Being from New Jersey, I'm not used to seeing the big spotlight on my home state unless it's for something utterly ridiculous: things along the lines of McGreevey leaving the closet or Snooki getting punched in the face. Less so are we able to stick it to New York. But it's The Brick City, Newark, that had the biggest UFC card of the year - not MSG or anywhere in NYC, which has yet to get on board with MMA sanctioning.
What we saw last night at the top of the card were two dominant performances and one that had enough grit to rival the Shore itself.
Dan Hardy's resilience was tested by the wicked leverage of Georges St.-Pierre.
Going off as a six-to-one underdog, most people didn't give Dan Hardy a chance against the overwhelming talent of Georges St-Pierre. And frankly, the fight confirmed it — Hardy never seriously threatened GSP after the pre-fight staredown. But Hardy showed two things in the fight - extreme confidence and a total unwillingness to quit. St-Pierre took Hardy down at will, which isn't surprising. But twice during the fight, GSP locked Hardy down in submissions that would have made lesser fighters slam the canvas. Hardy fought and fought and escaped a deep armbar and later, a deep kimura. We're talking painful-to-watch here, and yet Hardy would not be stopped.
If the fight reminded me of anything, it was watching Rocky struggle to simply go the distance against Apollo Creed. Yes, GSP didn't land as many big strikes as he usually does, but he didn't have to — Hardy spent so little time on his feet that even his recoveries off the mat were short-lived, usually a second or two hopping on one foot before heading back down to the canvas.
Some fans booed and left during the five-rounder, which is ludicrous and insulting to Hardy's immense heart. Should we question GSP's dominance for failing to finish his last two fights? Absolutely not. GSP is not a lay and pray fighter. He beat on Thiago Alves for five rounds and here he had two submissions that really should have ended the fight but for Hardy's staggering tolerance for pain. Nobody is going to confuse St-Pierre for Jake Shields anytime soon.
Article comments
1 - Arch Conservative
Is there anyone in MMA that hits harder than Carwin?
The Carwin Lesnar fight will be entertaining to say the least.
If Carwin can keep it off the ground I see him knocking out Lesnar.
If it goes to the ground Brcok has the edge.
One thing's for sure, this one won't be ending in a decision.
2 - Sonia Smith
I don't know how men like this... two men rubbing each other lol
3 - Mike
I have to agree Carwin does hit hard and I see a first round knock out of Lesnar. I think we will see Lesnar returning to the WWF.Oh! Sonia I do not like seeing men rubbing on each other either , I much perfer watching women rubbing on each other.