In recent times we’ve witnessed a new wave of young fighters take on the UFC gauntlet. From Arman Tsarukyan cracking the upper echelon of the Lightweight division at just 25, to Muhammad Mokaev taking on the world at age 21. This new wave of fighters has proven to be more technically-driven and well-rounded than their predecessors, even at a younger age. Gone are the days of Miletich scrappers and Pit-Fighting heavyweights. It’s this new balanced approach based on technical precision, and disciplined fighting, that often produces wins in this sport. However, Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa reminded us what it means to win a fight.
Luke Rockhold came in fearless, charging out at age 37 to Immortal Technique’s Point of No Return. Perhaps this was an allusion to his attitude in the ring against Costa, which was a truly do-or-die disposition. He knew it was his last stand. Following the fight, Paulo Costa made statements suggesting he has already been eyeing the prospect of free agency, after he completes the final fight of his contract. All of this leads me to believe that neither of these men were in there for the money, or the fame. They did it simply because they wanted to fight. It’s this fighting spirit that ties combat sports to the likes of Roman Gladiators and the warrior persona. These two men produced the kind of emotional, gritty, and downright nasty brawl that reminds us of what it means to be a physically tough, and mentally unbreakable human being.
This sort of fight awakens an emotion and appreciation that is visceral in nature. It provides the sort of drama and intrigue that you just can’t quite replicate through measured, and disciplined fighting. After all, we didn’t love Rocky Balboa for his jab, right? It’s the human experience. It’s the cathartic release of all of one’s deepest rooted demons that can only be found in physical combat. It’s knowing that Rockhold and Costa enjoyed every second of tossing wild haymakers, kept pushing past the point of exhaustion, and quite literally smiled at the violence and struggle they endured. They gladly "went to war" with one another. For glory. For joy. For the sake of just fighting. It’s this relentless pursuit of the fight that produces the most legendary bouts. From Griffin vs Bonnar to Lawler vs MacDonald, we love to watch two people truly lay it all on the line for the glory of victory in the cage. Fights of this ilk are occurring more sparingly these days with the new wave of technical-driven fighters. So from time to time the world will need a reminder of what it feels like to watch a good old-fashioned fight. Luke Rockhold and Paulo Costa, gave us a HELL of a fight.
