Ultimate Fighter - Week 6 Review, "Fight, Fight, Kill, Kill!"
Show Viewing Date: 10-20-2008
Show Title: Ultimate Fighter: Week 6 Team Nogueira V. Team Mir - Fight, Fight, Kill Kill!
Network: SpikeHD
Reviewed By: Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking
Mixed Martial Arts has made a significant impact in my life over the last year and a half after a grand "discovery" session thanks to my wife on Father's Day of last year. Since then, I've secured a staff writing position for a solid and growing online magazine, "The Savage Science", I've watched and reviewed a variety of fights for television and been the beneficiary of several "take a weekend off" Ultimate Fighter Marathons where we get to see previous seasons of a television show where names have been made, fighters have been broken, and audiences have been satisfied by both.
Now, the Savage Science Nation coaches have made the call for me to put on the virtual review gloves, jump into the ring that is my home theater, and man-up to review this CURRENT already-initiated season of The Ultimate Fighter - Team Nogueira V. Mir - (starting here at week 6), as we begin this Savage Science Television Review of Ultimate Fighter's 6th week episode, Fight, Fight, Kill Kill!
As with many of my online reviews, I'll be reviewing this initial episode in a "stream of consciousness" format, giving you essentially what I'm thinking as the show airs. I encourage everyone to send feedback in regard to any of the points below and let's use this opportunity as a rallying and sounding-off point for our love, of the truly SAVAGE SCIENCE...
-- Mir and Nogueira: I am familiar with both of these very seasoned fighters and they offer up that always special "boy, I'd love to kick some of my OWN team's asses aura immediately as we tune into this episode. Mir is someone I've truly enjoyed following not only as a fighter, but also as a commentator for the WEC. He's informative, he's knowledgeable, and I love that he's able to TELL what he wants to to people even during a fast-paced fight. Nogueira for me is like an immovable force of energy - a brown Hulk, and it's great to see the introspection through the veil of what is a clear language barrier that he is truly trying to break down literally with both hands. My kudos to the shows creators and directors. That they take the time to showcase the Interpreter here for Nogueira and Silva is something that most shows would toss out because it "bores peoples". Great move, Ultimate Fighter.
-- They Mystery of a Black Belt: "I was there for a week..." and acquired a BLACK BELT IN JUJITSU? There are a couple of things that concern me here. I refuse to believe that regardless of how innately talented you are athletically, regardless of how many years you've "competed" I don't see anyone acquiring a black belt in jujitsu in a week. The second thing that troubles me is that (as Mir explains) telling someone how you get/acquired your belt shouldn't be a blurry footnote, it should be the instant answer that truly impresses. I plan on contacting a number of local outfits to see what the story is here and report back on it next week with answers and insight that I think won't amaze much of anyone. :)
-- Trash Talkin': It's something I never enjoyed in wrestling, especially when there was such an instant "figure it all out" when the whistle or buzzer went off. In the case of people that would trash-talk with me - they had a different opinion of what they thought and would say after smelling their own ass for 3 minutes. While I know that "this is what reality TV is made of", there is truly a presence that is seen regularly in Mixed Martial Arts that I am certain gets overlooked that could and should be the total showcase here. There is sportsmanship inside of this sport, and I truly believe that the main focus of shows like this would be much better served if that was taken to heart with at least as much zeal as the "do something exciting" ticket that we see showcased and even talked about inside of this episode. There is MUCH in the way of honor, sportsmanship and respect that I eventually hope this show takes on full force. Eventually, even at the end of even the most bitter fights, it arrives, boldly. Let's see if it happens here.
-- (Off-Topic): Any chance of us getting a bunch of professional MMA fighters together, and going to the creative powers that be over at Burger King and kicking their asses for the creation of the new "Mushroom and Swiss" commercial? Good lord, folks. I have $50 cash for the person who can make the most creative use of that mandolin and either/both of the actors in that commercial. Oy.
-- Getting Your Act Together: I've gotta' tell you: I don't even have a belt other than the three black leather ones I wear with my work clothes and one that I put on a Jedi outfit that put on for conventions and Halloween occasionally, but were someone to spit on even one of those - it's time for a throw down. The pile of trash that Junie is talking in this episode reminds me much of a nobody fighter showcased on the under card of a larger fight and - I think it's clear that he doesn't understand that. Is he being pushed to do and say things like this or is he truly that out of control while participating in the show?
