Amber Miller
© Marc Wickert
www.knucklepit.com
All photos copyright 2004 Zuffa LLC
Photography by Joshua Hedges
This was another great UFC event, and showed why MMA is rapidly becoming such an incredibly popular sport worldwide.
And while it might be a bit of a novelty to have athletes from one country competing against another, it would be a shame to see the popularity of such amazing athletes determined by their nationality.
The real enemies to our sport are the uninformed, and the business people out there with their money invested in other sports, who try to have MMA events banned. The more nations there are with athletes competing in MMA, the more widely accepted MMA will become internationally, and the stronger and more professional it will grow.
On a hotter note, the devilish Amber and the sizzling Rachelle turned the heat up yet another notch for fight fans.
UFC 58:USA vs CANADA
Tom Murphy (6’1" 222 lb) vs Icho Larenas (6’3" 234 lb)
– Heavyweight
Referee: Yves Lavigne
Round One
Tom and Icho were sizing each other up until 4.27, when Murphy moved in for the takedown. Larenas sprawled, but at 4.17 Murphy’s persistence paid off. Icho quickly took Tom in his guard and tied up Tom’s head and right arm.
3.37:Having freed his head and arms, Murphy forced Larenas up against the cage and worked a neck crank.
3.29: Larenas defended against the crank by using his palms to push Murphy’s chin away. Murphy then decided the non-compliant Icho needed some g’n’p-ing to soften him up.
3.27: Icho wore a head butt for good measure. Tom persisted with the neck cranking and pounding until 2.13, when Yves Lavigne stood them up for loitering.
2.50: Larenas delivered a leg kick but missed with a follow-up high one. They clinched and exchanged hooks, knees and uppercuts. Clashing foreheads seemed to be part-and-parcel of the exchange.
1.37: The pair parted. Murphy pursued Larenas with wild haymakers that were way out of range. Larenas was now bloodied above the left eye from the noggin banging.
For the next minute or so, Murphy and Larenas just squared off until 0.40, when Murphy rushed in. They clinched and rubbed heads before Murphy took Larenas down at 0.24. Craniums cracked again and Tom worked the neck crank and unloaded fists up till the bell.
Round Two
Tom and Icho faced off at a distance, then Tom rushed in for the takedown. Icho resisted all the way to the fence, where Tom took him down effortlessly. Tom went back to neck cranking and dishing out strong right fists – further opening the cut above Icho’s left eye.
3.25: Yves stood them back up.
3.02: Without a further blow being exchanged, Yves pulled up the non-proceedings to have the MASH team check Icho’s wounds.
2.57: Murphy charged in and easily took Larenas down again. Larenas was definitely lacking in the sprawl department. Murphy went back to neck cranking and working Icho’s cuts with his palms, fists and elbows.
1.44: Yves stood them up.
1.34: Icho shot off a right high kick that Tom absorbed with his arms, before rushing in and catching Icho with a left hook.
1.05: Larenas threw a wild right haymaker, which Murphy ducked under, and crashed Larenas to the floor. Tom progressed from half guard to side control. With his left shin pinning Icho’s right arm to the mat, Tom methodically attacked Icho’s head, using left and right elbows and fists.
Round Three
Murphy took Larenas down for some more peppering of the forehead. Larenas was forced against the fence, and Murphy went for blood like a white pointer.
3.01: Yves had seen enough of the feeding frenzy.
Result: Tom Murphy by TKO – 1.59, Round Three.
Jason Lambert (5’10" 202 lb) vs Rob McDonald (6’3" 204 lb)
– Light Heavyweight
Referee: Herb Dean
Jason Lambert (left) vs Rob McDonald
Jason favoured a takedown, but Rob fought him off by sprawling. As they came back to their feet, Rob fired off fists at Jason’s head. They tried slugging it out; little connected however.
4.45: Jason turned his back on Rob and casually walked away like he was going home for the night, then rushed back in at Rob, lunging a big right fist. They dispatched more loaded loops, but again, little damage was done.
4.29: The pair clinched with Lambert against the cage. They scrummaged for dominant position.
4.17: Lambert hoisted McDonald up on his shoulder and carted him around the Octagon before dumping him on the canvas. But the display didn’t have the impact of a Matt Hughes ‘slam punk’ manoeuvre.
