The mixed martial arts world has seen its fair share of action throughout 2012. So many memorable fights and moments stand out in each of the 12 months that have passed. As we look back at this year in the sport, we at MMA Ratings are picking out particular moments from every month that stand out amongst them all. These are some of the highlights that came from April 2012:
Fight of the Month: Leslie Smith vs. Kaitlin Young, Invicta FC 1
Despite two UFC events, including a PPV, it was the debut event from an upstart new promotion that stole the show in April. Invicta Fighting Championships, an all-female outfit, put on its inaugural card on the heels of Ronda Rousey‘s huge championship win, and helped to push forward the cause of women’s mixed martial arts. The best fight on the card was a contest between Kaitlin Young and Leslie Smith, in which the two fighters went at it for 15 action-packed minutes, battling on the feet and on the floor. Ultimately, three rounds was not enough time to determine a victor. The fight was ruled a split draw, and it wasn’t until October at Invicta 3 that they were able to settle that score. Despite the unsettled result, this fight was the best one we saw all month.
Honorable Mention: Jon Jones vs. Rashad Evans, UFC 145
Knockout of the Month: (tied) Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald, UFC 145; Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Paulo Thiago, UFC on Fuel TV 2
Two big time finishes stood out in April 2012, and it doesn’t seem fair to either of the men who sent their opponents into unconciousness to overlook the other. The first, by promotional newcomer Siyar Bahadurzada over divisional mainstay Paulo Thiago at UFC on Fuel TV 2, put an established name down in brutal fashion. In doing so, he announced his arrival on the welterweight scene with authority, and even though his name is still likely unknown to casual fans, this addition to highlight reel will certainly live on. As for the other emphatic knockout, Michael “Mayday” McDonald punched his ticket into the bantamweight elite when he punched Miguel Torres into an unconscious state, and is now mere months away from a shot at Renan Barao‘s interim championship. For a division that is often derided for being short on one-punch knockout fighters, McDonald’s shot reminded fans that the weight class might have fewer big hitters, but the ones who are there know how to close a show.
Honorable Mention: Brendan Schaub vs. Ben Rothwell, UFC 145
Submission of the Month: Papy Abedi vs. James Head, UFC on Fuel TV 2
James Head‘s defeat of Papy Abedi at UFC on Fuel TV 2 was less a submission than an outright mauling, as Head brutalized Abedi for almost the entire first round, before mercifully putting him down with a rear naked choke. What it lacked in terms of technical flair, it made up for in one-sided dominance, and in the end, there was no doubt as to who the better man was in that fight.
Honorable Mention: Brad Pickett vs. Demacio Page, UFC on Fuel TV 2
Beatdown of the Month: Rory MacDonald vs.Che Mills, UFC 145
Rory MacDonald‘s UFC 145 showdown with “solid killer” Che Mills was every bit the showcase fans expected it to be, as Rory did whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, for a round and a half, brutalizing the British fighter en route to a TKO stoppage. The Georges St. Pierre protege looked like the next big star at 170 pounds, and even though his opposition was far from elite, he did what elite fighters should do to sub-par opponents — he outclassed and demoralized him. This fight, more than any other fight in April, served to portend the level of dominance and brutality that one fighter could mete out upon another, and he showed that same level of dominance — albeit without a finish — against BJ Penn at UFC on Fox 5.
April 2012 was filled with fun fights, though perhaps nothing earth-shattering. However, the fights and outcomes of fights from this month definitely had lingering effects, and impacted the course of multiple divisions later in the year. Looking back, the month of April was somewhat calm, in comparison to the tumultuous summer ahead.
What do you think the Fight of the Month was? Be sure to rate these fights and others, so that your favorite fight can be considered for the 2012 Fans’ Choice award.
