I don't think there was any type of conspiracy. You have to keep in mind the Stevenson/Yves fight earlier and how much blood was lost and damage was done. I'm sure they didn't want something like that to happen again. Yeah, considering the situation and the rivalry between Tito and Ken, I would have liked to see the fight go on a little longer, but it wasn't a horrible stoppage. Tito hit Ken with one HUGE elbow, right in the face, followed by 5 two more big ones and three weaker ones - all unanswered. If it was any other fight on any other night, there would not be any controversy. Also, keep in mind that Herb Dean has a history of being a ref that stops fights on the early side. With the way Tito was talking too before the fight (about wanting to put Ken in the hospital and whatknot), I think the stoppage was justified. The rules are that you have to be intelligently defending yourself, and Ken's hands were at his sides. It is not enough just to stay conscious. There was in no way any type of conspiracy (the refs are not even employed by the UFC, but by the state athletic comission). If anything, Herb just saved Ken from getting probably the worst beating of his life.
The championship fight was pretty boring. I think they were both too scared of eachother to really go for anything. I still think AA's the better fighter. He just needs a couple fights to boost his confidence, and then he'll be back. Heavyweights are definately the weakest class in the UFC though. Imagine either of those guys fighting in Pride against Fedor or their top contenders. They'd get murdered.
I agree with big E too, the Silva announcement was the highlight of the night. Can't wait for that one. Overall, I should have saved my money and read the play by play on sherdog.