UFC 100 converts another into mixed martial arts fan
UFC 100 might be history, but the memories of Saturday's fights are far from it.
I went into last weekend's pay-per-view with next to no knowledge in mixed martial arts. I couldn't tell you the difference between a rear-naked choke or a flying heel hook if my life depended on it. I can barely do it now. Fortunately, one can enjoy the sport without memorizing the spectrum of moves.
With my vacation back home in Ohio drawing to a close I was ready to reminisce with some friends from high school as we gathered around a TV focused on watching grown men beat each other to a pulp.
As a UFC rookie, I settled into a comfortable chair with a stomach full of LaRosa's delicious calzones and directed my gaze to the flat screen projecting pre-fight entertainment in stunning HD. Not only was the night a first for ultimate fighting, but also to experience the greatness that is high-definition television.
Before the program started I was under the impression I'd spend the night putting back ice-cold beverages and cracking wise with my buddies from the days of old. Little did I know there wouldn't be time to avert my gaze once the bouts got under way.
The first fight on the main card set the tone for the night - a three-round split decision for Yoshihiro Akiyama over Alan Belcher. It was my first full fight to witness as a willing viewer of MMA. And it was excellent.
The fight quickly introduced me to the speed and nuances of MMA. There was plenty of stand-up kick boxing as well as grappling on the mat. I was caught up to speed on terms like half, full and butterfly guard and a plethora of strikes.
The fight even ended in controversy when the majority of people felt Belcher got hosed. I was indifferent. In my book, they both won. Each was beaten senseless over three 5-minute rounds. I was entertained.
The first thing I noticed about MMA was the unparalleled level of intensity the sport brings to the table. Once a round started I couldn't look away. Things happen so fast I was afraid to find my drink on the floor as a fight could end at any second.
This carried on for each fight that night. Every bout was like a good boxing match. A fighter could be clocked at any moment and you didn't want to be the guy to have to ask a friend "what just happened?"
The epitome of this came in the second match between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping. Henderson had the upper hand for the first round as Bisping appeared to enjoy getting punched in the face by leaning into Henderson's right time after time.
Fireworks came midway into the second round when the two broke free from a grapple and Henderson blindly swung a haymaker that dropped Bisping instantly. Everyone in my friend's living room uttered a different curse word in unison. There are very few ways to convey one's thoughts when a man gets knocked to the mat after a single blow to the face other than an obligatory F- or S-bomb. I don't know how Joe Rogan does color commentary for these events without dropping four letter words.
These two bouts sold me on UFC. I couldn't get over the excitement and spontaneity of MMA. Knowing that a fight could end in the blink of an eye leaves you on the edge of your chair the entire fight. It'd be like watching a basketball game with no clock where the buzzer blew at a random time and whoever made the next basket - no matter what the score - wins and no team gets timeouts or substitutions.
Georges St. Pierre put on a clinic in the third fight of the night by dominating Thiago Alves for 15 minutes. GSP took down Alves 10 times and proved why many call him the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game. He made Alves - who was said to be GSP's most dangerous opponent in his weight class - look like a random spectator walked into the octagon instead of a professional fighter.
It was fascinating to see someone so good at his art like St. Pierre manhandle his competition almost effortlessly, yet any time Alves had a chance to go for a knockout one forgot GSP's dominance and thought Alves might walk away with a win. It'd be like watching the Patriots stomp the Dolphins for three quarters, then thinking Miami is actually back into the game after closing the score to 42-6.
The night was capped by the destruction of Frank Mir at the hands of former WWE star Brock Lesnar. I don't need to go on about his postfight actions, but seeing a beast like him in the ring that is able to maneuver with the speed and power he has is straight up frightening. Hate him or really hate him, Lesnar seems to be the future of MMA and he has the star power to bring UFC up to or possibly beyond the stage of professional wrestling.
Overall, UFC 100 showcased the best and brightest of the sport that even a person like me could get into it. The UFC converted a conventional sports fan into someone that will not shy away from any future UFC events. Pretty soon I might even know what is going on during the fight other than seeing punches and kicks flying.
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Nick Miller can be reached at nmiller@yumasun.com or 539-6867.
