The (Anatoly) Lomachenko Effect (Part 2) Alexander Besputin || Breakdown • Highlights ᴴᴰ

The (Anatoly) Lomachenko Effect (Part 2) Alexander Besputin || Breakdown • Highlights ᴴᴰ

Vasyl Lomachenko, and his father / trainer Anatoly Lomachenko have certainly transcended the landscape and (to some degree) the traditions of modern boxing, and combat sports. We are all witness to a new era of “Eastern Bloc” fighters dominating in Boxing and MMA.

In Part One of the series I focused on dominant Cruiserweight Oleksandr Usyk. Here in Part Two my focus will be on Russian Welterweight prospect, Alexander Besputin, whom I’d best describe as an angry Lomachenko. What he lacks in finesse and footwork he makes up in aggression and power, making the 27 year old (12-0 9 KO’s) someone to watch out for in a talented weight pool.

Alexander is a three-year pro. At 147 pounds ranked No. 1 by the WBA, he was an elite amateur at the international level before his debut, and had three wins in AIBA’s World Series.

He is a stablemate of Lomachenko, Usyk, welterweight contender Egidijus Kavaliauskas, and super lightweight prospect Maxim Dadashev. All are managed by Egis Klimas.

Alexander moved to Oxnard, California to pursue his professional career and made his debut two months later in December. He trains at the Boxing Laboratory Gym with trainer Marcos Contreras.

From the unorthodox, or uncommon training methods to the way in which we have seen a sudden rise in Grade A Prospects cut from the same cloth from the same lands, The Matrix Effect is very real. Fighters like GGG, to ultra-talented welterweight prospect (suddenly turned) contender Alexander Besputin (12-0, 9 KO’s), to (teammate) Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medlaist turned 2018 Fighter of the year at Cruiserweight Oleksandr Usyk (16-0, 12 KO’s), to local Golden Gloves fighters; the Lomachenko family is changing the world’s oldest sport.

Throughout the series I will focus on some of the similarities as well as differences in styles, and of course what they are doing that makes them all so dominant in their respective lanes. Their movement, speed, distance management and evasion are all stellar and in some ways hard work meets creative approaches to fighting in not only preparation but execution.

In part 3, the final installation, I will focus on how Lomachenko’s training and father’s brain for boxing work with such efficacy. For now, enjoy the show,much love.

Music: Unknown Brain – Waiting (feat. Lox Chatterbox, BLVKSTN & Salvo) [NCS Release] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLru93KPMjc

WiDE AWAKE – Something More [NCS Release] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke-uyk8qylU

Kozah – Travel Again [NCS Release] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEAoPiZWnsQ

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Tyson Fury - Belts Don't Make a Champion

Tyson Fury – A Champion with no belts

Last Saturday Englishman Tyson Fury took on reigning WBC Heavyweight champion, the American Deontay Wilder, in one of the best fights of 2018 across all combat sports. The 12 round classic featured a nuclear clash of styles as wild power puncher Wilder headhunted the ever elusive mover Tyson Fury. Everything was going to plan for the “Gypsy King”. Wilder was hitting thin air and getting tired, while Fury pushed the pace and landed counters. Until the 12th round, when the “Bronze Bomber” finally connected.

In a flurry of wild strikes, the incumbent champion planted a left hook on Tyson, flattening him. Wilder strutted towards the camera, confident his KO power had saved him once more. He was not alone in his assessment. Myself and many others believed the night to be over. Fury had come up short in the final moments of his glorious comeback. His story would not have a happy ending. Then he got up.

Fury rose back to his feet after what looked to be five or six seconds of genuine unconsciousness. The commentators, the audience, the world and Deontay Wilder watched Fury seemingly come back from the dead to finish the fight. With enough points racked up in the prior boxing masterclass the “Mack” celebrated, the crowd fully behind him as he accomplished what so many thought was an impossible task, both in the ring and out of it. Fury had conquered personal demons and returned to the sport. That night, he conquered his own petty mortality to once again hold a championship belt. Only, that last part didn’t happen.

Broad daylight

Despite every member of the broadcast team, including both the British side and American sides, scoring the fight comfortably for Fury, one of the judges begged to differ. In a baffling move, Judge Alejandro Rochin handed in a score card reading 115-111 in favour of Deontay Wilder. With one judge scoring it for Fury and one declaring it dead even at 113-113, the bout was deemed a draw.

Naturally, the fighting community were not hesitant to voice their displeasure. From Lennox Lewis to Paulie Malignaggi to Teddy Atlas, the result was lambasted. (I did see some MMA fans arguing Wilder won by Pride rules, which I was thoroughly entertained by.) The emerging narrative is that Deontay Wilder was gifted a title retention in his home country, while the foreigner was shafted. A story far too familiar to fight fans.

The tragedy here is not confined to a boxing ring on the night of December 1st. The grey cloud of corruption and/or judging ineptitude looms over a much longer timeline. In 2015 Tyson Fury danced with Wladimir Klitschko, much in the same way he handled Wilder. Except in the Klitschko fight he didn’t get touched by death. (Seriously, the knockdown in the Wilder fight is stunning.) Fury was crowned the Heavyweight champion of the world on that night, and it marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the then 27 year-old traveller.

The comedown

Having reached a professional zenith, Fury had no choice but to come down. With no goals in sight, and a susceptibility to depressive moods, the “Gypsy King” found himself plummeting headfirst into a major depression. Ballooning from 250 lbs to 400, Tyson would spend his nights binge drinking and taking cocaine. With no will to live let alone box, his lowest moment came in the form of a chaotic late night drive in his Ferrari.

Doing 190 mph on a motorway, for a few fleeting but potent moments, Tyson Fury had every intention of crashing and dying. Snapping to his senses, he thought of his wife and kids and didn’t follow through. After seeking help and speaking to those closest to him, he began to head in the right direction. He slowly began to find the drive to rebuild his life, but what of boxing? What of the sport that made him? It didn’t seem to be in the picture, until Deontay Wilder opened his mouth.

At the tail end of 2017 Fury saw a video of Wilder discussing the state of “Gypsy King”. The WBC champion cast doubt on the lineal title holder. He questioned if he could ever come back, if he could get back in fighting shape. For some reason this lit a blazing fire under Fury, who began training almost immediately.

The comeback

Fast forward a year and everything came together. Fury got his life together, lost almost 150 pounds and won two tune up fights before signing on to face the undefeated “Bronze Bomber”. The lineal champion even changed the hearts of a nation. Once a figure of villainy in the UK to many for his particular brand of opinions, his reemergence amidst personal struggles struck a chord with many. The character rehabilitation saw Fury sowing seeds of positivity, encouraging people to battle through adversity, specifically in relation to mental health problems, to believe in oneself and help others struggling.

Even his staunchest haters were turned around on him, this writer included. Formerly a vehement detractor, I found myself devastated when I thought Fury had been knocked out, and truly inspired when he got back up. Sports are a natural breeding ground for second chances, and Fury had earned his and then some. When the fight ended, it should have been a storybook conclusion, a true comeback in an age where you can lose everything in an instant. We were robbed of that, and more egregiously Tyson Fury was robbed of what he had earned. He did not leave with a championship belt, but he should leave with his head held high.

