Anyone here enjoy the Ulitimate Fighting Championships?

[accipiter]

It's been a long time since I've seen one, but I used to kinda enjoy them. The best martial artists/boxers/mixed combat specialists in the world in no holds barred combat. The Gracies were are an amazing family (Brazilian judo experts).

Anyone know who's on top now?

[ThorsHammer]

1. I love it

I've done some Gracie j-j, and have really enjoyed it. Royce beat Akebono, the 450 lb. sumo wrestler, this New Year's Eve. He doesn't do the UFC's anymore, but has a 3 fight deal with K-1.

Regarding the UFCs, they've done away with the 'vale tudo' (anything goes) and gone to weight classes. Randy Couture (light hweight) is probably the best known of the current guys. Tito Ortiz is fighting Vitor Belfort in the PPV next month.

[accipiter]

3. Isn't there another Gracie who's even better than Royce?

I remember reading about him somewhere, he's never done UFC. But he's supposed to the best in that family.

Who's favored in the Tito/Vitor match up? I remember seeing Vitor fight and I was amazed. But then I think he lost a couple matches.

[ThorsHammer]

4. Rickson, his older brother

I don't think he does the big fights, but he is thought to be the best fighter and technician of them all.

Regarding Tito/Vitor, I think Belfort is a slight favorite. Tito lost to Couture, and didn't look great vs. Cote in UFC 50 (Cote stepped in as a last minute replacement for Guy Metzger). I also forgot to add Frank Mir in my first post as one of the top guys in the sport today.

It's great to see fellow martial arts fans here.

[ThorsHammer]

2. Addendum - For those who don't know, it IS a safe sport

It is far less brutal than boxing, or even football. Yes, people do hit, kick, and grapple with each other, but there are strict rules. Having submissions (tapouts) makes it much safer than something like boxing, where people get their heads bashed in every time. A lot of people think it is some savage caveman thing, and I want to make people are informed about it.