Us MMA fans are a weird obsessive dedicated bunch. If we’re not inciting a mob outside Cecil Peoples’ home one day, we’re probably penning heartfelt, fanboyish letters to Fedor Emelianenko the next. Maybe it’s because fighting is a much more personal, individually-focused sport than say, professional football or basketball, but the lengths at which MMA fans will go to snap a photo with, or score an autograph from, or get retweeted by their favorite fighter have become increasingly mind-boggling (creepy) as the sport has progressed.
That being said, we’re pretty sure that *nothing* any MMA fan has ever done for their favorite fighter compares to Hassy, Mark Hunt‘s biggest and therefore creepiest fan. Although not much is known about this super-obsessed “Super Samoan” fan, MiddleEasy (via Sherdog) recently unearthed a collection of illustrations Hassy has sent to Hunt over the years. They are as eerie as they are oddly inspiring, and lucky for you, we’ve compiled Hassy’s best work in the above gallery. Check it out, then try to decipher the following message Hassy posted to Hunt’s Facebook:
Us MMA fans are a weird obsessive dedicated bunch. If we’re not inciting a mob outside Cecil Peoples’ home one day, we’re probably penning heartfelt, fanboyish letters to Fedor Emelianenko the next. Maybe it’s because fighting is a much more personal, individually-focused sport than say, professional football or basketball, but the lengths at which MMA fans will go to snap a photo with, or score an autograph from, or get retweeted by their favorite fighter have become increasingly mind-boggling (creepy) as the sport has progressed.
That being said, we’re pretty sure that *nothing* any MMA fan has ever done for their favorite fighter compares to Hassy, Mark Hunt‘s biggest and therefore creepiest fan. Although not much is known about this super-obsessed “Super Samoan” fan, MiddleEasy (via Sherdog) recently unearthed a collection of illustrations Hassy has sent to Hunt over the years. They are as eerie as they are oddly inspiring, and lucky for you, we’ve compiled Hassy’s best work in the above gallery. Check it out, then try to decipher the following message Hassy posted to Hunt’s Facebook:
Dear HUNT
At first, thanks for ur greatful fight wiz Bigfoot. I was very excited. HUNT, u’re real Superman.
But, I knew from ur tweet…u’re broken hand. I’m very worried. Can I watch ur bravely fight on “Giant Killing 3″…? And, Can I meet u again…? I’m lookin’ forward to u come back to JPN.
Boku wa, HUNT ni sugoku aitai(I want to meet u very much)…
2013.12.9 HASSY “XJP” Nishikawa
I don’t know about you guys, but these make the armless, eyeless dolls I keep sending Ronda Rousey seem normal.
We spent all morning combing our Facebook photo gallery and hand-picked 39 of the most memorable images that we posted in 2013, which we’ve laid out below along with their original descriptions. Enjoy, and if you’re not following us yet, get with the damn program.
We spent all morning combing our Facebook photo gallery and hand-picked 39 of the most memorable images that we posted in 2013, which we’ve laid out below along with their original descriptions. Enjoy, and if you’re not following us yet, get with the damn program.
Sadly, one of the greatest heavyweight fights in UFC history will now have an asterisk next to it. Yesterday evening, MMAJunkie broke the news that Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva tested positive for elevated testosterone following his five-round war against Mark Hunt at UFC Fight Night 33, December 7th in Brisbane, Australia. As a result, the UFC — which regulated the event and was responsible for fighter drug-testing — has suspended Silva for nine months retroactive to the date of the fight, and stripped him of his $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. The bout with Hunt will be changed to a no-contest on Bigfoot’s professional record, although Hunt still gets to keep his draw, and will receive the $50k that would have gone to Silva.
According to a statement released by a UFC rep, “Silva is on a medically approved regimen of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and had been in compliance with therapeutic guidelines on all pre-fight tests performed prior to the event. The results of his test on the day of the event indicated a level of testosterone outside of allowable limit. Silva has been informed that the elevated testosterone level is a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa.”
Sadly, one of the greatest heavyweight fights in UFC history will now have an asterisk next to it. Yesterday evening, MMAJunkie broke the news that Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva tested positive for elevated testosterone following his five-round war against Mark Hunt at UFC Fight Night 33, December 7th in Brisbane, Australia. As a result, the UFC — which regulated the event and was responsible for fighter drug-testing — has suspended Silva for nine months retroactive to the date of the fight, and stripped him of his $50,000 Fight of the Night bonus. The bout with Hunt will be changed to a no-contest on Bigfoot’s professional record, although Hunt still gets to keep his draw, and will receive the $50k that would have gone to Silva.