This is real life, and unfairness is pervasive. Sports are conduit for real life to coagulate into digestible stories. This story did not end the way it was supposed to, or at least not yet. So as fight fans, and as human beings we need to take what we can get, as does Tyson Fury.  To make the best out a bad situation and learn what we can.

“it can be done”

The Oxford dictionary defines a champion as “a person who has surpassed all rivals in a sporting contest or other competition”. Tyson fury may not have been awarded a victory on Saturday, but he surpassed his rivals. He conquered demons and detractors and he did it while spreading a message of positivity and recovery. If that wasn’t enough he’s decided to donate his entire £8 million fight purse to homeless charities.

In a heartfelt post-fight interview Tyson said, ” I just showed the world that, everyone suffering with mental health, that you can come back, and it can be done. Everybody out there who has the same problems that I’ve been suffering with, I did that for you guys.” He got up in his life and he got up in the ring. Tyson Fury is someone to be admired, belt or no belt. A true champion. Here’s to the rematch.

Images courtesy of independent.co.uk, metro.co.uk, shropshirestar.co.uk and belfastlive.co.uk.

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Francis "The Predator" Ngannou - There and Back Again

Francis Ngannou – The turnaround

It was a vindicating trip to Beijing, China this past weekend for the Pride of Cameroon and former UFC heavyweight title contender Francis Ngannou. The proud African entered the year ready to take over, to be the next big thing, and he exits it with a late game save of his job. The story of Ngannou is unique in some ways, but all too familiar in many. Can he tell a new story, one no one thought he could be the star of?

2018 was supposed to be the year of Ngannou. He hit like a “ford escort going as fast as it can” as Dana White so enthusiastically told us every chance he got. I don’t know about that, but he certainly has devastating power and a highlight reel to back it up. With hellacious stoppages over the likes of Andrei Arlovski and Alistair Overeem, the UFC put the machine behind him and positioned him as their next world beater.

As I covered in my very first article for this site, Francis Ngannou was the perfect ambassador for the UFC and sport of MMA as a whole. From the sand mines in Cameroon to the Octagon, he had a Cinderella story to match his crowd-pleasing style, on top of being a physical specimen to behold. Then Stipe Miocic got a hold of him.

an eye opener

I hate to use the term “exposed”, so I won’t, but the 25-minute beatdown in January executed by the champion served as a wake-up call for Ngannou, as well as fans. Francis essentially emptied his gas tank hitting thin air in the first round. Miocic was then able to utilise his wrestling to control the heaving behemoth on the way to a comfortable decision victory. It was sobering, so sobering in fact that Ngannou’s bounce back fight was as much a fight as it was a staring contest.

Francis took on Derrick Lewis five months later at UFC 226 in what  was supposed to be a banger. Instead, both men stood in front of each other waiting for the other to do something. Neither of them did. Lewis would get the arbitrary decision victory in what Joe Rogan dubbed the “worst heavyweight fight of all time”.

Dana White, ever the turncoat, took this opportunity to bury Ngannou. According to the UFC president, Francis’ ego was out of control. His overconfidence led to a lacklustre training camp pre UFC 220. And the results of the fight speak for itself. It would be easy for me to in turn bury White for his flip flopping, but in this case it’s hard to argue. Francis admitted to carrying the Stipe loss into the Lewis fight, causing him to freeze up. It appears the Cameroonian bought into the hype, and the ensuing defeat shattered his confidence. A terrible sign at this level of sports.

A cautionary tale

Had Miocic taken his soul? Many thought so. As such, everyone looked to exit the bandwagon, except no one really ever gets off a bandwagon. They just change at the station. Francis appeared to be completing a transition in his story. Once a rags to riches figure – the international Rocky Balboa – and now a cautionary tale, a plummet from grace. Everyone thinks they know the story, but a twist occurs and we shift our expectations. The genre conventions were telling us Ngannou was done, just another list item on some YouTube infotainment channel.

After the Lewis fight “the Predator”, to his credit, acknowledged the mental block he was facing. He tweeted “I will overcome all of this”. A hollow gesture to most I’m sure, but I couldn’t help but see the opportunity for a narrative genesis. This could certainly be a dead end, but what if it wasn’t? What if Ngannou could come back from this. What if he wasn’t a cautionary tale of ego and hype. I don’t know about you, but a redemption story appeals to the humanity in me more than the story of a conqueror achieving his destiny.

think again

Now, as November reaches its climax Ngannou is back in the win column. A 45 second TKO over surging contender Curtis Blaydes looks to turn the vehicle around. As referee Marc Goddard pulled the hulking heavyweight off of Blaydes, Francis stomped across the octagon, beating his chest and bellowing “I’m back”.

If I’m objectively assessing the evening, a quick stoppage over someone whom Ngannou had already beaten 2 years prior doesn’t necessarily guarantee a redemption arc, but it’s a damn fine start, and certainly a much needed close to what has been a tough year for Ngannou. The short time we got to see Ngannou in the cage produced some good signs. He looked sharp, but most importantly he looked confident.

The soft spoke African seems like a larger than life figure, but it’s crucial to remember that he is human. For him to show up in China and pull it off after being buried by everyone, including your once biggest supporters says something. I have no idea what the future holds for Francis Ngannou, but right now I’m happy for him. He is refusing to let the narrative shape him and is instead trying to reshape the narrative. What if he can do it? What if he can finally ascend those steps and claim the throne? Wouldn’t that be so much sweeter now?

Images courtesy of mirror.co.uk, usatoday.com and skysports.com.

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Once Upon a Time in Gypsyland

Tyson Fury: Once Upon a Time in GypsyLand

Once upon a time, not too long ago actually. There lived a giant of a man who went by the name Tyson Fury. And to his loyal followers, The Gypsy King. Now the story goes that this giant beat all who came before him. Striking them down with unequaled skill and unanswered blows. Born into a rich lineage and fighting tradition. It was as though his destiny had been shaped long before ever taking his first breath.

Now it would be fair to say that as he grew as a man, he had the kind whose personality that left many onlookers with either a feeling of love or hate. With very little room for anything in between. But it was his boxing ability, not his character that could be questioned. Evidenced by his results and his capturing of the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship.

Let us hark back to the time when the lesser known Fury sought to unseat the undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. With many of his peers believing Fury would not have enough tools at his disposal to unseat the champion, he entered their competition the underdog. But not to be outdone in his quest for greatness, Fury looked to both outbox and outpoint the reigning king Klitschko … and so he did.

After laying bare the boxing landscape, what next? What great challenge now faced the man mountain and who would seek their opportunity to bring him down to his knees? As it happens, it would be no man born from his mother that would finally cripple and dethrone the newly crowned king.

As Fury contemplated his life and his future in the sport. A strange undercurrent took hold of his psyche, taking him to the darkest corners of his mind. As mental illness tightened it’s grip, Fury looked to silence the voices by self medicating. Pretending to friends and family that everything as ever, was just fine. Through copious amounts of alcohol and drugs, the now former undisputed champion ballooned to some 400lbs or 28 stone in weight. In a very real visual representation of the chaos now taking place inside his minds eye.

