'Phenom'enal

February 7, 1997 at UFC 12 in Dothan, Alabama of all places; that is the first time anyone saw a 19 year old phenom named Vitor Belfort fight in The Octagon. It was actually only the second time anyone saw Vitor Belfort fight period. That is because prior to this appearance he only had 12 seconds of pro experience, winning his first and only bout by knockout in that amount of time.

He didn't spend too much time in his second and third fights, which took place on this night, either. That's because he won both with a total time of two minutes exactly. Already a black belt in jiu-jitsu under the late renowned Carlson Gracie, Belfort had something other jiu-jitsu practitioners at the time didn't have; striking ability with his hands that were as fast as any boxer you could think of. Thus, with a combination of striking and grappling that was unparalleled, the kid was aptly nicknamed "The Phenom."

Move forward 16+ years and the now 36 year old Belfort with a record of (23-10, 16 KO's 3 subs) is a former UFC Heavyweight and Light-Heavyweight (205 lbs.) Champion who is looking to be the next middleweight (185 lbs.) champion; thus making him the only three-division champion in UFC history. He already had one shot at the middleweight crown, in which he came up short in February 2011. However, after going (4-1) since, with his only loss being to light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones in a fight he pretty much took as a favor to the company, chances are looking good he'll get another shot soon.

This especially after the way he disposed of former Strikeforce middleweight champ Luke Rockhold on Saturday night in his home country of Brazil. In two and a half minutes of the first round with a spectacular spinning hook kick to the head that spelled the beginning of the end for Rockhold. Follow that up with some of Belfort's precise and powerful punches and the UFC newcomer was all but out when the referee jumped in to save him.

"Phenomenal" is the best way to describe how Belfort looked and it seems that like fine wine he is just getting better with age. A lot of that has to do with maturity; at 19 Belfort was talented, but like any kid his age he rested on his laurels assuming his talent would carry him. It took a beat down from a UFC newcomer named Randy Couture at UFC 15 in October 1997 to make him realize that talent will only take you so far.

So as time passed and life's experiences took their natural course in maturing Belfort, he had his ups and downs along the way; as do most people as they grow. That showed itself to be the case in his fights as well as there were moments of grandeur along with losses that left you wondering whether we'd ever really see the full potential of a truly great fighter.

It took a while, but better late than never because it looks as though the best Vitor Belfort is here now; primed, dedicated to both the sport and his family and as talented as ever. Now training with the Blackzilians camp in Florida, Belfort is expanding his game and it is showing. His work with kickboxing coach Henri Hooft is paying off as in 16 years, no one has seen a spinning hook kick from Vitor Belfort; in two and a half minutes on Saturday night he threw two and the second one proved the difference; in a word, 'phenom'enal!

MMA loyalty vs. Boxing casualty among fans

With the rare weekend where there is no major MMA or boxing event, I've decided to write about something I've noticed more and more over the last few years. It is the unwavering loyalty MMA fans have versus boxing fans. Now before boxing fans, of which I am one, decide to hurl defensive comments at me, listen first to what I am talking about.

I'm not trying to suggest that one group of fans is more hardcore over the other; and I'm definitely not saying boxing fans are not knowledgeable about their sport. However, I am saying that the majority, not all, boxing fans are definitely casual in their approach to fights that are not main event status. How do I know? The proof is in the pudding whenever you watch either sport at home with a group of friends.

As stated above, I am and have been a boxing fan for as long as I can remember; this is easily over 40 of my 50 years on this earth. Thus, I was a fan long before MMA came on the scene in 1993. Over the last 25+ years I have watched numerous fights on pay-per-view, if not at my home with friends, then at some other friend's or relative's home. Hell, I just did it last weekend when I was invited to a friend's house to watch the Mayweather/Guerrero fight; note, I said I was invited to watch the main event.

Of course I was invited over before the PPV began at 9PM, but truth be told not too many people were interested in the undercard; which is my point in this column. When it comes to boxing events on PPV, most boxing fans are in it for the main event. It is rare that an undercard fight gets any love, let alone viewing. Boxing fans with an open mind will acknowledge what I'm saying is true.

