The End Of The Iceman?

I wasn't able to see tonight's UFC show so this expert commentary will come only from seeing the results of the show which can only be summed up in what had to be Dana White's words on this night.

"Oh fuck."

Let's start on the undercard which really only had two matches of interest. 

First, there was Dan Henderson against... some dude.  Basically, it was designed to be a squash for Hendo so he can be built back up as a legit contender for whichever title they decide he should be a legit contender for.  Instead, it sounds like he had trouble with the guy and ultimately had to squeak out a decision victory - and just barely at that.  This has got to be considered a bust.  Hendo's usefulness is fading fast.

Then, we've got the Franklin/Hamill fight.  I have to imagine that Dana was really kinda hoping he'd make a new superstar tonight and nothing would have cemented that more than Matt Hamill knocking off former UFC golden boy Rich Franklin in impressive fashion.  Hamill's story is a gold mine and would have easily gotten the UFC mainstream pub all over the world at a time when the words UFC would be best not associated with stories like Quinton Jackson's "rampage."  Instead, Franklin wins which really accomplishes nothing.  No one really wants to see him get a Light Heavy title match and while seeing Silva destroy him makes for fun TV, I don't know if they could sell a third fight between those two.  This too would be declared a bust in my humble opinion.

Of course, the worst news of the night?  Rashad Evans knocks Chuck Liddell the fuck out.  From the sound of the reports I've read, it was a crazy highlight reel knockout too. 

Rashad Evans.

Yes, THAT Rashad Evans.  The one who for the majority of his fights, could only be described as a slightly less boring version of Josh Koscheck.  The Human Blanket himself.  The King of Lay & Pray. 

He knocked out Chuck Liddell.

What do you do now?  No one really has any interest in seeing Rashad fight Forrest.  Rampage has fucked his world up for the time being I'd imagine.  Chuck still can make some money in rematches with Rampage and Silva and... well, a few others.  But seriously... the Iceman has lost three of his last four fights and if Vanderlei had been a little sharper that night, I think it'd be a solid four for four.  Is Chuck done?  Has his looping haymaker punches gotten just a little too slow with time?  Is the killer instinct gone?

I expect we'll be seeing Chuck Liddell in the cage for a long time to come because there's still money to squeeze from his bones - but I don't know if we'll ever see the sport-dominating Iceman again.