UFC 88 was more exciting that it looked on the paper. Rich Franklin showed that he is capable of competing at 205. Dan Henderson survived a very tough match against a submission expert, and he is back. But more surprisingly, Chuck Liddell was knocked out cold by Rashad Evans, and he wasn’t able to put an effective punch on Rashad.

I really don’t know where Chuck goes from here. I know he is a UFC favorite, but now he has lost 3 of his last four fights, and he could have lost to Wanderlei Silva too. He is definitely not getting a title shot, so a match against Silva could be next for him if he loses to Jackson. Griffin may not have to fight Machida with Liddell out of the picture, and the Brazilian will be the heavy favorite there.

Rashad Evans is a good fighter and he proved it tonight. But I just don’t know if he is a big draw. He may have to win a couple of other fights before going after the title. He outsmarted Chuck tonight. But there are more dangerous fighters out there in Jackson, Silva, and Machida.

Rich Franklin is in a no man’s land in 205, and I don’t think he can challenge the top guys, but he can have money matches with Liddell or Silva. Heck. He might even fight Evans. But I think a match with Dan Henderson should be in the cards for him. Speaking of Dan Henderson, he is back. He wasn’t overly impressive, but his opponent was extremely dangerous. He wants a rematch with Silva but I think it’s a bad idea. He should either go to 205 or risk getting demolished by Anderson Silva again.

I don’t know about you but I am just bummed that Liddell lost that badly tonight. He was just bad tonight and Rashad deserved victory. I think he should retire soon after another big money fight. His legacy is secured, so he doesn’t need to put himself through these tough losses.