http://www.justa11en.com
The CBS prime time broadcast of Kimbo Slice vs. James Thompson (EliteXC), along with the Urijah Faver vs Jens Pulver (WEC) match, ushered in a new era of cage fighting. The WEC match was a classic battle, while the EliteXC event was an overhyped fiasco, that received far more attention.
Kevin Ferguson (Kimbo) is a relative amateur, having competed in only 3 professional fights. His meteoric rise to fame, can be attributed to multiple filmed underground street fights, posted on YouTube.
The evolution of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has brought MMA into the spotlight, and helped it develop into one of the fastest growing sports. Multiple professional organizations have followed suit, and found a niche for their brand of fighting.
While many compare the combatants to the Gladiators, of ancient Rome, modern rules now provide a much safer contest for the athletes. MMA is drastically different, from what took place, in the cage, 10-15 years ago, when serious injury was common place.
It is unique in it’s inclusion of all fighting styles, and has become a proverbial melting pot for men of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds.
I’ve watched MMA, off and on, for sometime. The hype surrounding the prime time debut of the sport, made me dig a little deeper into Kimbo’s background, and follow several of the organizations more closely.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the UFC, WEC, and IFL . EliteXC is a second rate organization, with C level talent, and I would be surprised if Kimbo could compete with any of the top level fighters, from the major organizations. Make no mistake. He is a bad man, but not “elite.” His victory was over a tomato can, with a 2-7 professional record. EliteXC’s show had less than 3 minutes of actual fighting, in the 1st 70 minutes. It was smoke and mirrors, and a poor representation of what fans have come to enjoy. Many purist wonder if this will help, or harm, MMA’s long term growth.
I understand the criticism of CBS, and EliteXC, for putting on such a poor production. Much of it is also seems unfairly directed at Slice, who is only taking a large paycheck for doing something he was doing for free.
I don’t blame the guy. At his age, he has a very short timeframe to capitalize on his…..um….. talent. =)
My point? The “hype” motivated me to give the sport a closer look, and I found something I thoroughly enjoy.
Hence the video, that I hope conveys “what” I like about MMA. The Pulver vs. Faber fight is a much better example of highly skilled mixed martial artist. I believe some of the footage, that I’ve captured for this video, is a fine example also.
A rare combination of Grace, and brutality.
A Blood Ballet. (dramatic huh?)
Thanks for watching. (and taking the time to read this)
-Allen
http://www.justa11en.com
Yahoo critical of CBS event:
http://tinyurl.com/5wk8q9
MMA ratings top NHL Stanley Cup,
while some affiliates refuse to air:
http://tinyurl.com/4fokfm
Other relevant stories from:
http://www.mmafighting.com
EliteXC Saturday Night Fights review:
http://tinyurl.com/6cdopk
WEC 34 Review:
http://tinyurl.com/6pnq3h
UFC Prez, and IFL CEO’s thoughts on EliteXC event:
http://tinyurl.com/5ahj5c
Music:
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
performed by Adhish Yajnik,
and released into public domain.
All footage recorded, and poorly edited, by me.
http://www.justa11en.com
Duration : 0:7:40
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