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Since the ancient days of gladiators, spectators
have enjoyed the thrill of betting on combative
sporting contests. Every moment of a fight seems
much more exciting when there is money riding on the
outcome. Today is no different, as a growing number
of people are betting on modern-day gladiatorial
contests - mixed martial arts events.
Randy Couture Vs. Gabriel Gonzaga
UFC 74 "RESPECT" is yet
another incredible lineup with the heavyweight Championship
on
the line and two of the greatest all-time fighters alive.
First off, the Championship Main Event will be headlined
with the two highly respected heavyweights, Randy "The
Natural" Couture taking on Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga. Next,
Georges "Rush" St-Pierre will look to redeem himself against
one of his toughest opponents yet, Josh "Kos" Koscheck. |
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Randy is a world class wrestler with an excellent clinch who
likes to stand up to his opponents and pound away. Napao is a
large strapping individual he's 6'1", 242lb while Randy is 6'2"
220lb. Randy can handle heavy fighters, as he's proven against
Silva who was 255lb when they fought. Napao is a striker and
submission specialist, he's got the power to drop you in a
heartbeat. Couture is the fans favorite in this one, when he
beat Silva it was not only a victory for him but for his fans
too. Unfortunately Randy is currently the underdog in this
fight. I like the odds on Randy "The Natural" Couture.
Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga is strong as an ox! He is a very
dangerous ground fighter and kick boxer, he will knock anyone
senseless. Gonzaga delivered Mirko Cro Cop his first loss during
UFC 70. He knocked him out with one high kick to the head in the
first round!
Gabriel Gonzaga has an 8-1-0 MMA record. He is 4-0 in the
Octagon over the past 2 years. Gonzaga is 28 years old; weighs
242 lbs. and stands at 6'1". He is fighting out of Ludlow,
Massachusetts.
Renato "Babalu" Sobral will meet David Heath (7-1) in a light
heavyweight showdown at UFC 74: "Respect" on August 25.
Heath is coming off his first career loss, dropping a unanimous
decision to the often frustrating Ryoto Machida at UFC 70 in
April. Prior to that bout, Heath was on a two-fight UFC win
streak, besting Victor Valimaki at UFC Fight Night 7
(split-decision) and Corey Walmsley at UFC 62 (submission).
Babalu is also in search of redemption, looking to put an end to
a two-fight losing streak. Before the skid, which included
consecutive losses to Chuck Liddell and Jason Lambert, the
Brazlian grappler was on a ridiculous 10-fight, three-year win
streak.
He was once at the top of the 205-pound division, and now he
finds himself in a must-win situation against a hungry and
talented Heath.
UFC 74: RESPECT: QUICK RESULTS
Preliminary Card Fights:
Clay Guida b. Marcus Aurelio
Clay Guida won via split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29).
Thales Leites b. Ryan Jensen
Thales Leites won via submission (arm bar) at 3:47 of
Round One.
Frank Mir b. Antoni Hardonk
Frank Mir won via submission (kimura) at 1:17 of Round
One.
Renato Sobral b. David Heath
Renato "Babalu" Sobral won via submission (anaconda
choke) at 3:30 of Round Two.
Main Card Fights:
Patrick Cote b. Kendall Grove
Patrick Cote won via KO (strikes) at 4:45 of Round One.
Joe Stevenson b. Kurt Pellegrino
Joe Stevenson won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27,
29-28).
Roger Huerta b. Alberto Crane
Roger Huerta won via TKO (strikes) at 1:50 of Round
Three.
Georges St. Pierre b. Josh Koscheck
Georges St. Pierre won via unanimous decision (30-27,
29-28, 29-28).
Randy Couture b. Gabriel Gonzaga
Randy Couture won via TKO (strikes) at 1:37 of Round
Three. He retained his UFC Heavyweight Championship. |
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The Ultimate Fighting
Championship is a test of pure gladiator fighting
skills. The fight occurs inside an octagon that is 32
feet across. The fighters are contained by a 5 foot
link fence. Most participants have martial arts
training in some discipline, however, this is by no
means a requirement. It has a no holds barred
philosophy although some rules have been added
recently.
Although there can be a
lot of blood, fights usually end with joint locks or
choke holds and it is generally the more skilled
opponent that wins. Size is an advantage, but skill in
ending the fights with a finishing move (choke out,
joint locks, etc.) are the best. |
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