This has been a busy month for the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).
The discussion of steroid use has once again reared its ugly head, the most recent lobby to legalize the sport in New York is apparently not going well, the world's only transgender fighter is once again preparing for a fight, and the 'Boston Bombers' have ties to MMA.
Just recently, MMA legend Vitor Belfort's latest win against Luke Rockhold at UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) on FX 8, and ensuing declaration that he's "stronger than ever", really opened himself up to the discussion on the use of performance-enhancing drugs. When asked at the post fight conference about it, Belfort simply replied: "He needs to be beat up, someone beat him up please", much to UFC Chairman Dana White's chagrin. According to reports, fans are now left wondering how much was that spectacular knockout by spinning heel kick from actual skill.
Also, transgender fighter Fallon Fox made headlines when she announced she was born male, and underwent the surgical and hormonal treatments to become legally female. This is after dominating all of his/her previous opponents with impressive knockouts and stoppages, raising much protest from some of those same opponents. Fallon however, claims that her testosterone level, that is now reportedly so much more reduced that what it was, makes her weaker, with less muscle mass, and decreased endurance. She claims this has been a difficult adjustment for her. Some would say her undefeated record proves she has adjusted fairly well. She has definitely used the added attention to her advantage.
Shockwaves from the recent bombings in Boston are still being felt around the world. As we learned more about the alleged bombers and their associates, it was revealed that one of the alleged was a regular at the Wai Kru MMA Gym in Boston, and one of his sparring partners was recently questioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Also, this past weekend saw one of the biggest heavyweight fight cards in years.
The UFC heavyweight title was on the line in a bout featuring champion Cain Velasquez and Antonio Silva. Velasquez (12-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) once again proved why he's the best heavyweight in MMA with his quick finish of Silva (18-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC), on Saturday night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also, ex-heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos (16-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) won by spectacular knockout in the third round over Mark Hunt (9-8 MMA, 4-2 UFC).
The first time Velasquez and Silva met, Silva was demolished by the champ, and he did so again this past weekend. As for former champion Dos Santos, he simply out-classed Hunt.
o Dr. Kent L. Bazard, B.Sc. M.B.B.S. He can be reached at info@empiremmabahamas.com or at Twitter@bahamasmma.
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