Issue 042
October 2008
With so much MMA action happening around the world, we break down the outstanding performances from the month of August.
Pure Ownage of the Month
Kenny Florian
Kenny Florian simply nullifying Roger Huerta’s considerable talents. To see complete domination over three rounds at that level is simply incredible and testament to Florian’s increasing skill.
Jiu-Jitsu Clinic of the Month
Demian Maia vs Jason MacDonald
Undefeated Demian Maia is a phenomenal jiu-jitsu player, and you have to question MacDonald’s strategy of trying to out-grapple him. The Canadian looked like he was drowning in quicksand right up until Maia submitted him.
Female Fight of the Month
Rosi Sexton’s close battle with Debi Purcell
Flying punches, cartwheel guard passes, spinning backfists, back and fore takedowns and submission attempts. If you ever thought girls can’t (or shouldn’t) fight, this match will prove you wrong, wrong, wrong.
Showboating of the Month
Lesnar’s rodeo riding of Heath Herring
It may have looked slightly disturbing, but watching Lesnar ride Heath Herring like a bucking bronco left no doubt that Lesnar was in complete control. A jibe at Herring’s constant comments that this “wasn’t his first rodeo,” Lesnar showed he too knew what it was like to perform in front of thousands with his mimed lassoing of his opponent after the fight was over. Herring may not have liked it, the fans were divided, but Lesnar simply brought a little bit of showbiz with him, exactly what he was paid to do.
Judo Skills of the Month
Hiromitsu Miura
Like something out of a Steven Seagal movie, Miura showed some of the best judo skills we’ve ever seen in MMA by literally tossing Carlos Condit around. A total of four takedowns in the first round alone repeatedly put Condit on the mat, although fortune was on the WEC champ’s side as he rallied with a stunning fourth-round TKO win.
Biggest Heart
Marcus Hicks
The explosive Marcus Hicks may have lost by first-round KO to Jamie Varner, but Varner practically had to call for backup in putting the stocky wrestler-brawler away. Hicks ate knee after knee and a barrage of punches to the head and went forward the entire time. Though he may have lost this fight, he wins serious kudos for his never-say-die attitude.
KO of the Month
Rob Emerson vs Manny Gamburyan
It was fast and freaky, but that didn’t stop it being highly entertaining. When Gamburyan, noted as a fierce wrestler, came forward swinging punches with his chin in the air, Emerson dropped him with a right only to follow up with a left hook to the face while the two were scrambling for position on the canvas. It’s not often you see a KO when the fighters aren’t even on their feet, but Emerson managed it!
Honourable Mention
Brock Larsen stalked Carlos Prater for a total of 37 seconds before launching a single straight left hand that felled Prater like a party drunk. Larsen is an explosive and agile welterweight with serious power in his hands.
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