Growing Sport

The article below is a very interesting read. I agree with the author's sentiments....particularly this quote:

"People vested in MMA often say that is the fastest-growing sport in the world, but that statement is inaccurate and trite. The sport is still growing -- if it were not, there would be no Fox deal for the UFC -- but it is not exploding past the NFL, MLB or NBA, either. More people accept the sport than did 10 years ago, but others remain firmly entrenched in the Davis camp, even if they do not share his exact sentiments.

I know this because I worked in a newsroom for six years. In print media, MMA is only grudgingly accepted, and many in that environment still believe “ultimate fighting” is something kids do at bars on weekends. When someone is killed or injured and a UFC event just happened to be on in the background, you can bet a copy editor is going to make sure “MMA” makes it into the headline, relevant or not. Every sport has its detractors. They say that football causes brain trauma; NBA players are disinterested; baseball takes too long; and the list goes on.

MMA still has its naysayers, as well. We just have to appreciate the passionate, still-growing group that makes it a point to correct them whenever ignorance rears its ugly head."


This is all part of the sport growing I think. Anything new and different will be met with some measure of caution at best and opposition at worst. I was listening to Colin Cowherd a few weeks ago, and he railed on MMA in a similar, albeit more politically correct way. My thoughts were very similar to the article's author when I was listening to Cowherd's opinion that MMA may be too violent. This video made me feel better about it though: Lesnar punks Cowherd

The article is a good read, especially for MMA enthusiasts.

Ignorance is not bliss...

UFC: Macao

I thought I'd give my thoughts on the fights as I watch the main fights. I recoreded the card because I wasn't home to watch it on Saturday night.

Takanori Gomi v. Mac Danzig
Overall: Gomi did enough to win the fight, but it was a close fight. I didn't see a split decision, but I though Gomi was the winner. Danzig looked good though. I wouldn't mind seeing a rematch.


Dong Hyun Kim v. Paulo Thiago
Kim completely dominated and smothered Thiago the entire fight. Thiago was fighting to surive the entire fight and mounted no offense. Kim looked very impressive. I'd like to see him get a top guy in welterweight and get a title shot if he wins that fight. He is a smothering judoka. I like his fight style.


Thiago Silva v. Stanislav Nedkov

Rd 1: Nedkov is a good bit smaller, but he is bringing it to Silva. Not intimidated at all. Very nice exchanges. Nedkov controlled the round. Rd 1 to Nedkov

Rd 2: Cup shot...oww. Nedkov recovered. Nice exchange. Silva using his range. Nedkov pushed Silva against the cage again and controlling the round again and looking for a takedown. Ref broke them up. These guys are brawling, then Nedkov shoots for a takedown and puts pressure on Silva again...and again...Silva's knees to the thigh and leg kicks are nasty...Nedkov drops Silva! Rocked him and nice ground and pound. Rd 2: was close throughout, but Nedkov stole it at the end I think

Rd 3: Came out brawling...throwing the overhand right again, trying to catch Silva again. Back and forth battle on the feet. Silva getting the  better of the battle. Silva with take down and mount. Nedkov looks exhausted. Silva is smothering him on the bottom. Silva with devasting elbows. Locks in Head and Arm choke! Nedkov taps...no longer undefeated.

Great fight. Back and forth battle. Nice submission.


Now to the Main Event!

Cung Lee v. Rich Franklin

This should be an exciting fight. Rich has a large reach advantage, but Lee's kicks are nuts.

Rd 1: Rich feinting a lot. Nice exchanges so far. Lee is an exciting striker. You don't see many strikers now that can use those karate-style kicks effectively in MMA. Franklin landing a bit early. The reach is a huge.....OMG Franklin KTFO! He is just now regaining his senses. What a knock out. Franklin was out before he hit the mat. That was a devasting shot. One of the best KOs I've seen this year.



Overall, I enjoyed the card. The fights were mostly entertaining, especially the last 4...they were great fights. Good job UFC on its history-making China Card.

MMA Promotion News

There is a new competitor in town, and I'm sure Dana has already declared war on them. Their first card looked like it would have been a good one. I didn't get to watch it, but I will probably watch the fights on-line when I get time. The new promotion is called the World Series of Fighting. Interesting title, but the fight card was actually filled with some solid fighters, including Miguel Torres, Andre Arlovski and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

Here are a few links about the event:

Arlovski was on a terrible skid in his career, but Greg Jackson took him under his wing and has seemingly resurrected the Pitbull's career. I also happened to pick Jackson's gym as a feature in my SMWW MMA course discussion this week...nice pick me :)
http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Andrei-Arlovski-on-Greg-Jackson-Hes-Like-A-Big-Brother-for-Me-47071

Here is a synopsis of the fights: http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Andrei-Arlovski-Rumble-Johnson-Shine-in-World-Series-of-Fighting-Debut-47063

The WSOF president's interview about the event: http://www.sherdog.com/videos/videointerview/World-Series-of-Fighting-President-Proud-of-WSOF-Debut-4317

WSOF payroll for the first event: http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/World-Series-of-Fighting-Salaries-Andrei-Arlovski-3660K-Anthony-Johnson-3655K-Top-Payroll-47083


Bellator tapping the Russian Market for fighters while the UFC only has 4 Russian fighters on its roster....interesting: http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/From-Russia-With-Gloves-47017

-BJW-