David Heath Apologizes for “Boring” UFC 70 Fight First off I want to apologize for the UFC pulling the fight off the air. I understand the move, but it was a shitty deal nonetheless.
The fight itself was the most boring and frustrating thing I have been a part of. Machida has an extremely fast backpedal, and I couldn’t bait him to throw more than single strikes in between, so for the first 13 minutes, I’m sure it was like watching paint dry.
He landed a few nice kicks in the first round and a glancing jab to my left eye that opened a small cut. I think I landed a spinning back-fist counter and a counter left hook, but you could count on one hand the strikes that were landed in the first round.
The second round was about the same. Boring, boring, boring. I remember going for more strikes I think, and I don’t remember ever getting hit with anything that I thought was big.
The third round was about the same till about two minutes left. I knew that I had probably lost the first two, so I tried anything I could to push the action. That desperation got me in trouble as I ate a big knee in the clench that caught me before I could tighten up, and it knocked every ounce of air out of me. To be honest, I don’t know how I didn’t go down from that alone. I couldn’t stay upright as much as I tried and leaned over into several knees. At least one — probably more than that — caught me and hurt me, causing me to stumble back, and eventually I went to my back as Machida rushed in. Keep in mind I still can’t breath, and I was sure that I had lost a front tooth, but I think that was just the pop of one going through my lip.
Machida did his best to finish me off in the last minute or so, landing what felt like some damn good shots on the ground, and about the time I got my composure and could breath, it was over.
I give full credit to Ryoto even though I don’t understand his ultra-boring style. He is very fast and ridiculously cautious. I wouldn’t wish his style on anyone, and I would have never chosen to fight that style. But I was asked a favor, so I took a chance. I thought I could beat the guy, but that day, it wasn’t in the cards. My only regret is being involved in such a boring fight.
Thanks again to all who have and continue to support me.
-David Heath