nerditry

Woot woot and holler for the semantics of arguing the relative gentility and humanity of Mixed Martial Arts vs. Boxing. Once Randy Couture is 65 years old, then we can judge how getting hit, kicked, stretched and choked compares in long-term effects. But saying it’s much safer now rings hollow and waiting to be plugged by someone biting it in the ring from the right flying knee.

So I’ll be watching tonight, because I’m a fan and as of now boxing still bores me. Especially after the priapism that was De La Hoya/Mayweather. 73 is a supercard, unique to televised fights that cost an arm and a leg.

Winners are listed in bold.

Noguiera v. Heath Herring – This gives Heath his chance to fight against someone that isn’t going to evade him and is a Pride vet, as well. Nothing I’ve seen or heard about Noguiera says that he’ll lose this fight and I want to witness another impressive debut.

Tito Ortiz v. Rashad Evans – The evidence lies within the recently defeated fists of Chuck Lidell. Their speed was the cause of both meetings between Tito’s skull and the mat. Rashad’s fists are definitely faster than Chucks, though he definitely does not carry as much power. That’s balanced with an amazing ability to sprawl and go to the ground with deep confidence. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end for a declining Tito. I’m definitely interested in seeing a fight that would make me eat my words, but Tito probably doesn’t take Rashad seriously enough.

Hermes Franca v. Sean Sherk (Lightweight Title Fight) – I’ve never seen a man who works harder on developing himself everrr ever ever than Sherk. His wrestling will match up very well with Hermes’ BJJ skillz from Brazil.

One of my favorite quirks of MMA commentating is the association of possession of particular abilities and how to use them in commentary. In talking about their skill and training, Mike Goldberg would call it “his” muay thai clinch or “his” cardio. While it is possessive, it definitely sounds funny.

If Hermes is to come out on top, it’s going to be as the end result of unleashing a fist bomb before Sherk realizes a punch is imminent and very close. The rabbit in the hat wears four oz. gloves.

Nate Marquardt v. Anderson Silva (Middleweight Title Fight) – I’ve seen almost no weakness in Silva’s game on any recent pay per view or online footage besides the split second that Lutter and Leben attempted to defend themselves. I do believe (n. Old Southern Gentlemen) that this fight has the best chance for upset, but only if Silva becomes a champion on a secondary plane. Everyone has a good chance of getting beat on any given night, but this feels like his move into streaks like Hughes and Couture were on at their best.