video review : Jake Paul versus Anderson Silva at Paul Versus Silva

video review : Jake Paul versus Anderson Silva at Paul Versus Silva

This fight is closer than I thought it would be. I was concerned, as an Anderson Silva fan, that Jake Paul would knock him out à la the Tyron Woodley rematch, so a decision loss in a competitive bout is somewhat of a moral victory.

Silva has his moments, but it’s his lack of activity (offense) overall; he doesn’t really start fighting until the second round; that costs him the bout. Paul is busier and lands more punches, including a big knockdown near the end.

my rating : 3 of 5

2022

video review : UFC 261

video review : UFC 261

Despite Jake Paul, this is one of the best events in the history of The UFC. Every bout on the main card ends early either shockingly or spectacularly. The first two are TKOs in the loosest sense. Anthony Smith continues the trend of leg kick finishes after a doctor steps in to give an injured Jimmy Crute the MMA equivalent of a sobriety test. Uriah Hall, in a surreality destined to be a viral sensation, breaks Chris Weidman’s leg the same way he (Weidman) broke Anderson Silva’s.

Jéssica Andrade’s loss to Valentina Shevchenko, a TKO by strikes, serves as an intermission as its the one fight that ends as expected. Then, just when you think you can breathe again, Rose Namajunas shocks the world by knocking out Weili Zhang with a first-round head kick; the aftermath of which provides the most endearing moment of the night. “I’m the best,” Namajunas chants just before becoming champion and weeping with the belt around her waist. Joe Rogan apparently cries too.

The main event was unwarranted; Jorge Masvidal didn’t deserve another title shot and I figured he’d lose again, even with a full training camp; but Kamaru Usman delivers a surprisingly impressive finish by knocking him out. If you hadn’t been putting respect on Usman’s name up to this point; the crowd boos not only him but also Weili Zhang on their way to The Octagon; it’s about time you start. The Nigerian fighter is on his way to becoming, much like this UFC event, one of the best ever.

my rating : 4 of 5

2021

Dana White on The Bill Simmons Podcast

2021

theringer.com

video review : Jake Paul versus Ben Askren at Triller Fight Club

video review : Jake Paul versus Ben Askren at Triller Fight Club

Even ignoring all the annoying theatrics; the dancing robot, the epilepsy lights, the gay commentary; this fight leaves much to be desired. Jake Paul lands a right hook near the middle of the very first round, Ben Askren falls down but stands back up, albeit a little wobbly, and the referee stops the fight.

It’s an unwarranted stoppage from what I can see; Askren looks poised and ready to continue by the time the ref calls it; but nonetheless another ignominious loss on his once immaculate fighting record. Perhaps the reported half-million he’s earning makes up for it. Snoop Dogg apparently bet on Jake.

my rating : 2 of 5

2021