The LA Times discusses UFC 91 Lesnar-Couture stoppage...what's wrong with that?
Lance Pugmire, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, wrote an article (Nov. 18th edition) that discussed the timing of the stoppage of the UFC 91 bout between Brock Lesnar and Randy Couture. He noted that Couture took 30 unanswered blows before the referee stopped the contest. Was it too many? Should the fight have been stopped sooner?
These are fair questions that Mr. Pugmire presented in a reasonable fashion. In my opinion, he performed as a credible journalist should. He asked a pertinent question in a relatively unbiased manner about a newsworthy event.
In these difficult times, with declining newspaper sales, he then made a shrewd move. He interviewed a person who would probably make a controversial comment (controversy sells). Need a stupid comment? Look no further than Top Rank boxing's president, Todd duBoef.
Mr. duBoef (who happens to be the stepson of legendary promoter, Bob 'the bobfather' Arum) said "When I see stuff like that, it looks like nothing more than a tough man contest" and "there's no way it's safer than boxing".
Then the LA Times writer one-upped himself. He gave these statements to UFC president, Dana White and asked for his comments. We all know where it went from there.
MMA, as currently governed by the unified rules, is and continues to be a combat sport with a very good safety record. In fact, a safety record that my beloved professional boxing cannot even begin to approach.
I watched the fight in question (and the countless replays). In my professional opinion, veteran referee Mario Yamasaki did a superb job. He gave Randy Couture, a living legend, an opportunity to defend himself and to re-group. Many of the 30 blows in question were partially blocked and delivered by a kneeling Brock Lesnar. I'm sure they hurt but were not likely to cause serious injury.
When it became apparent that the 'Natural' could not improve his position the referee stopped the bout. It was both an appropriate and sporting application of the rules.
What I find most significant about this article is the recognition that MMA is now receiving from traditional mainstream media.
follow me on www.twitter.com/drjcbenjamin
These are fair questions that Mr. Pugmire presented in a reasonable fashion. In my opinion, he performed as a credible journalist should. He asked a pertinent question in a relatively unbiased manner about a newsworthy event.
In these difficult times, with declining newspaper sales, he then made a shrewd move. He interviewed a person who would probably make a controversial comment (controversy sells). Need a stupid comment? Look no further than Top Rank boxing's president, Todd duBoef.
Mr. duBoef (who happens to be the stepson of legendary promoter, Bob 'the bobfather' Arum) said "When I see stuff like that, it looks like nothing more than a tough man contest" and "there's no way it's safer than boxing".
Then the LA Times writer one-upped himself. He gave these statements to UFC president, Dana White and asked for his comments. We all know where it went from there.
MMA, as currently governed by the unified rules, is and continues to be a combat sport with a very good safety record. In fact, a safety record that my beloved professional boxing cannot even begin to approach.
I watched the fight in question (and the countless replays). In my professional opinion, veteran referee Mario Yamasaki did a superb job. He gave Randy Couture, a living legend, an opportunity to defend himself and to re-group. Many of the 30 blows in question were partially blocked and delivered by a kneeling Brock Lesnar. I'm sure they hurt but were not likely to cause serious injury.
When it became apparent that the 'Natural' could not improve his position the referee stopped the bout. It was both an appropriate and sporting application of the rules.
What I find most significant about this article is the recognition that MMA is now receiving from traditional mainstream media.
follow me on www.twitter.com/drjcbenjamin
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