3.53: After rummaging some more, McDonald was on his back with Lambert gaining side control. Jason tied up Rob’s right arm between his thighs and pounded his left elbow and fist into Rob’s face.
It appeared Jason had a number of endings to this saga at his disposal, but he eventually opted for a quick kimura and moved his MMA record to 20 – 5.
Result: Jason Lambert by kimura – 1.54, Round One.
Sam Stout (5’9" 154 lb) vs Spencer Fisher (5’7" 155 lb)
– Lightweight
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Sam Stout (right) vs Spencer Fisher
Round One
They came out blazing – as lightweights tend to do. Sam flicked out a left kick, which Spencer caught and used to put Sam on his back. Spencer moved from open guard to half guard. He tried for the mount, but lost control, and they were back standing at 4.27.
4.01: They clinched and Fisher employed a hip throw to take Stout down.
3.57: These nitro fighters were standing again. The fight looked to be playing at fast-forward mode. The pair clinched against the fence and swapped elbows and knees.
3.32: There was an accidental clash of heads before the combatants separated.
3.28: Fisher caught Stout with a nice right hook in an exchange.
3.26: Sam went for a right kick and Spencer countered with a left fist. More knuckles traded and Spencer caught another of Sam’s kicks. They clinched.
3.03: Fisher took Stout to the ground from the clinch. He then crab-walked Stout over to the cage whilst in his guard. Stout tied Fisher up well – preventing him from unloading.
1.50: Fisher moved into side control, then regressed to the guard. Stout showed he was at home fighting from his back.
0.42: Spencer appeared to be going for an ankle lock, but was coming off second best to Sam’s kicks.
0.40: Sam was standing. They went back to the toe-to-toe game.
0.29: Sam shot out a right kick, and Spencer countered again with a right and left combination. Heading up to the bell, Stout delivered a high kick that was taken on the arms by Fisher.
Round Two
After Fisher seemed to get the better of Stout in the opening round, Stout came out looking to take charge of the fight.
4.48: They clinched after a fiery duel.
4.43: Sam had another go at a high kick, which was again taken on Spencer’s arms. Inner thigh kicks were exchanged.
4.20: Heads banged once more, but as Joe Rogan has said, that often happens when a southpaw and an orthodox meet.
3.46: Sam persisted with the high kicks, and Spencer continued to block them.
In round one, Stout had shown he could cover up whilst fighting from his back. Fisher had also demonstrated he had great standing defense – until he tried to be fancy with a spinning back kick, and copped a solid right fist in the kisser from Sam.
3.13: Stout dispatched a leg kick to Fisher’s midsection.
3.09: They clinched and Fisher was looking for another hip throw, which Stout warded off before breaking free.
Fisher seemed to be landing more flush punches and he was successful in taking Stout’s high kicks on his arms. When they closed in, Fisher delivered punishing knees to the body.
1.02: Another clinch, and Spencer progressed from the hip throw to an ankle lock. But Sam remained cool and rolled with the hold – eventually diffusing the lock.
0.41: Spencer moved into Sam’s guard. Sam defended from his back again up to the bell.
Round Three
More trading toe-to-toe. Sam looked fresher and danced around, but neither fighter was connecting much, and Spencer had problems keeping his mouthguard in place.
3.25: Fisher opted for a takedown, though Stout resisted and they clinched. Fisher wanted to drag Stout down whilst in the clinch, however Stout just crouched over Fisher and delivered a punch before walking free.
2.57: Spencer unloaded a leg kick, then seized Sam’s left leg – eventually taking him to the floor. But Spencer was fighting from his back, and the positioning seemed to favour Sam, until he climbed to his feet at 2.05. They continued to clinch and unload.
1.15: Fisher attempted an ankle lock, which Stout evaded and Fisher flew into Stout’s guard.
1.05: Spencer was now in half guard, before progressing to side control. However, as he went for the mount, Sam pushed him off and was quickly back to his feet. More trading toe-to-toe followed.
Just before the bell, Sam caught one in the cricket set. The look on his face showed he’d been clean bowled.
This fight could have gone either way.
Result: Sam Stout by split decision.
