What was the high spot of this fight?
There were many fierce striking exchanges in the fight, with the best two being late in the first round and the last half of the third. Story showed an incredible chin, getting blasted by Alves but continually coming forward and landing his own solid shots.
Where do these guys go from here?
Rick Story just made a huge jump in the welterweight division, and will likely be looking to continue his six-fight winning streak against another elite fighter at 170 the next time out. Could it be Jake Shields? Or the winner of the Carlos Condit vs. Dong Hyun Kim fight at UFC 132? Perhaps even the winner of Anthony Johnson vs. Nate Marquardt at UFC on Versus 4? No matter what, Story's campaign on main cards is almost guaranteed to continue.
Thiago Alves is in a tough position right now. Having been a contender for so long, he's battled almost everyone at the top of the division. This loss to Story is a huge setback for him since he's now 1-3 in his last 4 fights (admittedly against the best of the best at 170). A fight with Jake Shields could be a possibility, but it's more likely that Alves will be matched up with a prospect. Jake Ellenberger seems to be the most logical choice at this point.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Now. This was a war with a ton of solid striking and excitement. Story did slow down the fight at certain points with his grappling acumen, but the majority of the fight was a lot of fun to watch, particularly the third round.
More UFC 130 Results and Analysis from Bloody Elbow after the jump.
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UFC 130 Results: Frank Mir's Quest for the Heavyweight Title Takes Another Step Forward at UFC 130 - Fraser Coffeen
UFC 130 Results: What's Next for Show's Winners? - Matt Bishop
UFC 130 Results: Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson Fight Video Highlights
UFC 130 Results: Rampage Jackson's Injury Could Derail Title Shot, Miller vs. Bisping to Headline TUF 14 Finale -Anton Tabuena
UFC 130 Results: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson vs. Matt Hamill Fight Video Highlights
UFC 130 Results: Rampage Jackson vs. Matt Hamill Post-Fight Recap and Analysis - Mike Fagan
UFC 130 Results: Despite Win, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's Stock Declines as Potential Title Contender - Leland Roling
UFC 130 Results: Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson Couldn't Finish Matt Hamill
UFC 130 Results: Rampage vs. Hamill - Play by Play and Live Commentary
UFC 130 Results: Frank Mir Punks Roy Nelson
UFC 130 Results: Travis Browne Shoots Down Stefan Struve
UFC 130 Results: Rick Story Out Strikes Thiago Alves
UFC 130 Results: Brian Stann Smashes Jorge Santiago
UFC 130 Post-Fight Press Conference Video
UFC 130 Results: Demetrious Johnson Defeats Miguel Torres in Brilliant Grappling Affair
UFC 130 Results: Tim Boetsch Manhandles Kendall Grove in Middleweight Debu
UFC 130 Results: Gleison Tibau Chokes Out Rafaello Oliveira
UFC 130 Results: Michael McDonald Edges Chris Cariaso by Split Decisio
UFC 130 Results: Renan Barao Smartly Executes Gameplan, Dominates Cole Escovedo