While UFC 104 was marked by main event controversy, up-and-comer Cain Velasquez left little doubt about his status as an elite heavyweight prospect.
The MMA world will not soon forget the outrage and ensuing debate that encircled the light heavyweight title bout between Lyoto Machida and Mauricio "Shogun" Rua, especially given the fact that an immediate rematch is already being drawn up by all parties concerned for early 2010. However, in the co-feature, Velasquez passed what was supposed to be a considerable test in his young career, as he destroyed the usually sturdy Ben Rothwell in just less than six minutes. The brilliant and brutal victory has earned Velasquez his spot in these heavyweight rankings.
The weekend also saw some unlikely movers and shakers continue their recent success. Chael Sonnen was once considered strictly journeyman fodder, but suddenly he owns wins over Paulo Filho, Dan Miller and now Yushin Okami. Meanwhile, the formerly forgettable Mitsuhisa Sunabe has been galvanized by Pancrase's newly instated flyweight division, where he made the first successful defense of his crown Sunday over previously unbeaten Isao Hirose.