Mark Hominick (5’8" 153 lb) vs Yves Edwards (5’9" 154 lb)
– Lightweight
Referee: Mario Yamasaki
Round One
Bruce Buffer introduced Mario Yamasaki as though he were a Japanese warlord again. Mario seemed to respond with a slight smirk, and the action began.
Once more, it was a southpaw (Edwards) against the orthodox fighter.
Even in slow motion this bout was fast and furious. Although Yves had nearly a five-inch reach advantage, Mark seemed to be able to use his speed to counter this. And he kept closing in on Yves to avoid being picked off by his jab.
At the end of round one, the fight was still wide open.
Round Two
Hominick came out in hot pursuit and upped the ante.
4.37: Edwards elected to go horizontal, but Hominick defended well against the takedown and at 4.25, they were standing in a clinch. Hominick was busy attacking Edwards’s body with sharp punches.
4.16: Yves broke free, but Mark was hot on his trail.
4.13: Yves successfully took Mark down and fought from his open guard.
4.00: Yves was trying for side control. They scrambled some more.
3.18: Hominick lined Edwards up for a triangle.
3.13: Edwards stood to escape the hold, but Hominick latched onto Edwards’s left leg and trapped his right wrist. Edwards fell back down.
3.09: Yves tapped.
3.08: Mark pounded out push-ups in jubilation.
Result: Mark Hominick by triangle – 1.53, Round Two.
Nathan Marquardt (6’0" 183 lb) vs Joe Doerksen (6’0" 185 lb)
– Middleweight
Referee: Big John McCarthy
Round One
Both men were orthodox fighters and were happy to compare their stand-up games. Nathan was very fluid putting his fist and kicking combinations together.
4.39: Joe charged in with a left hook and right cross. Nathan returned the fire, which Joe mainly blocked, before attempting the takedown. Marquardt sprawled and took Doerksen for a guillotine. But Doerksen’s left arm was also in there and Joe fought his way out of the hold.
4.16: Joe stood – only to have Nathan seize his right leg and sweep his left. Marquardt fought from Doerksen’s guard, with his arms tied up by Joe.
3.21: Big John separated them.
Nathan was out-gunning Joe in the toe-to-toe and continued to attack his legs with strong kicks. He was also countering Joe’s strikes well.
2.10: Doerksen delivered a straight right and Marquardt answered with a stinging kick to Doerksen’s inner left thigh.
2.08: Joe came in with a left hook and Nathan shot back a looping right.
1.52: Joe ducked under a left hook, then caught Nathan with a sharp left to the stomach.
They continued the stand-up exchange until 1.20, when they clinched and Nathan took Joe down. While fighting from his back, Joe tied up Nathan’s arms.
0.39: Marquardt stood and rained down a powerful right fist that caught Doerksen on the jaw.
0.36: Back standing, for the rest of the round Joe chased Nathan around the ring – firing off some kicks and leaping punches, until the hooter sounded.
Round Two
The pair sent out air jabs. Doerksen went for a high kick that Nathan blocked.
4.46: Nathan scored with a right knee, but Joe caught it and threw Nathan to the floor. Whilst standing over Marquardt, Doerksen shot down some fists – some connected and some missed. Marquardt then pulled Doerksen down.
4.16: Marquardt hugged Joe’s chest into his body, then the pair stood in the clinch before Nathan swept Joe back down and had Joe fighting from his back.
3.48: Nathan stood to dish out strikes at his downed opponent.
3.43: They were both vertical.
3.25: Doerksen landed a solid left hook. For most of the fight, Nathan held his hands down. Joe got more confidence from this big hit and started to offload more. He got Nathan with an inner leg kick and made him apprehensive about closing the gap. When Marquardt tried a return kick, Doerksen countered with left and right gloves.
2.50: Nathan landed a strong right fist. He followed with a kick that Joe half blocked and half ducked into.
2.41: Nathan took Joe down after clinching. Not too much happened during their horizontal meetings.
2.06: Marquardt stood and dropped right fists, then fell back on Doersken.
1.24: Both men were standing. Doerksen chased Marquardt around the ring and unloaded a few knees to the body.
1.12: Nathan attempted a kick, but Joe responded with a cracking left that put Nathan on the canvas. Nathan climbed to his feet and Joe rewarded him with a right glove. He dished up an elbow that Nathan mainly ducked under, then chose to clinch – taking Joe down etc.
