Matchmakers have a notoriously difficult job. Much like referees, they go largely unnoticed if they do their role properly, but it is extremely obvious when they get it wrong. However, there are those infrequent moments when they get it perfectly right, handing fight fans up and down the world with those perfect contests that last long in the memory.
2016 was a good year for fights across a number of promotions and divisions. Minus perhaps the heavyweights, the argument can certainly be made that in 2017, we now have the deepest array of fighters across all weight classes in the sport's history.
As a result, some of the match-ups seen last year have been truly spectacular, and the winner of the 'Fight of the Year' will have truly earned it.
Often, the best events come from the card with the least hype. Following the juggernaut that was UFC 205, with its stacked card and three title fights, UFC 206 looked very much like the red-headed step child of the family, especially when the initial headliner, Daniel Cormier vs Anthony Johnson, was cancelled due to injury, leaving an awkwardly-shoehorned interim featherweight title bout as the main event.
Step forward the co-main event and third fight of the card. These were two absolute barnburners, with Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone's picture perfect headkick KO of Matt Brown surprisingly playing second fiddle to the quite ridiculous battle between Cub Swanson and Doo Ho Choi. Though it was touted as a 'fun fight' in the lead-up, few would have expected the 15 minute war that ensued.
Originating from what was considered an ambitious call-out by the Korean Superboy, the fight had been in the works for a while, and was seen as the first real test of Choi's UFC credentials. In the lead-up, most commentators felt that Cub would be one step too far for the youngster, and would ultimately outclass him.
As with most things in the highly unpredictable sport of MMA, they couldn't have been more wrong. While Choi admittedly took a while to warm up, the fight proved to be the very definition of back and forth. Quite honestly, how either of them made it to the final bell with their heads still attached is amazing, such was the power and ferocity of some of the punches thrown. In particular, the Korean Superboy may have one of the best chins in the sport at present, taking an incredible amount of punishment and continuing to survive and throw strikes. I seem to recall one of his countrymen being famous for something similar - Korean Zombie 2.0 anyone?
Perhaps the best thing about the contest, however, is that it demonstrated the best of each of the three main disciplines in MMA, namely kickboxing, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. The feeling throughout was that the fight could be stopped at any moment, with both fighters going through moments of jelly-legged trouble, in addition to submission attempts and battles for positional control. Unsurprisingly, once the crowd caught its breath, it showed its appreciation with a huge standing ovation at the end of the second round.
The real reason that this fight stands out from its competition for this award is that it's the only non-main event contest. Take a look at the list. From Bisping/Silva to Henderson/Chandler, every one of the other fights has benefitted from an enormous amount of promotion as part of the UFC or Bellator's PR machine, meaning that many will have bought their tickets with the express intention of watching the main event. I've seen it first hand at UFC 204 - while Bisping vs Henderson was not by any means an exceptional fight, the atmosphere generated by its significance made it feel all the more entertaining and impressive.
While the Cub/Choi fight received a bit of attention as a main card bout, it was by no means hyped by the UFC, and the fact that it stands out as one of the best fights of the year underlines the quality of the contest itself, rather than benefitting from a more electric atmosphere. There's no doubt that after this fight, both will be in main events in the near future, with Swanson already set to headline against Artem Lobov later this year.
Do you agree with this choice? Let me know your thoughts either in the comments section or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMAChandkler
Saturday, 25 February 2017
Sunday, 5 February 2017
MMA Awards 2017: The Case For... Gegard Mousasi
The rise of MMA outside of the US has led to a cultural explosion of the sport. From Brazilian jiu-jitzu to Japanese karate, there are now a wide range of different but equally valid fighting styles, created from many different jurisdictions.
With the rise of international fighting styles comes the strength in depth of fighting talent outside the US. In a previous post, I already covered one contender for the 'International Fighter of the Year' award at length, putting my case forward for Michael Bisping in the headline category. As such, it's only fair that this post covers someone else, as there have been many accomplishments across the European MMA scene this year.
Fitting firmly into this category is Dutch kick boxer Gegard Mousasi. Arguably one of the most under-rated fighters currently plying his trade in the UFC, Mousasi is also one of the most experienced and active. To put it into perspective, his upcoming fight with Chris Weidman, slated for UFC 210, will be the Dutchman's 50th professional bout, adding to a further 21 fights in kickboxing and boxing. Having been fighting since 2003, that is an average of nearly four fights every year, with an almost unheard of seven fights in 2005 alone.
