Melvin Manhoef vs Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos: The Wildest Brawl in MMA History
by Kid Nate on Dec 2, 2009 9:35 AM EST
in MMA History
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Sherdog has a write up of the five greatest MMA brawls of all time. You could quibble with some of their selections, but not their #1:
1. Melvin Manhoef vs. Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos
Cage Rage 15 "Adrenaline Rush" -- Feb. 4, 2006; London
After watching this fight, I lost all interest in B-movies that pit genetically engineered super-cobras against mutant Komodo dragons; there really is no more ringing an endorsement one can give a brawl. The stare-down alone was scarier than anything Hollywood has produced in years. In hindsight, it did not even begin to portend the insanity that awaited anyone lucky enough to be watching live. It bears noting that Manhoef was defending his Cage Rage light heavyweight title, but considering how both men fought, it seems more likely that they were fighting for a night with Jessica Alba.
Dizzying exchanges and feats of intestinal fortitude that defied human biology seemed to arrive with every passing moment, and neither fighter seemed interested in asking for or giving any quarter. With nearly two full rounds in the books, it looked like Santos had seized control of the bout. He employed brutal knees in the Thai clinch against Manhoef, who seemed to have no answer for the plateful of punishment being jammed down his throat.
It was then that Manhoef managed to break away and gather his senses long enough to realize there was only one way to win this fight. "The Hulk Out" was the foundation of Hulk Hogan's success and consisted of his becoming temporarily immune to pain and basically bench pressing opponents into oblivion. Manhoef did the standard bearer proud, as he scored an incredible come-from-behind knockout win before promptly passing out from exhaustion.
Video of this classic is in the full entry.
[UPDATE] by Nick Thomas - Melvin Manhoef signs with Strikeforce, also being considered for Lawler fight:MMA and kickboxing veteran Melvin Manhoef has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce. FanHouse learned of the agreement Wednesday morning.HT: mma.fanhouse.com
The Dutch fighter is also being considered as an opponent for Robbie Lawler on the upcoming Dec. 19 "Evolution" card in San Jose, Calif., but a prior fight commitment overseas may preclude him from taking the fight on short notice.
Strikeforce: Evolution coverage
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I am all for nice techincal fights and stuff….
but a good brawl is nice every once in a while.
(these announcers suck)
agreed
the ending of this one is like that Rocky movie where Rocky fights Apollo. just epic!
cagar é uma filosofia profunda...
a merda bate na água e a água bate na bunda.
hey
the commentators made a good job, they were screaming; “they’re on empty tanks in the middle of the ring, Oh my God!” that was pretty exciting even though nothing was happening :P
cagar é uma filosofia profunda...
a merda bate na água e a água bate na bunda.
I do agree with this being a top the list, but would have added obviously Frye/Takayama from Pride and Lawler/Lytle from UFC 45.
I was looking for Frye/Takayama
That’s the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word “brawl.”
Don Frye looks like an old west sheriff, and Takayama looks like Japan tried to make their own Hulk Hogan out of juiced grapes. When they faced off, the two of them somehow, without speaking, managed to come to some kind of gentleman’s agreement. They decided the only move each of them would use is grabbing the opponent’s head with one hand, and punching it over and over with the other.
Within seconds, it turned into a sublime combination of ultra violence and slapstick. As they pound, pound, pounded each other’s skulls, you could see all the faces in the crowd light up with joy. Grown men, little girls– they’d been waiting their whole lives for this one perfect moment! Your brain damage does not happen in vain, Frye and Takayama!
-Seanbaby
by Shaun32887 on Dec 2, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The ending
That was awesome and made the second TUF10 fight (where both fighters gassed) look even worse. Manhoef and “Mr. Cyborg” both gassed too, but look what they did with that!
Although I do have to say, Manhoef’s experience with K-1 definitely showed, judging by his standing high guard with his hands.
I’m glad that they didn’t put a Jorge Gurgel fight on this list.
by chrisbboy82 on Dec 2, 2009 9:56 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Why doesn’t anybody give any love to the single best freakshow match in history:
Butterbean vs. Cabbage at Rumble on the Rock 8:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xv5ANAF3E8&feature=PlayList&p=1EB5AB1F1F3D49BD&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=27
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd_bPcwSxag&feature=PlayList&p=1EB5AB1F1F3D49BD&index=28
I fap to this daily.