Ending it All

What followed was a seemingly endless session of partying followed by the inevitable hangovers. As the once great fighter looked on as his career and his life fell apart one drink at a time. Fury would go on to detail his lowest point on the Joe Rogan experience podcast where he discussed his failed attempt at suicide when things simply became too much to bear.

If not for an unlikely intervention and a new found love for his old friend boxing. There is little doubting now, that at the time Tyson Fury’s own willingness and game plan to self implode would have succeeded.

Now, after over two years away from the sport. And making a monumental comeback, simply in terms of his weight, losing over 150lbs. It’s the sign of someone who has both great mental fortitude and an unwillingness to never give up. Which has seen Fury claw his way back into fitness and two recent successful fights inside the ropes. But let us be clear, I won’t be the one to gloss over the fact that either of his opponents were anywhere near the top level he once competed against and defeated. And with only those two wins, the Gypsy King Tyson Fury in his undeniable and now unshakable self belief. Decided to answer the call of the WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Heavyweight Boxing Greatness Awaits

Wilder who at least publicly has been calling for his shot at the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO world champion Anthony Joshua, had his demands go unanswered. With Joshua seeking to carry on and face his mandatory challengers before potentially turning to face Wilder. It was the lineal champion Tyson Fury who would answer the call. And now, quite unexpectedly, these two Goliath’s of the boxing world will face off come December 1st.

For Fury to come back from the greatest challenge of his life in his fight with mental health. Having tasted the highest of the highs lowest of the lows physically, mentally, emotionally … To take on one of the deadliest KO artists in the sport is nothing short of stunning. Will he go on to fulfill his vision and regain his mantle as the greatest heavyweight boxer of his generation?

With Anthony Joshua waiting in the wings, looking on with great interest. It’s a captivating scenario and a touchpaper that could once again set the world of heavyweight boxing alight! All eyes will be on Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury a week from today.

Images courtesy of Guardian.com, boxing scene.com, dailyexpress.co.uk & worldboxingnews.net

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Once Upon a Time in Gypsyland

Tyson Fury: Once Upon a Time in GypsyLand

Once upon a time, not too long ago actually. There lived a giant of a man who went by the name Tyson Fury. And to his loyal followers, The Gypsy King. Now the story goes that this giant beat all who came before him. Striking them down with unequaled skill and unanswered blows. Born into a rich lineage and fighting tradition. It was as though his destiny had been shaped long before ever taking his first breath.

Now it would be fair to say that as he grew as a man, he had the kind whose personality that left many onlookers with either a feeling of love or hate. With very little room for anything in between. But it was his boxing ability, not his character that could be questioned. Evidenced by his results and his capturing of the undisputed world heavyweight boxing championship.

Let us hark back to the time when the lesser known Fury sought to unseat the undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. With many of his peers believing Fury would not have enough tools at his disposal to unseat the champion, he entered their competition the underdog. But not to be outdone in his quest for greatness, Fury looked to both outbox and outpoint the reigning king Klitschko … and so he did.

After laying bare the boxing landscape, what next? What great challenge now faced the man mountain and who would seek their opportunity to bring him down to his knees? As it happens, it would be no man born from his mother that would finally cripple and dethrone the newly crowned king.

As Fury contemplated his life and his future in the sport. A strange undercurrent took hold of his psyche, taking him to the darkest corners of his mind. As mental illness tightened it’s grip, Fury looked to silence the voices by self medicating. Pretending to friends and family that everything as ever, was just fine. Through copious amounts of alcohol and drugs, the now former undisputed champion ballooned to some 400lbs or 28 stone in weight. In a very real visual representation of the chaos now taking place inside his minds eye.

Ending it All

What followed was a seemingly endless session of partying followed by the inevitable hangovers. As the once great fighter looked on as his career and his life fell apart one drink at a time. Fury would go on to detail his lowest point on the Joe Rogan experience podcast where he discussed his failed attempt at suicide when things simply became too much to bear.

If not for an unlikely intervention and a new found love for his old friend boxing. There is little doubting now, that at the time Tyson Fury’s own willingness and game plan to self implode would have succeeded.

Now, after over two years away from the sport. And making a monumental comeback, simply in terms of his weight, losing over 150lbs. It’s the sign of someone who has both great mental fortitude and an unwillingness to never give up. Which has seen Fury claw his way back into fitness and two recent successful fights inside the ropes. But let us be clear, I won’t be the one to gloss over the fact that either of his opponents were anywhere near the top level he once competed against and defeated. And with only those two wins, the Gypsy King Tyson Fury in his undeniable and now unshakable self belief. Decided to answer the call of the WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Heavyweight Boxing Greatness Awaits

Wilder who at least publicly has been calling for his shot at the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO world champion Anthony Joshua, had his demands go unanswered. With Joshua seeking to carry on and face his mandatory challengers before potentially turning to face Wilder. It was the lineal champion Tyson Fury who would answer the call. And now, quite unexpectedly, these two Goliath’s of the boxing world will face off come December 1st.

For Fury to come back from the greatest challenge of his life in his fight with mental health. Having tasted the highest of the highs lowest of the lows physically, mentally, emotionally … To take on one of the deadliest KO artists in the sport is nothing short of stunning. Will he go on to fulfill his vision and regain his mantle as the greatest heavyweight boxer of his generation?

With Anthony Joshua waiting in the wings, looking on with great interest. It’s a captivating scenario and a touchpaper that could once again set the world of heavyweight boxing alight! All eyes will be on Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury a week from today.

Images courtesy of Guardian.com, boxing scene.com, dailyexpress.co.uk & worldboxingnews.net

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The Return of Nick Diaz - What is the Endgame?

Nick Diaz Returns… Probably

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or you have no interest in the sport of MMA, in which case why are you reading this?) you may have heard about the rumoured return of one Nickolas Robert Diaz. If you don’t know who Nick Diaz is, you may at least know of his little brother, Nate Diaz. After a four-year absence for Stockton’s favourite son, what awaits the returning hitter amidst the ever-evolving UFC landscape?

Four years is a long time in sports. It may be an even longer time in combat sports. Fighting progresses quickly and new fighters come along every day. Many of those fighters possess qualities seen in older fighters, just tightened up and combined with other attributes. When we look at the roster, the people breaking through back in January of 2015 – when Nick last fought – are now at the top or have been surpassed.

Back when Diaz last fought all but two championships were held by the same person as now. Jose Aldo was the featherweight champion, Rafael Dos Anjos was the lightweight champion, Robbie Lawler was the welterweight champion, Chris Weidman was the middleweight champion, Jon Jones was the light heavyweight champion and Cain Velasquez was the heavyweight champion. That is a vastly different landscape. It’s worth asking if Nick Diaz fits in anymore.

How does nick fit in?

Earlier this year I wrote a piece on a potential Nick Diaz return. In it I posited that perhaps Nick could provide a remedy to a few of the problems MMA has encountered as of late, a bullet of truth piercing through the political membrane. My stance has changed somewhat since then. I still think Nick is a welcome addition to the soap opera, but can he move the needle? And can he move it in the right direction?

