Back at the end of May I posted an entry criticizing Thierry Sokoudjou’s failure to heed to ref’s commands at the Dream.9 show in Japan. Some hardcore fans would probably consider my concerns a bit of an overreaction to a relatively isolated incident (see the comments on that post for an example). Since then, there have been two additional incidents of fighters arguably crossing the line and - while not disobeying the ref’s commands – continuing to deliver punishment to a clearly unconscious opponent. One case was Gilbert Yvel’s KO of Pedro Rizzo at Ultimate Chaos, and Dan Henderson’s blasting of Michael Bisping last night at UFC 100. In both of these cases the extra blows were delivered before the referee stepped in, with the Yvel/Rizzo stoppage arguably coming a few punches too late. Yvel was almost apologetic in his post-fight interview after the Rizzo fight. He seemed to admit that he continued to deliver blows after he suspected Rizzo was out, but - as a professional fighter – felt that he had to continue until the ref stepped in (you can check out the interview at http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/6/27/928020/snapshot-of-the-day-ref-watches). On the other hand, Henderson (one of my favorite fighters) reportedly made no bones about smashing a cold-cocked Bisping (one of my least favorite fighters) to “shut him up.” http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/7/12/946473/ufc-100-dan-henderson-admits.
Neither Yvel or Henderson broke any rules or disobeyed the referees commands, but is their conduct good for the sport of MMA ? Do fighters have any responsibility to refrain from delivering extra damage to an opponent who is not merely dazed, but stiff-as-a-board, ass-out, KO’ed? This issue is fairly unique to MMA because the fights transition from stand-up striking situations to groundfighting (unlike boxing, or grappling sports that don’t involve striking). My opinion is hell yes they have a responsibility. Although I’m a bit more on the fence about the Yvel fight, the last shot by Hendo was clearly excessive. Yes, I know, you’ve got to keep fighting until the ref stops it – but “keep fighting” doesn’t mean throwing a superman forearm from hell on a guy who you know is out cold and could already be in trouble. And, yes, I agree Bisping needed to have his mouth shut, I just think the overhand right that turned the lights out did the trick.
No less a downer, Lesnar turned in a dominating performance indicating the start of a new era in the heavyweight division; then proceeded to make a total ass out of himself (and the UFC) by having a brain fart and reverting back to his WWE shtick. Again, I like Lesnar as a fighter – he’s a complete beast. But the post-fight antics and apology were, well, pretty pathetic. Basically, Lesnar’s excuse sounded something like “I don’t like to loose . . . Mir beat me last time . . . so I gave the crowd the finger, mocked Mir when he was still trying to recover, talked about climbing on top of my wife, and insulted a major sponsor.” Are you kidding me? Get a grip.
A weekend of great fights, but disappointing performances.
