Fan Opinion:A true slugfest and tribute to British MMA
BAMMA 5 tonight provided a true Rocky style story. Alex Reid who is widely known for his part in celebrity Big Brother and his marriage to Jordan was pitted against long time rival Tom Watson. Watson is widely regarded as the best British Middleweight and trains with Georges St.Pierre. Reid has been out of fighting for a long time and many have written him off. Watson was a favorite with the betting offices to finish Reid in the first by knockout. But in true Rocky style Reid came to fight hard, and that he did.
From the out Reid showed that he is a mixed martial artist before a celebrity. He came out swinging for the fences. Reid (8-8-1-1) landed with some huge shots before taking Watson’s(12-4) back and almost sinking in a RNC. From there onwards it was an all out slugfest. Both men showed great heart and chins in what could be compared to a Rocky film. The heavy underdog won everyones respect by giving the champ a big run for his money.
As the rounds went on, both men fought back and forth without relent. Landing knees, elbows, jabs, kicks, uppercuts, a true MMA 101. Late in the fight Reid began to tire. He was hit with some huge knees that would probably knock out a horse, but continued on pacing forward. By the end of the fifth both men were cut and bleeding heavily, Reid’s eye was swollen completely shut, and we almost saw a finish as Reid sunk in a guillotine choke with 15 seconds remaining. Watson though was able to survive the round out and win by decision.
Both fighters showed great heart and will in this bout. They also showed that British MMA does have talent. Many people may dismiss this story and stick to what they know. In my opinion though its these underdog stories that make MMA such a fascinating spectacle. Shows of true heart and grit, overcoming adversity and fighting on through pain and blood to emerge a winner, if not on paper than in your heart.
Thanks for reading, I don’t have a link for the fight yet, but I will do my best to upload in the next 48 hours
