We Explore the Reasons Why Fighters Are Such Mental Badasses
2011’s Greatest Moments Featured Amazing Comebacks, Intense Action, Bright Young Stars and Dazzling Submissions
Moments.
The world of MMA is filled with heart-pounding, adrenaline-rushing moments that send shivers up and down your spine. Watching them was inspirational. Reliving them is unequivocally magical.
These are the moments. These are the people. It is a year we will never forget.
COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
Cheick Kongo over Pat Barry
UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
In what looked like a sure victory for Pat Barry after battering Cheick Kongo with vicious punches and dropping him twice, Kongo was able to do the unthinkable—score a knockout.
As Barry rushed forward stalking Kongo to score a finish, Kongo fired two big rights in succession to flatten Barry and end the fight.
It was an incredible comeback and a testament to the unpredictable nature of MMA.
FIGHT OF THE YEAR
Dan Henderson vs. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
UFC 139
Many labeled this the best fight ever. That’s how good it was.
Regardless if it deserved that designation, it was a thrilling battle at UFC 139 in which two former Pride FC stars gave everything they had for 25 minutes.
Hendo took the first three rounds and looked like he was close to finishing in the first and third rounds.
Shogun, however, endured and showed tremendous heart in coming back and taking the next two rounds after Hendo gassed himself out trying to finish the bout.
The explosive snap in technique withered away in the championship rounds, but the heart of both fighters shined through brightly in this five-round classic, which Henderson won.
SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR
Jung Chan Sung over Leonard Garcia
UFC Fight Night: Nogueria vs. Davis
To get submission of the year, the “Korean Zombie” played a little twister.
In March of 2011, Jung Chan Sung, affectionately known as the “Korean Zombie,” pulled off an incredible “Twister” spine crank over Leonard Garcia.
The gritty Mexican-American fighter was caught off guard by the unorthodox submission and was forced to tap with a second remaining in Round 2. Tremendous marks for a creative and effective attack and submitting a tough opponent give him the nod for sub of the year.
The Writer: Jatinder Dhoot is a contributor editor to Ultimate MMA.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The full story is in the March issue.
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