UFC 89 Luiz Cane vs. Thierry Sokodjiou (VIDEO)

UFC 89 Luiz Cane vs. Thierry Sokodjiou (VIDEO)
sherdog.com

In more disappointing light heavyweight action, Brazil’s ominous-looking Luis Arthur Cane (9-1) found an explosive end to an otherwise cagey affair, knocking down former Pride fighter Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (5-3) in the second round and finishing him with punches for the TKO at the 4:15 mark.

Both rebounding from disappointing Octagon debuts with knockout victories in their sophomore efforts, the heavy-handed hopefuls looked to establish their respective place in the UFC pecking order. However, Cane and Sokoudjou served up more of a chess match during the first five minutes.

The taller Cane, a southpaw, stalked behind a high guard, while Sokoudjou met him with thumping counters, heavy body kicks and the occasional forward rush. Both had their moments, but Sokoudjou took a slight edge in the first with some rattling body kicks.

The second round was similar, but Cane’s skill gradually unfurled, as he landed a stinging left hand followed up by accurate knees to press the increasingly ragged looking Sokoudjou.

With a little more than four minutes gone, Cane found the shot he’d been looking for, sending Sokoudjou down to the canvas with a left, before following up with at least 15 punches -- all from the left -- to force the referee’s stoppage.

UFC 89 Luiz Cane vs. Thierry Sokodjiou (VIDEO)