The UFC 143 undercard delivered more excitement for mainstream MMA fans than did the main card, something that has been happening more and more lately. UFC newcomer Daniel Stittgen delivered a head kick KO, Matt Brown TKOs Chris Cope, and a very impressive Dustin Poirier submits Max Holloway with a triangle-armbar all before the event PPV kicks off. After this point, we were treated to a submission, followed by four fights that went to decision.

Ed Herman vs. Clifford Starks
Herman stretches his winning streak to three since returning to MMA action. He has defeated Tim Credeur, Kyle Noke and Clifford Starks. We will soon find out whether he can achieve a higher level than he had in his previous UFC run where he posted a 4-5 record. As for Clifford Starks, he shows some promise, but needs quite a bit of time to develop.

Scott Jorgensen vs. Renan Barao
Not quite the barn-burner many were expecting, Barao soundly won each round of this bantamweight affair. Jorgensen had surprisingly little to offer the rising star and Barao extends his MMA win-streak to an astounding 28 fights. It should not be long before we see him challenging for the title. Jorgensen falls off of Dominick Cruz's radar with this loss.

Josh Koscheck vs. Mike Pierce
Koscheck indicated that he had trouble "getting up" for this fight against Mike Pierce. Pierce is not a big name in the UFC welterweight division, but he apparently did enough against Koscheck to make it more than a competitive fight. Kos took a razor-close decision that some feel should have gone the other way. Had he been a bit more aggressive with his stand-up, I believe he could have won this fight. Koscheck remains in limbo in the division, but with GSP injured, there is a bit more wiggle room for Kos. A potential fight with Nick Diaz (if his retirement from MMA does not stick) would be an interesting option.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Roy Nelson
Werdum made his return to the UFC against the ultra-durable Roy "Big Country" Nelson. Fabricio showed solid striking, especially in the muay thai clinch, where he did significant damage to Nelson with knees. Werdum easily won every round. Coming off of a close fight with Alistair Overeem, Werdum now finds himself right up in the title mix in the UFC heavyweight division. As for Roy Nelson, I am not sure what fights remain for him at this point.

Carlos Condit vs. Nick Diaz
In a highly controversial decision, Carlos Condit became the new UFC welterweight interim champion by edging out a decision win over a very upset Nick Diaz. Diaz claimed his aggression and forward movement should have won him the fight and his frustration post-fight grew so strong that he announced his retirement from MMA competition. Whether or not this decision will stand remains to be seen, but Condit found a way to keep this from becoming a "Nick Diaz fight." Many say he ran from Diaz, while others say he used the perfect gameplan.

What did you think of this UFC event?
What was your favorite moment?
Who do you believe won the main event?