A revenant from a bygone era, Nick was a travelling brawler winning titles across multiple promotions with a middle finger permanently erected for the benefit of America. A swearing and weed smoking street kid with a black belt and a bad attitude, the welterweight became famous as much for his antics outside the cage as inside it. With a list of quotas longer than Chris Jericho’s submission repertoire, he spoke his mind and heart, utterly refusing to become something that the sport might have needed to become mainstream. Think of GSP, now imagine the perfect villain for the Canadian, that’s Nick Diaz.

A new breed

In this writer’s opinion, Georges St-Pierre vs Nick Diaz is top five rivalry material, despite the fact that they only fought once, and that fight wasn’t very good. The conference call between the two is still one of the most entertaining trash talking sessions in the sport’s history. It was also supremely enlightening. The two men were total opposites. Georges the consummate, tailored suit wearing professional. A reserved competitor with a scientific approach to the fight game. Nick was a hoodie wearing and abrasive no-shower known for his chaotic and relentless style of combat, taking one to give one.

It was as Goku and Vegeta as it gets, but unfortunately the fight itself wasn’t competitive, with St-Pierre’s wrestle heavy offense dominating proceedings. Again, enlightening. Georges was a prototype of sorts for the sport, being the first man to really become a true complete mixed martial artist. His strategic approach to training and improving provided a blueprint for future generations. Nick, by comparison, was old school. Determined to have his fight, and if you wrestled your way to a decision victory then you were cheap.

After four years away, it’s difficult to imagine the gap between the O.G. Diaz brother and the newer generation has done anything other than widen to chasmic proportions. If Nick Diaz returns then what is the goal? If we assume that this isn’t solely financially motivated (very much within the sphere of strong possibilities) then what does Nick want? The competitive itch just too much, or does he want to bring something different to the sport? Whatever the case, the speculative return fight ticks boxes and then some.

Gamebred

Jorge Masvidal is very much cut from the same mould as Nick, from both a stylistic and personal standpoint. Both move in one direction with a boxing heavy offense and have little love for stallers and time wasters. They also have a similar appeal. Old School cowboys with similar backstories, very street and very unpolitical. Both Diaz brothers have issued their respect for “Gamebred” before, and that is not something you can say of many fighters. The fight is great, and if it does indeed come together then we are in for a throwback slugfest. It’s beyond the fight where questions arise.

Despite it being a perfect return bout, this isn’t marquee stuff, other than it being Nick Diaz’s comeback. If Nick was to return most presumed it would be big money fights outside this ranking’s ecosystem. If Diaz were to win this fight it puts him right back in the mix at welterweight, but is that where he needs to be? Is that Nick’s role? Can he just become another guy climbing the ladder? His last fight was against Anderson Silva at middleweight, not something that would have moved him along the traditional path of a UFC fighter at that point in time.

“A Gentleman never tells”

Also, Nick sorta kinda hates fighting. He’s never been shy about that and now, at 35 years of age, has he found the motivation to once again ascend through the ranks? I don’t buy that narrative. To be honest, I don’t know what narrative I buy. For Nate the ill-fated Poirier fight was clearly a path back to Conor, but I don’t know where Nick has his sights set. That’s one of the appeals of the man, we literally cannot parse his intentions.

When it comes to guys like Nick its important to be in the moment. We don’t know where his return is going, or even where it can go. We just need to enjoy the man while he’s around. And this fight… It’s reward enough in itself.

Images courtesy of espn.com and fightland.vice.com.

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Floyd Mayweather and Rizin - It's Been a Strange Year

Floyd Mayweather vs Tenshin Nasukawa – yep

The morning of Tuesday, November 5^th, 2018, I awaken and immediately grasp for my phone like the conditioned millennial that I am. No different than every other morning, except this time when I open twitter, I’m greeted by a promotional video announcing Floyd Mayweather vs Tenshin Nasukawa for Rizin’s New Year’s Eve show next month. Hmm.

HMMMMMM…

After blinking and wiping the sleep from my eyes I realised that I’d just seen a promotional video announcing Floyd Mayweather vs Tenshin Nasukawa for Rizin’s New Year’s Eve show next month. WHAT!? What is happening? I had assumed that the Demetrious Johnson/Ben Askren trade was the most unexpected thing that could happen this year, but I was wrong. We’ve reached an Event Horizon in remarkable developments.

“where we’re going, we won’t need eyes to see”

‘I thought it said, “liberate me” – “save me”. But it’s not “me”. It’s “liberate tutemet” – “save yourself.” And it gets worse.’

(Plays the distress signal again)

‘There – I think that says “ex inferis.” “Save yourself… From Hell.”

Okay, I’m exaggerating and I did recently re-watch Event Horizon (1997) ­and that’s a really good scene. (The film itself though – not as good as I remember it.) Anyway, we’ve ventured into unexplored territory this year in a blizzard with ear plugs and a blindfold and frankly it feels like anything could happen. There’re trades, and the Guardian are writing articles about the promotion that Bob Sapp and Gabi Garcia fight for.

In all seriousness, Floyd’s eastern excursion is difficult to assess until we’ve seen the thing play out. Despite Mayweather’s insistence that he wants to “do something different”, its hard to believe this is an exercise in challenging oneself. And if it is an exercise in challenging oneself, then it would be a kickboxing match, but it won’t be, so it isn’t… Because Floyd would lose.

Of course, that’s assuming that even if it was a kickboxing match – or even some kind of hybrid rules fight – that it wouldn’t be a mere exhibition with a, shall we say, “gentlemen’s agreement” between the two sides. Who are we kidding, if it is a boxing match – which it will be – it’s likely the same story.

On the rize

Sorry to be a Debbie downer but I do it out of love. If we’re being generous this is just a quick cash grab for Floyd “Money” Mayweather. If we’re our most cynical selves this is a business move for a potential branching out into Asia for Mayweather promotions. I, like you, want to see Floyd get tooled up in a kickboxing match by a tiny Japanese child. But if we expect anything remotely resembling a serious combat sports event then our New Year’s Eve will likely be ruined.

But the Guardian did write an article about Tenshin Nasukawa and Rizin, so this is by no means a wash. Floyd Mayweather is a household name in most of the western world. Rizin is about as niche as it gets, and if Floyd can get more eyes on the wider world of MMA than I say you do you Floyd. Condemn Floyd as a hustler, or exalt him, but we can benefit regardless.

Also, what if Tenshin Nasukawa calls an audible knocks Floyd Mayweather out!?

Images courtesy of f4wonline.com and rizinff.com

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Derrick Lewis - Losing the Fight But Winning the War

Derrick Lewis – The long game

From 2006 to 2009 Derrick Lewis was incarcerated for aggravated assault. On November 3^rd, 2018 Derrick Lewis fought all-time great Daniel Cormier in the main event at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Derrick Lewis lost by submission to DC, but he still won.

I often write about sports’ function as a facilitator for organic and human stories. Derrick Lewis’ story is as natural and remarkable as one can get. From being a young boy powerless to stop an abusive stepfather from assaulting his mother, to a beloved figure in the sport of MMA, “The Black Beast” has come a long way.

Just a job

Derrick Lewis’ principle narrative heading into his UFC heavyweight championship fight with Cormier was that he didn’t care for the belt. The only thing that mattered to him was “taking care of his family”. As earnest as they come, it was easy to believe him. For the second oldest of seven siblings in a violent household, making sure his children have a different platform from which to begin their ascent into adulthood is paramount. To Derrick Lewis mixed martial arts is a job, but at the post-fight press conference it was impossible for the soft-spoken knockout artist to camouflage his disappointment.

