The big story going into the fight was Aldo's pound for pound status vs. Florian's UFC title aspirations. In the end, Aldo proved too good, though Florian did manage to start strong and win round 1. Round 2 was more even, but as the fight progressed, Aldo continued to pull ahead. Fans grew a bit restless by the end, and some are not impressed by Florian's performance here, but I thought it was a great tactical battle. Ultimately, Aldo once again wins, but fails to do so in the spectacular fashion his accolades promise, while Florian sadly adds another big fight loss to his resume.
What was the high spot of this fight?
This was a solid all around fight, although nothing in particular jumps out as a real highlight.
Where do these guys go from here?
Aldo still has plenty of challengers left for his title, though none remotely as high profile as Florian (or, for that matter, Mark Hominick). Chad Mendes is probably most deserving of a shot, but we'll see how that plays out. There was also a lot of talk about Aldo's future being in the Lightweight division, so keep an eye on that move.
For Florian, immediately after the loss, the word retirement started to be thrown around. And honestly, I can't say it's a terrible idea. At 35 years old, and with three title fight loses, Florian may have reached the limits of what he can accomplish in the ring. He has a good career ahead of him as a commentator - perhaps now is the time. If not, I'd love to see him against Hatsu Hioki.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Later. No crazy fireworks, but an all around very solid tactical fight.
More BE coverage of UFC 136 in the full entry.
UFC 136 Results: Post-Hangover Thoughts and Reactions - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136 Results: Frankie Edgar Embodies Rocky's Message in Win Over Gray Maynard - Leland Roling
UFC 136 Results: Aldo vs. Florian, Phan vs. Garcia FightMetric Reports - Mike Fagan
UFC 136 Results: Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva II Will Produce Massive Interest Despite Skepticism - Leland Roling
UFC 136 Results: Dana White Says Frankie Edgar Is Top 2 Pound-for-Pound, Wants Him to Face Jose Aldo - Anton Tabuena
UFC 136 Results: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard Post-Fight Recap and Analysis - Mike Fagan
UFC 136 Results: Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian Fight Video Highlights
UFC 136 Results: Frankie Edgar vs. Gray Maynard 3 Fight Video Highlights
Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio - Episode 88: UFC 136 Results Review
UFC 136 Results: Frankie Edgar Stops Gray Maynard In Four - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III - Live Results and Play-by-Play for PPV Fights - Brent Brrokhouse
UFC 136 Results: Jose Aldo Decisions Kenny Florian - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136 Results: Chael Sonnen Challenges Anderson Silva After Dominating Brian Stann - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136 Results: Nam Phan Wins Decision Over Leonard Garcia - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136 Results: Joe Lauzon Makes Quick Work of Melvin Guillard - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III - Live Results and Play-by-Play For Spike TV Fights - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136 Results: Demian Maia Decisions Jorge Santiago - Leland Roling
UFC 136 Results: Anthony Pettis Narrowly Edges Jeremy Stephens - Leland Roling
UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III - Live Results and Play-by-Play for Facebook Fights - Brent Brookhouse
UFC 136 Results: Stipe Miocic Makes Successful Debut, Edges Joey Beltran - Leland Roling
UFC 136 Results: Darren Elkins Out Grapples Tiequan Zhang, Wins Decision - Leland Roling
UFC 136 Results: Aaron Simpson Dominates Eric Schafer - Leland Roling
UFC 136 Results: Mike Massenzio Batters Steve Cantwell, Takes Unanimous Decision - Leland Roling
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