(Gina Carano, rising above her fears. Pic: MenVersus.com)
When signing a business contract, one must be acutely aware of the fine print. Companies often try to sneak in language and terms which may later allow them to catch the other party off guard and emerge victorious in the battle for the almighty dollar.
I’d like to think that signing a contract for an MMA bout is a bit more straightforward. You’re told upfront in no uncertain terms that the opposing party’s objective is to physically hurt you. It’s a special breed that can accept those terms and believe in themselves enough to sign on the dotted line.
Despite that rampant self-confidence—or perhaps because of it—many fighters attempt to psyche out their opponent and gain the upper-hand before the first punch has even been thrown. When successful, it makes for an easier night’s work. When it fails, the would-be intimidator is left looking foolish. The comeuppance may come in a laugh at his expense or a lop-sided asswhooping, but either way it’s a sight to behold.
Join us for a closer look at what happens when fear is not a factor in mixed martial arts.
Bonello’s Bark Proves Worse Than His Bite
Tony Bonello walked into his bout with Murilo Rua with an undefeated 15-0 record and a massive chip on his shoulder. With allegations of worked fights in his native Australia, Bonello was looking forward to a breakthrough performance that would put him on the map in the US scene and prove that he was more than a can crusher.
Bonello’s trash talk in the staredown was as unwarranted as it was aggressive. But tough talk can be tough to back up when directed at a seasoned product of the Chute Boxe Academy. As Bonello barked slurs in his direction, the calm, wide smile on Ninja’s face reflected great confidence in what he had planned for his foe. Though it only lasted a scant three minutes and fifteen seconds, the bout couldn’t have ended quickly enough for Bonello. “The Gun” failed to fire a single round before Rua began a violent drubbing chock-a-block with indignities such as passing the black belt’s guard, elbows from the crucifix position, full mount, and the always popular knee-on-belly/rape choke combination.