WEC—August 3rd

Carlos Condit vs. Hiromitsu Miura (TKO for Condit @ 4:43 in 4th)

The Natural Born Killer kills again!

While Hiromitsu Miura is the toughest opponent Carlos has faced yet, Condit managed to pull off the win with a technical knockout at 4:43 in the 4th round. This fight was one of the most exciting title defenses I’ve seen with maybe the exception of Faber vs. Pulver. It was never one-sided. Both fighters were delivering and taking punishment respectively. They were very evenly matched with stand-up and ground game being superior from both opponents. Hiromitsu’s submission defense was especially impressive to me because Carlos is known for his stealthy slick submissions, even from his back. And Miura was rarely in serious danger of having to tap.

The action was explosive and Miura must be commended on his badass Judo throws. Carlos found himself getting tossed around like a rag doll for a good portion of the fight despite mention of his preparing for this tactic. Had the fight gone to a decision, I am sure the judges would have awarded Hiromistu quite a few points for all of those takedowns.

By the end of the 4th, both fighters were spent. Not because of poor conditioning, but because of the amazing pace at which they pushed the fight. If you missed this one, I highly recommend you keep an eye out for Versus to re-run it or tell your TIVO to find and record for you.

I had been waiting for this fight for months….driving everyone I know crazy with my excitement as Carlos is one of my absolute faves. He is so exciting to watch because his game is fierce. Proficient stand up game with razor sharp strikes and plenty of damaging kicks to the head and his BJJ is sick, especially since many of his submissions happen while he’s on his back.

But last Sunday Carlos lacked his usual intensity that he brings to the cage…where he goes from big smiles to looking like a complete sociopath. Something seemed off…and I wasn’t sure what it was but I could tell he wasn’t the same. I knew he had been visiting the troops overseas with Urijah Faber and BJ Penn and thought perhaps it was something he had experienced over there.

After his win, he dedicated the fight to his grandmother who had passed just a few days before and it all made sense. I found myself even more impressed with his ability to deliver another world class performance while dealing with such a profound personal loss. Gandhi once said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” I would offer that Carlos is a true warrior in that light. My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss, Carlos, and much love from all your fans!!!! mmauuh!!! xoxo

Brian Stann vs. Steven Cantwell (TKO for Cantwell at 4:01 2nd round)

Skill prevails in the world of MMA….

So I didn’t know what to make of this rematch. I think I was honestly a little afraid for Steve Cantwell going into this fight. I had just watched the original fight and a few others of Brian Stann’s earlier in the day. There is no doubt that Stann is a phenomenal athlete and a straight up brawler. That boy can throw dooooooooown. He’s also well-conditioned (to where I may consider adding him to the Short List ladies—meeeooow), extremely powerful and has a ton of heart, fighting for all the soldiers he’s lost along the way while at war as a Marine. His conviction is undeniable.

However, in the world of mixed martial arts what matters most is skill. Well rounded, technical proficiency in preferably more than one discipline will prevail. And that is what happened in this fight. It cost Stann the light heavy weight belt. He even admitted he’s a baby in the sport and has a lot to learn. I was very impressed with his sportsmanship putting the belt around Cantwell, respectfully admitting his defeat.

Stann was just unable to counter the angles, knees, elbows and muay thai kicks that Cantwell was throwing. Cantwell exposed Stann’s weakness and my bet is that is the best thing that could have ever happened to Stann. He will go away from this fight even more determined and focused; stepping up his game to learn whatever he can in the way of mma disciplines. Whether it’s muay thai, Brazilian ju-jitsu, Judo, Kempo....whatever. He knows he needs to acquire some technical proficiency to round out his game. Enjoy the belt for now, Steven. But Brian will be back and fiercer than ever! I’m looking forward to this rematch!