How many times have you been over a friend's house for boxing and during the undercard, there is music blaring, conversation taking place about topics other than the fight at hand and just straight socializing? Sometimes, more often than not, if there is another sporting event on, such as a football or basketball game, that will take precedence with the occasional click on the remote over to the PPV to see where we're at on the card in relation to the main event. When it comes to boxing, it happens all the time.

MMA fans are a totally different breed; I know because besides being one, I know many "MMA Junkies" across the country and world very well. MMA fans will not only watch every fight on the card, from the very first prelim to the main event, but MMA fans will watch the weigh-ins for every single fight on the card from beginning to end. In terms of the UFC, this can number up to as many as 12 fights on a card; yet it makes no difference.

The UFC understands this loyalty from their fans all too well, which is the reason they are gracious in giving their fans all of their fights, up until the PPV main card, for free. That means access to the very early prelims on Facebook live streams and featured preliminary bouts on either the FX or Fuel TV network. When a UFC fan knows there is a fight card on, they don't ask when does the PPV start, they want to know when the first prelim starts.

As I watch the preliminary fights on Facebook, I am either chatting with other MMA fans on-line about the fights taking place or texting with many of my MMA Junkie friends from across the nation about the fight taking place. On another note, when it comes to live shows, it is the same argument. Watch last week's prelim fights and you saw empty seats everywhere; by comparison, at a live UFC show, I'm not saying the arena is packed for the first fight, but fans show up in large numbers for the first bell.

One part of the problem is boxing does not promote their up and coming fighters. Outside of ESPN 'Friday Night Fights', where are you going to get introduced to potential prospects? The UFC meanwhile has their own reality show where they introduce you to tomorrow's stars and then helps promote their fighters with such events as Fan Expos; Bellator Fighting Championships is also beginning their own reality show.

How loyal are MMA fans? They'll stand in a long line just to take a photo with Keith Jardine (as can be seen in the photo above); not a superstar like Jon Jones or Georges St. Pierre.but Keith Jardine; a fringe contender at best, however at the time it made no difference to MMA fans because they were familiar with the fighter. Second reason is the fights themselves.

MMA prelims are only three five minute rounds, where as boxing prelims are usually 10 rounds; unless it is a title fight, which automatically makes it 12. It seems like an eternity till the main event in boxing, where as in MMA, it feels as though the fights are flying by. Not to mention, shorter scheduled fights promote more action. There's no such thing as feeling out rounds or taking a round off in a three round fight.

I know this all sounds unfair to the boxing fan, but I'm just pointing out the obvious. Except for a select few who truly appreciate that when any two people step in the ring, regardless if it's the first fight on PPV or the co-main event, anything is possible. I know boxing as a sport isn't going anywhere, but unless the casual attitude by its fans doesn't change, the loyalty of MMA fans will continue to help its sport grow and prosper.

There's good and then there's great!

If there is one pet peeve I have, it is how easily the word "great" is tossed around to describe a fighter, whether it be in boxing or MMA; this also applies to athletes in general. I think the adjective "great" is used way too loosely when talking about an athlete's, or in this case, a fighter's skill level. In sports, as in life in general, there are many good performers and then there are the chosen few who are truly great.

In Floyd 'Money' Mayweather, Jr., we are truly witnessing greatness when it comes to boxing and arguably the greatest ever. I say arguably because to hear Floyd tell it, he is the greatest. However, I'm not ready to afford him that title; especially taking into consideration some of the truly great ones that have come before him. Yet, at (44-0, 26 KO's) he clearly has to be in the discussion; especially after the dominating performance he put on Saturday night.

How dominating was it? Mayweather took a former three-division world champion in Robert 'The Ghost' Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KO's) and made him look average at best. That is no slight towards Guerrero, it is just what Mayweather does; he takes really good fighters and makes them look bad. Count the fighters, look at the names and you'll see Guerrero is just the latest in a long line.

What made Saturday night's performance even more impressive is that he did it after a year away from the ring and a three month stint behind bars last summer. Ring rust? I don't think so. Truth is I'd argue that the jail sentence actually benefited Mayweather. Not from an emotional or spiritual standpoint mind you, but physically.

