Ultimate Fighting Championship a serious blood fest

By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 08/14/2008

 I’ve watched Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on television with my sons Larry and Marcus, who really get into it and are big fans. I thought it was too violent and reluctantly went to see it live last Saturday at Target Center , George St-Pierre vs. Jon Fitch battling to claim the title of the world’s best welterweight.

 Let me say this: It’s serious competition. And, it delivers what the fans want most, explosive excitement and entertainment that make for a great show.

 It’s called mixed martial arts, and nearly 19,000 fans poured into downtown Minneapolis paying from $50 to $600 a seat to see the UFC in Minnesota for the first time.

 What’s amazing about the UFC is that 70 percent of the tickets sold last Saturday were to fans from outside the state. People come from everywhere and are hooked on it; it has a cult-like following. UFC 87: Seek and Destroy was a complete worldwide sellout live on pay-per-view.

 Believe me, it is what it is. These incredible athletes risk life and limb. They are in tremendous condition, and the violence that takes place inside the Octagon is real. The ring girls between rounds are perfect 10s.

 The blood is everywhere. When you can do just about anything to your opponent inside the fenced-in Octagon — two fighters doing whatever is necessary to win — anything can happen. There were 10 fights on the card. The speed and power… You’d better be ready, because anything can happen.

Local star Brock Lesnar failed in his attempt to make the Vikings but is making an impact in the UFC. He dominated veteran Heath Herring from start to finish in his heavyweight bout — he was like a caged tiger. He’s new at this game, but his confidence is growing with a 2-1 record. Could a fight with superstar Kimbo Slice be in his future?

 Don’t get me wrong — the UFC is not pretty or for the faint of heart. It’s pulsating, relentless and vicious.

 I grew up a huge fan of the legendary Bruce Lee and loved his movies. He never lost and beat his opponent down no matter what. That’s what you see at UFC events, fighters who can box and use their skills in karate, wrestling, kicking, throwing elbows, backhands and kidney shots. St. Pierre just wore out Fitch in the main event of the evening. He beat him down. Blood was everywhere.

 I’ll pass on this piece of advice: Moms, don’t let your sons grow up to be ultimate fighters. Sooner or later they will get hurt. The UFC was a smashing success in Minneapolis , and I approved this message.

 Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, and on WDGY-AM 740 Monday & Saturday mornings at 7:50 am and Fridays at 3:50 pm; he also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Larry welcomes reader responses to lfitzgerald@spokesman-re corder.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.