The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to Dallas, Texas, with a main event featuring UFC favorite Rich Franklin and returning Brazilian powerhouse Vitor Belfort. Also on the card another powerful Brazilian by the name of Junior Dos Santos was set to battle the Croatian sensation Mirko Filipovic.

Tyson Griffin Vs. Hermes Franca
Nuggety Griffin clashed with Brazilian Franca, who was sporting a strangely placid hair color. The opening round was a real feeling out process with Tyson looking much more compact and precise, where as Hermes, as usual when standing, swings like a windmill. It stayed on its feet for the most part and Griffin took the round, scoring points with his jab and octagon control.

Franca came out swinging wildly in the second round and Griffin responded brilliantly, lifting the intensity to a new level. Hermes catches a Griffin kick and lets go with a few straight punches. Tyson escapes, catches Hermes with a great gun barrel straight right hand and is all over Franca until the ref calls an end to the fight. Griffin finally showing that he really can stop an opponent. His striking has been improving every fight but he looks to be developing power shots now too.

Josh Koscheck Vs. Frank Trigg
Many hardcore fans were hoping to see a rejuvenated youthful Frank Trigg. “Kos” had other ideas and came out attacking hard at the bell. Trigg never had time to settle, as he was bombarded by Josh’s strength and heavy-hands. Frank got stung by a straight right and went down. Koscheck swooped in, positioned his right hand on its target and unleashed till the ref waved him away. Franks return only lasted 1min 25sec. Koscheck has had a busy year and to his credit always bounces back well after a defeat.

Martin Kampmann Vs. Paul Daley
Initially due to face Mike Swick in a title eliminator, Kampmann dueled with late replacement and UFC newcomer, Englishman Paul “Semtex” Daley.

Both fighters bring steam early and exchange on the feet, with Daley looking to take off Kampmann’s head. Paul connects with a couple and Martin feels it. He drives in for a takedown but is shunned by Daley. They clinch and “Semtex” hurts “The Hitman”, creates some space and lands several more unanswered shots on Kampmann, who is out on his feet. The referee steps in to halt proceedings, much to the dismay of the crowd.

The stoppage could have been a touch too early, although Daley would have just completed the destruction anyway (in my opinion) if it went on any longer. An impressive octagon debut for Paul Daley and this may fast track him for some big fights in the future.

Mirko Cro Cop Vs. Junior Dos Santos
Adding more international flavor to the card was the much-anticipated stand up confrontation between the Croatian “Cro Cop” and the Brazilian “Cigano”.

Fans were not disappointed as these two went toe to toe for the entire fight, not once thinking about taking it to the ground. Dos Santos showed his power early and not just power but also great speed, especially for a heavyweight. Mirko on the other hand, showed that he has a good chin and great determination. There was plenty of back and forth action but Junior was edging ahead in the striking, always moving forward and pushing the pace. Cro Cop was forced to cover up and then try to counter, without too much in the way of damage. The Brazilian claiming first round honors.

The second round sees Dos Santos still pushing the pace and landing first – hard. Mirko looks a little slow and not too sure of himself. He begins to throw a few more kicks and lands one low on Junior, who then takes a minute or two to recover. Upon resumption Cro Cop lands a few good shots but they just don’t have the same venom as his opponents strikes and Junior goes two rounds up.

Mirko pushes forward in the last round, gets clinched and gets kneed often and hard by Dos Santos. The Brazilian leans in again and collects the Croatian clean on the cheek with a knee, followed by a vicious upper cut and Cro Cop clutches his face and tells the ref that he cannot continue. Dos Santos throws himself to the mat in celebration, claiming another huge scalp in his short but stunning career.

Rich Franklin Vs. Vitor Belfort
Another tough but great match up for Franklin, at the 195lbs catch-weight against “The Phenom”, had everyone excited.

The opening stanza saw both fighters being very respectful of the others skills, with a lot of faking and feeling out going on. Rich controls the octagon and shadows Vitor - they exchange and again give each other some space. Franklin moves in with a combination but gets caught behind the ear with a glancing punch and goes down, turtling up on the floor. Belfort swarms in and delivers a few more fight ending punches, stopping the bout just over three minutes in. Along the way letting the UFC know that he is well and truly back on the championship landscape.

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