There comes a time when it’s not just wise, but mandatory for a professional fighter to call it quits. MMA is a dangerous sport that tends to produce concussions, broken bones, dislocated limbs and in a very select few instances, even more. There’s no reason to loiter with the lions if your ability to defend yourself has all but disappeared.
Wanderlei Silva was reborn a week ago today in San Jose. His impressive TKO finish of film and television star Cung Le was reminiscent of the Wanderlei who went undefeated in 18 straight fights under the PRIDE Fighting Championships banner.
How monumental was UFC on Fox 1? It was so monumental that my 5-year-old was allowed to stay up and watch “the fights”. While she is very aware that daddy is a big fight fan she is also aware that she isn’t allowed to stay up and watch them. Not on this Saturday.
Saturdays UFC on FOX is quite possibly the most important event the Ultimate Fighting Championship has ever held as they make their debut on network TV. The one hour event will air just the heavyweight championship between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos.
On November 12, 1993 the UFC held its inaugural event in Denver and the martial arts world was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a non assuming man by the name Royce Gracie. I remember watching it on pay per view and being fascinated by the fact it had no rules (there were), the teeth knocking blows, and just the sheer violence being displayed. Then I saw Royce Gracie step inside the octagon and latch himself onto his opponents like he was an anaconda and literally squeeze the breath out of his opponents. I didn’t know what mixed martial arts were at the time but I knew I had to watch every subsequent event the UFC would ever hold; and I have.
For the first round of past Saturday’s main event against Nick Diaz, BJ Penn displayed the boxing skills that many consider among the best in mixed martial arts. He displayed the slick ground game that earned him the nickname of, “The Prodigy”; then the first round ended.
UFC 137 is finally upon us and although we won’t be getting to see GSP defend his title against Carlos Condit, we will get to watch BJ Penn go toe to toe with MMA’s true Bad Boy; Nick Diaz.
Never look at someone in a fight and think “I can take them, they are smaller than me.” Many times, people will assume that a person smaller in stature will be beaten; not the case. Technique and skill will always overcome size and strength. In the words of Bruce Lee, “be like water; water is the softest stuff in the world but it can penetrate rock.” Three of the top fighters in the world today have penetrated the strongholds of their respective divisions to drown the competition with their ability, technique and dedication at remaining champions and becoming some of the greatest fighters to enter the octagon.
UFC on FOX 7: Henderson vs. Melendez Weigh-in Pictures
Due to a previously scheduled Arena Football game at the HP Pavilion, today’s UFC on FOX 7 weigh-ins were held less than a mile away at the California Theater. The small theater was completely filled with cheering fans and all the fighters they came to see made weight.
The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale Weigh-in Pictures
Amidst everything else going on, the UFC has themselves a busy day today with the UFC on FX 6 taking place in Australia and The Ultimate Fighter 16 finale weigh-ins. All 24 fighters made weight today for tomorrow’s event that will crown The Ultimate Fighter 16 welterweight winner.
UFC on FUEL TV 4 Weigh-in Results and Photos
SAN JOSE, Cal. – Still recovering from Saturday’s UFC 148, MMAValor.com was inside the HP Pavilion for today’s UFC on FUEL TV 4 weigh-ins. A few of the fighters would need to step onto the scale behind a towel but all 22 fighters on the UFC on FUEL TV 4 fight card made weight.
TUF Live Finale Live Results and Event Pictures
The long grind of the first live version of The Ultimate Fighter ends tonight at the TUF Live Finale in Las Vegas. Featuring 12 of the 16 TUF Live contestants, the 10 bout card will be headlined by an important match-up in the welterweight division between Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann.
TUF Live Finale Weigh-in Results and Pictures
All the fighters for tomorrow’s TUF Live Finale were on weight as they stepped onto the scales inside the Pearl at the Palms. The 20 fighters, including 12 of the 16 TUF Live fighters will begin entering the Octagon tomorrow starting at 2:45pm PT / 5:45pm ET.
