Issue 041

September 2008

With so much MMA action happening around   the world, we break down the outstanding performances from the month of July.

KO of the month

There were almost too many to choose from this month! From Arlovski’s pinpoint punches on Ben Rothwell’s chin, to Josh Barnett’s leaping left hook KO of Pedro Rizzo... Our final choice was Rory Markham’s stunning head kick KO of Brodie Farber on the Ultimate Fight Night event. The young Miletich-trained fighter made his UFC debut in style with a cracking shin to the jaw that left Farber out cold.  

Bloodiest Fight

Josh Koscheck vs Chris Lytle: gross, but entertaining.  

Disappointment of the Month 

Shinya Aoki. The face says it all.  

Fight of the Month 

Eddie Alvarez does it again with his knockdown drawn-out brawl with Tatsuya Kawajiri. Is it even possible for this guy to have a dull fight?  

Least Surprising Result

Anderson Silva defeating James Irvin. It was only really going to go one way, wasn’t it?  

Dumbasses of the Month

Firstly, whoever the idiot was that head butted Phil Baroni on Cage Rage. Apparently a member of Scott Jansen’s family, the stupid thug stuck the nut on Baroni as the American went over to check on the unconscious Londoner. Also, Jansen’s former porn-model girlfriend, who started calling Baroni names as her boyfriend lay sleeping on the canvas. Classy.  

Most Lacklustre Performance

Brandon Vera (again). Even a drop to light heavyweight couldn’t change Vera’s awfully pedestrian performance. That’s two in a row – what’s it going to take to get Vera back on track?  

Breakthrough Fighter of the Month

Joseph Benavidez, who played with and defeated the unheralded Kodo in DREAM. Benavidez trains with Urijah Faber, and the influence was evident – the explosiveness and combination of striking and wrestling was a sight to behold.  

Underdog of the Month

Joachim Hansen. He came into the DREAM Grand Prix as a reserve, and not only did he win the title but he avenged a sore loss at the same time. Awesome work from the Scandinavian slugger.  

Submission of the Month

Fedor choking Tim Sylvia. The unstoppable Russian made short work of the former UFC heavyweight champion. It wasn’t pretty, but it did the job.