While the first round belonged to Marquardt, the second seemed to favour Doerksen.
Round Three
The heat was turned up.
4.50: Joe tagged Nathan on the chin with a jab, but missed with the encore. Nathan replied with his own jab. He chased it up with a right hook and an uppercut.
4.25: He tagged Joe with a right hook and uppercuts. Joe opted for a takedown, however Nathan resisted. After more scrambling, Joe was fighting from his back again.
3.15: Big Mac stood them up. This was a good battle, but the fighters were too evenly matched standing, and neither one was going to win by submission on the ground.
However, Marquardt edged ahead in the third round.
Result: Nathan Marquardt by decision.
Georges St. Pierre (5’10" 170 lb) vs BJ Penn (5’9" 169 lb)
– Welterweight
Referee: Herb Dean
The Shootout
Georges comes out first, sprints across the Octagon, and performs his best whale impersonation while spurting water into the air – all the things you’d expect from an MMA fighter.
BJ then confidently enters the arena sporting the words "World Champ" on his top and wearing the UFC Title belt.
This is shaping up to be a major battle, as Matt Hughes casually watches from ringside.
Bruce Buffer heralds in GSP and another spout of water goes up.
Buffer turns to welcome BJ, who can’t back down in front of the crowd, and beckons for his drink bottle. GSP has issued the challenge in front of a packed house, and BJ must return fire.
Although hailing from Hawaii – a place known for its humpback population – BJ is unable to match the Canadian’s bowser display.
The Fight
Round One
Penn quickly moves to center ring to push the action as St. Pierre has predicted. He shoots off a left and a right uppercut at Georges. Georges replies with a left, right and left high kick that doesn’t connect. He catches BJ with a leg kick and BJ fires back a left fist.
UFC fights are not just great entertainment, but also become excellent instructional DVDs – showcasing techniques employed by the world’s best fighters.
In this bout, although having a three-inch reach deficit, BJ shows how damaging a powerful jab can be. This is probably his most effective weapon against GSP.
4.43: Georges lands a solid right hook, which lands flush on the side of BJ’s head. Georges opts for a leg kick and Penn slings a left hook. They trade jabs – an exchange BJ welcomes, until 4.19, when GSP decides to focus on leg attacks.
4.16: There’s another fist exchange and GSP backs away, wiping his right eye. He later claims it was a thumb that caught him there. BJ moves in and finds himself sitting on the tarp. But it seems to be more the result of a push from Georges – combined with a slip. Penn then catches St. Pierre with an uppercut in an exchange, and St. Pierre’s nose starts bleeding.
3.50: GSP slams BJ’s inner left thigh with a kick. He goes for a repeat performance, but BJ comes back with a right loop.
3.33: Georges goes for a spinning back-kick.
3.15: Georges goes for a high kick. While these kicks aren’t damaging, they do keep BJ on his toes and interrupt his rhythm.
2.58: They swap fists before clinching for the first time in the match. Knee strikes to the thighs are traded off.
2.46: St. Pierre has Penn against the fence.
2.20: St. Pierre goes for the takedown, but is unsuccessful.
1.49: They separate. GSP is mixing up his kicks, while BJ is still doing a great job with his powerful jabs.
0.32: Georges slams BJ with an outer thigh kick. He then attacks BJ’s inner left leg.
0.24: BJ dispatches a crisp right glove to GSP’s ribs. The pair briefly clinches before Herb breaks them up at the end of round one.
The kicks to BJ’s left thigh must be adding up, but Georges’s face is a bloody mess. BJ looks at the dejected GSP as he walks back to his corner. This has been BJ’s round.
During the brief break, the camera pans on Matt Hughes who gives up a Henry Gibson grin.
Round Two
They’re exchanging gloves.
4.47: Georges sends out a right high kick that BJ mainly blocks, but GSP follows up with another leg kick. Like a gunfighter, Georges then has BJ tap dancing when Penn lifts his left leg to avoid another kick, only to have his right leg hit. St. Pierre’s leg assaults on Penn are obviously adding up, although they don’t reflect the damage GSP’s face is showing. BJ replies with another jab.
