Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Watching UFC 115 was the most unforgettable series of fights in one venue at one time, at least in my recent memory. Starting with the legends Rich Franklin knocking out Chuck Lidell with a right hook after Chuck broke Franklin’s left arm. Every single card had a spectacular turn of events that far exceeded my expectations as a fan. Hours after watching the fight on TV I was still shaking my head in disbelief at how Franklin was able to win in spite of the damage he sustained after a powerful kick from Lidell. That’s what makes MMA an exciting sport to watch, the knock outs, the quick turn of events and sheer unpredictability. Other UFC bouts have all that but with UFC 115 there was an evident display of heart, respect and class from every fighter that night.

Chuck Lidell when he was champion, was one of the first, most recognizable face for the UFC. His overhand right knocked out countless opponents; both hands have knockout power. He’s also an accomplished kick boxer. Fans were expecting this big comeback after the loss with Rua and Evans. When the Ultimate Fighter (TUF 11) reality show pitted Chuck against Tito Ortiz as coaches, everyone’s imaginations were again stoked. They were scheduled to fight before the finals of TUF 11. Until an injury forced Ortiz out of it and he got fired out of the show too. Dana White called on Rich Franklin to replace Ortiz not just in the fight but also as coach on the show as well.

As skilled and renowned as Franklin is, it was a let down not to see the Chuck vs Tito, because they genuinely hated each other. That’s what builds up great fights, true and real animosity. Franklin however, was also a former Middle weight champ about the same time Chuck had the Light heavy weight belt. So it was still exciting.

I honestly thought Chuck’s power would be too much for Franklin and it was only a matter of time before Rich gets caught in one of hose devastating punches. And that’s what was happening initially. Lidell was throwing varying kicks to the legs, body and even to the head. And as Franklin blocked one of those kicks with his left arm, it broke. In spite of that he kept on fighting not even showing that he was hurt in that way. Chuck cornered him and was landing combos. But with his remaining right hand he threw a right hook that landed perfectly. And Chuck collapsed like a sack of potatoes, completely knocked out. Franklin was able to follow up with another punch after Chuck lay flat on the floor until ref Herb Dean stopped the fight.

How many fighters would’ve given up with a broken arm or a less serious injury? In TUF 11, Jamie Yager was one of the pig headed, trash talking fighters. This was especially after his two knock out wins with head kicks and fights that didn’t last more than 17 seconds. In his semifinal fight against Josh Bryant, he got tagged twice by Bryant’s left hook. By the second round Yager was taken down twice and got ground and pounded. In spite of the lopsided performance, judges decided it was a draw and wanted a third round. And Yager DID NOT stand up from his stool to answer the bell for the extra round. He immediately had a check up in the hospital and there was nothing wrong with him. All of his team mates including Ortiz concluded that he simply gave up.

Rich Franklin exemplifies heart

Contrast that with Franklin who kept on fighting and even WON after breaking his arm! In his interview with Joe Rogan, Rich said, “I broke my hand before and didn’t stop fighting, how could I stop with a broken arm?” Heart is defined by boxers and players as the ability to keep on fighting even in the face of severe adversity. Rich “Ace” Franklin exemplified heart in that fight against Chuck Lidell.

Mirko Crocop vs Pat Barry

It was the first time I watched new comer Pat Barry. But it was hard not to cheer for someone who overcame financial difficulties to string consecutive wins in the UFC. His wins were KO’s from thunderous leg kicks. Barry’s whole style was based on Crocop’s game so he considered him as a mentor. At the pre fights, Barry even mentioned that he wanted Crocop’s autograph.

In the fist round, Barry was able to knock Crocop down twice with his right hand. Crocop felt the power and was dazed, his whole left cheek immediately swelled. By the second round Crocop was more aggressive with his kicks and even took Barry to the ground and ended the fight with a rear naked choke. What was interesting was, it was the first time I saw fighters not only touch gloves but hug out of respect DURING the round. Barry was very respectful of Crocop and the veteran appreciated the gesture by the up and comer.

They both tried to kick the hell out of each other and break each other physically. But I’ve never seen that much respect between two opposing camps in ANY fight. Even if  Barry lost he gained respect by being able to show it to his idol. Crocop on the other hand showed tremendous heart by not giving up, he got knocked down twice and half his face was swelling up but it made him more aggressive.

Rory MacDonald vs Carlos Condit

MacDonald is only 20 years old but was able to control the skilled and talented Condit for the first two rounds.  It was mostly through takedowns. Rory who controlled the fight until the last 2 minutes of the 3^rd round where Condit landed vicious elbows while having dominant position on the ground. The ref suddenly stopped the fight with only 9 seconds remaining. While Rory’s face was swelling and bleeding, audiences felt he won the fight had it not been stopped with only 9 seconds remaining. Rory is a native of British Columbia so the Vancouver crowd booed the win by Condit.

Mac Donald took the mic and said, “Don’t boo Carlos because he really kicked my ass. I’ll try do better next time and win.” In this ego dominated sport and world, this young man showed class by giving credit to his opponent. Carlos on the other hand never gave up through three rounds when Rory controlled him. Carlos also said, “Rory’s young and he has a bright future ahead of him.” Both men showed a lot of class.

Ben Rothwell vs Gilbert Yvel

The fight wasn’t pretty or exciting as the others, but it had its moments. Rothwell controlled a majority of the fight by taking Yvel to the ground but was never able to do too much damage with a lackadaisical ground and pound. The excitement came when Yvel was able to sweep him one time, got on top and landed a half dozen haymakers on Rothwell. Ben was able to hold on though and survive. He could’ve easily given up after taking that many hard blows from Yvel. But when the third round came Ben took Yvel down again and controlled the fight to take the win.

Again that’s HEART. You can teach a guy to fight but you can’t teach HEART. That is something intangible and has to come from within. For me boxing used to be the ultimate test physically and mentally in sports. Now MMA has taken over that role. The degree of physical skill to succeed in the sport is just incredible. On top of punching and kicking you have to learn wrestling and Jiujitsu. The physical skills and strategy are something that you’ve come to expect. Fighters have to constantly evolve. Excitement is something that I anticipated from UFC 115 but seeing that much heart, respect and class made it unforgettable.