UFC 146: Dos Santos vs. Mir – Post-Fight

Junior Dos Santos by Justin McAllister

He called it! In his predicted fashion Junior Dos Santos finished Frank Mir in the second round by way of knockout. The pair headlined UFC 146 which boasted an all-heavyweight main card. The event was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 26, 2012. Their fight was a highlight reel for Dos Santos, who dominated Mir in a round and a half of crisp boxing.

Dos Santos’ hands looked phenomenal. His striking was certainly the best it has ever been, forcing Mir to feel very uncomfortable in exchanges. A defense-first Mir seemed to have little confidence committing to any punch, fearing that the counter may end his night.

In the first round, Mir snatched a single-leg early and attempted a dump. Dos Santos had little trouble countering it with strong hips, triggering Mir to drop down for a foot lock which just wasn’t there. As the round wore on Dos Santos would throw a shot or two and circle to his left. Mir was in a southpaw stance, and Dos Santos wisely circled towards the jab of Mir, taking any chance of getting caught with a big right out of the equation.

At the very end of the round, Dos Santos blasted Mir with a combination against the fence. Mir attempted a half-hearted shot with a couple of seconds to go, forcing Dos Santos to pull back as the round time expired. It was a very clear 10-9 round for Dos Santos, who may have not been hit cleanly once the entire frame.

Dos Santos set Mir on his butt within the first minute of the second round. Letting him back up, it was clear that no cornering Mir received was going to help him avoid the hands of Dos Santos. It was only a matter of time until he was caught again, this time with a straight-right counter to his head kick. Dos Santos pounced with a flurry, and referee Herb Dean was forced to jump in and save Mir from further damage.

With a title defense now under his belt, Dos Santos will set his sights on Cain Velascuez, who steamrolled Antonio Silva in the co-main event. The match-up may be prolonged based on Velazcuez’s hand injury, but the rematch of the two top heavyweights is bound to happen. With Alistair Overeem suspended and Daniel Cormier tied to Strikeforce for another bout, it is the only fight that makes sense.