Post-Fight Stock Report: UFC on ESPN 5
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STOCK UP
Colby Covington: The former UFC interim welterweight champion was virtually flawless, as he took care of Lawler in a dominant decision during which his pace, pressure and grappling chops provided a clear path to victory. Covington’s aggression carried over to his post-fight interview, where he cut a scathing promo directed at current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and set the stage for a long-awaited grudge match. While many observers are turned off by Covington’s antics outside the Octagon, no one can argue with the results. The American Top Team rep has people talking and finds himself on the cusp of a title fight.
Jim Miller: It has been a fairytale-like career resurgence for Miller. After suffering through the longest losing streak of his career, he has now posted wins in three of his last four appearances, all of them resulting in first-round finishes. With 33 UFC fights under his built, Miller has built some momentum and figures to have a target on his back when it comes to lightweights on the rise. Following a battle with Lyme disease, Miller indicated he feels better than ever and wants one more run at the top of the division. His well-rounded skills still pose a threat to those who populate the 155-pound weight class, and given his accomplishments, he will have no shortage of challengers who desire to see just how much he has left in the tank.
Nasrat Haqparast: After dropping a decision to Marcin Held in his UFC debut, Haqparast has gone on a tear in his push towards the Top 15 at 155 pounds. The power puncher authored his first finish inside the Octagon and did so in brutal fashion, as he knocked out Joaquim Silva with a crushing overhand left in the second round of their lightweight showcase. Haqparast has rattled off three consecutive victories under the watchful eye of Tristar Gym mastermind Firas Zahabi, emerging as one of the division’s most dangerous prospects. Perhaps he can secure a fight with a well-established veteran in his next assignment -- a litmus test to see whether or not he can contend in the sport’s deepest weight class.
STOCK DOWN
Robbie Lawler: Following a lopsided defeat to Covington in the main event, Lawler finds himself on a three-fight losing streak for the first time in his career -- a tenuous spot for a 37-year-old former champion. Most considered “Ruthless Robbie” a live underdog because of his excellent takedown defense, crisp boxing and knockout power, but Covington’s pressure-based attack turned him into a fighter few recognized. Lawler endured the onetime NCAA All-American wrestler’s onslaught for the better part of five rounds, seldom throwing punches of his own. Entertaining fights remain, but his days as an elite welterweight appear to be over.
Trevin Giles: The 26-year-old Giles took a two-year break from MMA to pursue work as a police officer, and during his time away from the Octagon, he seems to have lost a step in his progression as a mixed martial artist. In his main card battle with Gerald Meerschaert, Giles was all too willing to engage in grappling exchanges instead of exploiting his athletic advantages on the feet. It ultimately led to his demise, as he was saddled with his second third-round submission loss in as many fights. Giles was once considered one of the middleweight division’s top prospects, but he will need to go back to the drawing board to make some alterations if he wants to reclaim his place in the 185-pound pecking order. His encounter with Meerschaert exposed a glaring lack of fight IQ that could develop into even more of a hindrance with time.
Darko Stosic: In a bout in which Stosic’s patented leg kicks hurt him more than they helped him, the Serbian striker showed once again why seasoned observers view him as a one-round fighter at this stage of his career. He displayed stellar technique in the first round of his confrontation with Kennedy Nzechukwu, as he paired powerful leg kicks with blitzing combinations. However, Stosic appeared to gas in the middle stanza and slowly yielded to the pressure and length of his opponent. He was also penalized twice for kicks to the groin and grew tentative, eating jabs and knees from Nzechukwu along the fence. Stosic will need to spend more time on improving his cardio and less time on increasing his muscle mass if he ever wants to make meaningful waves at 205 pounds.
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