Just rewatching the fight right now (end of 2nd round).
What really works in Merab's favor is that he's VERY difficult to train for. If you were to try and train regularly for his type of fight, you're likely to get seriously injured w/ your training partners. So you come into the fight thinking you're prepared ... but you've got a guy in front of you who does NOT tire over the course of 15 - 25 minutes pushing the pace.
I was out for a long walk this morning and listening to a few MMA podcasts. The guys on MMA Fighting / MMA Draw (formerly Bloody Elbow) were basically saying one of the best things for his career is that he's got Umar out of the way early (very tough stylistic match-up). He's actually got easier rematch fights against the likes of O'Malley and Yan (when they get their rematches) as he's beaten them both previously and been less tested. That said - Umar will be even better (prepared) if and when he gets his rematch before Merab retires, and he probably will get said rematch within the next 1 - 2 years.
Merab's last loss was nearly 7 years ago.
