Kickboxer, Maurice Smith defeated, wrestler, Mark Coleman at UFC 14, July 1997. That was a truly amazing accomplishment. Coleman was a tough opponent. For a kickboxer to out-smart and out-last a wrestler like Coleman is a testament to Maurice’s experience, skill and game plan adjustments.
- Kickboxing Record: 53 Wins, 13 Losses, 5 Draws
- MMA Record: 12 Wins (2 by Submission), 14 Losses (8 by Submission)
I started watching UFC in March of 2008. By then, Maurice had left the UFC (in 2000).
On the last day of Black History Month, I want to honor Maurice Smith and ensure that I know his name and recognize his MMA achievements.
Maurice Smith, UFC Heavyweight Champion
Before their Championship match-up, Maurice said that the Champion, Mark “the Hammer” Coleman, a wrestler, might bruise or scratch him because he punches “like a girl.”
Looks like that trash-talking got into Mark’s head. “I took Maurice’s comments personally.”
Coleman (245 lbs) kept Smith (225 lbs) glued to the mat for the first 9 minutes of the match. Smith was finally able to hip escape and get to his feet. Then, Smith earned a foul for striking a downed fighter. Within seconds, Coleman took Smith down again when he caught Smith’s lazy high kick. Eventually, a reversal happened because Coleman was exhausted. Back on their feet, neither fighter had much energy to throw a punch during the final seconds of that 15 minute round.
Both fighters survived the first 3 minute overtime round. But the wrestler had nothing left in the tank.
Last 3 minute round, Referee John McCarthy asked Coleman, “Do you want out?”
But the fight continued with Coleman gulping for air and ducking punches as much as possible.
Striker vs Grappler Decision: New UFC Heavyweight Champion, Maurice Smith!
I wasn’t able to embed the full fight Coleman vs Smith video, but you can watch it here on ufc.com. The fighter “punch like a girl” quotes came from that video.
In the video, you can glimpse Octagon Announcer, Bruce Buffer, when he was super young. “Big” John McCarthy was the referee. Frank Shamrock, UFC Middleweight Champion, was Maurice’s cornerman.
OMG! I’ve never seen Joe Rogan as a young man. He did the post-fight interview. I’m really glad to have the opportunity to watch some early UFC.
What a difference between then and now.
Thank you to the UFC for this Hall of Fame video.
Top 10 Maurice Smith Knock-Outs
Dang! Foot to the face and a variety of other “good-night-Irene” finishes.
Photo Credit: Maurice Smith, Hall of Fame ufc.com
The game I call Demon Spotting developed over time as I worked through emotional entanglements and confusing break-ups. My misery became code words. Code words became mat drills. Mat drills became winning combinations. And my confusion lifted. Consider this your invitation to play. Clarity is freedom.