UFC 234 – Changing of the Guard!

What can we say about UFC 234? It was unexpected in every way. First of all, the main event was cancelled! Yes, cancelled – due to injury of the Australian hero who was meant to fight on his home turf. Then, the main fight was replaced by a riveting contest between Israel Adesanya and Anderson Silva – two fighters with great mutual respect and, arguably, an almost identical fighting style. It was, in short, a changing of the guard.

Adesanya won, but not by that much really. It wasn’t the blowout that I think fans were expecting. No. It was so much better than that. It was like watching the master and the student fight with the same graceful movements, the same fluidity, and playfulness.

Following the fight, I checked out some older footage of Silva and learned that he is known for reading the movements of his opponent, responding – bit by bit – to sudden movement and developing an understanding of his opponent’s patterns. Almost like a mathematician or physicist, Silva calculates distance, speed, and inertia; he does so as gracefully as a trained ballet dancer all while appearing to have fun. It really is amazing.

Adesanya has seemingly adopted a similar fighting style, but he has the power of a 20- something and the passion of someone looking to make his mark on the sport.

There were tears- actual tears- during the weigh-in between these two men and an emotional ending to what will be a memorable fight for years to come.

As a woman, what did I think of the tears (you might ask)? Well, I was touched, surprised, and proud that these two fighters were able to display how much they both love this sport, both as fighters and as humans.

Clearly they enjoy this sport and regardless of whether Silva continues fighting or not, he has clearly made an impact that will live on with Adesanya.