While it is true that the majority of his fights have come outside of MMA's leading promotion, it remains that Mousasi has rarely been considered as a true title contender, a fact that is baffling when you look at his record. With 41 wins, six losses and two draws, the Dutchman has been on some incredible runs during his career and fought some of the biggest names. Indeed, between November 2006 and December 2009, Mousasi went on a 15-fight win streak, including victories over the likes of Hector Lombard, Evangelista Santos, Melvin Manhoef, Jacare Souza and even heavyweight Mark Hunt. He was also only the second man in history to stop Dan Henderson by strikes, and while three of his six defeats have come during his time in the UFC, there have been many more undeserving recipients of title shots in that time.
2016 was no different in terms of the work rate of Mousasi, recording an unbeaten 4-0 record over the 12 month period. In particular, the Dutchman enjoyed back to back TKO victories over top 10 opponents in the space of six weeks at the back end of the year, first despatching MMA legend Vitor Belfort at UFC 204 in Manchester, before running through Uriah Hall in Belfast to avenge his previous defeat.
When compared to the other fighters on the list, his is comfortably the most impressive record. Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Khabib Nurmagomedov both enjoyed 2-0 records, while Michael Bisping won a title and beat two MMA legends on his way to a 3-0 year. Finally, while Conor McGregor made history with his second round KO of lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez to become the UFC's first double-weight world champion, the fact remains that he was defeated by Nate Diaz at UFC 196, casting a small cloud over the rest of his accomplishments last year.
One criticism that could perhaps be levelled against Mousasi in the past is that his successes in the UFC have been punctuated by defeats, and that he excelled in the 'minor leagues' of Strikeforce and Dream, but has yet to establish himself at the elite level. This year comprehensively rebuffs that statement. While you can't even say it has been Mousasi's most successful year, it is certainly the one where he broke into the upper echelons of the UFC, and the Weidman fight could well be a potential title eliminator.
Mousasi's main problem is that he has been unfortunate enough to find himself in arguably the most stacked division in MMA right now, with any one of the top 10 fighters capable of beating any other. As a result, his quality has yet to fully shine through, and while his under-the-radar demeanour does not garner him the headlines of the likes of McGregor, it seems to be working in the Octagon. 2017 could be the year where he adds the UFC belt to his already bursting cabinet of trophies, and he will be watching the result of the Michael Bisping/Yoel Romero bout with interest.
With the rise of international fighting styles comes the strength in depth of fighting talent outside the US. In a previous post, I already covered one contender for the 'International Fighter of the Year' award at length, putting my case forward for Michael Bisping in the headline category. As such, it's only fair that this post covers someone else, as there have been many accomplishments across the European MMA scene this year.
Fitting firmly into this category is Dutch kick boxer Gegard Mousasi. Arguably one of the most under-rated fighters currently plying his trade in the UFC, Mousasi is also one of the most experienced and active. To put it into perspective, his upcoming fight with Chris Weidman, slated for UFC 210, will be the Dutchman's 50th professional bout, adding to a further 21 fights in kickboxing and boxing. Having been fighting since 2003, that is an average of nearly four fights every year, with an almost unheard of seven fights in 2005 alone.
While it is true that the majority of his fights have come outside of MMA's leading promotion, it remains that Mousasi has rarely been considered as a true title contender, a fact that is baffling when you look at his record. With 41 wins, six losses and two draws, the Dutchman has been on some incredible runs during his career and fought some of the biggest names. Indeed, between November 2006 and December 2009, Mousasi went on a 15-fight win streak, including victories over the likes of Hector Lombard, Evangelista Santos, Melvin Manhoef, Jacare Souza and even heavyweight Mark Hunt. He was also only the second man in history to stop Dan Henderson by strikes, and while three of his six defeats have come during his time in the UFC, there have been many more undeserving recipients of title shots in that time.
2016 was no different in terms of the work rate of Mousasi, recording an unbeaten 4-0 record over the 12 month period. In particular, the Dutchman enjoyed back to back TKO victories over top 10 opponents in the space of six weeks at the back end of the year, first despatching MMA legend Vitor Belfort at UFC 204 in Manchester, before running through Uriah Hall in Belfast to avenge his previous defeat.