According to a statement released by a UFC rep, “Silva is on a medically approved regimen of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and had been in compliance with therapeutic guidelines on all pre-fight tests performed prior to the event. The results of his test on the day of the event indicated a level of testosterone outside of allowable limit. Silva has been informed that the elevated testosterone level is a violation of the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy and his Promotional Agreement with Zuffa.”
Clarification: Months before my fight I looked for the UFC doctor Marcio Tannure in Brazil so I could start the hormonal replacement “TRT” which was authorized and recognized by a professional. I started the treatment and 2 weeks before my fight I did all the exams required by the UFC. My testosterone level continued to be low so I was recommended by the doctor to increase the dosage. Unfortunately my level increased too much and caused me to suspend. I only did what was recommended by someone trained who understands about the subject therefore it was not my mistake. I’m cool because I know that the mistake was not made by me, I never tried doing anything wrong for my fight.
As MMAMania explains: “It should be noted that Tannure is the medical director of the Brazilian Mixed Martial Arts Commission’s (CABMMA) and, according to Brazilian mixed martial arts (MMA) reporter Guilherme Cruz, Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters always refer to him as a ‘UFC doctor.’ Indeed, he takes care of most of Brazil’s UFC fighters, and was also responsible for authorizing the TRT therapy for Vitor Belfort.” For what it’s worth, Silva also released some correspondence from his doctors indicating that his T-levels were low as of November 30th.
After news of Silva’s failed test broke, MMAJunkie’s Steven Marrocco called up Mark Hunt to get his reaction. “Shit, I need to get on some of this shit,” Hunt said. “Fuck, I don’t know how these guys are doing this shit. I should get some of that shit, too…I don’t know what to say, honestly. I don’t know what it is, but kudos to me for the bonus, eh?” Hunt then publicly blasted MMAJunkie for waking him up and not explaining that he was being interviewed. Classic Hunto.
(Take it easy guys, you’re scaring the children. Photo via Getty.)
So Dana White recently sat down for an interview with Sportsnet, during which he gushed over Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva like a little schoolboy. Not that I blame him; I’ve been talking up that fight with such bombast, you’d think it was my sex life (*three successive rimshots*). And being that draws often warrant rematches, Sportsnet made sure to ask DW about the possibility of seeing Hunt vs. Bigfoot II in the future:
Every morning when I open my eyes, the first thing I think about is Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva. The sickest heavyweight fight I’ve ever seen. I was jumping around the room like a little kid during that fight. I can’t stop talking about that fight, I can’t stop thinking about that fight. It was amazing.
In that fight, Hunt broke his hand in two places so he’s gonna be out for a while. So no, there won’t be an immediate rematch. I’m assuming that Silva’s gonna want to fight again before Hunt’s back.
I’m not saying I’m glad that Mark Hunt broke his hand, but I’m kind of glad Hunt broke his hand and here’s why:
(Take it easy guys, you’re scaring the children. Photo via Getty.)
So Dana White recently sat down for an interview with Sportsnet, during which he gushed over Mark Hunt vs. Antonio Silva like a little schoolboy. Not that I blame him; I’ve been talking up that fight with such bombast, you’d think it was my sex life (*plays three successive rimshots*). And being that draws often warrant rematches, Sportsnet made sure to ask DW about the possibility of seeing Hunt vs. Bigfoot II in the future:
Every morning when I open my eyes, the first thing I think about is Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva. The sickest heavyweight fight I’ve ever seen. I was jumping around the room like a little kid during that fight. I can’t stop talking about that fight, I can’t stop thinking about that fight. It was amazing.
In that fight, Hunt broke his hand in two places so he’s gonna be out for a while. So no, there won’t be an immediate rematch. I’m assuming that Silva’s gonna want to fight again before Hunt’s back.
