10 Lessons Learned From UFC 177

10. Ruan Potts Proves Being A Champ In A Small Territory Doesn't Mean Much

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RDaG35VAes Ruan Potts was a South African MMA champion in the heavyweight division of EFC. "Fangzz| is now 0-2 in the UFC, proving that being a champ in South Africa when it comes to MMA is akin to being the best bullfighter in Alaska - a cool stat on a resume, but not exactly something that matters when you're fighting the best in the world. Potts looked out of place in his second UFC fight, and will likely be cut after this one. He tried to lure opponent Anthony Hamilton into engaging with him on the ground after Hamilton repeatedly took him down, as Potts was looking for submissions, but at least at first Hamilton wouldn't engage. There was a lot of time spent with the ref standing Potts up, but in the second round, when Hamilton took him to the canvas yet again, Hamilton began unloading punches to the ribs. Punch after punch, with a nasty bruise quickly forming. Despite repeated calls by the ref to defend or at least do something ("show me something" was the ref's repeated call). Potts had no answer, and the fight was stopped due to body strikes, a rare occurrence. Maybe that method worked on regional cards in South Africa, but it's just not going to cut it in the UFC.