UFC 165 winner Brendan Schaub (right)

By Michael Hatamoto

UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub choked out heavy-handed Matt Mitrione on the main card of UFC 165, winning with a solid D’Arce choke submission.

Mitrione was expected to try and put pressure on Schaub whenever the fight was standing, however, we saw Schaub land more significant strikes on the feet. Following a barrage of heavy shots, Schaub was able to land a takedown and Mitrione was clearly in trouble.

Just because Schaub had a horrible performance against Roberto Abreau at Metamoris 2 earlier in the year, doesn’t mean the 30-year-old can’t cause most UFC heavyweight fighters stress while on the ground.

Mitrione is known for his outlandish attitude and heavy hands, but anyone with a logical MMA sense understood Schaub headed into the fight with better overall MMA skills. Unfortunately for Mitrione, he entered professional MMA at a later age, and he likely won’t have time to try and develop his submission defense and BJJ game – and could be relegated to standing and banging with all of his opponents.

Since dropping two straight fights by knockout to Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Ben Rothwell, Schaub has bounced back by beating Lavar Johnson and Mitrione.

The UFC shouldn’t immediately throw Schaub a top heavyweight, despite relatively thin ranks in the HW division, as I believe he needs at least one more win. If Schaub can get another win, expect to see him matched up in significantly more important fights than what was promoted as a potential sloppy slugfest.

UFC President Dana White said Schaub might not have to wait long:

“He might slide into a slot now where something else just fell out. We might have another fight for him soon. Tonight was an easy night for him, a little warm-up.”