“I don’t understand why y’all asking me questions after I lost” were the first words out of his mouth. I don’t have a window into the man’s mind, but it seems clear that despite the rhetoric, becoming champion meant something to him. Beyond the assertions that he isn’t a mixed martial artist and that this is just a job to him, a storybook ending was in reach. Maybe this could be like the movies.

It wasn’t to be. DC did DC and wrestled his way to a comfortable second round rear-naked choke. Lewis had no answer for the former Olympian’s onslaught of single legs, and despite a history of being able to stand up pretty much at will, he succumbed to the technical excellence of the incumbent champion. Derrick’s Lewis story of troubled youth to UFC fighter hasn’t found its credits rolling crescendo, at least for now. That’s okay though.

This is real life

This is real life. The Derrick Lewis types don’t always win the big one, but in the end how much does that matter? After veering from the straight narrow, Lewis used fighting to find his way back. Now he has a family who he is able to support by competing in MMA. In the process he has found his way into the hearts of the fanbase with an endearing personality.

According to Lewis’ head coach Lewis is a true introvert. The hard-hitting behemoth is certainly reserved, speaking softly during interviews. Simmering under his subdued manner though, is a wicked sense of humour. This that became clear to the mainstream in his now famous post-fight interview at UFC 229.

The Khabib/McGregor card was a mixed bag of a night, but Derrick Lewis showcased a vertical slice of who he is as a person. Lose soundly for fourteen and a half minutes, get the knockout out right before the buzzer, then takes his shorts off because his “balls were hot”. The quintessential Derrick Lewis experience in a 20-minute window. It’s hard to not like the man, and it’s damn near impossible to not respect him.

winning at life

The loss to DC is immaterial. Despite a shy disposition, Lewis has people invested in him as a person. He’s got people rooting for him to do well. He dragged himself from the gutter and made something of himself, a belt wouldn’t change that. We already have our happy ending. And of course, to top it all off, Derrick has secured a lucrative sponsorship deal with his beloved Popeye’s chicken.

Naturally, the story doesn’t end here. Lewis could very well find himself back in title contention with a few more right hands, and we’ll write our stories all over again. Even if that doesn’t happen Derrick Lewis has won. Anything else is just a bonus.

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UFC 230 - 500 Fighters and Not Enough Fights - The Main Event Problem

UFC 230 – The Middle child

Where does one begin with UFC 230? The much put-upon middle-child of the fourth quarter calendar, it could have been so much, and now just feels like a stop gap on the way to a surging December. I don’t know what’s worse, that an initially great card has been gutted, or that an initially great card being gutted has become routine

After the undercard was finalised back in August, with a middleweight tournament of sorts and the long-awaited return of Nate Diaz against lightweight campaigner Dustin Poirer, the only thing left was a main event. As the UFC were being coy, many assumed big plans for the final fight of the night on November 3^rd. When Jon Jones retroactive suspension was announced to be ending mere days before the event, most speculated a late save by the former Light Heavyweight championship.

Then, at the start of October, the UFC announced the main event: Valentina Shevchenko vs Sijara Eubanks for the vacant flyweight championship. And the crowd goes mild! The MMA faithful reacted about as well as you might expect. At this point it may help to remind you that UFC 230 takes place at Madison Square Garden. You know, that little venue tucked away somewhere in New York.

New york, New york

MMA was banned in New York until early 2016. To celebrate the world MMA leader held UFC 205 at MSG in November of that year. The show was huge, as Conor McGregor captured the lightweight title from Eddie Alvarez to become a double champion. It was also huge because it was the first ever MMA event held in the state of New York. Going forward the UFC have look to hold a tent pole card there every November to commemorate.

It seemed insane that the company would allow UFC 230 to get this close without a main event. Most presumed a huge surprise, even if it didn’t factor in “Bones”. So, when Shevchenko vs. Eubanks was announced – and taking nothing away from those women’s skills – it became clear that the UFC didn’t have an ace up their sleeve and simply had nothing. Thankfully, a public lambasting, which included Joe Rogan openly stating he had never heard of Eubanks, seemed to nudge the fight into the ether.

his balls were hot

Enter Derrick Lewis. After the brawler knocked out Alexander Volkov in a display of pure heart and determination at the UFC’s biggest ever event, UFC 229, he took the sports world by storm with a hilarious post-fight interview. UFC fans have always known how funny the “Black Beast” is, but now the world knew, and he picked up 700,000 Instagram followers for his efforts.

The UFC looked to capitalise on the Houston native’s new-found fame and immediately booked him in a title shot against Daniel Cormier at UFC 230. Of course, that title shot would come a mere four weeks after a hard fight against Volkov. The fighting isn’t uninteresting, and Lewis has definitely earned a title shot, being 9-1 in his last 10. But, when they have to grab a banged-up fighter days after a three round tear up, questions arise?

How, with a stable of fighters numbering over 500, does this happen? The UFC has literally had a year to prepare for this event. November at MSG; it hasn’t exactly crept up on them. If this was an isolated incident it could be forgiven. The injury bug seems particularly vitriolic in its assault on MMA, and weight cutting presents perennial problems. But when it comes to booking, that is controllable. How does such a huge, public company back themselves into a corner so often?

a worrying trend

UFC 228 just two months ago saw a similar situation. With no main event the promotion hastily booked Tyron Woodley vs Darren Till with a few weeks’ notice. Again, a good fight, but it was a desperation move by the company and that can’t be ignored. And you don’t need me to remind about interim titles.

The main issue seems to be the company mandating a title fights main events every pay-per-view. (Pay-per-views themselves are a conversation for another time.) This has proven to be unnecessary with Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz selling well over a million buys on two occasions with nothing but pride on the line.

we just want good fights

The most baffling thing about this card is that a main event was already on it. Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier could have capped the evening off sublimely with a five-round slug-fest. Now, to be fair, Poirier claims that the slot was eventually offered to both men but Nate turned it down. The veracity of this is irrelevant, because either way the UFC were attempting to book a main event with Diaz vs Poirier on the card. That’s a huge fight, with one of the sport’s biggest names in the returning younger Diaz brother. No belts required.

Diaz vs Poirier eventually fell through so it’s for the best, but the principal is the same. The company insists on a belt being done up to end a broadcast. This has proven to be unnecessary, yet it goes on. If they wants to book one or two title fights every pay-per-view, then they need to be smarter. Hell, they could even open up a few new weight classes, but I guess no one’s really talking about that so what do I know?

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Khabib vs Mcgregor || Breakdown • Skill Study • Highlights ᴴᴰ

Khabib vs Mcgregor || Breakdown • Skill Study • Highlights ᴴᴰ

‘Dethroning of a Madman’

I had to wait for the dust to settle, and my head to clear from all the absurdity I had to hear for the last year or so. Now, thankfully, we all can get back to talking technique, teaching, and some Tiramisu for the homie Khabib Nurmagomedov.

A lot to cover here, and that’s skipping most of the third round, so I had to go old-school text and music. There’s too much to “wing it” and I’m barely over a virus.