When compared to the other fighters on the list, his is comfortably the most impressive record. Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Khabib Nurmagomedov both enjoyed 2-0 records, while Michael Bisping won a title and beat two MMA legends on his way to a 3-0 year. Finally, while Conor McGregor made history with his second round KO of lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez to become the UFC's first double-weight world champion, the fact remains that he was defeated by Nate Diaz at UFC 196, casting a small cloud over the rest of his accomplishments last year.
One criticism that could perhaps be levelled against Mousasi in the past is that his successes in the UFC have been punctuated by defeats, and that he excelled in the 'minor leagues' of Strikeforce and Dream, but has yet to establish himself at the elite level. This year comprehensively rebuffs that statement. While you can't even say it has been Mousasi's most successful year, it is certainly the one where he broke into the upper echelons of the UFC, and the Weidman fight could well be a potential title eliminator.
Mousasi's main problem is that he has been unfortunate enough to find himself in arguably the most stacked division in MMA right now, with any one of the top 10 fighters capable of beating any other. As a result, his quality has yet to fully shine through, and while his under-the-radar demeanour does not garner him the headlines of the likes of McGregor, it seems to be working in the Octagon. 2017 could be the year where he adds the UFC belt to his already bursting cabinet of trophies, and he will be watching the result of the Michael Bisping/Yoel Romero bout with interest.
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
UFC: Top 10 Knockouts
There is nothing more exciting as a spectator than a highlight reel knockout, and the reaction that it gets is often enormous. All fighters look for it, for both the prestige and the potential of a $50,000 bonus.
With the power that many fighters across the divisions have, it is unsurprising that there are a wealth of options for me to choose from. Nevertheless, these are my top 10 knockouts in UFC history.
10. Thomas Almeida vs Brad Pickett - UFC 189 (flying knee)
Having established a 19-0 record, albeit mostly in lesser organisations, Thomas Almeida was matched against the veteran Brad Pickett in a fight expected to test the youngster. And it certainly did that, with the Londoner flooring the Brazilian in the opening round and forcing him to recover quickly. However, when the bell rang for the second round, it took just 30 seconds for Almeida to land a devastating flying knee to leave his opponent out cold.
9. Paige VanZant vs Bec Rawlings - UFC Fight Night: Maia vs Condit (switch kick)
If there is one thing you don't expect from female fighters, it is outlandish knockouts, with the majority of fights either going the distance or ending by submission. Step forward 22-year old Paige VanZant, who in her ninth professional fight battled Bec Rawlings, who had had a decidedly up and down ride coming off the strawweight season of The Ultimate Fighter.
After an uneventful first round, VanZant landed a picture perfect flying switch kick to the head of Rawlings just fifteen seconds into round two, before finishing her opponent on the ground.
8. Junior dos Santos vs Mark Hunt - UFC 160 (spinning hook kick)
Similarly to the above example, this was a knockout that surprised many. While heavyweights are accustomed to knocking one another into the middle of next week with their fists, there are not all that many that end fights with head kicks - and spinning ones at that!
Nevertheless, in the final minute of a bloody war, JDS used this technique to perfection to stop the notoriously tough Mark Hunt - only the second time in history that the Super Samoan had been stopped by strikes. This propelled Cigano back into the title picture, and a third bout with Cain Velasquez.
7. Rashad Evans vs Chuck Liddell - UFC 88 (punch)
Brutal. That's the best way to describe the knockout of UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell at the hands of Ultimate Fighter winner Rashad Evans. Whether you believe the Iceman should still have been competing at that point or not, it was still painful to watch Liddell crumple under the right hand of Evans, as well as seeing him cradled in the arms of Herb Dean.
Having come into the fight as a considerable underdog, the power and ferocity of the knockout even seemed to surprise Evans, with his celebration a combination of shock and awe at the spectacular finish.
6. Rashad Evans vs Sean Salmon - UFC Fight Night: Evans vs Salmon (head kick)
It seems Rashad Evans doesn't do a normal finish to a fight. Suga finds his way onto this list for a second time with his crunching head kick knockout of decorated collegiate wrestler Sean Salmon in 2007. Having been frustrated throughout the first round, frequently taken down by Salmon, Evans found the perfect, and final, response, catching the 9-1 fighter with what can only be described as a volley to the dome.