-- Fight Fight, Kill Kill: This episode was clearly named because of this particular segment where we have the older "Mickey-style" character in pads, encouraging Delgado to bring it and "Fight, Fight, Kill Kill!" A very entertaining segment, but folks: Is it just me or is Delgado - at best - very light-handed while punching? I don't see any speed for what is a 155er, and his frame - wow. that's a light fighter with very little power in his hands as far as I can see.
-- Blowing Weight: Whether it's someone a gorgeous as Gina Carano, or those as ugly as my wrestling mates back in school, or - in this case, Junie, not making weight is just a bad move and show a show of almost complete and utter unprofessionalism. I was trying to explain this to my wife this evening and for here I was trying to equate it to her boss telling her that she was going to be paid $_______/hour, and then her boss telling her that she would - for today - be paid another, random amount, because it's a Thursday. There's an agreement that both parties agree to "meet" and both will participate at that level. Show your opponent the respect of making weight for chrissake. While it's "only 2 pounds", he walks onto the scale, and you're not making the agreed-to weight.
-- More Tasty "I Would So Kick Ass Up In Here" Ambiance: Silva clearly looks around the room, hoping, praying, that anyone in the room could give him a true run for his money and sees - nothing. :)
-- Just When You Thought There'd Be a Teeny Bit of Humility: When Junie decides to get back in front of Delgado for their "promo picture" for the fight, he yawns/looks aghast. Ohhh kay.
-- The Pre-fight Reels: While I get that filming angles are everything as is lighting, the raw handspeed between the two fighters - again, wow. Are we going to see a true fight here or some pussying around a ring? Junie continues to talk and even claims that it's almost time to back it all up - the stakes are set, Junie. You better bring it, "bro."
-- Resistance 2 Trailer: I've been online computer gaming for a good long time (our monthly workplace gaming "LANtastic" session was last week - great fun), but I have to tell you - this game is RIGHT up my proverbial interest alley. Science Fiction, first-person shooter, a literal call to arms against an alien enemy - wow. November 2nd might need to get here a lot sooner. Do you all have interest in seeing computer games here at The Savage Science? Let us know and we'll see about collecting more interest and talent to get things like that over at The Savage Science.
-- The Fight Begins: There's some very interesting striking, then followed by - "here, punch me here"ness from Junie? Was this a coaching item that we missed in the prefight reels? What in the hell is THAT? Additionally, where is anything denoting that Delgado wants to take this to the ground and use that black belt/skill set acquired mysteriously? Looks like Delgado's jab is getting in but again as I eluded to in the preamble, he just has NO weight behind them to do anything significant to someone as jacked up on adrenaline as Junie. Finally the first guard/pseudo shoot and - snake eyes. Six rather large unanswered punches arrive before a knee heads Junie-ward and the horn blows - as did the fighter's efforts in this initial round. Wow.
-- Round Two: Again, an initial showcase of the Interpreter for Nogueira and Silva is VERY appreciated. It's way too short, but great stuff that would just end up on the cutting room floor usually. Thank you Ultimate Fighter! Lots of wind being drawn and then - Junie begins the body shots! In response there is a series of shots completely foiled by Junie's sprawl, who then walks away defiantly as Mir chants exquisitely. The needle begins to approach "E" for Delgado after a series of wild random shots reach their marks both on body and skullcap and then it happens: Both gas tanks empty and -- THEY START WAGGING FINGERS AT EACH OTHER?? They stand around circling, gasping for air and I begin to wonder if perhaps the litany of jaw-yammering camera-recording sessions of BOTH of fighters should have been spent on conditioning. Junie provides a series of solid shots that drop Delgado who is clearly hurt. Delgado is allowed (WHAT??? Take that arm and break it like Frank Mir broke Silvia's jackass!), to stand and the fighters wiggle around the ring again. While both are clearly gasping, the occasional shot and kick are clearly coming snappier from Junie, the white-haired, black-shorted fighter. Round two ends in a messy flurry of pseudo-punches that look like something from the never-seen-until-now Miagi's fence-painting gone awry as the horn trumpets ending round two.
