You can probably count on both hands the number of times MMA has been on the front of any major media site/newspaper or mentioned on any mainstream news outlet. And yet, it's been on the front of Yahoo a couple of times within the past two days. But sadly, not for the right reasons.
Yes, UFC 100 included Georges St Pierre defending his title (again) and Dan Henderson showcasing that the 38 year old is still on fire by knocking Mike Bisping out cold, that's not what is making the news. While the biggest weekend for the UFC met many milestones such as the first UFC Fan Expo, fastest sell out for a major UFC event, and UFC 100 it's been overshadowed by one specific incident.
Instead we have to continue to hear about the UFC being a 'circus'. Not exactly the adjective I was hoping would be used as a way of describing this last weekend.
I get so frustrated because I see these guys first hand train their butts off. Multiple times a day for hours at a time. Following strict diets, and mastering not just one sport but MANY. They don't all act like such a fool. In fact that's the exception. The fighters I know personally are some of these most considerate and kind people I've ever met. Sure there are a few knuckleheads out there but aren't some of your own friends knuckleheads? Brock Lesnar is beyond a knucklehead.
With Frank Mir's face looking like tenderized meat, he walked away the winner in my opinion. Brock didn't use many moves to gain position. He didn't change his guard or control but rather used his size and sort of laid on Mir to hold him down as he punched his face. Sure, it's legal, sure it worked. But when it was said and done and Brock walked away with the "win" Frank gave some undeserved respect to Brock and said semi nice things about him. He out-classed Brock ten fold. As if that was hard to do.
Brock's behavior after beating Frank was disheartening. At first I was disgusted. Then mad. Disappointed. And now I think I'm mad again. Seeing the words "Lesnar's circus antics" on the front page of Yahoo two days later, makes me feel as if his poor choices have set the sport back a few steps in the eyes of people that don't understand the sport. It's not a joke or a circus. It's nothing like WWE, with the exception of Brock Lesnar (aka Nacho Libre ). I've 'talked' to many of you who have told me I'm too harsh on Brock, but I don't think I am. He can apologize but I don't think he's sorry. He's only sorry that Dana White tore him a new ass hole. Remember his behavior after his fight against Heath Herring? Yeah, not classy. And here we are again. History repeating itself. He can apologize but when sponsors start leaving because of the crap he pulled on Saturday hopefully people will see he really isn't more than a 300 lbs WWE guy. What will it take for people to see what a joke he really is? A mask? A folding chair in the cage perhaps?
As someone that spends A LOT of time educating people on the sport, this makes me mad. He's NOT good for the sport. He's a big guy that wrestled and I'm guessing his size was only a benefit even then. I doubt his success was due to his skills. And even if his skills were as good as his college record, I can't see past his personality so it doesn't even matter.
And it also annoys me that everyone is so amped to see him face Fedor. Hello is this thing on... there are plenty of people left in the UFC he hasn't yet fought. I think Shane Carwin or even Cain Velasquez could put him in his place. Both are undefeated and in my opinion more than capable of taking Brock.
For those of you that are going to comment or email me saying I'm a bitch, I accept it. Feel free. But just remember, this behavior only means one thing: less overall acceptance as a sport = less advertising money + fewer fans and that means fewer events/fights.
