It seems not everyone was impressed with Mark Hunt’s clash for the ages with Antonio Silva this weekend at UFC Fight Night 33. The event held in Brisbane, Australia was a glowing success by all accounts, but the night’s bloody five-round main event left a sour taste in the mouth of Aussie journalist Phil Rothfield. Covering the event for The Daily Telegraph, Rothfield called the UFC cruel, sadistic, barbaric savagery that should be banned in the country.
A note, Rothfield seems to signal his ignorance by indiscriminately referring to the larger sport of Mixed Martial Arts simply as ‘UFC.’ Rather than compose an actual piece, Rothfield more or less just lists observations and questions, beginning and ending thoughts in a sentence or less. Below is a sampling of what one could assume he intended to appear as points. Now, courage.
SINCE when is kicking, elbowing, kneeing, punching and stomping an opponent classified as sport?
This was nothing but barbaric savagery that should be banned in this country.
The fact women were allowed to fight on the card was an even bigger disgrace.
It scared me that the Brisbane Entertainment Centre was sold out with so many thousands of people (including families with young children) who were prepared to pay to watch it.
And all those who lapped it up and loved every cruel moment on pay-TV.
Almost defenceless men being held down on the ground and punched senseless.
What does it say about our society?
Why do we allow our kids to watch and cheer for something we teach them not to do?
And why are the competitors allowed to do all this inside a cage when it’s illegal on the streets?
If you really want to make yourself sick, Google “UFC worst injuries”. The images are seriously disgusting and raise the question: why aren’t the fighters at least made to wear headgear?
Why aren’t fighters getting protection from blood diseases?
Why do the referees and doctors allow mismatches and lopsided fights to continue?
I know the UFC has statistics to prove there are no more serious injuries than in boxing, but that’s not the point.
Well, it didn’t take long for UFC president Dana White to catch wind of the article, responding shortly thereafter.
@telegraph_sport @BuzzRothfield that story makes me sick. Men like u have no clue what it takes to do what they did sat nite. #respectHvsS
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 9, 2013
@BuzzRothfield how you can disrespect 2 men that did what they did shows what kind of a Man U are. Buzz light year u r the disgrace
— Dana White (@danawhite) December 9, 2013
It seems White wasn’t the only official peeved with the negative take, which assumedly led Tom Wright, Director of UFC Operations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, to extend a hand and request a chat.
“@BuzzRothfield: Meeting #UFC boss Tom Wright for coffee tomorrow – looking forward to a healthy debate” @WrightUFC
— UFC Australia (@UFC_Australia) December 9, 2013
Regardless of any takeaway from that meeting, it illustrates the work left to be done down under for the UFC. While Saturday’s event sold out the 12,000 seat Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the card was originally intended for Western Australia’s Perth Arena with a capacity of 18,000. The promotion was forced to scrap plans in Perth following the WA government’s banning of fenced enclosures in MMA bouts in March of this year.
While legal in New South Wales (Sydney), the country’s most populous state, the Octagon itself is still not welcome in Victoria and its capital, Melbourne. Home to over 30 professional sports clubs (including 10 Aussie Rules Football teams), Melbourne is the country’s most sporting city by miles. Cram the sporting culture of Boston, New York and Philadelphia all into a country’s second-most populated area and you’ve got it. Much like its struggles to legalize in New York state, you can be assured Wright is doing everything possible to add Melbourne to the UFC’s international schedule.
Tom Wright with more on breaking into Victoria:
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Draw of the year. Chuck Mindenhall says UFC Fight Night 33’s instant classic between Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva should be savored, despite being ruled a draw.
Broken hand. Mark Hunt posts pictures of the broken hand he suffered in his five-round war with Antonio Silva.
MMA scoring. Saturday night’s draw spurred Dave Meltzer to diagnose MMA current judging format while also weighing the alternatives.
Condit statement. After losing his UFC on FOX 9 opponent Matt Brown to a back injury, Carlos Condit hopes the fight is rescheduled ASAP.
