UFC 100 Post Script

(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

The biggest, most historic and most anticipated UFC event in history is now in the record books. Sadly, the leading story Monday morning has nothing to do with the fights themselves (which I’ll get to in a moment) but rather:

Brock Lesnar’s post-fight antics

If you were to take a checklist titled “Things not to do in a post-fight interview from a PR perspective” I don’t think you could have done worse then Brock did on Saturday night. Brock owned the checklist. He is the checklist. Let’s do a run down, shall we? First, he commenced to talk reams of profanity laced trash about his opponent, who he had just defeated. Then, he proceeded to flip off the entire crowd, moved on to publicly shitting on the UFC’s biggest sponsor, and finished up by making lewd sexual comments about his wife. It’s pretty safe to say that Brock’s, uh, “acceptance speech” is the talk of mainstream media and Sherdog nerds alike in the days since the landmark event.

It’s a shame, really, because the many statements Brock made overshadowed the truly profound one he made in the Octagon minutes prior. Brock Lesnar is for real. You can hate him all you want (and most certainly do, especially after his blowup) but there is no denying he is an elite level heavyweight who poses significant problems for anyone in the division. Of all the purist, pro-Mir fans who were disappointed following his win and ensuing antics, I admire Michelle most of all for at least being honest with herself over why she hates Brock. In her words, “Great. Now Brock Lesnar is gonna hold down and pummel everyone he fights. I can’t wait.” Exactly. The dominance of his performance, the way he showed such improved control, awareness, and submission defense from the first fight with Mir, is to me a signal that the Heavyweight division is in for a long championship reign. In the last blog, I wrote about the “Machida era,” and with this win, I feel safe in predicting that the “Lesnar Era” is upon us. In his case, I don’t this the era refers to just him, but rather his style of fighter - huge, athletic freaks with strong wrestling backgrounds who combine strength with explosive speed and cut to make 265. In much the same way GSP and Anderson Silva are the “mold” from which future fighters in their division are made, so I believe Lesnar will be the “mold” for the future standard UFC heavyweight fighter.

As for his antics, I agree that they were shocking, and potentially offensive. I can understand the controversy that could arise when he, as the headliner of the UFC’s biggest match ever, goes so far overboard in his post fight comments.

I was laughing my ass off, personally.

Sexyama Cometh

Yoshiro “Sexyama” Akiyama, the Michael Jordan of Japanese MMA (if you believe the commentary) himself, finally made his UFC debut against the tough if unspectacular Alan “The Talent” Belcher (who officially snatched the “Worst Tattoo in MMA” award away from Brock Lesnar’s ‘Penis Chest” with his grossly distorted “homage” to Johnny Cash). The fight was a tough one, and a there was a fair share of people, including Joe Rogan, who cried foul when the split decision went Akiyama’s way. Personally, I called it for Akiyama 29-28, but the room I watched it in was pretty much evenly divided on which way that 29-28 went. I had it an even fight going into the final frame, and I felt Akiyama’s trip and takedown earned him enough points to squeak out the win. Regardless, it’s the kind of fight that benefits both guys regardless of weather or not they win - a knockdown, drag out battle that showed off the toughness of either guy.

What’s Next: Belcher should face an aggressive, attacking striker even more willing to engage then Akiyama, to truly test Belcher’s muay thai and because of the potential fireworks. I say Drew Mcfrederies, or Chris Leben would both offer intriguing and exciting matchups for “The Talent”. As for Akiyama, he should face someone who offers a good mix of skills and a depth of experience to truly test “Sexyama”. I think Denis Kang is the perfect choice. Well rounded, world class experience, and a proven if not spectacular resume. It would be the perfect test to see if Akiyama could contend at the championship level.

Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson

This one went down exactly like Henderson, and every obnoxious “USA! USA! USA!” fan said it would. Bisping on his bike, sticking and moving while carefully picking his shots, against Henderson, who put his chin down, his hands up, and waded in looking to land a power shot. And

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