-- Round Three: "One More Round Guys..." They both benefited from the rest during that intermission, and it's a bit of a feeling out process as they see what they can try to bring the other into something different this round. A solid awkward strike lands for Junie, making Delgado eek to his left as if looking for another trisket with cheese and olive on the table next to them. Junie continues to step back and do the "Conan O'Brien" until a flurry leads to a weak, half-hearted kick by Delgado who flops no-so-ceremoniously to the ground where - he sits for almost a minute almost completely unchallenged. What? As we hear every fighter in fighting history roll in their grave, Delgado rises after ditching his umbrella drink and low-seat lawn chair and begins fighting for the last minute of the round. Delgado's arms are gone, Junie's tank approaches "E", and the horn sounds, in a flat tone of "F" which will clearly be one of the grades for this particular fight from eyes all around.
Split Decision Winner - Junie.
The Savage Science Review Moral: RESPECT. Junie takes a giant bite of a smelly, puss-filled prides sandwich, and finally realizes the errors of his idiocy. An apology is offered to Nogueira - which I have to tell you - raises my short history perspective on Junie. It takes a LOT to tell people you were wrong, and to do it on a nationally-syndicated show that millions will see - big props. Let's hope that continues and we'll see him grow during the series. Isn't that what we're looking for from EVERYONE that comes on this show? A defeated, apologetic Delgado returns to his dressing room and - is genuinely being supported. This is what I was talking about in the beginning of this review about respect, sportsmanship, and team atmosphere in Mixed Martial Arts. They are there for you before, during and even after the fight when the sky seems darkest, when you've literally spent your life in the ring for 15 minutes just a minute earlier, and you are already on their shoulders being supported, reassured and prepped for the next fight.
THAT, folks, is Mixed Martial Arts, and something I hope that people eventually take back to their homes, their workplace water coolers, the family and friend interactions and the world - when talking about MMA. It's time to get the chicken-wire, no-holds-barredness out of the mainstream, and insert the genuine sport and realm that IS professional Mixed Martial Arts.
Overall Show Rating: We're giving this initial episode review of "Ultimate Fighter" (Fall 2008) 3 out of 5 Savage Science Skullies.
Bottom Savage Science Line: The pop is here, tidbits of the true Savage Science are here, and if you're are at all interested in Mixed Martial Arts, the stories that can and have turned to legend, and the pride that each team - both winning and losing receives at the end of the battles you will witness make this a must-see for everyone. It's a continuation of a great lesson through the eyes of those that fight, to continue to fight.
Show Title: Ultimate Fighter: Week 6 Team Nogueira V. Team Mir - Fight, Fight, Kill Kill!
Network: SpikeHD
Reviewed By: Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking
Mixed Martial Arts has made a significant impact in my life over the last year and a half after a grand "discovery" session thanks to my wife on Father's Day of last year. Since then, I've secured a staff writing position for a solid and growing online magazine, "The Savage Science", I've watched and reviewed a variety of fights for television and been the beneficiary of several "take a weekend off" Ultimate Fighter Marathons where we get to see previous seasons of a television show where names have been made, fighters have been broken, and audiences have been satisfied by both.
Now, the Savage Science Nation coaches have made the call for me to put on the virtual review gloves, jump into the ring that is my home theater, and man-up to review this CURRENT already-initiated season of The Ultimate Fighter - Team Nogueira V. Mir - (starting here at week 6), as we begin this Savage Science Television Review of Ultimate Fighter's 6th week episode, Fight, Fight, Kill Kill!
As with many of my online reviews, I'll be reviewing this initial episode in a "stream of consciousness" format, giving you essentially what I'm thinking as the show airs. I encourage everyone to send feedback in regard to any of the points below and let's use this opportunity as a rallying and sounding-off point for our love, of the truly SAVAGE SCIENCE...
-- Mir and Nogueira: I am familiar with both of these very seasoned fighters and they offer up that always special "boy, I'd love to kick some of my OWN team's asses aura immediately as we tune into this episode. Mir is someone I've truly enjoyed following not only as a fighter, but also as a commentator for the WEC. He's informative, he's knowledgeable, and I love that he's able to TELL what he wants to to people even during a fast-paced fight. Nogueira for me is like an immovable force of energy - a brown Hulk, and it's great to see the introspection through the veil of what is a clear language barrier that he is truly trying to break down literally with both hands. My kudos to the shows creators and directors. That they take the time to showcase the Interpreter here for Nogueira and Silva is something that most shows would toss out because it "bores peoples". Great move, Ultimate Fighter.
