Hallman: Parisyan Was Perfect Foe to Test Hands On

Dennis Hallman, on “The Savage Dog Show,” breaking down his UFC 123 win over Karo Parisyan:

“You’ve seen Karo grapple. My main thing is grappling from the clinch, and that didn’t sound like a very good plan against Karo. I was kind of figuring I’d work to neutralize the grappling. I’ve been training my hands a whole bunch, and it was time to put them to the test. Karo was the perfect opponent to try that with. … When I hit him with a jab, it turned his head and then I hit him right in the temple because my [cross] was right behind the jab. I was surprised he fell. I actually jumped backward. I was like, ‘Wow.’ He fell, and his eyes were pretty dazed. I figured I could jump and pass at the same time. I don’t think Karo was complaining about it being a stoppage. He was just upset that it went down that way. … I knew I was going to face one of two Karos. Either the Karo of old there to avenge himself or a Karo who’s not back on track yet, and unfortunately for him it was the Karo that wasn’t back on track. That’s pretty much the only negative from this fight. I’m a fan of his and I think he’s a real nice guy and I wish the best for him. I hope he beats everybody but me.”