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
Showing posts with label Lawler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lawler. Show all posts
Saturday, 25 February 2017
Tuesday, 17 January 2017
UFC: Top 10 Title Fights
As the world's premier MMA organisation, the UFC has delivered some of the best title fights in the sport. With recent years seeing the sport expand to include 10 weight divisions, there have been a number of outstanding and memorable clashes.
Below are my top 10 title fights in the UFC:
10. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen - UFC 117
The first fight on the list involves the greatest of all time, but it's not the Brazilian at his imperious best. Instead, I've gone with his first fight with legendary trash talker Chael Sonnen, who had talked openly about how he would destroy The Spider in the lead up to the fight.
And for four rounds, it seemed that the American had got his tactics spot on, putting the Brazilian on his back and controlling the pace and striking battle. As we entered the final two minutes, it looked more than likely that Sonnen would complete the unthinkable, ending the three year title reign of Silva. However, a momentary lack of concentration allowed Silva to lock in a triangle choke from which the American had to tap.
9. Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo - UFC 194
While not the longest title fight in the UFC, it is certainly one of the more memorable. The build-up was so heated and protracted, with the Brazilian pulling out on the fight on at least one occasion, and McGregor utilising his own brand of mental warfare. With Aldo unbeaten in more than 10 years, and the Irishman the fighter on the rise, it was seen to be the biggest fight in the history of the organisation.
And in a flash, it was over. A side step and a counter left, followed by two hammer fists, and Aldo was out. In thirteen seconds, McGregor had taken his place at the top of the featherweight division, and cemented his legacy as 'Mystic Mac'.
8. Michael Bisping vs Dan Henderson - UFC 204
This blog is unapologetically subjective, and quite frankly, this one's on the list because I was there! The atmosphere in the sold-out Manchester Arena was absolutely spine-tingling as the home-town champion made his way to the Octagon, with a similarly expressive response in the negative for Hendo.
The fight itself certainly lived up to the hype, with the H-bomb playing a central role in putting Bisping on the floor twice in the first two rounds. However, with the overwhelming support of the crowd, the champion rallied to pick the veteran apart for the remainder of the fight. The noise as the unanimous decision win was announced was something extraordinary, and a moment I will never forget.
7. Georges St Pierre vs Johny Hendricks - UFC 167
The first welterweight fight on this list is undoubtedly one of the most controversial in UFC history. Having racked up an astonishing 2,204 day title reign in the hotly contested welterweight division, including an 11-fight win streak, Georges St Pierre had cemented himself as arguably the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter of all time.
That meant little to Big Rigg. Having claimed the first round, the challenger staggered St Pierre early in the second, leaving him firmly on the defensive and his face a mess. Only effective jabs by the champion prevented a 10-8 round, with St Pierre recovering to take the third. Despite this, Hendricks clearly maintained grappling control in the fourth, meaning that even with a GSP final round, the decision should have been his. However, the judges clearly saw enough from the champion to allow him the split decision win, much to the approval of the partisan home crowd.
6. Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin - UFC 116
Nothing said 'baddest man on the planet' more than this fight in 2009. After a disappointing and controversial loss to Frank Mir in his opening bout, Lesnar had revolutionised the heavyweight division since joining the UFC, claiming the title in just his third fight. In the meantime, Carwin had built up an impressive 12-0 record, becoming known as one of the hardest hitters in all of combat sports.
None of Carwin's fights had ever got out of the first round, and this one barely managed that. Carwin rocked Lesnar early in the fight, and only some strong refereeing from Josh Rozenthal kept it going, with the undefeated fighter pounding on the champion for three full minutes. However, it became apparent in the second round that the challenger was exhausted, allowing Lesnar to take him down and secure an arm triangle to retain.
5. Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm - UFC 193
Quite simply the biggest shock in UFC history. Having dominated the entire women's bantamweight division for nearly three years, with her previous four fights lasting a combined total of just two minutes and 10 seconds, Rousey was the overwhelming favourite going into the largest spectator event in UFC history.
However, in front of 55,000 fans at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, it was the former kickboxing champion that had the better gameplan, producing a perfect counter-punching display in the first round to frustrate the judoka. The second round continued in the same vein until Holm picked up the pace, stunning Rousey with a series of jabs, before ending the fight with a devastating head kick.
4. Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw - UFC 173
While the shock value of this fight wasn't as much as the one above, this was the moment that a young fighter came of age. It does have to be said that going in, Renan Barao was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, having gone undefeated for more than a decade, twice beating Urijah Faber, as well as victories over Eddie Wineland and Michael McDonald.
However, the former Ultimate Fighter finalist stunned the Brazilian with his unorthodox movement and consistent striking power, scoring a knockdown in the first round with a huge right hand. Despite dominating the champion for four rounds, Dillashaw refused to leave it in the hands of the judges, eventually finishing Barao with a beautiful head kick and punches combination in the fifth.