4.34: BJ moves in and they clinch.
4.22: Georges goes for the takedown.
4.14: Georges succeeds and fights from BJ’s guard.
3.31: St. Pierre stands; fires off some kicks and punches; then drops back into BJ’s guard.
3.08: They stand in the clinch. Energywise, the tide has turned, and Georges is the one in pursuit.
2.25: He has Penn against the cage.
2.07: They part. GSP’s continuous assault on BJ’s front leg seems to be slowing Penn’s attack and his driving jabs.
1.44: St. Pierre goes BJ’s lead leg. He follows up with a right high kick that lands this time. BJ comes back with a right-left combo, but GSP takes them on his arms.
1.35: They clinch. BJ is against the fence and holds his left shin up – probably to defend against more leg attacks.
1.05: They break up, then clinch again.
0.51: Penn is against the fence.
0.15: BJ is unable to ward off GSP’s takedown. Herb pulls the round up and GSP climbs from the guard.
His face is a bloody mess, but it’s a happy bloody mess. This time it’s BJ who looks dejected at the end of the round.
Eddie Bravo has the first round going to Penn, and the second to St. Pierre.
Round Three
4.56: Georges pounds out an outer thigh kick, then an inner thigh kick. BJ closes in on him.
4.37: They clinch.
4.30: BJ’s back against the fence and is eager to protect his left leg. He tomahawks GSP’s left leg with his right heel as Georges continues with knees to Penn’s left leg.
3.41: GSP goes for another takedown.
3.32: Penn is a fighter who is difficult to take down, but St. Pierre picks him up and slams his back into the canvas, before moving into Penn’s guard.
2.56: They’re standing, then clinch – with BJ up against the cage.
2.29: Penn tries for a takedown of his own, but GSP defends and they’re back striking.
2.14: Penn has another go at a takedown. St. Pierre sprawls and now he’s up against the cage. They both go down on one knee, before standing.
1.58: BJ has GSP against the fence, but Georges turns it around and has BJ’s back to the cage. BJ lofts his left knee and looks at the clock. From this position, GSP is still able to hammer Penn’s lead leg with knees, but Penn is too close to unleash his jab.
1.01: They break and exchange.
0.57: St. Pierre takes Penn down and fights from his guard.
0.36: BJ goes for a shoulder lock to shut GSP down, however GSP just powers on and dishes up left elbows to BJ’s head.
Herb Dean pulls it up.
Eddie Bravo gives the third round to St. Pierre.
If body language counts, GSP looks like he’s sealed the deal, and BJ looks like his horse has bolted. Georges walks over to BJ’s corner to shake hands.
Matt Hughes takes it all in and probably wishes it had gone another three rounds.
This was a huge victory for Georges St. Pierre. Prior to the bout, many had questioned whether he would be able to handle the pain dished out by BJ Penn, and GSP certainly answered the critics here.
He will be able to take this battle with him to any future fights. But whether it will be enough against Matt Hughes is another question.
Result: Georges St. Pierre by split decision
Mike Swick (6’1" 185 lb) vs Steve Vigneault (5’10" 184 lb)
– Middleweight
Referee: Steve Mazzagatti
Mitts were exchanged. Mike looked to use his reach advantage and got in a right knee to the body when they clinched. Steve intended powering Mike up against the fence, but Mike deflected Steve’s momentum and reversed the positioning.
4.46: They swapped knees. Swick used his leverage to deliver the more telling strikes.
4.19: Mazzagatti broke them up. Swick was out-gunning Vigneault in the stand-up, and landed a nice uppercut. They clinched.
3.52: Swick was backed up to the cage.
3.44: He changed positions. With all the kneeing to each other’s thighs that went on, they probably walked around like cowboys for the next couple of days.
3.24: Mazzagatti restarted the fight.
3.15: Swick went for a high kick that went clean over Vigneault’s head. Steve came back with a left hook that didn’t quite connect.
3.02: Swick rushed in with a leaping knee, which Vigneault caught and eventually used to take Swick down. But Swick latched on a guillotine in the process, and Vigneault tapped.
