Shinya Aoki comments on UFC 109

Japanese MMA blogger/twitterer gryphon has translated a recent Kamipro article written by Shinya Aoki about his observations from UFC 109:

I will pick up some UFC 109 fights and tell you my opinion!!

1st, I will say about Nate vs Sonnen....

Sonnen is 33 years old, 24-10-1 record. This record is not special, but it is made by very tough fights. Nate is known as Pancrase fighter, and Knocked Demian Mia out.

Game is decided by Sonnen's wrestling and pound. When opponent do guard position he make him lay again and his elbow and pound began from it, this is severe, lock opponent, elbow!! this "LOCK AND ELBOW" is good, I learns from him this technic is difficult to notice, but I love it.

Sonnen controled Nate's leg joint (Ko-kansetsu), before he do pound, this is important point...Sonnen become grinder, pound and pound,.,..and half position, back!! His back control skill is master class. And He tries Twister in 2nd round, it is cool!!

This fight was Sonnen's one side game.

I heard John Fitch said "The closed guard is dead in MMA （Fighters Only）" oh,yes,Yes,i agree! absolutely Yes!!

Long time closed guard means present my lose by Decision to opponent. If I am closed position, I have to recover quickly.

Pressure of sweep & submission.....but it is prolog of stand.how can I stand again from guard? it is united technic of submission, sweep,and stand.....We need groud technic to stand again. Do you know it?..........Sorry I can not explain it perfectly,,,it....I want to say "MMA IS MMA."MMA is not "striking + Ground"...so , it is called as MMA!!