-- They Mystery of a Black Belt: "I was there for a week..." and acquired a BLACK BELT IN JUJITSU? There are a couple of things that concern me here. I refuse to believe that regardless of how innately talented you are athletically, regardless of how many years you've "competed" I don't see anyone acquiring a black belt in jujitsu in a week. The second thing that troubles me is that (as Mir explains) telling someone how you get/acquired your belt shouldn't be a blurry footnote, it should be the instant answer that truly impresses. I plan on contacting a number of local outfits to see what the story is here and report back on it next week with answers and insight that I think won't amaze much of anyone. :)
-- Trash Talkin': It's something I never enjoyed in wrestling, especially when there was such an instant "figure it all out" when the whistle or buzzer went off. In the case of people that would trash-talk with me - they had a different opinion of what they thought and would say after smelling their own ass for 3 minutes. While I know that "this is what reality TV is made of", there is truly a presence that is seen regularly in Mixed Martial Arts that I am certain gets overlooked that could and should be the total showcase here. There is sportsmanship inside of this sport, and I truly believe that the main focus of shows like this would be much better served if that was taken to heart with at least as much zeal as the "do something exciting" ticket that we see showcased and even talked about inside of this episode. There is MUCH in the way of honor, sportsmanship and respect that I eventually hope this show takes on full force. Eventually, even at the end of even the most bitter fights, it arrives, boldly. Let's see if it happens here.
-- (Off-Topic): Any chance of us getting a bunch of professional MMA fighters together, and going to the creative powers that be over at Burger King and kicking their asses for the creation of the new "Mushroom and Swiss" commercial? Good lord, folks. I have $50 cash for the person who can make the most creative use of that mandolin and either/both of the actors in that commercial. Oy.
-- Getting Your Act Together: I've gotta' tell you: I don't even have a belt other than the three black leather ones I wear with my work clothes and one that I put on a Jedi outfit that put on for conventions and Halloween occasionally, but were someone to spit on even one of those - it's time for a throw down. The pile of trash that Junie is talking in this episode reminds me much of a nobody fighter showcased on the under card of a larger fight and - I think it's clear that he doesn't understand that. Is he being pushed to do and say things like this or is he truly that out of control while participating in the show?
-- Fight Fight, Kill Kill: This episode was clearly named because of this particular segment where we have the older "Mickey-style" character in pads, encouraging Delgado to bring it and "Fight, Fight, Kill Kill!" A very entertaining segment, but folks: Is it just me or is Delgado - at best - very light-handed while punching? I don't see any speed for what is a 155er, and his frame - wow. that's a light fighter with very little power in his hands as far as I can see.
-- Blowing Weight: Whether it's someone a gorgeous as Gina Carano, or those as ugly as my wrestling mates back in school, or - in this case, Junie, not making weight is just a bad move and show a show of almost complete and utter unprofessionalism. I was trying to explain this to my wife this evening and for here I was trying to equate it to her boss telling her that she was going to be paid $_______/hour, and then her boss telling her that she would - for today - be paid another, random amount, because it's a Thursday. There's an agreement that both parties agree to "meet" and both will participate at that level. Show your opponent the respect of making weight for chrissake. While it's "only 2 pounds", he walks onto the scale, and you're not making the agreed-to weight.
-- More Tasty "I Would So Kick Ass Up In Here" Ambiance: Silva clearly looks around the room, hoping, praying, that anyone in the room could give him a true run for his money and sees - nothing. :)
-- Just When You Thought There'd Be a Teeny Bit of Humility: When Junie decides to get back in front of Delgado for their "promo picture" for the fight, he yawns/looks aghast. Ohhh kay.
-- The Pre-fight Reels: While I get that filming angles are everything as is lighting, the raw handspeed between the two fighters - again, wow. Are we going to see a true fight here or some pussying around a ring? Junie continues to talk and even claims that it's almost time to back it all up - the stakes are set, Junie. You better bring it, "bro."
-- Resistance 2 Trailer: I've been online computer gaming for a good long time (our monthly workplace gaming "LANtastic" session was last week - great fun), but I have to tell you - this game is RIGHT up my proverbial interest alley. Science Fiction, first-person shooter, a literal call to arms against an alien enemy - wow. November 2nd might need to get here a lot sooner. Do you all have interest in seeing computer games here at The Savage Science? Let us know and we'll see about collecting more interest and talent to get things like that over at The Savage Science.