3. Dominick Cruz vs Cody Garbrandt - UFC 207
The most recent entrant to this list comes, once again, from the bantamweight division. Having returned from a career threatening injury and series of ACL surgeries, Dominick Cruz had reclaimed the title from TJ Dillashaw in February 2016, before retaining against old nemesis Urijah Faber in the summer.
While many saw Cody Garbrandt as the most dangerous opponent the champion had ever faced in terms of power, the consensus was that the challenger would let the emotions get the better of him and Cruz would take full advantage. However, the latest Alpha Male upstart put on a masterclass in movement and precision, making the usually unorthodox combinations and transitions of Cruz look almost pedestrian. Having knocked down the champion several times during the five rounds, the 25 year-old found himself with a comfortable decision win to fulfil his dream.
2. Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson - UFC 165
About as close a fight as you're ever likely to see. I know the judges get a hard time, and in the most part justifiably so, but try scoring any of the opening three rounds of this one. As we entered the championship rounds, it could just as easily have been 2-1 Jones as 2-1 Gustafsson.
With the challenger demonstrating outstanding takedown defence and catching Jones regularly with jabs, it took a typically extravagant spinning elbow from the champion in the fourth round to wobble the Swede. Gustafsson recovered remarkably to make the final round just as close as the opening three, but ultimately the judges saw it unanimously for Jones.
1. Robbie Lawler vs Rory Macdonald - UFC 189
If ever you wanted to see two humans push themselves to the limit (and beyond), this was the fight. Robbie Lawler is known for his durability, and demonstrated that once again in a battle that defines 'back and forth'. While the opening round did little to highlight the classic that this fight would become, the champion clearly claimed round two.
Despite this continuing into the third round, a single head kick changed the direction of the fight. With Lawler wobbled and hanging on, the challenger unleashed a barrage of punches and knees that was only ended by the bell. Another head kick in the fourth again had the champion in trouble, though he recovered suitably to engage in one of the most intense staredowns in combat sports at the end of the round.
With the fight likely tied at two, the final round was set to be the decider. With Lawler's jab leaving MacDonald a bloody mess by this point, a series of right hands connected in just the right spot at the beginning of the fifth, shattering the nose and the spirit of the challenger, and ensuring that the belt remained around the waist of Lawler.
What are your favourites? Let me know either in the comments section or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA
Below are my top 10 title fights in the UFC:
10. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen - UFC 117
The first fight on the list involves the greatest of all time, but it's not the Brazilian at his imperious best. Instead, I've gone with his first fight with legendary trash talker Chael Sonnen, who had talked openly about how he would destroy The Spider in the lead up to the fight.
And for four rounds, it seemed that the American had got his tactics spot on, putting the Brazilian on his back and controlling the pace and striking battle. As we entered the final two minutes, it looked more than likely that Sonnen would complete the unthinkable, ending the three year title reign of Silva. However, a momentary lack of concentration allowed Silva to lock in a triangle choke from which the American had to tap.
9. Conor McGregor vs Jose Aldo - UFC 194
While not the longest title fight in the UFC, it is certainly one of the more memorable. The build-up was so heated and protracted, with the Brazilian pulling out on the fight on at least one occasion, and McGregor utilising his own brand of mental warfare. With Aldo unbeaten in more than 10 years, and the Irishman the fighter on the rise, it was seen to be the biggest fight in the history of the organisation.
And in a flash, it was over. A side step and a counter left, followed by two hammer fists, and Aldo was out. In thirteen seconds, McGregor had taken his place at the top of the featherweight division, and cemented his legacy as 'Mystic Mac'.
8. Michael Bisping vs Dan Henderson - UFC 204
This blog is unapologetically subjective, and quite frankly, this one's on the list because I was there! The atmosphere in the sold-out Manchester Arena was absolutely spine-tingling as the home-town champion made his way to the Octagon, with a similarly expressive response in the negative for Hendo.
The fight itself certainly lived up to the hype, with the H-bomb playing a central role in putting Bisping on the floor twice in the first two rounds. However, with the overwhelming support of the crowd, the champion rallied to pick the veteran apart for the remainder of the fight. The noise as the unanimous decision win was announced was something extraordinary, and a moment I will never forget.
7. Georges St Pierre vs Johny Hendricks - UFC 167
The first welterweight fight on this list is undoubtedly one of the most controversial in UFC history. Having racked up an astonishing 2,204 day title reign in the hotly contested welterweight division, including an 11-fight win streak, Georges St Pierre had cemented himself as arguably the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter of all time.
