Mixed martial arts is a sport that, contrary to archaic early opinion, is steeped in tradition, packed with nuance, and, perhaps more than any other sport in the world, constantly evolving its techniques.
But, when it comes to spectacular knockouts, it doesn’t really matter how much you do, or don’t, know. Whether you’re a lifelong martial artist and student of the game, a casual fan, or even Stephen A. Smith, people love to see highlight-reel finishes. To paraphrase Dana White, people get it and they like it.
That’s exactly what we saw from Cory Sandhagen on Saturday night as he face-planted former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar with a perfectly-timed flying knee after just 28 seconds of their co-main event bout at UFC Fight Night 124. It instantly pushed “The Sandman” into the way-too-early rankings for “Knockout of the Year” as fans flocked to social media to share clips of his high-flying finish.
Longtime fans of the sport will have seen the likes of Dan Hardy, Jack Slack, Luke Thomas, and Robin Black utilize YouTube to break down just how fighters have been able to execute fight-ending techniques. But, in a new take on post-fight analysis, YouTube channel The Fight Site has produced this piece of video gold as they break down Sandhagen’s finish.
It contains the sort of fine detail we rarely see, as the video highlights such key areas as spinning, jumping, and the important act of breathing. Yes, this is high-level stuff. It’s only 24 seconds long – four seconds shorter than the fight itself – but, after watching, you’ll come away all the smarter for it.
Watch the video above, open your mind, and be educated. You’re welcome.
The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. We don’t take it overly serious, and neither should you. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, expect to have the previous sentence repeated in ALL CAPS.