I’m not saying I’m glad that Mark Hunt broke his hand, but I’m kind of glad Hunt broke his hand and here’s why:
We Don’t Need It
Part of the reason Hunt vs. Bigfoot ended up exceeding our expectations was thanks to the fact that our expectations weren’t all that high to begin with. Although I likened this fight to the next coming of Christ, it seemed that not everyone in the MMA blogosphere shared by unabashed fanobyism. The general consensus seemed to be that Antonio Silva would take down Hunt and submit him with ease, or that Hunt would tag and bag Silva before he could do so.
Instead, Silva and Hunt chose to engage in a five round, back and forth slugfest that was as surprising as it was enthralling, and something that will likely not be replicated in a second contest. I don’t want to see Hunt vs. Silva II for the same reasons I fear seeing Anchorman 2; my expectations are too high. I’m destined to be let down. The first fight was legendary; one of the greatest (if no the greatest) in the history of the UFC’s heavyweight division. Let’s just leave well enough alone.
They Don’t Need It
Hunt vs. Silva is one of those rare fights where a win would do little more than a draw in terms of where it would place either man in the heavyweight division. Both men have recently proven themselves to be upper-echelon fighters who are just a cut below championship material (in the case of Hunt, that statement was as shocking to type as it was depressing). Having them fight again will do nothing to change this.
A win for either man wouldn’t move them up the ranks — although Hunt’s performance was good enough to earn him a spot in the UFC’s Top 10 rankings (presented by RAM! Also, dogshit.) — and it certainly wouldn’t put either of them in line for a title shot. While those components in and of themselves shouldn’t define matchmaking, or our interest in a fight for that matter, they also highlight how truly unnecessary this potential rematch would be.
If Hunt and Silva are destined to fight again, let’s have it happen out of necessity, not novelty. Let’s give the idea of a rematch some time to stew, in any case.
Seriously, *They* Don’t Need It
Suffice it to say, Hunt and Bigfoot punched each other in the head a lot last Friday. I mean, just look at these goddamn FightMetric numbers. They are ridiculous.
Yahoo Sports’ Frank Curreri wrote a great piece detailing how much punishment Hunt and Silva have taken over their careers (and especially as of late), and although I will always hate Bigfoot for “truly” ending the Fedor era, I don’t hate him enough to wish another beating like that on him. The same goes for Hunt.
But with Hunt out for a while, one would imagine that Silva will be looking for another fight when he’s healed up. Who *would* you like to see him face?
If you’ve been watching Saturday Night Live at all this season, you’re probably familiar with the man pictured above. If not, his name is Jebediah Atkinson, and he is an 18th-century critic who has panned such universally-praised speeches and holiday specials as The Gettysburg Address, Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream,” and worst of all, the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Essentially, Atkinson serves as the voice of today’s overly-cynical internet trolls, and could criticize a sunset for not being orangey enough.
The reason I bring this up is because it appears that the MMA world has found its real-life answer to Jebediah Atkinson. His name is Tim Rothfield of Australia’s Courier Mail, and he recently wrote an article — well, not so much an article as a series of fragmented sentences and laughable attempts at posing insightful questions — describing the legendary battle between Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva at Fight Night 33 as “barbaric savagery.” A few highlights:
On Saturday night on Fuel TV I witnessed the brutality and bloodshed of the UFC – apparently, and worryingly, the world’s fastest growing 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.
What does it say about our society?
Rothfield is, of course, wrong. That he attempts to use the UFC’s popularity as a comment on “society” should tell you all you need to know about his ability to present an original thought, but perhaps more disturbing than Rothfield’s takedown of Fight Night 33 has been how we have chosen to respond to it.
If you’ve been watching Saturday Night Live at all this season, you’re probably familiar with the man pictured above. If not, his name is Jebediah Atkinson, and he is an 18th-century critic who has panned such universally-praised speeches and holiday specials as The Gettysburg Address, Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream,” and worst of all, the Charlie Brown Christmas special. Essentially, Atkinson serves as the voice of today’s overly-cynical internet trolls, and could criticize a sunset for not being orangey enough.
The reason I bring this up is because it appears that the MMA world has found its real-life answer to Jebediah Atkinson. His name is Tim Rothfield of Australia’s Courier Mail, and he recently wrote an article — well, not so much an article as a series of fragmented sentences and laughable attempts at posing insightful questions — describing the legendary battle between Mark Hunt and Antonio Silva at Fight Night 33 as “barbaric savagery.” A few highlights:
On Saturday night on Fuel TV I witnessed the brutality and bloodshed of the UFC – apparently, and worryingly, the world’s fastest growing 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.
