Five Observations About UFC on FOX 4

This was what the UFC and FOX had in mind when they entered into a seven-year contract. The four-fight UFC on FOX 4 show was filled with drama, violence and intrigue. You had an underdog story, a comeback kid, title implications and a scrap for the ages. You had some brawling, a fair amount of technique, and copious displays of heart.

Basically, whatever you desire as an MMA fan, it was there for you at some point of UFC on FOX 4. Given the frequent criticisms of cards that don't deliver, we must offer credit where it is deserved. And the eight men on the main card delivered.

Here are the rest of my observations about the night's fights.

1. You can lose and still raise your stock

Both Brandon Vera and Jamie Varner are great examples of this. They might have ultimately added losses to their records, but ask yourself this, are you more or less likely to watch either guy the next time out? Are you more or less interested?

Vera was a game opponent for Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, fighting back from several difficult situations and putting Rua in trouble at times. Varner went to war with Joe Lauzon in a high-paced, high-energy fight.

The ironic thing is, both guys have been in need of jumpstarting their careers. Vera really hasn't put together a spirited performance since a close fight with Randy Couture in 2009. All of the sudden, he found the old spirit that years ago made him a UFC heavyweight title contender. Meanwhile, Varner launched himself back into the lightweight picture in May with an upset of Edson Barboza. While he lost to Lauzon, he had his moments, rocking Lauzon and putting the fight's conclusion in doubt.

Vera and Varner will both be back, and when they return, they'll arrive with more fans than they had before this weekend. And that means that for both, the weekend was a net positive.

2. Mike Swick is the best comeback story in years

It's impossible to try to understand the emotion that went through Swick in the moments after his win over DeMarques Johnson. Swick hadn't fought in 30 months. Last time he competed, B.J. Penn was the UFC lightweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko was still in the midst of his historic unbeaten streak, and the WEC was still in existence. Suffice it to say, a lot has changed in the time that Swick has battled illness and injury.

At 33 years old, Swick isn't ancient, but it was easy to wonder how so much time on the sidelines would impact him. As it turns out, not much. Swick's striking looked pretty crisp, and he brought the same wallop that he became famous for in his early UFC days.

After going through so much, it was nice to see Swick get the opportunity to make his return on FOX. It was even nicer to see him be as impressive as he was.

3. Varner vs. Lauzon is the new leader for Fight of The Year

I don't even think there's any debate about this, is there? Prior to this, the top contenders were fights like Chan Sung Jung vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC on FUEL 3, Ben Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar at UFC 144, and a host of others. But as far as I can remember, no fights in 2012 had as many momentum swings and so many thrills as this fight.

One second, Varner was rocking Lauzon, the next Lauzon was getting the fight to the ground and taking Varner's back. Every time it seemed like one man was getting it to a place where he could take command, the other would turn the tide. Just as impressively, the two showed good conditioning, fighting through the grueling pace to deliver a classic.

4. Lyoto Machida had a great win, but shouldn't be No. 1 contender

I've always had a deep appreciation for Machida's style, as well as the way he employs it. When he's on, his patience, timing and execution are something worthy of marvel, as he showed when he knocked out the charging Ryan Bader with a masterfully timed right hand.

That said, Machida hasn't done enough to earn another chance to fight for the belt so quickly after losing his last one. Machida lost to Jones just last December. Since then, he's only fought once, this win over Bader. Why is that enough? Shouldn't we demand more?

With Jon Jones and Dan Henderson fighting, there's no reason to rush a new No. 1 contender out anyway. Why not take a little time and see how things play out? Why not give Alexander Gustafsson a chance to impress, or see how Glover Teixeira does against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson? Why not match up Machida with one of the aforementioned names?

On one hand, I can understand the UFC wanting to name a challenger early. It allows them to set their calendar and focus their marketing efforts. But in this instance, it would have been worth seeing how a few other things worked out before handing Machida his gift-wrapped opportunity.

5. Brandon Vera finally walked the walk

Fight after fight, Vera has been telling us he was back. He's new and improved. He's going to make a statement. Some variation of those common themes. But time after time, he's fallen flat.

On Thursday's edition of MMA Uncensored Live, Nate Quarry, who has trained with Vera in the past, might have put it best when he said, "He brings a .44 Magnum to every fight but never pulls the trigger."

Then, it was a valid and fair criticism. But not now. He certainly pulled the trigger against Shogun. He fought him tooth and nail. There were moments when it looked like he was ready to fold and surrender, and he didn't. According to FightMetric, it took 142 Rua strikes to put Vera out. That's a huge number, and it shows how badly Vera wanted the fight.

