A lot has gone on in the past few weeks. We've seen champions defend their titles, dethroned, criticized, and even involved in post fight brawls. None of it expected, yet none of it truly surprising when you sit and think about it.
Controversy
First off, the biggest story for me was BJ Penn, one of the sports most dominant champions, maybe ever, being dethroned by upstart New Jersey product Frank Edgar. The fight took place over in Abu Dhabi, and went to a decision. The judges weren't commissioned by an athletic commission, rather by the UFC. The scores were a bit shocking, one judge having it 50-45. I watched the whole fight, and there was no way that Frank took all five rounds. But nevertheless the rematch is being set up as we speak, and is rumored for UFC 118 in the promotion's first show in Boston.
Scrutiny
On the same night, the sport's all time greatest middleweight tried all match to make a fool of fellow Brazilian Demian Maia. He danced, taunted, and altogether disrespected Maia. He embarrassed UFC President Dana White, who was extremely vocal against the match in the post fight press conference, even promising fans something in return for that stinker of a match. It looks as if the fighter's biggest critic will be his next challenger, American middleweight Chael Sonnen. The trash talk has been epic from Sonnen. To see some just Google "Chael Sonnen trash talk," you won't be disappointed.
Disgraceful
After the biggest event in Strikeforce's history, a post fight brawl really take the spotlight away from a night of impressive performances. The Caesar Gracie camp was once again involved in a post fight scrum, when Mayhem Miller came in to challenge Jake Shields. He didn't go about it the best way, and decided to interrupt Jake during his interview with Gus Johnson. This incited a riot so to speak, when the Caesar Gracie guys, including Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, and even Jake Shields, decided to jump Miller. All parties contracted by Strikeforce are being disciplined by CEO Scott Coker. Miller was taken off from his bout with Lawler, and Nick Diaz taken off his upcoming fight for Strikeforce. It was a sad display that really puts a bad light on an amazing sport.
Success
On a lighter note, the WEC put on their first ever pay per view show. I must say, I was reluctant about them doing it, but it was an extremely successful night. It featured maybe one of the greatest fights of the year, if not of all time, in the preliminary card, when Leonard Garcia and Chan Sung Jung swung for the fences for three rounds and somehow survived each others' onslaughts. It also put the sport's fastest rising star, Jose Aldo, on display. He demolished former longtime featherweight champion Urijah Faber in a five round technical display of Muay Thai. Aldo will most likely take on a very hot Manvel Gamburyan, who also destroyed a former featherweight champion, in Mike Thomas Brown. This fight has all the makings of a classic if Zuffa does indeed put it together.
Anticipation
With all that said, we still have a lot in store for us in the summer. This weekend starts a great string of mixed martial arts with one of the most anticipated rematches of all time when Mauricio "Shogun" Rua once again challenges the undefeated light heavyweight champion, Lyoto Machida.
The next card features yet another long anticipated match between heated rivals, or even enemies, Rashad Evans and Quinton Jackson.
It's going to be a great few months of mixed martial arts this summer, and I for one, can't wait.
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