Having remained unconscious for several minutes, this KO seemed to have significant consequences for Salmon, who was unable to reclaim his form up to that point. He retired in 2013 with a record of 18 wins and 21 losses.
5. Gabriel Gonzaga vs Mirko Cro Cop - UFC 70 (head kick)
As a specialist of delivering highlight reel head kick knockouts, Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic found himself on the receiving end of a right high kick from Gabriel Gonzaga at Manchester's 'MEN Arena'. With Napau not known for his kickboxing ability, this came as a real shock in what was considered a title eliminator match-up in 2007.
Adding to the brutality was the way that Cro Cop fell. As his eyes rolled back into his head on impact, his knee contorted below his falling body, detaching a ligament in the Croat's knee.
4. Lyoto Machida vs Randy Couture - UFC 129 (jump head kick)
When the movie 'The Karate Kid' came out in 1984, I can guarantee that every martial artist was practicing the perfectly executed crane kick landed by Daniel LaRusso to win his tournament. However, few were ever likely to pull it off in active competition, and once the UFC got started in 1993, it seemed impossible that the move would be successful in the Octagon.
However, no-one told Lyoto Machida. Under considerable pressure having lost his two previous fights, The Dragon applied the technique to perfection, landing on the chin of MMA legend Randy Couture in round two of their 2011 encounter to finish the fight.
3. Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping - UFC 100 (punch)
The punch that spawned a logo and a rivalry to last seven years. After enduring months of taunts from Michael Bisping while filming the US vs UK series of The Ultimate Fighter, Dan Henderson entered into UFC 100 with a rather large score to settle.
Roared on by a partisan US crowd, Hendo corked up the H-bomb to devastating effect in the second round, leaving Bisping unconscious before he even hit the floor, with the American following it up with a vicious, and perhaps unnecessary, second blow.
2. Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim - UFC 142 (spinning wheel kick)
If this list looked at technique alone, this KO wins hands down. The speed at which the Brazilian's heel hit Etim's chin is terrifying, and the way the British fighter toppled to the floor was almost cartoon-esque.
While a shout out has to go to the recent wheel kick landed by Lando Vannata against John Makdessi, Barboza's remains the standard, and the sheer brutality of the knockout left the Brazilian giving the credit for the move to the man upstairs.
1. Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort - UFC 126 (front kick)
For me, it's a real toss up between this and Barboza's, but the fact that this happened in a highly pressurised title fight, with more than a little animosity between the parties involved, means that this has to take the top spot. Like both the runner up and number four on this list, this was a technique that had never been used to knock someone out in this way, and the speed and ferocity at which it was delivered was simply stunning.
After a cagy first few minutes, Belfort squared up for one second, but that was one second too long. A front kick crashed into the challenger's chin before he could move, putting him on the floor and sending Silva to victory. The KO became synonymous with the UFC over the next few years, being used at the beginning video package of every single pay-per-view, and this only adds to its significance.
Are there any others that should be on the list? What's your favourite KO? Let me know either in the comments or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA.
With the power that many fighters across the divisions have, it is unsurprising that there are a wealth of options for me to choose from. Nevertheless, these are my top 10 knockouts in UFC history.
10. Thomas Almeida vs Brad Pickett - UFC 189 (flying knee)
Having established a 19-0 record, albeit mostly in lesser organisations, Thomas Almeida was matched against the veteran Brad Pickett in a fight expected to test the youngster. And it certainly did that, with the Londoner flooring the Brazilian in the opening round and forcing him to recover quickly. However, when the bell rang for the second round, it took just 30 seconds for Almeida to land a devastating flying knee to leave his opponent out cold.
9. Paige VanZant vs Bec Rawlings - UFC Fight Night: Maia vs Condit (switch kick)
If there is one thing you don't expect from female fighters, it is outlandish knockouts, with the majority of fights either going the distance or ending by submission. Step forward 22-year old Paige VanZant, who in her ninth professional fight battled Bec Rawlings, who had had a decidedly up and down ride coming off the strawweight season of The Ultimate Fighter.
After an uneventful first round, VanZant landed a picture perfect flying switch kick to the head of Rawlings just fifteen seconds into round two, before finishing her opponent on the ground.
8. Junior dos Santos vs Mark Hunt - UFC 160 (spinning hook kick)
Similarly to the above example, this was a knockout that surprised many. While heavyweights are accustomed to knocking one another into the middle of next week with their fists, there are not all that many that end fights with head kicks - and spinning ones at that!