That meant little to Big Rigg. Having claimed the first round, the challenger staggered St Pierre early in the second, leaving him firmly on the defensive and his face a mess. Only effective jabs by the champion prevented a 10-8 round, with St Pierre recovering to take the third. Despite this, Hendricks clearly maintained grappling control in the fourth, meaning that even with a GSP final round, the decision should have been his. However, the judges clearly saw enough from the champion to allow him the split decision win, much to the approval of the partisan home crowd.
6. Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin - UFC 116
Nothing said 'baddest man on the planet' more than this fight in 2009. After a disappointing and controversial loss to Frank Mir in his opening bout, Lesnar had revolutionised the heavyweight division since joining the UFC, claiming the title in just his third fight. In the meantime, Carwin had built up an impressive 12-0 record, becoming known as one of the hardest hitters in all of combat sports.
None of Carwin's fights had ever got out of the first round, and this one barely managed that. Carwin rocked Lesnar early in the fight, and only some strong refereeing from Josh Rozenthal kept it going, with the undefeated fighter pounding on the champion for three full minutes. However, it became apparent in the second round that the challenger was exhausted, allowing Lesnar to take him down and secure an arm triangle to retain.
5. Ronda Rousey vs Holly Holm - UFC 193
Quite simply the biggest shock in UFC history. Having dominated the entire women's bantamweight division for nearly three years, with her previous four fights lasting a combined total of just two minutes and 10 seconds, Rousey was the overwhelming favourite going into the largest spectator event in UFC history.
However, in front of 55,000 fans at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium, it was the former kickboxing champion that had the better gameplan, producing a perfect counter-punching display in the first round to frustrate the judoka. The second round continued in the same vein until Holm picked up the pace, stunning Rousey with a series of jabs, before ending the fight with a devastating head kick.
4. Renan Barao vs TJ Dillashaw - UFC 173
While the shock value of this fight wasn't as much as the one above, this was the moment that a young fighter came of age. It does have to be said that going in, Renan Barao was considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, having gone undefeated for more than a decade, twice beating Urijah Faber, as well as victories over Eddie Wineland and Michael McDonald.
However, the former Ultimate Fighter finalist stunned the Brazilian with his unorthodox movement and consistent striking power, scoring a knockdown in the first round with a huge right hand. Despite dominating the champion for four rounds, Dillashaw refused to leave it in the hands of the judges, eventually finishing Barao with a beautiful head kick and punches combination in the fifth.
3. Dominick Cruz vs Cody Garbrandt - UFC 207
The most recent entrant to this list comes, once again, from the bantamweight division. Having returned from a career threatening injury and series of ACL surgeries, Dominick Cruz had reclaimed the title from TJ Dillashaw in February 2016, before retaining against old nemesis Urijah Faber in the summer.
While many saw Cody Garbrandt as the most dangerous opponent the champion had ever faced in terms of power, the consensus was that the challenger would let the emotions get the better of him and Cruz would take full advantage. However, the latest Alpha Male upstart put on a masterclass in movement and precision, making the usually unorthodox combinations and transitions of Cruz look almost pedestrian. Having knocked down the champion several times during the five rounds, the 25 year-old found himself with a comfortable decision win to fulfil his dream.
2. Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson - UFC 165
About as close a fight as you're ever likely to see. I know the judges get a hard time, and in the most part justifiably so, but try scoring any of the opening three rounds of this one. As we entered the championship rounds, it could just as easily have been 2-1 Jones as 2-1 Gustafsson.
With the challenger demonstrating outstanding takedown defence and catching Jones regularly with jabs, it took a typically extravagant spinning elbow from the champion in the fourth round to wobble the Swede. Gustafsson recovered remarkably to make the final round just as close as the opening three, but ultimately the judges saw it unanimously for Jones.
1. Robbie Lawler vs Rory Macdonald - UFC 189
If ever you wanted to see two humans push themselves to the limit (and beyond), this was the fight. Robbie Lawler is known for his durability, and demonstrated that once again in a battle that defines 'back and forth'. While the opening round did little to highlight the classic that this fight would become, the champion clearly claimed round two.
Despite this continuing into the third round, a single head kick changed the direction of the fight. With Lawler wobbled and hanging on, the challenger unleashed a barrage of punches and knees that was only ended by the bell. Another head kick in the fourth again had the champion in trouble, though he recovered suitably to engage in one of the most intense staredowns in combat sports at the end of the round.
With the fight likely tied at two, the final round was set to be the decider. With Lawler's jab leaving MacDonald a bloody mess by this point, a series of right hands connected in just the right spot at the beginning of the fifth, shattering the nose and the spirit of the challenger, and ensuring that the belt remained around the waist of Lawler.
What are your favourites? Let me know either in the comments section or on Twitter @TheWeighInMMA
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