JOE’s MMA writer Fergus Ryan reckons the range of ways a fight can be finished is a big part of what makes it so exciting – and is why the sport is growing so fast. Here are some of the best.
By Fergus Ryan
With the increased coverage on TV over the last number of years the popularity of MMA has broadened beyond die hard fight fans to the casual viewer. Part of the attraction comes from there being so many ways to win a fight. The decisive moment can occur in the blink of an eye whether the fighters are on their feet or grappling on the floor.
Whether you enjoy slick submissions, laser guided striking or all-out war between two fighters swinging for the fences chances are you’ll see it all over the course of an MMA fight card. Also, as the sport is relatively new, we’re sometimes treated to a new technique never seen before – like Anthony Pettis’ ‘Matrix’ kick. JOE tips its hat to some outstanding moments of action that MMA has provided for us so far, starting with Pettis’ move.
The Matrix Kick
WEC 53 – Anthony Pettis V Ben Henderson
WEC 53 in December 2010 could be remembered for a host of reasons. It was the final ever World Extreme Cage-fighting branded event as Zuffa had folded its weight classes into the UFC. Glendale, Arizona was the location due to a unique initiative allowing fans to vote on the show’s location.
Ben Henderson lost his lightweight title that night but everyone was talking about the ‘Matrix’ kick by Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis. Afterwards, Pettis claimed he’d done it many times at the gym of Duke Roufus where he trains. No doubt it will be copied the world over by fighters and fans alike.
Just ‘cos your losing doesn’t mean you can’t win
Pride: Shockwave 2004 – Anderson Silva V Ryo Chonan
Anderson Silva is one of the greatest MMA fighters we’ve ever seen. His last loss was a disqualification in 2006. The last time he was beaten was by Japanese fighter Ryo Chonan in 2004 in the now defunct Pride Fighting Championship promotion.
Silva, 12-2 at the time, wasn’t having a bad night at the office as he had dominated the fight up till the point Chonan pulled a submission out of thin air. In this clip, Strikeforce heavyweight Josh Barnett talks us through how this incredible submission went down.
Super-sub
Bellator 5 – Toby Imada V Jorge Masvidal
Toby Imada might not be a household name but he’s been in the ring with the likes of Jake Shields, Jason Miller and Joe Stevenson in a 45 fight career that stretches back to 1998. The black belt judoka also holds a win over legendary shootboxer Andy Souwer. In Bellator’s debut season Imada’s come-from-behind (literally) inverted triangle submission win helped him get a title shot and was voted submission of the year for 2009.
Wham, bam, thank you slam
UFC 16 – Frank Shamrock V Igor Zinoviev
Frank Shamrock’s reign as an MMA champion unfortunately coincided with a period in the sports history when no-one was watching. Credited as the first true mixed martial artist, his four round destruction of Tito Ortiz at UFC 22 remains one of the greatest fights in the promotion’s history.
At UFC 16 he came up against undefeated Russian prospect Igor Zinoviev. Shamrock’s decisive victory was the first of four defences and Zinoviev’s last fight – his shattered collarbone prevented him from ever fighting again.
Power-bomb
Pride: Critical Countdown 2004 – Quinton Jackson V Ricardo Arona
Ricardo Arona had been blazing a trail with his only loss on his 8-1 record coming against Fedor Emelianenko. Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, meanwhile, had established himself in Pride Fighting Championships as a kill or be killed style of fighter in amassing his 20-4. After seven minutes of the bout, Arona looked to lock in a triangle choke with disastrous consequences. He would have to be told afterwards what happened next.
Tap or snap
Pancrase: Eyes Of Beast 2 – Ken Shamrock V Bas Rutten
Ken Shamrock, Frank’s older brother, is one of the modern MMA forefathers. Both Shamrock boys’ careers began at Ken’s Lion’s Den gym where the workouts were an equal measure of education and brutality. Had Ken retired in 2000 we’d remember him as one of the best MMA fighters of the early era. However, since 2000, Ken has gone 4-9 with the performances not a patch on his former ability. Having already beaten Bas Rutten a year earlier, this rematch in 1995 went the same way. This clip only last 16 seconds but has speed, skill and lethal technique that can coax a tap in a short space of time.
Rise of the Emperor
Pride: Critical Countdown 2004 – Kevin Randleman V Fedor Emelianenko
The Pride 2004 Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinal saw then champion Emelianenko take on former UFC heavyweight champion Randleman. With the benefit of hindsight this fight may have been the u-turn in Randleman’s career that saw the perennial contender reduced to promotional stepping stone. This bout also represented Fedor at his most active best. This clip could have made it into our Slam or come from behind loss segment but we’re opting to showcase the sensational kimura submission.
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