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UFC 164 kicked off with a fight in the middleweight division between long time UFC vet Jared Hamman, returning from a long injury layoff, facing relative newcomer Magnus Cedenblad of Sweden. While the fight was short on name power it came with very real implications as both fighters had struggled to find form recently, with Hamman losing his last two bouts by KO/TKO and Cedenblad dropping his debut to Francis Carmont. The loser here could easily find himself on his way out of the promotion.
What is there to say. Hamman came out looking to press the fight to the ground. He ate a couple of leg kicks from Cedenblad on the outside before charging in for a takedown. What followed was one of the slicker top guillotines I've seen in a long time. Cedenblad locked his long arms around Hamman's exposed neck, swept for top position and choked him nearly unconscious. The result: Magnus Cedenblad def. Jared Hamman via Submission (guillotine) at 0:57 of Round 1.
What was the high point?
Since the fight was so short, the high point was really the fight itself. It was a beautiful submission by Cedenblad, one of the best I've seen in a long time. It was especially good to see a fresh prospect pick up a win in the UFC.
What was the low point?
Nothing, unless you're a big fan of Hamman's.
Where do they go from here?
For Cedenblad, this was a much needed rejuvination. He got manhandled a bit by Francis Carmont, but that's just sort of a thing that Francis Carmont does. This was a great opportunity for him to show his skills to the world and he made the most of it. The Carmont fight showed that he needs more polish, but this was a performance to make me excited to see him fight again and that's always a good thing. I'd like to see him against someone like Buddy Roberts or Caio Magalhaes next.
For Hamman, I have to think this is the end of his time in the UFC. He's lost his last three fights, all by stoppage and he just doesn't appear to be developing as a fighter. At 2-5 now I can't see much sense in holding on to him and I expect he'll be back on the regional scene soon.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Watch it now, definitely. Quick fight and a fantastic finish from a decent prospect. Worth seeing so you know what to look for next time Cedeblad fights.
More from Bloody Elbow:
- Cage Warriors champion Jim Alers talks about his MMA career past, present, and future
- UFC 164 results: Kid Nate's bathrobe review & analysis for Henderson vs. Pettis 2
- UFC 164 results: Post-fight interviews
- UFC 164 results: Dana White post-fight media scrum
- UFC 164 Results Sunday Perspective: Anthony Pettis submits Ben Henderson to take UFC Lightweight title
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