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UFC Vegas 104 Post-Mortem: The Card That Exceeded Rock-Bottom Expectations
Well, fight fans, UFC Vegas 104 is now officially in the history books, and let me tell you… it was certainly an event that happened. When I first saw this card lined up, my expectations were somewhere between “watching paint dry” and “sitting in DMV waiting room.” But you know what? Sometimes the MMA gods throw us a bone.
The “Better Than Expected” Card That Still Won’t Make Any Highlight Reels
Let’s be real with each other for a minute. UFC Vegas 104 wasn’t exactly the kind of card you’d cancel plans for. In fact, it was the perfect example of what happens when the UFC schedule is so bloated that even hardcore fans struggle to recognize half the names on the roster.
But I’ll give credit where it’s due – the fighters showed up and put in work. We got a few finishes, some scrappy decisions, and at least two moments where I actually got off my couch and said, “Oh, that was pretty good!”
The Main Event That Was Technically Fighting
I’ve seen more exciting main events, I’ve seen worse main events, and this one fell squarely in the “it happened” category. The headliners clearly got the memo that someone needed to do something memorable, but whether they fully delivered is certainly up for debate.
What I will say is this: both fighters showed heart. When you’re competing in an APEX facility with about 27 people in attendance (half of whom are probably production crew), that says something about your commitment to the craft.
Standout Performances (Yes, There Were Actually Some)
Despite the overall “meh” factor of the card, a few fighters did manage to make statements:
- The Unexpected Finisher: One fighter who came in with little hype managed to score a finish that had me actually rewinding the footage. Not bad for someone who might be fighting for a contract renewal.
- The Prospect Worth Watching: There was at least one performance that made me think, “Okay, I’ll remember that name.” And in a card like this, that’s actually high praise.
- The Technical Masterclass: One bout featured some genuinely high-level grappling exchanges that probably went unappreciated by casual viewers but had the hardcores nodding in appreciation.
What This Card Says About UFC’s Content Strategy
I’m not going to pretend this card was anything more than what it was – filler content for ESPN+ and the UFC’s relentless schedule. The days when every UFC event felt special are long gone, replaced by a content machine that needs to be fed regardless of quality.
And you know what? That’s the reality of the modern UFC business model. When you’re promising networks 42+ events a year, they can’t all be bangers. Some are just… professional fights occurring in a cage with the UFC logo on it.
| UFC Schedule Type | Fan Reaction | Likelihood You’ll Remember It in a Week |
|---|---|---|
| PPV Events | High anticipation, social media buzz | Very likely |
| Fight Night (Major city) | Moderate interest, some buzz | Somewhat likely |
| APEX Filler Cards (Like Vegas 104) | Minimal interest, watched by hardcores only | What card? I’ve already forgotten |
The Silver Lining
If there’s anything positive to take away from UFC Vegas 104, it’s that sometimes low expectations are the fighter’s best friend. When the bar is set at ground level, even clearing it by an inch looks impressive.
And for the hardcore fans who tuned in (you know who you are, and I salute your dedication), you were rewarded with at least a few moments worth your time – which is about all you can ask from a card that screamed “contractual obligation” from the moment it was announced.
What’s Next? Hopefully Something Better
The good news is that the UFC calendar does have some legitimate bangers coming up. This card was the MMA equivalent of eating a plain rice cake – it technically counts as consumption, but nobody’s posting about it on Instagram.
I’ll be back next week when hopefully there’s a bit more meat on the bone to discuss. Until then, let’s all pretend we’ll remember anything that happened at UFC Vegas 104 beyond the time it takes to finish reading this article.
If you watched the entire card, congratulations – your MMA fan credentials remain impeccable. If you skipped it, don’t worry – you made a perfectly rational decision with your Saturday night.
Did You Actually Watch This Card?
Drop a comment below if you caught UFC Vegas 104, or if like many sensible fight fans, you checked the results on Sunday morning and thought “yep, that looks about right.” Either way, I respect your life choices.
Source: UFC Vegas 104 officially aired on ESPN+, though evidence that anyone actually watched it remains inconclusive.
