Last weekend I attended the Bellator VII tournament in Chicago. Bellator is a new Fighting Championship that offers a unique tournament structure with a focus on the fighters. Prior to each fight Bellator showcases the the fighter’s background, strategy and fighting style.
I have to be honest, I was never much into MMA or any sport for that matter but once you get past the shock and awe you begin to see the strategy and technique that each fighter brings to the battle. I find it especially interesting that Bellator features some female fighters in the non-tournament bouts.
Female fighters are a rare breed and many come from a traditional Martial Arts background such as Muay Tai. You can’t help but stop and stare when two women get in the cage to battle it out. (The most well known female fighter is probably Gina Carano who was an American Gladiator on the re-make.)
Last weekend I watched Kerry Vera (wife of UFC light heavyweight Brandon Vera) and Leslie Smith take to the cage. This was the debut MMA fight for both girls. Leslie Smith is a fighting rookie and loves being the underdog. The more experienced Kerry Vera was the winner in what proved to be an exciting fight.
The best part, however, is the sportsmanship and respect that the fighters have for each other. At the end of the fight the two women hugged and were full of smiles proving this sport is more than what you see on the surface.
4 Comments
1. alvo69… | May 20th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
I was there, and it was the ‘Fight of the Night” as far as I was concerned- I wasn’t alone in this thought. Glad you had a good time!! C’mon back y’all y’here!!
2. John… | May 21st, 2009 at 4:59 am
After Ive seen The Wrestler, i have more respect for this kind of sport. Also this sport you show here. Great quality btw
3. DC… | May 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
MMA and a tattoo? Are you officially ” bad ass” :)
4. GlenB… | May 23rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm
MMA is very hot right now. Even the apparel company TAPOUT has grown in this bad economy. I have been a casual fan since the first UFC with Royce Gracie. It is interesting to see the different style of fighters and how they match up.
MMA has grown so much while traditional boxing has faltered. The great thing is with MMA they do have a mutual respect for each other outside of the octagon.