I’d like to think I’m like most fans of MMA when I sit down to watch an event. As a martial artist I appreciate the intricacies of MMA. I realize that there is strategy and timing and hours of training that goes into just one fight. But honestly, I mostly want to see someone get knocked the fuck out!*

So when Spike broadcast The Ultimate Fighter Finale on Saturday night I was supremely excited in anticipation of previously mentioned knock out. No such luck.

Although some of the fights were pretty good, I wasn’t blown away by any fight. As a matter of fact, I think the best fight of the evening was the finale fight between Amir and C.B. I was very, very, very happy that Amir won, controversial or not. (Seriously though, C.B. clearly tapped out.)

Matt Riddle vs. Dante Rivera Matt looked fantastic, but I felt like he should have been able to finish Dante off pretty quickly given his strength and speed over Dante. I was never a fan of Dante and thought he was highly overrated from the get go. I doubt we’ll be seeing  much of him in the UFC and if by some miracle he ends up on a future fight card, I just don’t think he has the skill needed to be a real contender in the UFC.

Spencer Fisher vs. Jeremy Stephens I am a big fan of Spencer “The King”Fisher. He’s a good fighter with a lot of heart which is all I look for in a good fighter. I was impressed with his performance and I am happy he got the “W”.

Diego Sanchez Vs. Luigi Fioravanti I love Diego Sanchez. He’s a fierce fighter who strives for nothing but perfection. Luigi was a tough competitor for Diego and I think Diego showed us that he has truly grown as a fighter since his loses and I am hungry for a rematch between him and Josh Koscheck.

Amir Sadollah vs. C.B. Dollaway What can I say? If you doubted it the first time, he came back and did it again but faster!

Kendall Grove vs. Evan Tanner I am sure Evan was a fantastic fighter in his day, but he is clearly past his prime. Some guys and fight well into their 40’s (generally considered well passed your prime in most sports) such as Randy Couture and Chuck Lidell, but unfortunately I don’t think Evan Tanner is one of those guys. Sorry Evan. And to be honest, I don’t think Kendall Grove looked that good against Evan. His performance was okay, but only in comparison to the aging Evan Tanner.

Overall, I am glad I didn’t have to pay for it, but I am glad I watched it.

(*A tap out or stoppage is just as acceptable.)