People keep trying to make an issue about his age, pointing out that he's now 36 years old. I am quick to respond that he's had just five fights in the last five years; one a year. That means he has not taken a physical toll on his body, especially when no one has really put any type of hurt on him. Add those three months in jail, where he claims he was confined 23 out of 24 hours a day, and I say while it may not be beneficial emotionally, physically he received much needed and forced rest; not just from boxing, but his extracurricular life in general.

At 36, he is six years older than Guerrero, but naturally gifted with speed, he has not lost a step. On Saturday night he was so fast in comparison to his opponent, that I remarked to someone, "Guerrero's reaction time to Mayweather's punches is so slow, he's finally responding on Tuesday."

As for being "The Greatest," I suggest such is not the case because I believe others in the discussion took far more dangerous fights and chances throughout their career. Sure Mayweather has fought quality opponents, but he never fought Manny Pacquiao, regardless of whose fault it was, when he should have and he refuses to address the potential 'Canelo' Alvarez fight; at least not yet.

The Pacquiao fight within the last three or four years during their prime would have settled any debate between the sports two greatest competitors at the time. Also, while I feel at this point Alvarez may be too strong and young to possibly overcome, the reward for taking such a risk and coming out the victor would do wonders for his standing.

Instead he dealt with Juan Manuel Marquez, who was clearly a blown up 140 pounder, an over the hill Shane Mosley, an overmatched Victor Ortiz and Guerrero, which we found out is clearly not in his league. He did fight Miguel Cotto last year at 154 lbs., but the future Hall of Famer hasn't been the same fighter since his two beatings at the hands of Antonio Margarito and Pacquiao.

That said though, in Mayweather's defense, who else was or is there? During the same period Pacquaio also fought Cotto, Mosley, Marquez twice, Margarito (who was exposed after being caught cheating), an outclassed Joshua Clottey (has anyone heard from him since) and current champ Timothy Bradley. So by comparison shopping, Mayweather did what he had to, and unlike Pacquiao, won all his fights; Pac-Man suffered the decision loss to Bradley and the decimation by Marquez in his last fight.

The only reason for the Pacquiao comparison was to show there really wasn't much more Mayweather could do in the last five years. However, if he plans to continue fighting, he has to find something or someone that will solidify his legacy; I think at this point outclassing Alvarez would do just that. Believe me, anyone who knows me knows I'm far from a Mayweather fan; but what's right is right and in this case there's good and then there's great!

.

Two great fights on Saturday night, but...

As was expected and I had predicted, there were two great fights on Saturday night in both MMA and boxing, but... one was marred by a crime that took place. Once again, just when you thought it couldn't happen, the Texas Boxing Commission reared its ugly head and showed itself to be the shadiest commission in the nation.

First, let me get to the fights; in the UFC, the lightweight (155 lbs.) championship between champ Benson Henderson (19-2, 2 KO's 8 subs) and challenger Gilbert Melendez (21-3, 11 KO's 1 sub) was even closer than I had predicted it would be. I said beforehand that it was a virtual tossup, but in the end Henderson would win a unanimous decision. Well Henderson did win; only it was via split decision by only one point.

Melendez's experience and boxing ability gave Henderson problems early as the former Strikeforce champion was beating Henderson to the punch in the exchanges and was clearly the aggressor. However, the tide began to turn in the third round, where suddenly Henderson became the aggressor and more proficient with his attack of kicks and elbows instead of punches while standing.

In the end it was literally anybody's fight as I had it two rounds apiece going into the final round, which in my opinion was too close to call. Alas, Henderson got a one point victory as all three judges scored it 48-47; two obviously for the champion. Congrats to both on a fantastic title fight and an extra congratulatory wish to Henderson for a successful wedding proposal during his post fight interview in the cage.

Now onto boxing where light middleweight (154 lbs.) champions Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (42-0-1, 30 KO's) and Austin Trout (26-1, 14 KO's) put on just as good, and in my eyes just as close, of a fight. Not just in my eyes either as the Showtime experts calling the fight including Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein, Steve Farhood and current WBA World Welterweight Champion Paulie Malinaggi all had it just as close; with Farhood and Malinaggi giving the nod to Alvarez by just one point and Bernstein calling it a draw.