WSOF on NBC. According to World Series of Fighting president Ray Sefo, his promotion plans on holding 8-10 events in 2014, two of which will be broadcast on NBC.
MEDIA STEW
Highlights from Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva and Mauricio Rua vs. James Te Huna.
Press conferences.
Highlights from Legacy Fights 26.
A couple must see finishes from Cage Warriors 62:
Martin Sheridan vs. Jordan Desborough.
Ian Entwistle vs. Liam James.
Holly Holm vs. Angela Hayes at Fresquez Productions Havoc.
Looked like a clean stoppage to me. What’s your take?
TWEETS
As always following a UFC event, make sure to check out our ‘Pro’s react’ piece for UFC Fight Night 33.
Victory lap.
The joys of being a modern day gladiator
— mark richard hunt (@markhunt1974) December 7, 2013
Thank you @markhunt1974 for the insane fight last night.. I wish the best for you… Obrigado hunt pela grande… http://t.co/O6tap6BRD4
— Antonio Pezao Silva (@BigfootSilva) December 7, 2013
Obrigado a todos pelo carinho e apoio,vcs são minha grande motivação. Thank you all for the support,… http://t.co/JEmo2XACJz
— Shogun Rua (@ShogunRua) December 7, 2013
Much respect to @AnthonyPerosh guy is tough as nails. Pleasure to share the octagon with you.
— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) December 7, 2013
Play like you are in 1st, but train like you are in 2nd. pic.twitter.com/hW5TPm1cL4
— Soa The Hulk Palelei (@soathehulk) December 8, 2013
My little brother had his baby today and I won my ufc debut. I love you Jared and baby Colton. @PsychoMMA
— Jedi Master Tank (@TankScogginsMMA) December 7, 2013
11-0 If you liked that performance tweet @boostmobile with #RattleTheCage….. @MMAWorldSeries #WSOF7 pic.twitter.com/yYidG08pwp
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) December 8, 2013
Thanks for all the support!!! 2013 was a great year can’t wait for 2014 @MMAWorldSeries @Reebok @NBCSN @MikeKogan pic.twitter.com/hfVBdwjxTC
— Georgi Karakhanyan (@georgimma) December 8, 2013
“@NYROBNC: @badmofo_jojo you fought well Do you think you held back at all”she wanted me to rush forward/plant my feet,watch her fights….
— Joanne Calderwood (@badmofo_jojo) December 8, 2013
Face off between Tecia Torres and I. #invictafc7 @americanamma pic.twitter.com/YsGQmjsY3d
— Carla Esparza (@CarlaEsparza1) December 8, 2013
Better luck next time.
Didn’t get the result I wanted tonight. I’m always overwhelmed and humbled with the support I get. Thank you. Time now to heal up and eat 🙂
— Anthony Perosh (@AnthonyPerosh) December 7, 2013
RESULT: soathehulk LEGITIMATELY BEAT ME http://t.co/7QUjAW0OBV
— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) December 7, 2013
Sorry everyone. Tonight wasn’t my time yet I guess. I’ll be back! O-H
— Lance Palmer (@LancePalmer) December 8, 2013
I’m really not sure what to say. This was a very hard loss. I felt I let a lot of people down. I had a great … http://t.co/NHO4hgpsyi
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) December 8, 2013
It’s a bitter sweet feeling. Bitter, because I #ltw pic.twitter.com/sb0CzKRnVF
— Zoila Frausto Gurgel (@ZoilaGurgel) December 8, 2013
And if you’ve gotta go out in 0:43, this is how.
Before we move to the last fight of the night let’s take another look at first fight of the night. #BecauseThis pic.twitter.com/qKqkdDCaVK
— UFCONFOX (@UFCONFOX) December 7, 2013
Get well soon.
Looks like a nice break in my right hand. Gonna be a long flight home. Had fun out there though! http://t.co/kbdPPaferG
— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) December 7, 2013
Thanks for the support guys. I regret to inform all that I am out of the fight with Condit. I herniated 2 discs in my lower back this week.
