Heading into the fight, the big questions surrounded Rua's health and Griffin's mental state, and neither looked perfect. Rua showed good striking, but still had some mobility problems stemming from his recent years of knee troubles. For Griffin, the fight was another uninspired affair where the former champion did not appear motivated or focused in any way. Forrest built his career out of passion and drive, and with those two elements gone, it's kind of hard to watch.
What was the high spot of this fight?
The end was swift and violent - exactly what you want from a Shogun fight.
Where do these guys go from here?
Despite any shortcomings in his performance, Shogun moves right back into the title hunt here. With Jones vs. Quinton Jackson set for next month, and Rashad Evans waiting in the wings, Rua likely needs one more fight before getting a chance at the belt. Best options would be a rematch with Rampage (if he loses to Jones) or a showdown with Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson, which would make a great fight for the Fox show.
For Forrest Griffin, I really don't know. He just doesn't have the fire, and so it's hard to say where he fits in. I don't want to see him in there with the next generation of fighters, but he's also already faced most of the big names in the division. He could move into a Rich Franklin role, but against who? He's a great personality for the sport who shouldn't leave it behind by any means, but having a reduced role in the cage is probably a good idea.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Now. It's short, full of emotion from the Brazilian crowd, and welcomes Shogun back to the top.
More BE coverage of UFC 134 in the full entry.
Shogun Rua Proves He Can Still Be a Champion - Fraser Coffeen
The Biggest Winners and Losers on the Night - Matthew Roth
Anderson Silva Unmatched at Middleweight, Options Slim - Leland Roling
FightMetric Recap for Anderson Silva, Edson Barboza vs. Ross Pearson - Mike Fagan
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's Greatest Hits - Brent Brookhouse
Post-Fight Recap and Analysis - Mike Fagan
Anderson Silva vs. Yushin Okami Fight Video Highlights - ESPN
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Brendan Schaub Fight Video Highlights - ESPN
Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio - UFC 134
Anderson Silva Wins Over Rio with Stoppage of Yushin Okami - Matthew Roth
Anderson Silva's Brilliance and Other Post-Hangover Thoughts - Brent Brookhouse
Mauricio Rua Stops Forrest Griffin in Two Minutes - Matthew Roth
Edson Barboza Wins a Split Decision over Ross Pearson - Matthew Roth
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira With a Stunning Knockout of Brendan Schaub - Matthew Roth
UFC 134 Post-Fight Press Conference Updates - Tim Burke
Stanislav Nedkov Silences Brazilian Crowd with Knockout of Luis Cane - Matthew Roth
Thiago Tavares Ground and Pounds Spencer Fisher to a Second Round Stoppage - Matthew Roth
Rousimar Palhares Wins a Decision in a Strange But Great Fight With Dan Miller - Tim Burke
Paulo Thiago Takes a Dominant Decision Victory Over David Mitchell - Tim Burke
Raphael Assuncao Outworks Johnny Eduardo to Decision - Matthew Roth
Erick Silva Puts Luis Ramos to Sleep with a Massive Right - Matthew Roth
Yuri Alcantara Grapples Felipe Arantes to a Decision - Matthew Roth
Yves Jabouin Works Ian Loveland to a Split Decision - Matthew Roth