I personally scored it six rounds apiece with the lone difference in the outcome being a knockdown Alvarez scored over Trout in the seventh round. Ironically, a friend of mine and occasional boxing writer Nick Sanchez, whose opinion I respect very much, told me he scored it the exact same way with the knockdown being the difference. Sounds pretty close right? Well it was, but apparently the people that mattered didn't see it that way.

However, before I get into the crime that was committed, here's a quick synopsis of the fight. I had predicted Trout would win on the basis of him picking apart Alvarez over 12 rounds. It pretty much was going that way as Trout was the busier of the two, but Alvarez clearly landed the heavier and more powerful shots. Props to Alvarez for utilizing beautiful head movement and avoiding many punches throughout; he shocked me and surprised the hell out of Trout.  

That said, as great of a fight that it was, it was ruined by the three judges ringside in San Antonio, Texas who scored the fight 115-112, 116-111 and 118-109. Once again, I remind everyone that beyond me, the three Showtime ringside experts had it much closer. So you may ask, what makes those ringside experts supposedly more qualified than the judges?

Well, let's forget this fight for a moment and look at some recent history of boxing crime that has taken place in the State of Texas during professional boxing fights. In August 2009, the aforementioned Malinaggi was blatantly robbed in a decision against Texas native Juan Diaz in a nationally televised fight that even Diaz was surprised he won. Four months later, Malinaggi fought Diaz in a rematch in Chicago, Illinois and easily won a unanimous decision.

More recently, there was the light middleweight contender fight in March 2012 between Texas native James Kirkland and Chicago native Carlos Molina. In a fight Molina was clearly winning and all but had in the bag, he lost via disqualification in the 10th round when the referee showed ineptitude after a knockdown scored by Kirkland at the end of the round. Upon Molina's corner entering the ring in between rounds, the referee ruled it a disqualification.

These are just two recent examples of many over the years the Texas Boxing Commission has displayed; to say they are shady would be a compliment. They are so blatantly criminal, that the judges at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, who robbed Roy Jones, Jr. out of a gold medal against a South Korean fighter, were Supreme Court Justices next to them.

The saddest part of this whole thing is that their judging ruined what was truly a great fight. I only wish it could have occurred on a more neutral site for both fighters like Las Vegas or New York; I'd be curious to see scores for the exact same fight from either of those two state commissions. Alas, in the end we had two great fights on Saturday night, but...

It's a great weekend to be a combat sports fan

Whether your taste is mixed martial arts or boxing, this Saturday you have a couple of exciting fights featuring four very young dynamic evenly matched fighters. If you are a fan of both sports that just makes it twice as good and the best part about the whole thing is that both fights are featured on television, one free and one on a premium channel; thus, you can set your DVR to record one while you watch the other. It's a great weekend to be a combat sports fan!

Oh wait, there's even more; both of these fights in their respective sports are a virtual tossup as all the combatants are champions at the top of their game. In MMA, the UFC is holding their seventh card on the FOX network and the main event for UFC on FOX 7 is the lightweight championship between UFC titleholder Benson 'Smooth' Henderson (pictured above left) and former Strikeforce champion Gilbert 'El Nino' Melendez.

Melendez (21-2, 11 KO's 1 sub) is the old man of this group at the ripe old age of 31. He's probably also the one fighter of this group that may be considered the least known of the four; however, that's not because of any fault of his own. He's been competing in this sport for nearly 11 years; problem is part of that time was spent fighting overseas in Japan and the other part was in the now defunct Strikeforce.

Regardless, wherever he's fought, Melendez has won; and in the last couple of years he's always been universally regarded as a top three lightweight (155 lbs.) in the world. In most circumstances I would like Melendez in this fight; but not in this one. That is solely because of Henderson (18-2, 2 KO's 8 subs).

At 29, the UFC champion is just hitting his stride, especially since he's only been competing since '06 versus Melendez's '02. A former champion in the WEC (World Extreme Cagefighting), Henderson is a rising star in an organization filled with star champions. Though his style and Melendez's almost mirror each other, especially with wrestling pedigrees, I just think this is Henderson's time while I believe Melendez's time may have passed.

