‘TUF 6’ Down to Danzig, Speer
Saunders vs. Barrera
Dec 8, 2007
Ben
Saunders vs. Dan Barrera
Because once just wasn't enough, the UFC is "treating" the fans to a rematch of the hotly disputed match between Ben "Killa B" Saunders (4-0-2) and Dan Barrera (0-0), whose time on "The Ultimate Fighter" provided some of the season's most memorable (read: disturbing) moments.
When the cast of this season's "Ultimate Fighter" was announced, Barrera's name drew blank stares from many a fan. With no documented professional MMA experience to speak of, Barrera entered the evaluation phase of the season with nothing more than a full arsenal of Bible quotes and more energy than a Van Halen concert.
Despite lacking any credible MMA experience, coach Matt Hughes (Pictures) was so enthralled by Barrera's
potential that he made the unknown boxing convert his first
selection. It quickly became apparent that Barrera's hyperactive
approach to training was matched only by his erratic and at times
reckless behavior.
It was in his match with Saunders that everyone came to realize just how bizarre Barrera could be. He knocked down Saunders early in the bout but wasted the opening by slapping the heels of Saunders' feet -- an exchange made memorable by Barrera ignoring his coaches' repeated demands to let Saunders get back to his feet.
That knockdown would be but a fleeting moment of glory for Barrera, who spent most of the fight struggling with Saunders' superior reach and kickboxing. Regardless, once Saunders was declared the winner via majority decision, a certifiable fracas broke out as both Matt Hughes (Pictures) and Dana White made clear their desire to see a third round.
Both conveniently ignored the fact that aside from the knockdown, Saunders dominated the entire bout and made Barrera look like just another boxer trying to get by in MMA on nothing more than guts and fists.
Don't expect any vindication for Barrera in the rematch, as he is simply too much of a neophyte to pose any real threat to Saunders. Although Saunders enjoys getting into striking exchanges, he'd be best served taking Barrera to the mat given the obvious difference in grappling skill that exists between these two.
More likely is a retread of the first bout with Barrera landing the odd punch while Saunders peppers his quarry with kicks and knees en route to a lopsided unanimous decision win. No word on whether "Killa B" spent any time in the rugged lands of Shaolin training for this fight, but here's hoping.
Because once just wasn't enough, the UFC is "treating" the fans to a rematch of the hotly disputed match between Ben "Killa B" Saunders (4-0-2) and Dan Barrera (0-0), whose time on "The Ultimate Fighter" provided some of the season's most memorable (read: disturbing) moments.
When the cast of this season's "Ultimate Fighter" was announced, Barrera's name drew blank stares from many a fan. With no documented professional MMA experience to speak of, Barrera entered the evaluation phase of the season with nothing more than a full arsenal of Bible quotes and more energy than a Van Halen concert.
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It was in his match with Saunders that everyone came to realize just how bizarre Barrera could be. He knocked down Saunders early in the bout but wasted the opening by slapping the heels of Saunders' feet -- an exchange made memorable by Barrera ignoring his coaches' repeated demands to let Saunders get back to his feet.
That knockdown would be but a fleeting moment of glory for Barrera, who spent most of the fight struggling with Saunders' superior reach and kickboxing. Regardless, once Saunders was declared the winner via majority decision, a certifiable fracas broke out as both Matt Hughes (Pictures) and Dana White made clear their desire to see a third round.
Both conveniently ignored the fact that aside from the knockdown, Saunders dominated the entire bout and made Barrera look like just another boxer trying to get by in MMA on nothing more than guts and fists.
Don't expect any vindication for Barrera in the rematch, as he is simply too much of a neophyte to pose any real threat to Saunders. Although Saunders enjoys getting into striking exchanges, he'd be best served taking Barrera to the mat given the obvious difference in grappling skill that exists between these two.
More likely is a retread of the first bout with Barrera landing the odd punch while Saunders peppers his quarry with kicks and knees en route to a lopsided unanimous decision win. No word on whether "Killa B" spent any time in the rugged lands of Shaolin training for this fight, but here's hoping.
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