On a serious note, the best part of the fight is when both guys are completely gassed and Manhoef somehow throws a head kick that “slaps” Santos in the face. LOL.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Until I saw your comment
I said to myself “Well, I don’t even need to check who posted this.” I suppose we all have a clip on DVR, DVD, or on our PC of our favorite fighter in his highest moment of glory. In fact, upon visiting the UFC website I took a Nielsen survey that asked something about which fighters would I like to see have a compilation DVD. Shockingly, Melvin was not among the selections offered.
I’m glad you’re ok, I thought you might have OD’d on joy when you heard about Melvin to Strikeforce.
Giving Shogun his props. I had the fight 48-47 Machida but Shogun put up a monumental performance and I am honored to have seen it in person.
I’ll OD from joy if they match Manhoef vs. Lawler, and Lawler thinks it’s a joke and gets flash KO’d inside two minutes.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Dec 2, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
Why would he think it’s a joke?
Anyway that fight will be down the road maybe a future CBS card because MMA Weekly is reporting Lawler/Prangley a done deal for the 19th.
by scrambledeggs on Dec 2, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
I love those hammer fists Cyborg throws after he lost.
by grein on Dec 2, 2009 10:23 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I noticed that to...
it’s like he’s tapping Manhoef’s abs.
Bob Arum thinks I'm a white Nazi skinhead even though I'm a brown grad student (with hair)
I LOVE THIS FIGHT
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by Scott C. Broussard on Dec 2, 2009 10:37 AM EST reply actions
RECD
This is easily my favorite guilty pleasure of a fight. Sure they gas and become sloppy… but they both are throwing and eating ABSOLUTE BOMBS. I love love LOVE this fight!
Joe Rogan is dissappointed at this signing.
by The Bronzeville Bully on Dec 2, 2009 10:52 AM EST reply actions
Man, I’ve got to give a shout-out to Hidehiko Yoshida- James Thompson here. 2% Talent, 98% heart. There’s my ultimate guilty pleasure. Both of them START the fight with the friggin gong and dash. Yoshida was clearly out to put on a show, standing up with Thompson. Both of them were throwing their awful punches the whole fight, and finally when Thompson knocked Yoshida out of the ring, he was so dead the ref actually had to drag him back in the centre of the ring, where Thompson finished him, his cardio gone, just basically collapsed right there, but he got the upset. Just a ridiculously sloppy, comedic fight.
Undoubtedly the last significant win Thompson’ll ever get. I want to see a rematch!
That fight during the intermission of the K-1 Max WGP last month had me lol’ing. If you like comedic fights, look that one up.
"an excellent example of why most MMA "journalism" is a joke. Pseudonyms like "toxic" and shitty writing like that dopey article"--- Joe Rogan.
Thank you Sherdog and BE for exposing this underappreciated fight to the masses. One of my favorites ever.
"My diet is like Atkins, but with the carbs." - BJ Penn
by Tim Burke on Dec 2, 2009 11:19 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
MMA and kickboxing veteran Melvin Manhoef has signed a multi-fight deal with Strikeforce.
YES!
The Dutch fighter is also being considered as an opponent for Robbie Lawler on the upcoming Dec. 19 “Evolution” card in San Jose, Calif., but a prior fight commitment overseas may preclude him from taking the fight on short notice.
NO!
that fight still amazes me. having watched i dunno how many times….the end is just absurd.
Gatti. Dekkers. Pele. Aoki. Kang. Vanderlei. Basillio. Harry Greb.
by theworldsoldestsport on Dec 2, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions
Strikeforce = PRIDE FC (U.S. Version)?
Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade
=)
More announcements on the way from Strikeforce, but Manhoef in the states should make any MMA fan happy. This is one of MMA’s instant classic fights. Just pure awesomeness.
Thanks for posting and R.I.P Cage Rage.
Everyone shoudl pick up the Cage Rage, ROTR, ICON Super Brawl 5 DVD set. Some excellent fights on there.
SUCH a sick fight.
Frye/ Takayama deserves to be in there (as someone already said), but this is definitely my favorite standup fight in MMA. Classic Chute- Boxe muay thai vs. Dutch kickboxing match.
That article also prompted me to rewatch Lil Nog/ Shogun, which was just as epic as I remember. On a side note, in that fight Rogerio was able to score with quite a few knees, I think Rua tends to leave himself open for those sometimes, as Lyoto was able to exploit that as well. Something he’ll have to work on for the rematch.
Supporting all Las Vegas MMA. Xtreme Couture FTMFW.
'09 is the year of the FW's.
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