I totally believe this because had this fight taken place two years ago, I probably would have given the nod to Melendez; but while Melendez was toiling away in Strikeforce fighting sporadically because of lack of competition, Henderson has been flourishing fighting the very best in the division. His overall game seems to be peaking at this moment and for that reason I am picking Henderson in a unanimous decision victory over Melendez.

Moving on to boxing, it doesn't happen often, but this weekend Showtime got it right. They've put together a fight between two champions in their weight class, in this case light-middleweight (154 lbs.), which are both undefeated and truthfully haven't even reached their prime a/o yet. WBA champion Austin 'No Doubt' Trout (pictured above right) and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, the WBC champion; will do their part in unifying the title of world's best light-middleweight.

The 26 year old Trout (26-0, 14 KO's) is coming off his biggest victory to date as he dismantled the talented multi-division champion Miguel Cotto over 12 rounds in December 2012 en route to a unanimous decision victory. Meanwhile, Alvarez last fought in September where he knocked out former light-welterweight (140 lbs.) Josesito Lopez. Yes, I think it's important to point out that he knocked out a talented fighter that came up two weight classes to oppose him.

The reason I make this point is because I am going against the masses here and picking Trout to defeat the favored Alvarez. I expect Trout to pick Alvarez apart and outpoint the young 22 year old Mexican over 12 rounds; if not finish him before. I know I'll get many doubters on this pick and they may very well be right.

Alvarez (41-0, 30 KO's) is a great young talent who hits like a mule; there's no doubting that. The question here is who has he hit? The hit list before the lighter Lopez was an over the hill Shane Mosley, a shot and heartless Kermit Cintron and another fighter out of his weight class in welterweight (147 lbs.) Alfonso Gomez, whose claim to fame was coming in third on the first season of 'The Contender'.

Sure Trout's professional resume isn't necessarily a who's who as the biggest name prior to Cotto is Delvin Rodriguez. However, it's in the amateur record where I see the difference. Though Alvarez has had 15 more pro fights than Trout, he had only 20 amateur fights; Trout meanwhile had over 200. I've been telling people I don't think Alvarez is quite ready to run with the big boys and I think this fight against a seasoned, primed and ready Trout will prove my point.

Regardless of the outcomes, both of these fights have the promise to be barn-burners between four young fighters who are part of the next generation of great names in their respective sports. Whether you love boxing, MMA or both, it's a great weekend to be a combat sports fan. Enjoy the fights!

Never judge a book by its cover

As the old saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. That would be the perfect way to describe Saturday night's women's fight at the UFC TUF Finale between Cat Zingano and Meisha Tate (pictured above respectively). To the casual fan the photo may depict anything from Swimsuit models to Zumba instructors; however, nothing could be further from the truth.

These two ladies, beautiful ladies I might add, are professional mixed martial arts fighters at the highest level and they both proved so on Saturday night. For two and a half rounds in a featured bout on the card, these ladies stole the show and just solidified that women's MMA does belong in the UFC. UFC President Dana White obviously thought so as he awarded them the 'Fight of the Night' honor resulting in each winning an additional $50,000 bonus.

Zingano (8-0, 4 KO's 3 subs) and Tate (13-4, 3 KO's 6 subs) had a lot to prove and a lot on the line as well as they competed in only the second women's MMA fight in UFC history. Following women's champion Ronda Rousey and Liz Carmouche's historic first ever fight back in February that produced a ton of excitement in less than a full round, Zingano and Tate just about tripled that going nearly three full rounds. In the end Zingano outlasted Tate, but it wasn't without a fight.

Tate, the former Strikeforce bantamweight (135 lbs.) champion, who was looking to garner a rematch with Rousey to whom she lost her title, was aggressive from the outset. She came right at Zingano, figuring her wrestling/ground & pound style and overall experience would be too much for Zingano; and for a round and a half it looked as though she was right. She consistently took down Zingano and also appeared to be beating her to the punch while standing.

The first round was clearly hers, while the second was more of a toss up because Zingano was able to reverse her bottom position on the ground midway through the round. However, while she was on top she did not fully escape as Tate had a hold of her leg, more specifically her ankle, and was working towards a possible heel hook submission. Nonetheless, Zingano proved resilient, as she did throughout, not panicking and striking back effectively while her leg was being contorted; inevitably she escaped and ended the round on top.