What does it say about our society?
Rothfield is, of course, wrong. That he attempts to use the UFC’s popularity as a comment on “society” should tell you all you need to know about his ability to present an original thought, but perhaps more disturbing than Rothfield’s takedown of Fight Night 33 has been how we have chosen to respond to it.
In the time since the article was published, MMA fans around the world have attacked Rothfield in droves via the original article and his Twitter page, labeling him a “fag” and a “pussy” among other things. While this response was to be somewhat expected given the inane ignorance of the sport displayed in his article, our decision to match Rothfield’s stupidity tit-for-tat with petty name calling has only furthered the perception that most MMA fans are short-fused troglodytes with an inability to form a coherent counter argument. It doesn’t help that one of the people who responded to Rothfield’s article in like fashion was Dana White.
We are a reactionary species, that much is obvious. Far too often, we view a criticism of something we hold dear as a criticism of ourselves and become fiercely protective in response — just look at how we have reacted to the early negative reviews for The Hobbit 2: Electric Smaugaloo without even seeing the film yet. But for once, I beg you guys to just let this one slide. Clearly, Rothfield knows next to nothing about the hardships MMA athletes go through, the skills necessary to compete in the sport, etc. Clearly, he wrote a reactionary article with little more intention behind it than stirring the hornet’s nest. But just as you wouldn’t argue with a child over the birds and the bees, you probably shouldn’t quarrel with a writer who is talking out his ass for the sake of page clicks. Rothfield’s mind has already been made up in regard to our fair sport, and calling him a “fag” will do nothing to change it.
Should the Rothfields of the world continue to cover sports they do not understand? Probably not, but that’s the Courier Mail’s problem to figure out. But by choosing to rake Rothfield over the coals for his adorably uneducated article rather than simply dismissing it, we have validated his decision to write said article in the first place. It’s not a startling revelation by any means, I know, but since the damage has already been done, we might as well try to learn from it.
So I say again, MMA fans: Please let this one go. We all know that Rothfield is wrong, and that’s all that should really matter. In any case, we damn sure won’t force him to see the err of his ways with a bunch of childish insults and personal attacks.
(Photo via Hunt’s Facebook. A few alternate angles of the break can be seen here.)
I believe it was sometime between the fourth and fifth round of his epic slugfest with Antonio Silva last Friday that Mark Hunt resorted to an all elbows strategy of offensive attack. While I figured that it was simply another case of Hunt running out of shits to give, many fans began to speculate that Hunt had broken his hand on Silva’s Tango & Cash-sized jaw earlier in the fight. Well, consider the above photo further proof that “The Super Somoan” is a goddamned warrior in every sense of the word.
As it turns out, Hunt isn’t the only fighter who will be learning to wipe his ass with the other hand in the coming weeks (Author’s note: That is the last time I will steal that joke. I swear). TUF 8 alum Ryan Bader also walked away from Fight Night 33 with a shattered hand on account of Anthony Perosh punching it with his face so often, so join us after the jump for a couple photos of the damage via Bader’s instagram.
(Photo via Hunt’s Facebook. A few alternate angles of the break can be seen here.)
I believe it was sometime between the fourth and fifth round of his epic slugfest with Antonio Silva last Friday that Mark Hunt resorted to an all elbows strategy of offensive attack. While I figured that it was simply another case of Hunt running out of shits to give, many fans began to speculate that Hunt had broken his hand on Silva’s Tango & Cash-sized jaw earlier in the fight. Well, consider the above photo further proof that “The Super Somoan” is a goddamned warrior in every sense of the word.
As it turns out, Hunt isn’t the only fighter who will be learning to wipe his ass with the other hand in the coming weeks (Author’s note: That is the last time I will steal that joke. I swear). TUF 8 alum Ryan Bader also walked away from Fight Night 33 with a shattered hand on account of Anthony Perosh punching it with his face so often, so check out a couple photos of the damage below.
Bader, who outstruck Perosh 156 to 11 (!) in his unanimous decision victory over the weekend, posted the above photos to his instagram with the caption “I think that’s bad.” I’m no doctor, but I’m inclined to agree with him. We will have updates on the length of Bader’s suspension, as well as Hunt’s, as soon as the information becomes available.
