MMA: A Giant, a Spider, and a Dream

For any mild to hardcore MMA fan, Saturday July 19, 2008 was far more explosive than that same old celebration held on the fourth of the month.

Three nicely assembled cards were available to watch thanks to AFFLICTION, THE UFC and DREAM. It was such an adrenaline rush that I too contemplated seeking a sponsor for the night. The night was simply stacked.

And while not all the fights on all of the cards were incredible, the one's that did stand out made up for the one's that didn't.

A GIANT

The reference to a giant could technically mean the larger 6' 8" Tim Sylvia. But even a man of that stature is dwarfed by the larger than life performance that the seemingly unbeatable 6'0" tall Fedor Emelianenko delivered.

What happened to Sylvia was the flip side of that lottery comment, "you gotta be in it, to win it". The Maine-iac was really never in it.

Fedor did what so many athletes in MMA or Boxing would love to do—explode with a fury, yet at a controlled, precise pace with no sign of reckless abandon. The result of so exacted a fight plan came pretty quick.

It should now silence the questions and skeptics (uh uhm, Dana) who said Fedor wasn't a top heavyweight anymore. And if you still feel that way, find one who can prove it. Maybe warm up with an easier task first—like finding Amelia Earhart.

A SPIDER

Anderson Silva continues to build an aura of invincibility, doing so this time against a large, strong light-heavyweight. Even those who figured on Silva winning, likely did not expect the finish to come as quickly and suddenly as it did.

Anderson generates the same feeling upon entering the arena that Roy Jones Jr. had throughout his boxing career, spending the better part of 11 years unbeaten with that same aura.

Pound for pound titles, though not official, were conceived with guys like Anderson Silva in mind. And for me, a die-hard Roy Jones fan, it sure does make being a fight fan easier, having another guy like that to admire, as he applies a natural, athletic skill set that most sports rarely ever see.

A DREAM

The conclusion of the Dream Lightweight Championship tournament was both exciting and disappointing. While Hell Boy, whose real name is Joachim Hansen, earned himself that title, one could not help but envision it around the waist of Eddie Alvarez.

As most are well aware, Alvarez beat Hansen in a very competitive fight, then advanced further in the tournament. However, the injury Alvarez sustained in his battle with Kawajiri didn't allow him to advance and seize the title most thought he would win.

My best advice for Alvarez is Dream On. His stock did nothing but increase its worth, making Eddie a desirable fighter to watch either in Japan with Dream or in the USA when fighting for EliteXC.

IN CLOSING

The biggest picture created by Affliction, UFC and Dream, soon to be followed up by EliteXC's second CBS Fight Night on July 26 is quite simple to see.

More fights, more top level matches and a thriving environment for so many skilled fighters to grow.

The UFC and it's not-so mild mannered president may not like the other promotions trying to compete but any true fan of MMA sure does. Viva La Otro Promotions and The UFC!