Chicks Heart Fights

My friends often tease me about my “type” of guy, meaning, I don’t have one. The guys I’ve had crushes on have no rhyme or reason - Jens Pulver, Gerald Harris, Mike Zadick, Roger Huerta… huh? Exactly.

Tonight’s fight between Forrest and Rampage is a fantastic illustration of my random tastes. I love them both, and they couldn’t be more different. Their fighting style, training, coaching, fan bases - the only thing they have in common is that they are both hilarious.

Forrest, who I’ve loved since his first fight on the Ultimate Fighter, is a country boy who has become well acclimated to the city. Watching his coaching style emerge was one of the more fun themes of this season’s TUF; he clearly brought out the best in his fighters. Forrest’s fans are the type of guys who go to the fanfest, the weigh-ins and get to the arena 45 minutes before the fight. They are… eager - and I totally identify with them. This explains some of the random booing towards Rampage during the weigh-ins. Forrest is self-deprecating, and a true student of his sport. I truly enjoy watching everyone of his interviews, fights, and videos of him kicking random internet geeks. For all of these reasons, I love him.

Rampage Jackson won my heart more recently. When Chuck Liddell was getting all the press before their fight, I had a funny feeling that Rampage, who I only knew from Youtube clips, was going to win and win big. I loved being right. His heavy hands, bad breath jokes and howling made me love him. His fans are more likely to sit at the pool all day, show up late to the fight but definitely be on time to the afterparty… another group I identify with. His fighters didn’t do all that well, but at the same time, he clearly forged a bond with his team. Not many other coaches have done that?

Can you think of two men more different, yet more likable? Me neither. I’m leaving for the bar soon, and I still can’t decide who I am going to cheer for. I guess I don’t need to decide. Hmmm, maybe this fight also illustrates my commitment issues.

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