We’re a little over a week away from UFC 102, and the anticipation is building. The fighters themselves have done a great job promoting their fight before the week of the event, and the UFC will take over the PR push next week. However, I sense a bit of dread in the anticipation for this fight. Instead of being excited, some fans are worried. They’re worried Randy will finally hit the wall at age 46. They’re worried Nogueira’s chin is gone. It’s a sad state of affairs when we’re being given a dream match like this and all we can do is worry.
Part of the problem is the outlook North American fans have. We insist that fighters always fight the best, so there are no easy fights for top guys in the UFC. Guys like Forrest Griffin win two big fights against top 5 competitors and become “elite” fighters, and then as soon as they lose to other guys on their level their careers are deemed to be over. Within seconds of the end of Couture-Nogueira, a number of fans and journalists will begin chomping at the bit for the loser to retire.
The reality of the situation is that if we’re going to get fights like Randy Couture vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, somebody has to lose. Why should we punish ourselves and reduce our future enjoyment of the sport by insisting the loser retire? Both men have legions of fans that will pay to see them fight, and if they believe they are still able to compete, there’s no reason to tell these men to stop.
I’ve waited years to see Nogueira fight Couture. I’ve wondered what would happen a number of times. It’s finally going to happen on the sport’s biggest stage, and I refuse to dread the outcome. It’s going to be a great fight, and when the dust clears, both men will still be great fighters.