in overzealous, and got hit with a clean right hand.
What is next for Hominick: A fight with the winner of Garza-Poirer would make sense in many ways. Hominick, with two consecutive losses, will have his back against the wall in a must-win next fight.
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