/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29043505/112_ronda_rousey_vs_sara_mcmann.0.jpg)
Will we ever again see a UFC pay-per-view end without at least a shred of controversy? From the Georges St-Pierre circus, to Anderson Silva's gruesome leg break, and now to questionable stoppages by veteran referee Herb Dean in back-to-back months, something about that pay wall certainly seems to bring out the weirdness of late.
It's shame, too, because UFC 170's anticlimactic end overshadowed one of the most impressive performances in a career full of impressive performances. Rather than obstinately hunting for her trademark armbar, Ronda Rousey showed off the evolution of her game, dispatching fellow Olympic medalist Sara McMann with a vicious dirty boxing clinic that culminated in, according to Fightmetric, the first official knockdown in the history of the UFC women's bantamweight division -- via a knee to the liver, no less.
Rousey remains undefeated, and outside of 'Cyborg', the list of viable challengers to her throne grows smaller and less intimidating by the day.
Yet for the most part, the ensuing conversation revolved primarily around Dean's stoppage, which when contrasted with the T.J. Waldburger hamburgerface special Dean allowed just an hour prior, came off looking particularly odd. But alas, so it goes in the fight game.
Man there's no stopping @RondaRousey
— Cung Le (@CungLe185) February 23, 2014
Ronda looked very vicious tonight. #UFC170
— jimi manuwa (@POSTERBOYJM) February 23, 2014
Congratulations to the champ! @RondaRousey #WorkhardWinEasy
— Kelvin Gastelum (@KelvinGastelum) February 23, 2014
Come on it might have been over but this is a title fight give them a chance at least! Too many early title stoppages! #UFC170
— Darren Elkins (@Darren_Elkins) February 23, 2014
Ronda comes out and both throw some strikes. Mcmann drops from a knee to the body but herb steps in way too soon #ufc170
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) February 23, 2014
Fastest stoppage ever??
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) February 23, 2014
That last replay was a better vantage point to see what Herb saw, I can see why he stopped it as Sara was holding her body in pain
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) February 23, 2014
@RondaRousey give me a nervous boner..... Where I'm petrified but totally turned on at the same time :p
— Brandon Thatch (@RUKUSMMA303) February 23, 2014
I don't care how many anatomy lessons Goldberg gives us on the broadcast. That was a bad stoppage.
— Daniel Downes (@dannyboydownes) February 23, 2014
Honestly wtf was that @HerbDeanMMA?
— Tom Lawlor (@FilthyTomLawlor) February 23, 2014
Bad stoppage
— John Alessio (@johnalessio79) February 23, 2014
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. No way. Shittttttttt! I wanted to see more of that
— Chris Clements (@menaceclements) February 23, 2014
Herb I love you but go home. #UFC170
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) February 23, 2014
Bad stoppage 😔
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) February 23, 2014
I knew it was you Freddo... #EarlyStoppage #DamnIt
— Bahadurzada (@SiyarTheGreat) February 23, 2014
Weak!!!!!!
— Ricardo Lamas (@RicardoLamasMMA) February 23, 2014
Early stoppage....
— Tim Boetsch (@TimBoetsch) February 23, 2014
Your kidding me herb :( #UFC170
— Dylan Andrews (@dylanthevillian) February 23, 2014
Unpopular call but that was a good call by Herb Dean. #ufc170
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) February 23, 2014
People saying that was a bad stoppage have never taken a bad liver shot… You’re conscious but can’t move. They are the worst! #UFC170
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) February 23, 2014
Clearly….she’s hurt. But we don’t stop fights for hurt fighters standing up. Herb made a mistake. #UFC170
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) February 23, 2014
Herb can't catch a break
— Brian Rogers (@BRogthePredator) February 23, 2014
Sara was on her way back up... Let them fight...
— Tim Boetsch (@TimBoetsch) February 23, 2014
I wasn't a fan of that stoppage but Ronda was putting on Sarah for sure
— Ike Vallie-Flagg (@IKEVF) February 23, 2014
Let ‘em fight fuck! #UFC170
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) February 23, 2014
SO MANY OF YALL ARE SOOOO MAD HAHAH
— ThugRose Namajunas (@rosenamajunas) February 23, 2014
And the consensus is!!!!! bad stoppage in @UFC main event #ufc170
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) February 23, 2014
Oh. My. Jesus.
— russell doane (@RussellDoane135) February 23, 2014
A little premature but a wins a win... Wrestling is still a lot cooler then judo ; )
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) February 23, 2014
Championship fights especially should have the ref let a fight go. Bad stoppage 100% but Ronda gets the rd 1 win #ufc170
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) February 23, 2014
Well damn @RondaRousey, lucky I didn't go to kitchen to make a sandwich.. All Hail da Champ.. #LiverShot
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) February 23, 2014
Aaannnndddd we are left not feeling satisfied (well most of you) lol #UFC170 #TeamRousey
— Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) February 23, 2014
You stopped that herb?
— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) February 23, 2014
Well @ufc I want a refund
— Kyle Dake (@kyledake444) February 23, 2014
I can’t even…man bye. #UFC170 Ronda u still awesome tho, just wanted to see a good fight. #UFC170
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) February 23, 2014
After a shot to the liver your brain, heart and liver: Heart: Get up already, damn it! Brain: shut up heart! Liver: I'm out, screw u both!
— Bahadurzada (@SiyarTheGreat) February 23, 2014
Congratulations to Ronda. But I am very curious about what Dana White said in her ear! #curiouswomanrighthere Hahahaha
— Claudia Gadelha (@ClaudiaGadelha_) February 23, 2014
Even with the stoppage that a lot of people don't agree with, Sara McMann shows how classy she is by being graceful in defeat
— Mitch Clarke (@MitchClarkeMMA) February 23, 2014
@Sara_McMann is so gracious. Thank you for showing people how to act.
— LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) February 23, 2014
Been a fan of @Sara_McMann since I saw her fight in Carolina for Invicta fights. Absolute class act. She will come back to dominate.
— Jared Hamman (@jaredhammanMMA) February 23, 2014
Showing she's always improving. Congratulations @RondaRousey on your victory.
— Holly Holm (@_HOLLYHOLM) February 23, 2014
:) love u @RondaRousey
— Manny Gamburyan (@MannyGamburyan) February 23, 2014
No comment on the co main event & the main event. God is watching this.
— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) February 23, 2014
I'm glad @rondarousey won- now I can kick her ass in December - make it happen daddy @danawhite
— Cris Cyborg (@criscyborg) February 23, 2014
THERE WAS NO OTHER OUTCOME
If wrestling had punches it would be called Mma, wrestling is wrestling and DC showed PC that! #UFC170
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) February 23, 2014
Who didn't see that coming.... #UFC170
— Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) February 23, 2014
Talk shit get wrecked.. Way of the beast
— Yancy Medeiros (@ymedeiros) February 23, 2014
Can't believe anyone actually thought that would be slightly competitive in the least. Morons!
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) February 23, 2014
Don't fight DC on short notice , don't fight DC on a months notice , don't fight DC at all ! #UFC170
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 23, 2014
Did we really think that was gonna go any different?
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) February 23, 2014
Who all bought wolf tickets to the Pat Cummings show?
— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) February 23, 2014
I love that @DC_mma said "it had to be this way" in his post fight interview. A glorified workout partner can't be saying the stuff he did.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) February 23, 2014
I love the little shove DC gave at the end. Like a parent after giving their child spankings.
— russell doane (@RussellDoane135) February 23, 2014
DC did the damn thing! I thought Cummins had more for him than that! DC looked good!! But this next fight tho!!
— Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) February 23, 2014
Daniel Cormier I appreciate you... Thanks for that easy money
— Santana Slack (@Santanacrooks) February 23, 2014
Goof job @dcmma I didn't see the power coming watch out 205ers @Ufc @lunarpages @fearthefighter http://t.co/2qIyX251tW
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) February 23, 2014
That’s some sweet Karma right there. @dc_mma doing work. #ufc170
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) February 23, 2014
@OfficialDurkin U'll back bro! With a decent preparation, you're a force at 205!
— Bahadurzada (@SiyarTheGreat) February 23, 2014
That's what happens when u smack talk and disrespect ur opponent!! Great job @dc_mma
— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) February 23, 2014
Damn Wolf Tickets #UFC170
— Saul Almeida (@SaulAlmeida) February 23, 2014
No surprise.
— LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) February 23, 2014
@OfficialDurkin will B back .... Watch.
— Dennis Bermudez (@MenaceBermudez) February 23, 2014
People doubted when I said Cormier would crush Strikeforce GP field and that he would win UFC gold. If I was a 205er, I'd be damn nervous.
— Pat Miletich (@patmiletich) February 23, 2014
What a beast! Welcome to 205lb @dc_mma
— Cung Le (@CungLe185) February 23, 2014
Alot of people talk but few know how to fight! @ufc congrats #170 pic.twitter.com/H9cihP73HB
— Diego Brandao (@DiegoBrandaoMMA) February 23, 2014
Fuel for champions. Congrats, @dc_mma! #UFC170 #UltimateFriedChicken @UFC
— Popeyes Chicken (@PopeyesChicken) February 23, 2014
MACDONALD GETS BACK ON TRACK
Rory showed great composure on ground and survived a crazy tight mount by Maia. Props to Rory on the win
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) February 23, 2014
I love Demian Maia… Such awesome Jiu-Jitsu. Always one of my favorites to watch. #ufc170
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) February 23, 2014
Awesome performance from @rory_macdonald tonight! Congrats man. @tristargym @Firas_Zahabi @JonChaimberg @lexmcmahonMMA
— Rick Hawn (@RickHawnMMA) February 23, 2014
Man can't believe how bad Maia gassed. Rory's takedown D worse than some 7th graders I coach.