— Matthew Brown (@IamTheImmortal) December 7, 2013
Not quite the after party I anticipated @ Hotel Phillips http://t.co/A6KW9LtbZv
— Miriam Nakamoto (@MiriamNakamoto) December 8, 2013
For those who don’t already know – I’m currently out with a neck injury, awaiting probable surgery.
— Rosi Sexton (@RosiSexton) December 8, 2013
Congrats.
Congrats to @FrankieEdgar and @NickCatone! Both earned their BJJ Black Belt today from @Almeidabjj!
— UFC (@ufc) December 8, 2013
Brown belts! Congrats to my buddy @zakcummings on the promo! http://t.co/RHAMGTNpF6
— James Krause (@TheJamesKrause) December 8, 2013
Holy shit! Hey there BJJ world alll those years of work jus got made official! Elite Performance BJJ brown
— DaMarques Johnson (@DaMarques_UFC) December 7, 2013
Thanks for everything, Julie.
Before walking out to my fight today, I had a long talk with my coach and we decided that this would be my last MMA fight.
— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013
I think she handled this pretty well.
@NEWtrition4life @jayfreshstart @InvictaFights are you kidding me???? Test me dude! Never touched steroids and never would!
— Julia Budd (@JuliaBudd) December 8, 2013
@NEWtrition4life who are you to accuse me? And why wouldn’t you come up to my face and say that?! I’ve had a 6pack since I was 4 years old
— Julia Budd (@JuliaBudd) December 8, 2013
Amazing post fight meal made by @GibsonMMA 💜 pic.twitter.com/bQlbcF8Vi2
— Julia Budd (@JuliaBudd) December 8, 2013
Agree?
This is an actual picture of a crowd at a college wrestling match. Take note, wrestling is marketable. pic.twitter.com/SaakR1hLgH” @AgonWC
— Ben Askren (@Benaskren) December 8, 2013
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced this weekend (Dec. 6-8 2013)
Rashad Evans vs. Daniel Cormier at UFC 170
Rory MacDonald vs. Demian Maia at UFC 170
cancelled Matt Brown vs. Carlos Condit at UFC on FOX 9
Jared Rosholt vs. Oleksiy Oliynyk at UFC on FOX 10
Thiago Silva vs. Ovince St. Preux at UFC 171
Robert McDaniel vs. Tor Troeng at UFC 171
Hector Lombard vs. Jake Shields at UFC 171
Daron Cruickshank vs. Mike Rio at UFC on FOX 10
Elias Silverio vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg at UFC Fight Night 35
FANPOST OF THE DAY
Today’s Fanpost of the Day comes via watercoolermma.com.
What Does The Future Hold For Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua?
‘Shogun is back!!!’ is the sentence that thousands of MMA fans exclaimed in unison after a viscous left hook dropped James Te Huna, a hometown hero and promising light heavyweight, this Friday in Australia. The knockout was spectacular, and given Rua’s downward trend as of late, it was extremely important as well.
For years, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua has been one of the most feared strikers in the world. Devastating knockouts, a wide variety of techniques, and seemingly unlimited heart only begin to describe the complete-package superstar that is Shogun. The past three years tell a different story, however. Heading into UFC Fight Night 33, Rua had a record of 21-8. After beginning his career 19-4, he has gone 2-4 since, most recently losing to Chael Sonnen via 1st round guillotine choke. The loss marked the first two-fight losing streak of his career, leading many fans and critics to question whether all of the UFC and Pride wars were finally catching up with him.
There’s an old adage in the UFC. Every fight is the most important one of a fighter’s career. Once you reach a certain age/level of prestige, a win provokes cries for a title shot while a loss brings up retirement talk. In reality, there are a lot more second chances then fans are willing to let on, and a title shot is usually further away than we think. In this particular situation, more Shogun fans were wiping their brow and letting out a sigh of relief than discussing the prospect of a potential title shot in the near future. I have to admit, I was among the collective contemplating whether retirement was the best choice for Shogun, had he lost this past Friday.
Check out the rest of the post here.
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