-- The Fight Begins: There's some very interesting striking, then followed by - "here, punch me here"ness from Junie? Was this a coaching item that we missed in the prefight reels? What in the hell is THAT? Additionally, where is anything denoting that Delgado wants to take this to the ground and use that black belt/skill set acquired mysteriously? Looks like Delgado's jab is getting in but again as I eluded to in the preamble, he just has NO weight behind them to do anything significant to someone as jacked up on adrenaline as Junie. Finally the first guard/pseudo shoot and - snake eyes. Six rather large unanswered punches arrive before a knee heads Junie-ward and the horn blows - as did the fighter's efforts in this initial round. Wow.
-- Round Two: Again, an initial showcase of the Interpreter for Nogueira and Silva is VERY appreciated. It's way too short, but great stuff that would just end up on the cutting room floor usually. Thank you Ultimate Fighter! Lots of wind being drawn and then - Junie begins the body shots! In response there is a series of shots completely foiled by Junie's sprawl, who then walks away defiantly as Mir chants exquisitely. The needle begins to approach "E" for Delgado after a series of wild random shots reach their marks both on body and skullcap and then it happens: Both gas tanks empty and -- THEY START WAGGING FINGERS AT EACH OTHER?? They stand around circling, gasping for air and I begin to wonder if perhaps the litany of jaw-yammering camera-recording sessions of BOTH of fighters should have been spent on conditioning. Junie provides a series of solid shots that drop Delgado who is clearly hurt. Delgado is allowed (WHAT??? Take that arm and break it like Frank Mir broke Silvia's jackass!), to stand and the fighters wiggle around the ring again. While both are clearly gasping, the occasional shot and kick are clearly coming snappier from Junie, the white-haired, black-shorted fighter. Round two ends in a messy flurry of pseudo-punches that look like something from the never-seen-until-now Miagi's fence-painting gone awry as the horn trumpets ending round two.
-- Round Three: "One More Round Guys..." They both benefited from the rest during that intermission, and it's a bit of a feeling out process as they see what they can try to bring the other into something different this round. A solid awkward strike lands for Junie, making Delgado eek to his left as if looking for another trisket with cheese and olive on the table next to them. Junie continues to step back and do the "Conan O'Brien" until a flurry leads to a weak, half-hearted kick by Delgado who flops no-so-ceremoniously to the ground where - he sits for almost a minute almost completely unchallenged. What? As we hear every fighter in fighting history roll in their grave, Delgado rises after ditching his umbrella drink and low-seat lawn chair and begins fighting for the last minute of the round. Delgado's arms are gone, Junie's tank approaches "E", and the horn sounds, in a flat tone of "F" which will clearly be one of the grades for this particular fight from eyes all around.
Split Decision Winner - Junie.
The Savage Science Review Moral: RESPECT. Junie takes a giant bite of a smelly, puss-filled prides sandwich, and finally realizes the errors of his idiocy. An apology is offered to Nogueira - which I have to tell you - raises my short history perspective on Junie. It takes a LOT to tell people you were wrong, and to do it on a nationally-syndicated show that millions will see - big props. Let's hope that continues and we'll see him grow during the series. Isn't that what we're looking for from EVERYONE that comes on this show? A defeated, apologetic Delgado returns to his dressing room and - is genuinely being supported. This is what I was talking about in the beginning of this review about respect, sportsmanship, and team atmosphere in Mixed Martial Arts. They are there for you before, during and even after the fight when the sky seems darkest, when you've literally spent your life in the ring for 15 minutes just a minute earlier, and you are already on their shoulders being supported, reassured and prepped for the next fight.
THAT, folks, is Mixed Martial Arts, and something I hope that people eventually take back to their homes, their workplace water coolers, the family and friend interactions and the world - when talking about MMA. It's time to get the chicken-wire, no-holds-barredness out of the mainstream, and insert the genuine sport and realm that IS professional Mixed Martial Arts.
Overall Show Rating: We're giving this initial episode review of "Ultimate Fighter" (Fall 2008) 3 out of 5 Savage Science Skullies.
Bottom Savage Science Line: The pop is here, tidbits of the true Savage Science are here, and if you're are at all interested in Mixed Martial Arts, the stories that can and have turned to legend, and the pride that each team - both winning and losing receives at the end of the battles you will witness make this a must-see for everyone. It's a continuation of a great lesson through the eyes of those that fight, to continue to fight.
posted by Mike Wilkerson - 2GuysTalking at 11:32 PM
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