That seemed to be where the tide turned because in the third round it was Zingano who shot for a quick take down and worked her own ground attack. For nearly two minutes she smothered Tate who later admitted, "Zingano felt pretty heavy on top." Tate eventually got out and worked her way back to her feet, but that would be the beginning of the end for her.

As she rose, Zingano delivered four successive knee strikes to Tate's pretty face that forced her to drop to her knees again and attempt a faint shot towards Zingano; however referee Kim Winslow had seen enough and she stopped the fight at 2:55 of the third round. The knees and the stoppage were not without controversy though.

In the post fight press conference, Tate voiced her displeasure at the referee's stoppage stating she was only doing what Winslow instructed her before the fight and that was to show she was still alert and active when in trouble. As for the knee strikes, she did not protest, but did bring up that she had been told the initial knee strike may have actually come while her hand was still on the mat; thus making it an illegal strike to a downed opponent.

As stated Tate did not protest, but she was obviously disappointed as she lost not only her opportunity at a title rematch with Rousey, but much more. The winner of their fight was already appointed a slot opposite Rousey as a coach on the upcoming season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' reality TV series. This will be the first season featuring women coaches and fighters; it will also be the first season featuring a coed house as both men and women will be featured in the upcoming season.

With Dana White's announcement that the upcoming TUF season will also be featured on the new Fox Sports 1 network, which means an even broader audience, Tate lost a lot more than just a fight Saturday. However, after the disappointment and bruises wear off, both she and Zingano can be proud of their effort. They clearly showed they are more than just a pretty face, which is why we should never judge a book by its cover.

Bellator's first season on Spike was just the spike it needed

All it needed was a chance and after a couple of lackluster seasons on MTV2, Bellator Fighting Championships got that opportunity with Spike TV. Promoting itself as the toughest tournament in sports, Bellator went out and proved it week in and week out for the last three months. Using a combination of established young stars, rising up and coming fighters and some tough proven veterans; such as Doug 'Rhino' Marshall (pictured above), Bellator's first season on Spike was just the spike it needed.

The season began with stacked tournaments in a multitude of weight classes ranging anywhere from featherweight (145 lbs.) to light-heavyweight (205 lbs.). They crowned new champions, including light-heavyweight Attila 'Pumukli' Vegh who was a previous tournament winner that defeated former champ Christian M'Pumbu and most importantly they delivered some very exciting fights. More than any previous season before that I could recall, Bellator had more knockouts, submissions and first round finishes than anytime in its history ever.

During the course of that process, veterans such as the aforementioned Marshall, a 36 year old former WEC champion and Dave Jansen, also a WEC veteran now 33 years old, saw their careers come back to life with tournament wins and future title shots in the middleweight (185 lbs.) and lightweight (155 lbs.) classes respectively. By the same token, some well known names like Renato 'Babalu' Sobral and Marlon Sandro may have seen their last big shots come and go.

This past season also provided shocking surprises such as Emanuel Newton coming out of relative obscurity to knock out pre-season light-heavyweight tourney favorite Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal with a spinning backfist in the semifinals; he would then go on to win the tournament. It also showed some things just don't change, such as Douglas Lima and Ben 'Killa B' Saunders' getting through the welterweight (170 lbs.) tournament once again for another opportunity to face each other; this will be a rematch of one of Bellator's most exciting fights.

However most importantly, Bellator showed that it could lose some highly touted free agent former champions such as Hector Lombard and Eddie Alvarez and still survive. That is primarily because their current nucleus of promotion made stars, which include featherweight champion Pat Curran, lightweight champ Michael Chandler and welterweight champ Ben Askren all came strong this past season with successful and exciting title defenses.

Curran, Chandler and Askren may not be as well known or highly touted as their UFC counterparts Jose Aldo, Benson Henderson and Georges St. Pierre, but they are clearly all in the top ten of their respective weight classes and in the case of Curran, I'd argue he may be in the top two or three as far as featherweights go right behind Aldo. Those three, along with all the others I mentioned above are the main reason why Bellator's first season on Spike was just the spike it needed.