Music:[Non-Copyrighted Music] Chill Jazzy Lofi Hip Hop (Royalty Free) Jazz Hop Music – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFFUVLsPi6A

[No Copyright Music] Chill LoFi Hip Hop FREE (Copyright Free) Music – Monroe By: LAKEY INSPIRED – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puFdqFrQOmI

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#khabib #conor #breakdown

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Will McGregor Box Next? MMA News, UFC Moncton Preview | OFT #124

This week’s show is simple: we go deep on the big MMA news and preview/predict UFC Moncon. The big news includes Conor McGregor’s potential boxing return (please no), Luke Rockhold’s injury, PFL’s $1 million tournament finals, Daniel Cormier’s status as UFC light heavyweight champion, who could replace Max Holloway against Brian Ortega if required, and more.

We then preview UFC Moncton (AKA UFC Fight Night 138: Oezdemir vs. Smith) and give our predictions for the main card.

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SHOW RUNDOWN:

– The Big News in MMA – Will McGregor Fight MMA or Boxing Next, Luke Rockhold Injury, PFL Finals, Cormier to Defend LHW Title? More (00:02:43)

– UFC Moncton Preview and Predictions (00:44:36)

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Khabib’s Next Fight? Mainstream Media vs. UFC, MMA News | OFT #123

Who will Khabib Nurmagomedov fight next? It may be the Conor McGregor rematch; or finally (and rightfully so) the Tony Ferguson fight; or will Floyd Mayweather somehow fight him? We also discuss the mainstream media attack on MMA in Ireland, comparing the sport to slavery and dog fighting. All that plus breakdowns of the big news in MMA including Eddie Alvarez moving to ONE Championship, a recap of Bellator 207 & 208, and YOUR fan questions.

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Read Joe Brolly’s article here: https://www.independent.ie/sport/mma/joe-brolly-the-time-has-come-to-call-a-halt-to-the-ufcs-bloody-freak-show-37417393.html

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UFC 230 - This Time We're Being Serious Guys. Honestly.

UFC 230 – This is the one

What a week folks. With the madness of UFC 229 still lingering, UFC 230 decided to up its game in the headline race. Now, finally, we have a main event for UFC 230. No, it isn’t Valentina Shevchenko vs Sijara Eubanks for the vacant flyweight title, rendering an article I wrote last week pointless. (Although frankly I’ve never been happier to have wasted my time). Now Madison Square Garden will host Daniel Cormier as he takes on Derrick Lewis for the UFC Heavyweight Championship, all because a man’s balls were hot.

Breaking out

Derrick Lewis could be considered one of the breakout stars of UFC 229, as much as someone could have broken out from the mess. After a stunning come from behind knockout of Alexander Volkov, the “Black Beast” proceeded to take his shorts off in the octagon. Naturally, Joe Rogan questioned him about this, “why did you take your pants off” he asked. Derrick responded, “my balls was hot”. Peak “Black Beast”.

The rest of the interview was pure gold, and after Joe Rogan commended Lewis on his Instagram game, the Houston native found his followers doubling to over 1 million. Now thanks to the UFC’s incessant need for a belt buckling to end a broadcast, Derrick Lewis has found himself in a title fight with DC at UFC 230. Interestingly, Lewis specifically mentioned in his post-fight interview that he was in no way prepared for a title fight, so he was rewarded with a title fight in three weeks.

Honestly, if Lewis was going to get a title fight it was going to be after taking an arse whipping for three rounds before coming back in the third, then giving a hilarious post-fight interview where he undressed – specifically talked about how he didn’t want a title fight – then stepping in on three weeks’ notice to take on Daniel Cormier. He’s the hero MMA needs but not the one it deserves.

There’s just too much ufc?

In all seriousness this is concerning. The UFC have overbooked themselves to the point that they need to grab a fighter a day after a brutal fight to main event an event the next month, for UFC 230 at MSG of all places. It’s almost as if more divisions would help, but no one’s talking about that so I guess I’m crazy.

Is this a smart move for Lewis? Probably not, but it fits perfectly with his persona. A fan favourite for his colourful personality and excellent sense of humour, but also for his heart and guts, despite not being the most technical fighter. In a way it’s smart for the UFC to capitalise on his newly expanded popularity after 229’s estimated 2.4 million buys. But if it’s going to adversely affect his health is it worth it? Is Derrick Lewis going to be at his best for this fight? He can’t be, not after Saturday night.

Hopefully the event is a success despite the build-up. Maybe Lewis is the next big thing. His post-fight interview at 229 has 2.6 million views on YouTube which is massive for a previously unknown fighter. Wouldn’t it have been great to have had a serious build-up? To have gotten the “Black Beast” out there in the mainstream. It could have proven new pathways for fighters to make names for themselves without the machine behind them. Lewis did it by just being effing hilarious all the time.

Even if Lewis would have lost, it could have given DC a nice rub. Maybe thanks to oversaturation the UFC could be sacrificing a new star in a panic booking. I hope that isn’t the case, and in spite of a win or loss Derrick Lewis can capture the hearts of the people.

Images courtesy of ufc.com

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UFC 229 - A Great Night Lost in the Ugliness of a Single Moment

UFC 229 – The Ugliness of it all

We all expected fireworks at the so called “biggest event in UFC history”. I don’t think anyone expected those kinds of fireworks. UFC 229 lived up to the hype, with excitement pervading the night. Unfortunately, all the post-fight discussion has been dedicated to the final few minutes of the broadcast, when all the fights had concluded.

On fine form

Heralded as the biggest MMA fight ever, Khabib vs McGregor headlined in Vegas as fans from all over the world converged on the prize fighting capital. From Irish fans and Russian to fans to celebrities like Matt Damon and Chris Pratt, UFC 229 had that feel. You know the feel I mean. The undercard was not satisfied to merely prop up the collision course main event, everyone looked to steal the show.

An exhausted and hurt Derrick Lewis was tuned up for three rounds by Alexander Volkov until a late flurry – literally 12 seconds before the end of the fight – felled the giant Russian to take a comeback of the year level victory. The “Black Beast” proceeded to take his shorts off and tell Joe Rogan his balls were hot.

Next up Dominick Reyes controlled the ever formidable Ovince Saint Preux for 15 minutes, showing why many believe him to be the future of the light heavyweight division. He scored a knock down right before the final buzzer, with many seeing it as a knockout. It wasn’t recorded as a KO, but regardless, he looked like the real deal throughout the fight.

Ferguson vs. pettis – a fight for the ages

The co-main event saw the return of “El Cucuy” Tony Ferguson to take on 155 mainstay Anthony “Showtime” Pettis. This fight… My word. Ferguson destroyed his knee back in April, returning months before expected. The former interim Lightweight champion, and the man some consider to be the best 155er in the world, doesn’t appear to have lost a step after a year out from the sport. T-Ferg did T-Ferg, marching forward, putting a metric tonne of pressure on the vaunted creative kicker “Showtime”.

The first round went the Boogeyman’s way, as he out landed Pettis and rocked him before the buzzer. The second looked to be heading the same way until Anthony Pettis landed a rocket of a right hand over Tony’s low kick that sent him twirling across the cage. Ferguson looked like a pinball as “Showtime” chased him down with stinging punches. Things eventually settled into “El Cucuy’s” closed guard. Somewhere in the chaos Pettis had received a large cut along his hairline, and now both men were drenched in claret.

