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Sunday, May 11, 2014

Dana White Says Matt Brown is “Becoming Big Star”, but Hector Lombard, Not Johny Hendricks Could be Next

Matt Brown (photo via CageMinds.com)

By FCF Staff

Some fans and observers may not be sold on Matt Brown’s title shot request just yet, but there’s no question that the noted finisher is closing in on one fast. Thanks to a six fight win streak, Brown was awarded headlining status at UFC Fight Night 40, versus fellow contender Erick Silva. Not only did Brown go on to stop Silva in round three, but the 33 year-old sent the Cincinnati fans into a frenzy while doing so, by surviving several punishing shots and precarious positions in round one.

While Brown called for a fight with champion Johny Hendricks immediately after the win, UFC boss man Dana White says the #7 ranked welterweight isn’t quite there.

“I was just talking to him about that. I told him, let me get home and figure it out,” White relayed to FOX Sports 1 after the bout, while noting that Brown hadn’t fought since last August due to injury. “He’s not there yet because he was injured. We’re going to give him something big – maybe Hector Lombard is next.”

Although that may not have been what Brown wanted to hear, White heaped praise on the Ohio fighter, who continues to build on an already sizeable fanbase.

“That was one of the best first rounds I’ve ever seen,” said White. “Brown ate those body shots like a champ. Those were brutal. The kid is becoming a big star, but he’s a huge star in Cincinnati tonight.”

“It was a ridiculous fight – one of the best I’ve ever seen,” FOX Sports commentator and ex-fighter Kenny Florian added. “Matt Brown took over and he did it in the clinch. Once he found his groove, he was just devastating. I’m not sure he’s human. Silva showed so much heart and a great chin as well.”

Although Brown’s assault on the 170 pound rankings continues, for several moments in round one it looked as though the fighter’s streak was coming to an end. Silva sent Brown reeling to the canvas in agony with a pounding body kick early on, and proceeded to take the veteran’s back. From there, the BJJ black belt attempted to finish the deal with several rear-naked-choke attempts, but Brown defended well and eventually resumed his attack.

“I was hurt pretty bad. I came out and I was a little cold,” Brown conceded after the bout. “It was my first main event. I warmed up right, but then had to wait for the main event to start. I don’t know how to prepare for that. I was cold. I guess I’ll have to ask Jon Jones. Give some credit to Erick. He comes from weird angles. You can’t train for him. He’s unpredictable and wild.”

Of course, one of the key reasons the UFC gave Brown the promotional platform that they did on Saturday, is because of the welterweight’s aggressive style and finishing prowess. With the TKO victory over Silva, Brown has now recorded stoppage wins in six of his last seven bouts.

“Matt Brown showed his forward aggression and punching power,” middleweight and FOX Sports commentator Michael Bisping relayed. “He hit the elbows at close range. It was only a matter of time for the ref to get in and end it. He was just swarming. It was a masterpiece of Muay Thai. He stayed in the pocket, threw combinations, knees and elbows and finished it off.”

UFC FN 40 was hosted by Cincinnati’s U.S. Bank Arena.

 

 

posted by FCF Staff @ 10:48 am
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