TN could lead the Machida-lution of MMA.

Okay, I'll cop to being a Machida-phile. The guy's fantastic and has an understanding of maia and combat that goes way beyond standing toe to toe and smacking each other. That last UFC was one of the best I've seen in years.

A few thoughts on Machida's style. First, anyone who's been around for a while would see that he started classic martial arts training at a young age. The lack of telegraphing and balance are the key give aways. He knows where his feet are – his sense of balance and ability to move are exceptional. You can just see it in the way he moves.

Second, his hands – they're often held low, not locked into a boxer's classic position. He's not worried about having to cover up because he's going to move before you can smack him in the face, either by going back or at an angle. That's characteristic of his entire approach – don't be where the other guy is punching.

Watch his hands, too, when he moves. They often counterbalance or initiate movements by shifting his balance or by shoving off from his opponent and converting his opponent's motion into movement in a different angular direction. It's easier to use and deflect that power rather than block it or initiate movement independently. It's like watching a dog use its tail to keep its balance.

As impressive as Machida's sense of maia is, most traditional martial artists have at least some sense of how that works, as contrasted to most of the UFC fighters. The BJJ guys who started VERY young have a similar sense of distance and angles ON THE GROUND, but it doesn't seem to translate into their stand up games.

Tennessee's got a deep and wide traditional martial arts culture, especially as one of the centers of Isshinryu karate. It'd be great to see skills like Machida's showcased more often in Tennessee MMA – no reason it can't be – as opposed to developing a culture of just brawling.

Not saying the fighters don't do that well, too – but let's take it to the next level.

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So what is it, really?

What is it about MMA that’s so captivating? Why is it so much better than boxing or wrestling? Is it just the wide range of techniques? Is it the show, the hype? Is it the personalities?

Just a theory here – it’s human nature to fight. Don’t believe me? Got another explanation for the constant state of warfare, universal throughout human culture?

Correction

Okay, yes, Lyoto Machida. I got it now.
Thanks. Go get a life.

MMAtn.com

UFC Ill Will

Nice fight evening, I thought. Particularly since I call 'em all right. Wanderlei -- you've got to vote for "Vander", don't you? And BJ. And Machato.

Oh, and that Ortiz-Machato fight -- nice, or what? (And now my mind boggles as I'm trying to figure if I've spelled it right.)

Tito: "Hold still and let me hit you."
LM: "Sorry, homey, us carodee guys don't do that. We got these things called maia and angles -- let me show you how they work. See? You hit, I ain't there."
Tito: "That's not fair! Hold still so I can hit you!"
LM: "Well, here. Try this kick to the head instead. Does that feel fairer?"

Then your favorite commentator: "And Lyota just spins out of the hold Tito has on him! How does he do that?!!" Er, well. Yeah. It's on of those carodee things.

Personally, I thought it was a good evening of fighting. But then, I'm just a carodee guy.

It's about time, isn't it?

So what took so long? Why's Tennessee been dancing around the issue, delaying legalizing MMA while losing tons of revenue to surrounding stats who've been hosting the fastest-growing sport in the country? Is there anything that makes sense about that?

The state that's home to Rampage Jackson was squeamish about real fighting?

Hey, come on! This is TENNESSEE! The VOLUNTEERS. Not some sissy state like those up Nawth that ban handguns and have state income taxes and wouldn't know a decent fighter if it bit them on the butt.

And what was with all the pork-barreling that almost killed the bill? What's up with that? Voters, remember that when you head to the ballot box next time, especially you Chattanooga folks.

One thing legislators ought to know by now -- don't go messing with sports in Tennessee.