Since the only name I knew in MMA/UFC was that scary black dude (Kimbo Slice) from YouTube, I figured UFC was just another flash in the pan like American Gladiator or the Contender Series. But after watching Dan Henderson separate Michael Bisping from his senses on Saturday night, I must admin that fight was as entertaining as any boxing match I’d ever seen (except maybe Gatti vs Ward 1, Bowe vs Holyfield, Hagler vs Hearns, Tyson vs Holyfield 1, Hamed vs Barrera, Morales vs Barrera, Coralles vs Castillo 1, Tua vs Ibeabuchi). Ok, so maybe UFC has some catching up to do and yes I am a hard core boxing fan but it was still a great fight. Since it capped off the USA vs UK feud from the Ultimate Fighter TV program (UK dominated), I especially appreciated the way that Bisping was so easily flattened. Team USA revenge was both brutal and sweetly poetic delivered via an overhand right followed by a full body, in the air, diving towards the target, jaw smashing right hand on an already unconscious Bisping (I’m smiling right now).
Yes I have a point and it is simply that I’m an official UFC fan now. The heavyweight bout was entertaining as well between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir and this was the first time I’ve dolled out $55 for a PPV UFC event. DirecTV loves me because I buy all the boxing PPV events and now they love me even more. My initial thoughts on UFC were the same as John McCain that it was one step above street thugs and was way too wild, brutal and a near death experience for anyone willing to step into the octagon. But after watching the Ultimate Fighter program this season and learning about the sport, it was apparent to me these are not guys they round up off the street (with the execption of Kimbo Slice) who struggle to even spell UFC. They train hard, the techniques are very complex and the sport itself is totally legit. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised to see it as an Olympic sport one day.
So congratulations Dana White, you earned another fan! Boxing can be so unpredictable, so many fights turn out to be stinkers, judging is crooked as ever and the match making is often times just plain bad. UFC is more exciting, more dynamic, more explosive and frankly more fun to watch. I’m still a devoted boxing fan and will take Pacquiao vs Mayweather over the Lesnar vs Mir rubber match any day. But look out boxing, you have some real competition now and the time has come to make better match ups, get rid of crooked judges and earn my respect again.
Ka Boom!
MMA has come a long way since its early days. Today the sport is growing extremely fast with tons of up and comers making the sport far more exciting to watch.
By the way go check out the other fighting leagues like WEC, StrikeForce, Dream etc. There are some killer figheters outside of UFC that are truly amazing. Ben Henderson, Donald Cerrone, Fedor Emelianenko and the list goes on.
I just wish Brock hadn’e gotten sick because I so wanted to see Shane Carwin dominate him in the stand up game. Oh and another wish; Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evens…but Rampage is off doing the A Team. He’s funny so it should be good.