Nevertheless, in the final minute of a bloody war, JDS used this technique to perfection to stop the notoriously tough Mark Hunt - only the second time in history that the Super Samoan had been stopped by strikes. This propelled Cigano back into the title picture, and a third bout with Cain Velasquez.
7. Rashad Evans vs Chuck Liddell - UFC 88 (punch)
Brutal. That's the best way to describe the knockout of UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell at the hands of Ultimate Fighter winner Rashad Evans. Whether you believe the Iceman should still have been competing at that point or not, it was still painful to watch Liddell crumple under the right hand of Evans, as well as seeing him cradled in the arms of Herb Dean.
Having come into the fight as a considerable underdog, the power and ferocity of the knockout even seemed to surprise Evans, with his celebration a combination of shock and awe at the spectacular finish.
6. Rashad Evans vs Sean Salmon - UFC Fight Night: Evans vs Salmon (head kick)
It seems Rashad Evans doesn't do a normal finish to a fight. Suga finds his way onto this list for a second time with his crunching head kick knockout of decorated collegiate wrestler Sean Salmon in 2007. Having been frustrated throughout the first round, frequently taken down by Salmon, Evans found the perfect, and final, response, catching the 9-1 fighter with what can only be described as a volley to the dome.
Having remained unconscious for several minutes, this KO seemed to have significant consequences for Salmon, who was unable to reclaim his form up to that point. He retired in 2013 with a record of 18 wins and 21 losses.
5. Gabriel Gonzaga vs Mirko Cro Cop - UFC 70 (head kick)
As a specialist of delivering highlight reel head kick knockouts, Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic found himself on the receiving end of a right high kick from Gabriel Gonzaga at Manchester's 'MEN Arena'. With Napau not known for his kickboxing ability, this came as a real shock in what was considered a title eliminator match-up in 2007.
Adding to the brutality was the way that Cro Cop fell. As his eyes rolled back into his head on impact, his knee contorted below his falling body, detaching a ligament in the Croat's knee.
4. Lyoto Machida vs Randy Couture - UFC 129 (jump head kick)
When the movie 'The Karate Kid' came out in 1984, I can guarantee that every martial artist was practicing the perfectly executed crane kick landed by Daniel LaRusso to win his tournament. However, few were ever likely to pull it off in active competition, and once the UFC got started in 1993, it seemed impossible that the move would be successful in the Octagon.
However, no-one told Lyoto Machida. Under considerable pressure having lost his two previous fights, The Dragon applied the technique to perfection, landing on the chin of MMA legend Randy Couture in round two of their 2011 encounter to finish the fight.
3. Dan Henderson vs Michael Bisping - UFC 100 (punch)
The punch that spawned a logo and a rivalry to last seven years. After enduring months of taunts from Michael Bisping while filming the US vs UK series of The Ultimate Fighter, Dan Henderson entered into UFC 100 with a rather large score to settle.
Roared on by a partisan US crowd, Hendo corked up the H-bomb to devastating effect in the second round, leaving Bisping unconscious before he even hit the floor, with the American following it up with a vicious, and perhaps unnecessary, second blow.
2. Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim - UFC 142 (spinning wheel kick)
If this list looked at technique alone, this KO wins hands down. The speed at which the Brazilian's heel hit Etim's chin is terrifying, and the way the British fighter toppled to the floor was almost cartoon-esque.
While a shout out has to go to the recent wheel kick landed by Lando Vannata against John Makdessi, Barboza's remains the standard, and the sheer brutality of the knockout left the Brazilian giving the credit for the move to the man upstairs.
1. Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort - UFC 126 (front kick)
For me, it's a real toss up between this and Barboza's, but the fact that this happened in a highly pressurised title fight, with more than a little animosity between the parties involved, means that this has to take the top spot. Like both the runner up and number four on this list, this was a technique that had never been used to knock someone out in this way, and the speed and ferocity at which it was delivered was simply stunning.
After a cagy first few minutes, Belfort squared up for one second, but that was one second too long. A front kick crashed into the challenger's chin before he could move, putting him on the floor and sending Silva to victory. The KO became synonymous with the UFC over the next few years, being used at the beginning video package of every single pay-per-view, and this only adds to its significance.
Are there any others that should be on the list? What's your favourite KO? Let me know either in the comments or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA.
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