My Reflections on UFC 86

Thanks to Comcast, my Internet and cable server, I almost did not see the beginning of tonight's fights, and after I wrote my first article of my reflections, I suspect they sent it out into cyberspace in revenge for mentioning them in the article.  (I am paranoid because this is the fourth time this has happened).

At 9:05 our cable server representative relented after my raving and whimpering, and the fights began. (My husband was happily watching the NASCAR race oblivious to my distress.  Jimmie Johnson did not win, nor did his second favorite "old man" Martin.  I vaguely remember him mentioning Kyle Busch's name . . .).

Watching my favorite thick-thighed big "ba-donk-a-donk" fighter Tyson Griffin beat Marcus "Maximus" Aurelio, who once choked out BJ Penn, was a highlight of my night.  So much for black belts beating lowly wrestlers. (Yes, I am not above gloating--I'm old and haven't got much else going in my favor).

If your cable company is as incompetent as mine and you tuned in after the second round of the Josh Koscheck v Chris Lytle fight and saw Josh standing with his hands on his hips waiting to start the third round, you might have thought he had dyed his hair pink and "gone punk."  Fear not, though Josh is anything but conventional, his hair was tinted pink from the massive blood loss Lytle experienced after being taken down and ground and pounded by Josh until he suffered an uncontrollable blood loss from a cut over his right eyebrow.  So deep was the cut and with three large pools of blood in evidence on the mat, and splattered on the camera lens, that announcer Mike Goldberg prematurely announced that Yves Levine had stopped the fight at the end of the round. But Lytle won a new fan in me by continuing to fight through the third round with pure guts and determination.  "Kos" won by unanimous decision, but was booed by the crowd, which I think was most unfortunate.  Koscheck, seeking to find a new more sportsman-like image to gain fans, was very gracious and gave a lot of credit to Chris for continuing right to the end.

The fight between one of my favorite Canadian fighters Patrick Cote and the "Big Dog" Ricardo Almeida left me completely nonplussed.  I kept waiting for Patrick's dangerous right handed hook or uppercut to no avail.  Almeida absorbed several shots from Patrick, while taking Patrick down and trying to work a variety of holds. but was not even close to submitting him.  Not exciting or a blood bath, the "interesting tactical" (Joe Rogan) battle ended in a split decision in Cote's favor.  Although I cheered the Cote, Cote chant along with the crowd and even by myself at times, the win was not worthy of Patrick's happy little jig.  If I were in GSP's place and explaining the fight to the fans at the viewing of the fight in Montreal, I imagine I would have to say that it was a case of Patrick trying harder "not to lose" than trying to go all out for a win.  Possibly the fact that Almeida was a Gracie black belt had him buffaloed.  And although I didn't catch her name I hope the little girl who Patrick dedicated his win to "C.M." is encouraged to "keep fighting to live" just as Patrick urged.

Congratulations to plucky Forrest Griffin for defeating "my guy" Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in a well fought, all out struggle for the Light Heavyweight belt.  I heard, or read here, that someone mentioned that Rampage had a softer, less ferocious appearance as he entered the arena to the sounds of dogs barking savagely and a rap beat filling the air.  I would have to agree; I made it a point to check it out on the replay of his entrance; it was true.  He did not look scared, but was much less looking like the committed assassin he usually appears to be--more unsure of himself, or hesitant.  When I saw his right ankle being wrapped in his locker room I feared the worst and thought he must have sprained it during training.  By far the worst beating he took was to his left leg from Forrest's muay thai kicks that eventually buckled his knee and put him down where Forrest tried to knock him out without success.  That is not to say that Forrest escaped all punishment.  His face connected several times with Rampage's fists, staggering him at times but not dropping him where a flurry of hits by Rampage, his usual modus operandi for a KO, could take him out.  Both warriors were true sportsmen as they gave each other props with great sincerity after Forrest was declared the winner.  If it really was Rampage's birthday, I hope his "Boo" whom he asked to meet him at the after party sees that it is a special one, considering his loss.

Since I have read Jon Gritz excellent rundown of the fight results I will not cover that except to mention that my changing to Jorge Gurgel's corner for his fight (because I promised a friend here I would), did not help to prevent his submission loss at the hands of Cole Miller, which I believe won the submission of the night.  (I honestly kept my promise too.)

So in the end Chuck Liddell and Mandy Moore who were pictured at ringside cheering for Forrest Griffin to win (although not with each other) must be elated by his win. (Note to Georges:  Mandy had her hair a lighter color and wore a green camouflage tee that really complimented her coloring, making her look quite adorable).

Take heart Rampage.  You are still my hero and if you are ever in Peoria I want to treat you to a real home cooked fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings; at my favorite Fairview Farms restaurant of course.