Hardcore MMA fans talk a lot about the “casual fan.” What does he or she like? What is their heart’s desire? Which fighters are they willing to put money down to watch and who will they ignore completely?
We care because much of what we see in the UFC cage will be dictated by this infamous casual fan. And yet, they remain a mystery in every way—except one.
Hardcores and casuals alike love a good knockout.
There’s something special, as horrible as it is, about a man being separated from their senses, a product of speed, strength, precision and technique coming together in the martial arts melting pot. The result is that magical instant when a fist or knee connects, when the bodies, as they say, hit the floor, is the great unifier. It’s a moment that brings fans together like no other. What could be better?
Like every year, 2012 featured more than a handful of great finishes. These, in the opinion of my tag-team partner Jeremy Botter and myself, were the 10 best. Care to quibble? Meet us in the comments and let’s hash it out.