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) February 23, 2014
@demianmaia win the Fight i think
— Diego Brandao (@DiegoBrandaoMMA) February 23, 2014
Fun fight to watch MacDonald looked focus as ever #UFC170
— Darren Elkins (@Darren_Elkins) February 23, 2014
Amazing job by @rory_macdonald #futurechamp #UFC170
— Mark Bocek (@MarkBocek) February 23, 2014
Rory got this one but maia won the first. great heart http://t.co/G3HVkdrT9n
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) February 23, 2014
Really thought Maia could win that. #UFC170
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) February 23, 2014
Great fight! Let's get those guys a bonus!
— russell doane (@RussellDoane135) February 23, 2014
Why is Maia so anxious to meet Rory's kicks half way and headbutt his shin? 😁
— Bahadurzada (@SiyarTheGreat) February 23, 2014
Wow damien maia looking exhausted.. it got a little ugly in there
— Mike Brown (@mikebrownmma) February 23, 2014
That's how you weather the storm and hijack the ship! Congrats to @rory_macdonald #UFC170 @ufc 170
— Akira Corassani (@AkiraCorassani) February 23, 2014
THE MULLET PREVAILS
Looks like mike Pyle is wearing a squid-billy on his head!
— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) February 23, 2014
I like mike Pyle. Met him a few times, nice guy. But what the hell is he thinking with that mullet!
— michael (@bisping) February 23, 2014
Mike Goldberg just shouted out pyles mullet 😂😂
— russell doane (@RussellDoane135) February 23, 2014
Mullets win!! Mike Pyle finishes waldburger in rd 3. Some great elbows on the feet leading to more elbows in GNP! #ufc170
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) February 23, 2014
Shit bit late on the stoppage :/ #UFC170 good win
— Dylan Andrews (@dylanthevillian) February 23, 2014
Congrats to brother @Mike_Pyle what an awesome performance! #UFC170 I say that's deserving of a Performance of The Night bonus... @ufc
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) February 23, 2014
Herb Dean must've been hanging out with Nick Diaz back stage ! #UFC170
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) February 23, 2014
Great job @Mike_Pyle! :-) #UFC170
— Martin Kampmann (@MartinKampmann) February 23, 2014
Mike Pyle is always lookin extra average but still winning fights, knocking people Out & shit. That’s a special talent. #UFC170
— Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) February 23, 2014
Wow!!! @Mike_Pyle 38 yrs old and looks better then ever! Aging like a fine box of wine! Congrats dude! #UFC170
— Joseph Benavidez (@JoeJitsu) February 23, 2014
Mike Pyle #performanceofthenight well done!
— Brian Rogers (@BRogthePredator) February 23, 2014
I felt bad for TJ right there at the end. He was taking damage... I really like Tj I know hell bounce back.. #UFC170
— Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) February 23, 2014
Love seeing @Mike_Pyle show his skills. He looked like me sparring one my students tonight. One step and ahead and relaxed!
— Chris Clements (@menaceclements) February 23, 2014
I don't like to lose but that sure was a fun fight. Mike is a class act & a good fighter. It was his night but ill be back stronger #ufc170
— TJ Waldburger (@TJWaldburger) February 23, 2014
Heck yea Congratulations @Mike_Pyle Ready for some spring fishing Buddy?
— Court McGee (@Court_McGee) February 23, 2014
I wanna go fishing too
— Matthew Brown (@IamTheImmortal) February 23, 2014
WONDERBOY ROLLS
Congrats @WonderboyMMA great win and much future success my man.
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) February 23, 2014
Love watching @WonderboyMMA because he is always #BringingKarateBack! #ufc170
— Joe Lauzon (@JoeLauzon) February 23, 2014
@WonderboyMMA is simply amazing #UFC170
— Bubba McDaniel (@BubbaTheMenace) February 23, 2014
Shame for Whitaker, nice guy.
— michael (@bisping) February 23, 2014
Beautiful ko and flip. Don't try it home says Mike Goldberg
— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) February 23, 2014
Shiiiiit!!!! #UFC170
— Dylan Andrews (@dylanthevillian) February 23, 2014
That was a nice shot! #UFC
— LIZ CARMOUCHE (@iamgirlrilla) February 23, 2014
Good start to #ufc170 ppv! Hope the night continues this way!!
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) February 23, 2014
Bad luck to @RJWhittaker1990 everyone gets caught one day. Rob will be back he has more heart than anyone! @ufc @UFC_Australia
— Ben 'Manimal' Wall (@BenWallMMA) February 23, 2014