Intelligently Defending 11.22.07: Giving Thanks
Posted by Ken Kobel on 11.22.2007
Today is the day that Americans sit down and give thanks for what they have in life. There is plenty to be happy about in the world of MMA -- so in this week's edition of Intelligently Defending we will count down the top five things to be thankful for in the sport.
It is the Thursday after a PPV so normally this column would be dedicated to figuring out where the fighters from UFC 78 are heading. However, since it is Thanksgiving we will change things up a bit. In the spirit of the holiday I have decided to let everyone know what I am currently thankful for in the world of MMA.
Note: An abbreviated version of ‘where do the UFC 78 fighters go from here?' can be found on the blog at IntelligentlyDefending.com
5. I am thankful for Bas Rutten.
It is a real shame that most of the world only knows Bas Rutten as ‘the guy from the bar fight self-defense video.' Mixed martial arts fans know the legend as much more.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Rutten's fights from the Pancrase organization knows that his battles with the Shamrocks and others were spectacular. It is amazing to see his evolution into a true mixed martial artist. When he entered MMA in 1993 he was a kick boxer that floundered on the ground. As time went on however, his ground game came full circle as he turned into one of the best grapplers in the business. In a true feat of greatness, he ended his career with a 21-fight win streak.
While Rutten is currently retired from active fighting he is still a prominent figure in the world of MMA. His sense of humor and extensive knowledge of the sport has made him the best color commentator in the business. When you listen to Bas talk it becomes apparent that he has more charisma in his pinky than the likes of Georges St. Pierre and Rich Franklin combined. After calling PRIDE FC events for many years he has landed a home in the IFL where he can be seen on a weekly basis.
Bas' love for a good liver kick and fondness for the underrated value of a shot to the groin have made him one of the most loved personalities in the sport. I can honestly say – with an unblemished record of heterosexuality – that El Guapo is truly a man among men
4. I am thankful for WEC 31 on December 12th.
One title fight on a card is often standard.
Two title fights on a card is rare.
Three title fights on a card – well that's unheard of.
That will be the case on December 12th when WEC 31 takes place from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas making it by far the biggest card in the organizations six year history.
There is no need to kid ourselves and say that Doug Marshall vs. Ariel Gandulla for the WEC Light-Heavyweight Title is a battle for the ages. However, the other two title bouts should be good ones. First, Paulo Filho, who is top five in the world at 185-pounds, will put his WEC Middleweight Title on the line against veteran Chael Sonnen. Then in the main event of the evening, Urijah Faber will defend his WEC Featherweight Title against Jeff Curran in a huge fight between two of the best 145-pound fighters in the world.
Throw in the WEC debut of Jens Pulver at his natural weight and you have a card that every fan should make a point of seeing.
3. I am thankful for the UFC lightweight division.
Frankie Edgar vs. Tyson Griffin, Sam Stout vs. Spencer Fisher 2, Tyson Griffin vs. Clay Guida, and Roger Huerta vs. Leonard Garcia are all fight of the year candidates. And they all took place in the UFC Lightweight Division.
The 155-pound division, which was defunct up until a year and a half ago, has quickly become the organizations most exciting weight-class. It seems like every card there is a battle between two lightweights that steals the show.
The division has a diverse cast of characters. There are established veterans like B.J. Penn, Joe Stevenson, Kenny Florian, Din Thomas, and Spencer Fisher. And challenging these veterans are young fighters who are quickly establishing themselves as contenders. Frankie Edgar, Tyson Griffin, Clay Guida, Roger Huerta, Joe Lauzon, Thiago Tavares, and Nate Diaz are all 26-years of age or younger.
The one thing that lacks is a true lightweight champion to lead the division. Sean Sherk was just the man for the job until the steroid saga began after UFC 73. A new champion needs to arise with Sherk currently out of the picture. B.J. Penn is that champion. A motivated Penn as champion is what the weight-class needs in order to establish itself as one of the world's best. We will see if B.J. is up for the challenge at UFC 80.
2. I am thankful for Quinton ‘Rampage' Jackson.
When Rampage knocked out Chuck Liddell to capture the UFC Light-Heavyweight Title at UFC 71 he was booed by the crowd.
Last week at UFC 78, Rampage got one of the biggest ovations of the night when he was shown on camera.
What's the reason for the turnaround? It's because it is impossible to dislike the man.
Jackson brings a personality rarely seen in MMA. He is a fun-loving, often hysterical character. Whereas some fighters show such a personality in a way that seems contrived – Mayhem Miller I'm looking your way – Quinton seems completely genuine. He likes to have a good time and when he is on camera you are guaranteed a good laugh.
He isn't too shabby in the octagon either. In fact, he is king of the hill in the crowded UFC light-heavyweight division. Rampage has a style that is sure to excite every time he fights with his hard-hitting stand-up and powerful slams. He has also extinguished earlier notions of his lack of training by switching camps to Juanito and the gang at Big Bear. That division is currently deeper than the Grand Canyon, but it is going to be tough to get that belt off of Rampage.
With the stars who brought the UFC to the mainstream like Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell winding down their careers – it is nice to have someone like Jackson ready to step into the spotlight and carry the torch.
1. I am thankful for Anderson Silva vs. Dan Henderson at UFC 82.
It's on!
In one corner stands the UFC Middleweight Champion. A man who has so far demolished every fighter put in front of him since joining the UFC nearly two year ago. With each passing fight he looks more and more like an unstoppable force with precision striking that may be the best in the game. Whispers of ‘the best in the world' seem to get louder on a daily basis.
Across the octagon stands the PRIDE Welterweight Champion (183lb). As a ten-year veteran he has fought and defeated the best in the world. With a brick for a right hand, an iron jaw, and world class wrestling skills he may be the only man who can stop Silva.
This is one of the top three fights out there right now and after months of convincing Henderson is returning to 185-pounds. The betting lines are going to be razor thin and a case can be made for either fighter to win.
Will Silva be the first person to knock-out Henderson?
Is Henderson's wrestling going to be too much for Silva?
Who will have the advantage if it goes to the later rounds?
We are going to get answers baby!
The term ‘big-fight atmosphere' was invented for times like this. The UFC hype-machine is going to blast-off into overdrive for this one and I will be loving every second of it.
In Closing:
I now turn the question over to you. What are you currently thankful for in the world of MMA? Send answers to kenkobel1@yahoo.com. I will publish some responses in next week's column and will put up even more on the blog at IntelligentlyDefending.com
I would like to wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to all American readers. And to the rest of the world – enjoy your Thursday.
Send any feedback to kenkobel1@yahoo.com. All letters will be answered. Visit the blog at IntelligentlyDefending.com
