Knockout Nation

(KNOCKOUT NATION COMMENTARY) I have always felt that the musical choice of a fighter can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Why? The music is a reflection of the fighter and his/her mind state when stepping in the ring. So for UFC 86 in Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay, I decided to predict the melees based on the music the fighters came out to! HEreeeeerrrrrRRRReeeee We go!

First fight

Marcus Aurelio came out to Three 6 Mafia. Tyson Griffin strutted his stuff to “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Man, that’s the stuff that had Rocky Balboa beating Russians and Black guys with Mohawks.

Prediction: Tyson Griffin
Actual Winner: Tyson Griffin

Miraculously, nobody told the MMA people that Crunk is dead.

NEXT!

Chris Light must be a religious man. He decided to come out to “Lights Out” by P.O.D., a Christian rock outfit. Josh Koscheck went the opposite route with “Emotionless,” an eerie song by Jim Jones.

Prediction: Josh Koscheck
Actual Winner: Josh Koscheck

P.O.D. has been played out for quite some time, my friend.

NEXT!

Joe “Daddy” Stevenson “lost” in my eyes as soon as he picked some hyper fast hick song as his intro music. Conversely, Tibea Gleison picked Judas Priest’s “Iron Man” to step to the octagon. This is an easy one!

Prediction: Tibea Gleison

Stevenson’s guillotine choke is the stuff legends are made of. Even though we were wrong, it’s a good thing. Daddy’s 7–year-old son was in the crowd watching pops fight.

Actual Winner: Joe “Daddy” Stevenson!

NEXT!

Ricardo Almeida came out to some classic rock by Credence Clearwater Revival. Even though I am not a big fan of this music, I have to say it offers powerful rhythms. Generally, I side with Hip-Hop, but Patrick Cote decides to come out to some French Canadian Hip-Hop. Well, that’s all fine and gravy if you are French Canadian. I am not.

Prediction: Ricardo Almeida

I’m telling you, that Credence Clearwater is some good ol’ hippie music. Almeida took control of the situation asap. Even though this was a bit boring, Almeida’s jujitsu was entertaining from a strategic and tactical point of view. By the third round, I was thinking that maybe Hip-Hop would prevail after all. Guess what? It did.

Actual Winner: Patrick Cote

NEXT!

The Main Event – Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs Forrest Griffin

Oh, Forrest Griffin…what were you thinking? He comes out to some heavy metal Celtic/Welsh music. I forget the group’s name. No, wait…I never knew it. On the other side, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson came out to some Hip-Hop in never heard before. It was likely some local rapper that was talking a rap specifically for Rampage. Sounds like David Banner. This is a tough one. Based on the music, I am going against what I feel in my brain.

Prediction: Forrest Griffin

I just know Rampage is going to win this, but Forrest Griffin’s heritage music was better than his opponents’ generic rap. “Mama Said Knock You Out” or something would have been better. After being tactical, Rampage lit up Griffy’s life, only to be dominated the majority of round two. Ouch to those leg kicks!!!! Going into the fifth round, I was scared for my homey Rampage! I predicted Griffin to win, but I want to be wrong!

Actual Winner: Forrest Griffin

I have to give it to Griffin! He won fair and square and that super charged Welsh rock was like musical Red Bull. I hope I can get to see the old Rampage…that wild man from Pride and whatnot. Thanks!

-Marker, The Regular Guy

Marker, The Regular Guy admittedly is very regular joe that watches boxing and martial arts for pure entertainment. Forgive him.