UFC 118 revealed a number of important factors for mixed martial arts and the UFC's lightweight division in particular. Perhaps most significant among these was a real changing of the guard at the top of the lightweight ranks. We also saw lessons we already knew get reinforced. Let us turn now to three important lessons that UFC 118 taught us.
1. BJ is no longer one of the greats.
This one seems painfully obvious, but to many longtime fans of UFC betting, it is a huge change to come to grips with. For years, Penn has been lauded not only as the best lightweight on the planet, but many calling him the greatest fighter in the sport. This distinction took a serious hit after Georges St. Pierre dismantled him summarily in their rematch at UFC 94, and then his performances against Edgar in the first fight and then the rematch. Many fans and pundits - including your humble author - believed BJ won the first fight. Still, his performance was lacking terribly compared to previous outings. With this last fight, there can be no question. BJ's time at the top is over.
2. Boxing is not fighting.
Most people who know anything about mixed martial arts understood this lesson very early on. Frankly, most boxers are acutely aware of this fact. Prior to the Toney-Couture fight, a number of boxers were polled their opinions, and none picked Toney to win. Boxer Paulie Malinaggi in particular provided a fantastic analysis. Hopefully the spectacle last Saturday informs some fans still deluded.
3. Florian is a gatekeeper.
Betting fans know that K-Flo has looked great as of late, but Saturday's fight against Gray Maynard sealed the deal: Florian is a gatekeeper, he simply does not have the wrestling or a dangerous enough guard to deal with the powerful wrestlers in the lightweight division. K-Flo will provide a solid test for top lightweights looking to crack the elite.