Fight in a phone booth

Ferguson eventually created enough space to stand up, prompting referee Jason Herzog to call the doctor in to look at Pettis’ cut. Both men were wiped up and they recentred, a smile painted across each of their faces. Both men came for war, and the crowd were eating it up. The rest of the round saw the pair step into a phone booth and trade blood and leather. Ferguson’s wing chun dummy rounds seemingly payed off for him.

The second round ended as Pettis attempted a cartwheel kick, because of course the second round ended as Pettis attempted a cartwheel kick. They returned to their corners and unfortunately Pettis revealed that he had broken his hand. Duke Roufus, one of the best coaches in the game, called the fight then and there, giving Tony Ferguson the TKO victory.

Ordinarily this would have been disappointing, but with things the way they are now, I can only commend Duke on his actions. Irrespective of that, Ferguson returns with an excellent win in an instant classic. He looks every bit the fighter he was before his catastrophic knee injury.

After Pettis defeated Michael Chiesa at UFC 226 back in July, many claimed that “Showtime” was back after an inconsistent couple of years. Even after this loss we can be even more confident that “Showtime” is indeed back. He fought his heart out – both men did. A short and sweet two verse duet by a pair of warriors that ended with a “play it safe” corner stoppage. A wonderful thing to be able to say, and an even more wonderful thing to have witnessed. Thank you, Tony Ferguson and Anthony Pettis, for your performances.

A different feel

That brings us to the main event of UFC 229. Electricity permeated the T-Mobile Arena as the biggest fight of the ever was set to commence. The walkouts were suitably intense and the crowd emitted an energy ever so rarely seen. As Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor stood across from each other with all too real contempt between them, there was a sense of “It’s finally happening. No one pulled out, everything went fine during fight week. It’s finally happening.”

Then it happened. Mostly a mauling from “the Eagle”, although McGregor did have a promising third round. Nurmagomedov submitted “the Notorious One” in the fourth round after unrelenting takedowns and top pressure. It was over, Khabib was the victor and we could all go home happy. Except that didn’t happen because a brawl broke out both outside and inside of the cage.

Khabib, apparently reacting to provocations by McGregor corner man Dillon Danis, hopped the fence and executed a Persona style all out attack on McGregor’s team. This eventually spilled back into the cage as McGregor engaged with some of Khabib’s team. It was ugly, really ugly, and poisoned what was an otherwise an amazing night for the sport we love.

Pointing fingers

This seems to be where most people take sides. Everyone wants to point fingers and back up their “team”. Hell, I’m guilty of doing so on Twitter in the immediate aftermath. But in all honestly, the ugliness was there from the word go. Since Khabib got into it with Artem, and Conor launched an attack on a bus full of people. From the press conference to the weigh-in. It was all a nasty affair.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a real rivalry, but this is just sports. An athletic competition at the end of the day. Trash talk is fun, and a useful tool to get into the head of your opponent, but when it becomes about trying to hurt your opponent and those he cares about as much as possible to sell pay-per-views, count me out. When you’re stoking cultural fires, count me out. In hindsight, the build up to UFC 229 was not fun and exciting, it was not the rousing return of MMA’s mainstream star, it was just sad.

A damn shame

The first I time have ever personally seen Mixed Martial Arts featured on the front page of a British newspaper was this week. (I don’t pick up a lot of newspapers so take that with a massive pinch of salt). The article did not mention Tony Ferguson and Anthony Pettis’ warrior spirit or Derrick Lewis’s heart and gritty determination. It only talked about an emotional reaction from the champion which resulted in a short flashpoint of chaos to end the UFC 229 broadcast.

Khabib gave a world class performance at UFC 229. Unfortunately, the mainstream will likely remember the night for the circus at the end. What a shame. There’s a lot of problems with the sport, but there’s so much to be positive about, so many amazing people doing amazing things. Let’s focus on that.

Images courtesy of mmajunkie.com, usatoday.com and ufc.com

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UFC 229 After The Brawl Recap with Myles Price & Brendan Dorman | OFT #122

UFC 229 ended in a brawl between Team Khabib and Team McGregor. However, it was also host to many great fights and performances. We react to the brawl, break down those performances and fights, answer your fan questions, and then talk to Conor McGregor’s ex-training partner Myles Price who is now training in AKA with Khabib Nurmagomedov about all that went down at the event.

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#UFC229 should have ended with celebrations for Khabib Nurmagomedov following his ultra-impressive performance over Conor McGregor, but a moment of madness stopped that from happening when he jumped the cage to attack McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis. We discuss and debate this moment with Brendan Dorman.

Myles Price then drops by. He’s an Irish fighter out of Team Ryano who trained at American Kickboxing Academy with Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of UFC 229. He’s a former SBG fighter who trained and sparred with McGregor when they were coming up in MMA. He made news recently when explained why he’s not a big fan of his former teammate #McGregor and picked #Khabib to win their fight. He reacts to the brawl, discusses the fight, and talks about his recent Bellator MMA signing.

EPISODE RUNDOWN | SECTION PICKER:

– UFC 229 Recap Show (00:02:50)

— UFC 229 Brawl Reaction and Debate (00:05:06)

— UFC 229 Fights Breakdown (00:20:30)

– Myles Price Interview | Reacts to UFC 229 Brawl and Main Event, Talks Bellator MMA Signing (00:57:20)

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UFC 230 - Why Though?

UFC 230 – Hello Darkness my old friend

Imagine if Dustin Poirier was fighting a returning Nate Diaz at UFC 230 at Madison Square Garden. Now imagine that the UFC decided to book Valentina Shevchenko vs Sijara Eubanks for the vacant flyweight title as the main event of that very same MSG event. Go on, imagine it. Now stop imagining it because its real. This is real life. I’m sorry. I’m sorry that this is happening to you.

Where does one begin? Just last month the UFC booked an impromptu welterweight championship fight for a pay-per-view because a women’s flyweight title fight wasn’t a satisfactory main event. Here we are a month later – again, with Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier already on the card – and a women’s flyweight title fight is booked as the headliner for one of the UFC’s tent pole events. Except this time the actual champion isn’t involved.

Words fail me. I thought about just composing this article of GIFs to express myself. Maybe we’ll do some at the end. Usually I have a point with my writing. I have a beginning, a middle and an end, with a payoff and a big message. Today, I have nothing to tell you, I cannot make sense of senselessness.

I am surprised motherf**ker

Diaz and Poirier were trying to motivate the UFC to give them the main event slot at UFC 230 with a brand new 165 lb belt on the line. Fans were receptive too, and the fighters were doing a better job promoting their bout over social media than the UFC are. Even if you don’t wanna break the emergency glass and start handing out panic belts – because the UFC are so above that obviously – just give them the five round main event. It’s Nate Diaz, one of your biggest stars – maybe your second biggest star. Instead, we get this.

Dana White has made some poor decisions over the years, but nothing like this. We can assume pantheon level pettiness on the part of the UFC president. Historically reticent to give a Diaz brother what they want, the UFC are essentially cutting their nose off to spite their face. Maybe the promotion would be better off if it wasn’t run by a toddler.

