By Shawn Smith
November 12, 2011 was supposed to be the biggest night in the history of mixed martial arts. The two top heavyweights in the sport met in what was supposed to be a clash of styles as the challenger Junior Dos Santos was going to test his boxing against former collegiate wrestler and UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez.
The event, which had a single fight main card, was given its own Primetime show. The show featured families and friends of champion and challenger discussing the sacrifices each had made to get to the big stage, as well as an in-depth look at what both brought to the table. Simply put, the bout and the show were given the best quality production we had ever seen from the UFC.
The show began with the famous FOX Sports theme music, infamous for Sunday’s NFL football and surreal to hear for most MMA fans. Blood in the cage was painted over as Dana White and Brock Lesnar discussed the main event as well as Lesnar’s chances against the soon-to-be debuting Alistair Overem.
Thankfully, Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg were left in their familiar roles of calling the action, for as long as it lasted. The bout had the UFC feel, but no question was different than what we are used to seeing.
All of the pre-fight talk, analysis, and in depth discussions were put to rest quickly. The Brazilian boxer Junior Dos Santos landed an overhand right that destroyed the equilibrium of Velasquez, making him easy pickings for a ground and pound finish in just over a minute.
The victory left both fans and media stunned. Hours of pre-fight hype were squandered in one minute. Few people expected the bout to reach a 25 minute decision, but even fewer expected it to end in devastating fashion so quickly.
Dana White said he was happy with the performance and how everything went, but his face told otherwise. He was as stunned as the rest of us.
It’s impossible to judge what the casual sports fan would think of this. On one hand, it was an exciting knockout. On the other, a casual sports fan is used to a three hour event, and this bout ended in just over a minute.
Neither fighter was able to show the full length of his abilities, therefore the bout will do little to disprove the myth that MMA fighters are not talented. However, the event did go off without a hitch and the high ratings prove that mainstream interest is alive. More bouts on mainstream television will further mixed martial arts cause for legitimacy.
The second UFC on FOX is scheduled for January, and with bouts like Jim Miller vs. Melvin Guillard and Chael Sonnen vs. Mark Munoz expected, it’s guaranteed to be an interesting show.
This article was published in the December issue of Scrapp! However, it was credited wrong to Josh Davis, instead of Shawn Smith.