Result: Mike Swick by tapout – 2.09, Round One
Rich Franklin (6’1" 185 lb) vs David Loiseau (6’0" 185 lb)
– Middleweight Title
Referee: Big John McCarthy
Round One
They touch gloves and face off. Straight away, David sends up a right high kick, which Rich steps back from. David sends up another one, and it’s taken on the gloves. He tempts fate and tries a third high kick, but southpaw, Rich, moves in and picks David off with a lead right fist. David is keeping his guard high and backs up when Rich moves in with right and left fists.
4.29: Franklin is on the attack and dishes out a left, right, right combo. Loiseau counters with a left hook and ducks away. Franklin does his own high kick. It’s taken on the gloves by David.
4.04: Rich tries to close in with strikes and David lands a right. Ace is definitely the aggressor – taking the fight to The Crow. David’s game plan appears to be based on a counter-and-dodge strategy.
3.57: Loiseau backs Franklin up while attempting a high kick. He tries another one. Rich comes in with strikes, but they’re all taken by Loiseau on the arms, until Franklin scores with a left body kick. David shoots back with a loaded left hook that doesn’t reach its mark.
3.28: Ace opts for another body kick, and The Crow counters with a left hook. Franklin’s game is very aggressive and his stance is more open. Loiseau is defensive. He is standing side on – chin tucked down.
2.55: After a leg kick and some headhunting, Rich sends in another left body kick. David falls into the fence and pulls himself up. Rich fires off more fists that are mainly blocked, but he is definitely soaring with confidence.
There’s another exchange, and Rich delivers a right knee to the midsection. This fight is set for five rounds, and Franklin seems to be investing in body shots in case it does go the duration.
2.20: Franklin delivers a right and left to Loiseau’s head, but there’s no counter. He appears to have The Crow’s feathers rattled.
2.14: Rich smacks a right kick into David’s left thigh. David seizes the kick and returns a right hand that skims over Rich’s head. They briefly clinch. David dispatches a right elbow as they break free. Punches are exchanged.
1.48: Franklin gets in a left body kick.
1.22: Loiseau takes another body kick.
1.17: Franklin goes with a high kick, head and body punches. Loiseau runs. Franklin is methodically picking off his opponent like a sniper.
0.32: Rich rushes in on David with a right. David answers with a right knee to the body, but catches a left fist from Rich. The round is coming to a close as Franklin chases Loiseau around the Octagon, until he tags Loiseau with a right and left that puts The Crow on his seat. The hooter sounds. This will put a bad taste in Loiseau’s mouth after the first five minutes.
Round Two
Rich comes out even more dominant. His biggest challenge is moving fast enough to catch David.
3.38: David is down and copping some g’n’p-ing from Rich.
3.19: They’re back up. David has a huge mouse above his right eye.
2.48: Big Mac warns David to stop running or he’ll be penalised. Throughout the round, Loiseau tries flashy kicks, but Franklin is prepared for them.
1.45: They clinch. Rich continues attacking David’s body with knees and punches.
1.11: To rub things in, Franklin catches Loiseau with a signature Crow elbow to the head.
0.37: Franklin takes Loiseau down and attempts a rear naked choke on Loiseau. But time and again, The Crow has shown he’s immune to the choke. It seems, had Franklin settled for pounding his opponent, the fight would have been over. At the end of round two, it’s revealed that Franklin has a suspected broken left hand, which explains why he didn’t persist with the g’n’p-ing.
Eddie Bravo scores the round 10-8 to Franklin.
Rounds Three, Four and Five
The next three rounds are much the same. Rich totally dominated the action, but couldn’t seal the deal. The only challenge to Franklin was at 2.38 in round three, when David dropped Rich with a counter left hook after Rich tried another body kick.
By the end of round five, Loiseau was looking more like an alien, with a guinea pig over his right eye, and both eyes were blown up.
Although he never appeared to mount a real challenge to Franklin’s crown, it was the first time a Franklin fight had gone the distance. And this was a five rounder. Loiseau had displayed incredible courage.
Result: Rich Franklin by unanimous decision
KNUCKLEPIT’S FIGHTER OF THE NIGHT
Mark Hominick and Georges St. Pierre both surprised a lot of punters on the night. And hats off to David Loiseau for one of the gutsiest performances in UFC history. But the man who really silenced his critics was the great Rich Franklin.
Rachelle Leah