I am a legitimate Valentina Shevchenko fan, but, her and Sijara Eubanks for the main? Man, Dana must really hate the Diaz brothers. UFC 230 is still a really good card, but… Pfffffffft. Here’s some GIFs roughly representing my timeline of emotions I guess.

 

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Grappling as a Spectator Sport - Can Quintet Do the Impossible?

Quintet 3 – a grappling revolution?

UFC Fight Pass is hosting Quintet 3 this Friday, the day before UFC 229, the biggest event in UFC history. It’s getting a decent little push, and there’s a buzz about it that I can’t recall for such an event. What is Quintet 3? It’s a submission grappling event and a few people seem to be excited about it. Isn’t that something.

Grappling has long been the Mr Hyde in the MMA equation. First time viewers of the sport tend to feel refreshed by the dynamic striking. However, sometimes a Curtis Blaydes or a Corey Anderson type decide to do a bit of wrestling and we’re treated to a large man laying on top of another large man for 15 to 25 minutes. To the casual passer-by this is… “boring”.

“Stand them up”

Casual fans don’t typically get a lot from the ground game. It’s the reason crowds will boo if a fight stays in the clinch or guard for too long and the referee gets performance anxiety and stands the fight up unnecessarily. George St-Pierre faced mounting criticism towards the end of his first run due to his increasingly wrestle heavy style.

To casual fans it was boring; nothing was happening. Hardcore fans seemed focus on his apparent lack of attempting to finish the fight. Another angle here is someone like a Demian Maia. A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ace who made it his mission to get a piggyback from everyone in the middleweight and welterweight division.

Maia’s whole game revolves around a relentless pursuit of the rear-naked choke. Thankfully fans react well to a nice submission these days, but sometimes getting there can look “boring”. Look to fights where Maia didn’t get the submission and you’ll find scenes not unlike the bit in Aliens where Ripley finds the face hugger in Newt’s room. If you don’t know what’s happening, or at least don’t have an appreciation for the skill involved in high level grappling, it can look bizarre, and, well, “boring”.

last man standing

Quintet is a five on five submission only event with four teams taking part in a single elimination bracket. It’s a winner stays on format with two people starting things out. If one person gets a submission they stay on the mat and the second member of his opponent’s team gets on. This continues until one competitor remains. Each round is eight minutes long, or four minutes if there is a large weight discrepancy between two competitors. If there isn’t a submission during the allotted time then both men leave the mats and the next two members of each team comes on.

Quintet was conceived and created by Japanese MMA legend Kazushi Sakuraba, a grappling innovator know for using his catch wrestling prowess to overcome several of the Gracie clan, the BJJ originators. As such, Quintet has that Japanese flair to it, complete with massively over the top announcing.

What’s interesting about this sub-only grappling event as opposed to others is its pace. If you aren’t familiar with the sport and were to tune into a random IBJJF or ADCC event then it might look people you don’t know rolling around on mats until one of them gives up or the referee gets bored. Quintet has a different kind of buzz because it’s impossible to get lost. Because of the teams – complete with matching uniforms – and the tournament format, it’s easy to wrap your head around the general concept, even if the grappling itself confuses you.

What needs to be done?

Grappling is esoteric. Everyone knows what striking is, even if they don’t know striking. Ask anyone on the street to do a straight right or uppercut and chances are they’ll do it. Ask someone to do a shrimp or scissor sweep and they may back away slowly. It’s just never been part of the mainstream zeitgeist and won’t touch down anywhere in the lexicon of the average person. You don’t need to feel Conor McGregor’s left hand to know that it’s devastating. But if you’ve never felt a black belt squeeze in an anaconda or d’arce choke, it’s difficult to wrap your mind around it.

The thing about grappling though, once you’re in, once you have a basic understanding of what’s happening, its mesmerising. Something like Quintet can become appointment viewing if you lean into it just a little bit. The vast majority of people who watch boxing have never boxed in their lives, but I don’t know anyone who watches submission grappling who doesn’t train. That’s the barrier that needs to be broken.

I don’t know how we break that barrier, but I do know Quintet is a great start. The pace and the easily understandable rules go a long way. So, if you’re an MMA who’s curious about submissions, give Quintet a go. Try to appreciate it for what it is, and the skill involved in and of itself. You might have fun watching Gordon Ryan ruthless latch onto to people’s heels until they quit.

Images courtesy of bjjasia.com, fightersonlymag.com, bjj-usa.com and jiusitsumag.com.

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Conor McGregor vs The World (Is Yours) UFC 229

Conor mcgregor vs the world UFC 229

With everyone and their mother lining up to get a slice of the McGregor pie. The so called biggest fight in MMA history? Could just as easily be just another title fight, if the promotion was anything to go by. As on the 6th of October, just s few days from now. UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will look to defend his title against the former division Champ, Conor McGregor.

Outside of the pre-fight press conference which for my money was one of the most personal and verbally vicious I have ever witnessed. The MMA world has been all but silent in the buildup to this mammoth event. Now some say it is the former champ McGregor who has been unwilling to participate. Choosing instead to focus solely on the task at hand. Refusing to partake in the now traditional dog and pony show which accompanies his jaunts into battle.

Whatever the reason, what we do know is that barring any late upsets (everything crossed Lord). These two will finally get to put their hands on one another, under a specific set of rules, inside the octagon at UFC 229.

Now there can be no denying either man’s mental toughness. Something we know about them both, either through their much publicised upbringing or their exploits and careers to date. While McGregor has already been to the top of the mountain several times. Even managing to switch and compete in another sport at the very highest level. Nurmagomedov was born and raised tough in his very own set of mountains, back in his home country of Dagestan.

Where once we saw two smiling fellow athletes stop for a quick photo op. We now see two bitter enemies, both inside and outside the cage. And a fight which will perhaps not change that situation anytime soon. As with Khabib and Conor we have ourselves all the elements of a rivalry which may continue for years to come, regardless of the outcome October 6th.

To the Victor the Spoils

It’s that quite rare unique situation in fight sports where it’s not all for show to put bums in seats. Where genuine hostility meets a once in a life time opportunity to settle the score. And we as fans, are lucky enough to watch it all play out in real-time.

In what could be described as a classic striker vs wrestler matchup. The odds makers have Nurmagomedov as the favourite, albeit not by a large margin. With McGregor’s range of opportunities seen as limited to a KO, Khabib is believed to have more than one way to finish the bout. But for me in situations like this, I usually leave it to those in the know. Who put their money where their mouth is when it comes to UFC 229 predictions and advice for betting on Saturday.

Now if I were a betting man … which I am not, I still would not have any clear pick. And although my heart says one thing, my head is saying another. Which ever way the chips may fall. There’s can be no doubting the sheer magnitude of this fight in the world of Mixed Martial Arts. As with a win from Khabib Nurmagomedov, he catapults himself into the stratosphere. As the man who silenced thee man at 145lbs.

And for Conor McGregor, to come back after 2 years away from the cage. And to give the undefeated champion his first loss as a professional. Could his stock actually rise even higher? We find out the answers to all of our questions this coming weekend.

The world is yours, you just have to go out there and take it …

Images courtesy of maxim.com, cnet.com & mmajunkie.com

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