To all the MMA fans out there.....
mma, martial arts, wec, elite xc
|
OK, this is part 2 of my rants for tonight then I'm going to bed.
I watched 2 big MMA events this weekend (online) and me being a big fan of Mixed Martial Arts, its been a hell of a weekend.
First up, to all newcomers, here is a crash course in Mixed Martial Arts....
MMA is the newest most exciting combat sport around today. Two competitors of similair weight fight each other in a cage with 4 ounce gloves, and are allowed to use any martial arts they see fit. However it is not a street fight in a cage, as there is extensive rules and regulations for the athletes safety, and the athletes have to undergo extensive drug testing and medical clearances before being allowed to fight. It has been labeled 'barbaric' by the media even though there has only been one death in MMA in its many years of existence. One company dominates the MMA market called the UFC, and to most people, UFC (or ultimate fighting) is synonymous with MMA. There are many strategies used in an MMA fight but I will highlight the main ones below:
Sprawl-and-brawl: An athlete with a kickboxing and amateur wrestling background will use his wrestling skills to prevent the other fight taking him to the ground, and he will try and stand and knock the other fighter out. Arguably the most exciting style in MMA.
Ground-and-pound: A person of an amateur wrestling background will use his wrestling skills to take the other fighter to the ground, hold him down and finish him with punches, elbows and knees. A style invented by "The Godfather of Ground and Pound", Mark Coleman.
Submission-fighting: A fighter who is very skilled in submission (joint locks and chokes) will get the fight to the ground by any means possible (even if they wind up on their backs) and will submit their opponent. This style was most effective in the UFCs first events, but people adapted to it, and it is now equally as effective as the other styles.
Lay-and-pray: A derogatory term for athletes of an amateur wrestling background who are content to do nothing but lay on their opponent once they take them to the ground. They are universally hated by fans and critics alike.
The best fighters in the world are well versed in standup, wrestling and ground and use all these above strategies in their fights.
OK, now onto my thoughts for the weekend:
First up we had Elite XC: Primetime which was apparently on CBS in America (one of the 4 main TV stations) and it was MMA's network TV debut. It drew mixed reviews from critics, and fairly negative reviews from the hardcore fans. However, they drew excellent ratings which increased throughout the broadcast. This is the beginning of MMA entering the mainstream, which I am very excited about.
Overall the fights were pretty good, a few unfortunate stoppages but still good fights.
WEC 34 was the REAL barnburner though, a true history making fight as the two top 145 pounders, Urijah Faber and Jens Pulver clashed head to head in an epic 5 round war that truly showed what skill, heart, and athleticism really is. After watching it I honestly cannot see for the life of me why anyone would call it human cockfighting. They have some of the best, most skilled, talented, nice humble athletes you will find in any sport.
Anyone who has never heard of MMA, or does not watch it, shell out 50 bucks and get UFC 85 this weekend, I promise to god, it will be the best 50 bucks you ever spent.
|
|
|
on 6/3/2008
|
|
|