"I wanted people to know I'm not done, not by a long shot," he said afterward.

Well done, Brandon. And this time, we have reason to believe you.

Grid View

• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua and Brandon Vera slug it out during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua enters the cage during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua walks into the Octagon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Shogun works ground and pound on Brandon Vera during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Shogun lands a hard right hand on Brandon Vera during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Shogun Rua fires a knee to the face of Brandon Vera during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Brandon Vera lands punches on Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Brandon Vera eats a right hook from Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Brandon Vera fires a left hand to Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua's face during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua fires punches on the ground during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Brandon Vera walks back to his corner between rounds during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua lands a left hand on Brandon Vera during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Referee Herb Dean pulls Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua off of Brandon Vera during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua walks away after beating Ryan Bader during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua is declared the winner during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Brandon Vera during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua talks to Joe Rogan during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Brandon Vera looks dejected during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Terry Crews applauds the action of the fights during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida finishes off Ryan Bader during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Ryan Bader enters the cage during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida enters the cage during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Fans cheer for Lyoto Machida during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida lands a body kick on Ryan Bader during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida between rounds during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida gets out of the way of a kick from Ryan Bader during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Referee 'Big' John McCarthy pulls Lyoto Machida off of Ryan Bader during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida bows after stopping Ryan Bader during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida celebrates his victory during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida is declared the winner during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida raises his hand in victory during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Lyoto Machida poses for the cameras with his team during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Jamie Varner cracks Joe Lauzon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Joe Lauzon enters the cage during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Jamie Varner stretches during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Jamie Varner attempts a body shot on Joe Lauzon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Jamie Varner fires a jab at Joe Lauzon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Jamie Varner rears back to punch Joe Lauzon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Jamie Varner and Joe Lauzon exchange strkes during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Joe Lauzon throws a right hook at Jamie Varner during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Joe Lauzon locks up a triangle choke on Jamie Varner during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Joe Lauzon celebrates after Jamie Varner taps out during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Joe Lauzon raises his hands in victory over Jamie Varner during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick blasts DaMarques Johnson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick enters the cage during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick gets checked by the commission before entering the cage during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick lands a hard right hand on DaMarques Johnson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick misses with a punch against DaMarques Johnson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos DaMarques Johnson attempts to choke Mike Swick during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick puts DaMarques Johnon to sleep during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick celebrates his victory over DaMarques Johnson atop the Octagon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos DaMarques Johnson is attended to by the officiating crew during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos A dejected DaMarques Johnson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick screams in happiness during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Mike Swick poses for the camera with his coaches during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan throws a right hand at Cole Miller during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Cole Miller during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Pham lands a jab on Cole Miller during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan and Cole Miller exchange strikes during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Cole Miller's right hook finds the mark on Nam Phan during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan drives a body shot to Cole Miller's stomach during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan between rounds during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan catches a kick from Cole Miller during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan is declared the winner over Cole Miller during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan celebrates his victory over Cole Miller during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Nam Phan enjoys his winning moment during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Wagner Prado gets emotional after his fight is stopped against Phil Davis during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil Davis makes his way to the Octagon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Wagner Prado drills Phil Davis during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Wagner Prado winces after getting poked in the eye during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX Photos The Phil Davis vs. Wagner Prado fight is ruled a no-decision during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Josh Grispi drills Rani Yahya with a knee during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Rani Yahya submits Josh Grispi via north-south choke during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Rani Yahya celebrates his decision win during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil De Fries makes his way to the Octagon during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil De Fries punches Oli Thompson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil De Fries knocks down Oli Thompson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil De Fries tries to finish Oli Thompson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil De Fries celebrates his submission win over Oli Thompson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Phil De Fries celebrates his submission win over Oli Thompson during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Michihiro Omigawa knocks down Manny Gamburyan during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Manny Gamburyan tries to kick Michihiro Omigawa in the head during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Michihiro Omigawa punches Manny Gamburyan during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Manny Gamburyan tries to take down Michihiro Omigawa during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos Manny Gamburyan kicks Michihiro Omigawa in the head during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos John Maroga kicks Ulysses Gomez during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos John Maroga drops Ulysses Gomez during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos John Maroga celebrates his knockout win over Ulysses Gomez during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos John Maroga celebrates his knockout win over Ulysses Gomez during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.
• UFC on FOX 4 Photos A shot of the crowd during UFC on FOX 4 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 4, 2012.